Heritage of Jammu & Kashmir

About Heritage Tourism in Jammu & Kashmir

The rich heritage of Jammu & Kashmir is an important part of its tourism. The union territory boasts a number of massive forts, exquisite palaces, along with some impressive gardens and ancient temples and mosques as heritage sites for tourists to get an idea about the grandeur of architecture and history. Both Jammu and Kashmir regions enjoy different architecture styles, and thus, the two regions are quite interesting to visit on a heritage tour.

Heritage in Jammu Region

Jammu promises valuable insights into the region’s glorious history. The heritage sites in Jammu region include Hindu temples, a Buddhist site, and a tomb along with many forts and palaces.

The Akhnoor Fort is one of the top heritage sites in Jammu that sits comfortably on a cliff with the River Chenab and narrates history from Harappaan to Kushan period.

Mubarak Mandi is another popular historical palace in Jammu that sheds light on its rich heritage. Once the royal residence of Maharaja of Jammu and Kashmir from Dogra dynasty, it is a magnificent blend of Rajasthani and Mugahl architecture.

The ancient Bahu Fort in Jammu is yet another important monument to see on a heritage tour in Jammu. Dating back to about 3000 years ago, the fort also boasts a famous temple dedicated to the Hindu goddess Kali, Bawey Wali Mata temple, which is another top site to see in Jammu.

Amar Mahal Palace is another historically important attraction in Jammu which boasts fine architecture. It has been converted to a museum that exhibits the golden throne made of 120 kg of pure gold on which Maharaja Amar Singh used to sit. The museum also houses a library that preserves 25,000 books on varied subjects.

Heritage in Kashmir

Kashmir is dotted with a large number of heritage sites that include not only palaces and gardens but also Buddhist ruins, mosques as well as Hindu Temples.

Amongst the top heritage attractions in Kashmir region is Pari Mahal, also known as the Abode of Fairies. Built for Mughal Prince, Dara Shikoh, Pari Mahal on Zabarwan mountain is a 17th century palace.

Sheesh Mahal in Srinagar is another must visit tourist attraction in Kashmir that reflects its glorious heritage. It is named so for its exquisite mirror work.

Hari Parbat Fort is another fine example of Kashmiri architecture. The ancient temple at Narastha Tral; ruins of ancient temple and spring of Kothier Nowgam, Anantnag; Mosque and Tomb of Madin Sahib Hawal, Srinagar; Mamleshwar Temple at Mamal, Pahalgam; ruins of temple at Firozpur, Drung; ancient Buddhist site, situated in compartment No.30 at Hionar (Lidroo), Pahalgam along with the Mughal Gardens that are done in Persian style of architecture are some of the heritage sites in Kashmir.

Top Heritage Sites to See in Jammu & Kashmir

Dotted with many impressive heritage sites, Jammu & Kashmir offers its history lovers a great opportunity to enjoy their sightseeing tours. Some of the top heritage sites to visit in Jammu & Kashmir are:

• Amar Mahal, Jammu
• Mubarak Mandi, Jammu
• Bahu Fort, Jammu
• Akhnoor Fort, Jammu
• Pari Mahal, Srinagar
• Hari Parbat Fort, Srinagar
• Mughal Gardens, Srinagar