TOURIST PLACES
AKHNOOR
Distance:32 kms.
To the North-West of the Jammu situated on the banks of the mighty
Chenab river, is the historic town of Akhnoor. This town is associated
with the legend of Sohni-Mahiwal. Ruins of Indus valley civilization
are to be seen along the river bank commanding a panoramic view
all around.
JARJJHAR KOTLI
Distance: 35 kms.
On
the National Highway leading towards Srinagar is the Jajjhar Kotli
Tourist Complex, built on the banks of Jajjhar rivulet at a distance
of about 35 kms. from Jammu. The crystal clear water of Jajjhar
attract the picnickers in large numbers during summer. A Tourist
cafeteria, a bar and a small Tourist Bungalow are the facilities
provided by JKTDC.
KUD
Distance:103 kms.
This popular resort is situated in the lap of lofty mountains on the Jammu
- Srinagar
National highway. It is surrounded by picturesque hills at an altitude
of 5,500 ft. above sea level. A most developed hill station of Jammu ,
Kud has been blessed with good soothing and pleasant weather and has immense
natural beauty.
PATNI TOP
Distance: 110 kms.
Located at a highest point, at an altitude of 2024 meters across which
the Jammu - Srinagar National highway passes at the distance of about
110 kms. from Jammu, Patnitop is a beautiful and best developed tourist
resort of Jammu region which is second to none in its natural charm,
climate,
pine trees and lush green forests. Enveloped
by thickly wooded forests, Patnitop offers beautiful picnic spots, peaceful
walks and breathtaking views of the mountains cape of the Chenab basin.
In
winter, The resort is generally covered with a thick mantle of snow
thus providing opportunities for various winter sports like, skiing.
For accommodation there are a large numbers of huts, hotels and
tourist bungalows. The occupancy of huts and Dak bungalows is full
in summer months. Several private hotels also provide rooms to suit
every pocket and preference.
Mansar
Lake
Distance: 64 kms.
The lake of Mansar is situated 40 kms. in the South of
Udhampur
town and about 64 kms. from Jammu. Besides, it is also linked with Samba
town by a 25 kms. road. It is also connected with Dhar - Udhampur road
at Battal by a 7-kms. motorable road.
Mansar
Lake is a beautiful lake fringed by forest covered hills. It also
has a legendary history. According to a Legend, the lake Mansar
dates back to the time of Mahabharata and was created by an arrow
shot by Arjuna, who in pursuit of the Lord of Naagas (Sheshnaag)
went to another world causing a hole by shooting another arrow at
Surinsar.
Another
legend ascribes the origin of Mansar to an arrow shot by Babaruvahan,
a son of Arjuna born of his union with Alupi - daughter of Sheshnaag.
It is said that during their wanderings in exile, in this area,
Arjuna saw Alupi whose bewitching beauty captivated his heart. This
union led to the birth of Babaruvahan, who inherited his father's
qualities of Archery coupled with bravery. However, Arjuna forgot
all about Alupi, and also remained unaware of the birth of a son.
After their victory in the battle, the Pandavas performed an 'Aswamegh
Yaghna'. The sacrificial horse was captured by Babaruvahan, near
the site of Mansar.
When
Arjuna heard of the capture of the horse he came and demanded the release
of the horse. Refusal to do so led to a battle between the father and the
son. Arjuna was wounded with an arrow and fell down in an swoon. Alupi heard
of this incident and apprised her son of her relationship with Arjuna. She
also advised him to save the life of his own father by bringing a herb from
the nether world, which alone could perform the miracle. So Babaruvahan
shot an arrow at the site which created the lake, Mansar and the arrow came
out at Surinsar along with the herb. Thus Alupi saved the life of her husband
and thus originated the two extremely picturesque lakes. Today both the
lakes offer excellent picnic spots with beautiful scenery all around.
Mansar
and Surinsar exist in an area which is called a "cradle of Dogra race".
Mansar is a placed sheet of water, situated about 59 kms. from Jammu city.
The lake which is about three quarters of a mile in length and half a mile
in width lies amidst of Udhampur. The approach to the lake lies through
beautiful hill track. The lake is surrounded by green forests of Pine and
Mango trees. To enhance its beauty, nature provides it with Lotuses in profusion
in summer and the lake looks spectacular with Lotus flowers, migratory birds,
Siberian ducks and swimming water fowls.
Surinsar
Lake
Distance:42 kms.
It is a picturesque spot with a lake surrounded by wooded hills.
Sanasar
Distance: 129 Kms. from Jammu and only 19Kms. from
Patnitop.
Sanasar is bowl-shaped meadow surrounded by gigantic conifers. A
place for a quiet holiday, the meadow has now been developed as
a golf course. It also provides opportunities for paragliding. Accommodation
is also available in huts, tourist bungalows and dormitory of the
J & K Tourism Development Corporation.
Baba
Dhansar
Distance: 65 kms.
From Jammu, on way to Salal Dam, Baba Dhansar is a beautiful and a cool
picnic spot. Here, a huge spring gushes out of the mountainside in a thick
grove of trees and forms a number of small water-falls before flowing
into the holy Baan-Ganga. Next to the spring in a small grove in the rock
face is a naturally formed Shiva-lingam on which droplets of water fall
naturally all year around.
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