Jammu Division

The Jammu Division is an administrative division of Jammu and Kashmir, India.

Cities

 * &mdash; the largest city of the Jammu Division and the winter capital of the union territory


 * (Katra Vaishno Devi) &mdash; a small town in the foothills of the Trikuta Mountains famous for the Vaishno Devi Temple


 * &mdash; a small hill-station town


 * (Punch) &mdash; a town at India-Pakistan border


 * &mdash; the second-largest city in the Udhampur District

Other destinations

 * &mdash; this park has rugged and steep terrain, with narrow valleys leading to glaciers. This park provides habitat for the Himalayan Snowcock and the brown bear.
 * &mdash; the river valley that includes Doda, Kishtwar and Ramban districts

Understand
Jammu Division has a Hindu majority, unlike Jammu and Kashmir as a whole, which has a Muslim majority. The native language of Jammu is Dogri. The people in Jammu have cultural similarities with their Punjabi neighbours to the south and were historically ruled by Punjabi Maharajas, but the hilly terrain of the land in contrast with the plains of Punjab has also made the people distinct in many ways.

By plane
There are other airports in Jammu Division, but none of them are open for civilian flights.

By road
From Srinagar there are several J&K SRTC buses taking 12 hours and costing ₹150. Sumo four-wheel-drive jeep taxis also do this trip in approximately eight hours and cost ₹200 per person (or more for a non-shared ride). Minibuses also stop outside Jammu bus stand and are more comfortable and sometimes cheaper than Sumos. Innovas are more comfortable as well as more expensive. From Jammu city the distance to various towns and cities in other areas of Jammu Division can be covered by bus or taxi. The distance from Jammu to Doda, for example, is around 160 km and the journey takes about 3-4 hours. It's worth noting that the road conditions in Jammu and Kashmir can be challenging, especially during the monsoon season, so it's important to plan accordingly.

By train
Jammu Division is well connected by train to points south and east. Jammu Tawi railway station is an important railhead of the Northern Railways serving the Jammu and Kashmir union territory. It is the second to last major rail stop heading north, the last being Udhampur, and most people only see it long enough to get from the train station to the bus stand to continue toward Srinagar. Jammu Tawi is connected to Delhi (Jammu Rajdhani), Kolkata (Himgir Exp), Mumbai (Swaraj Exp), Chennai (Andaman Exp) and even to the southern most Trivandrum Railway station (Himsagar Exp).

By motorcycle
Riding a bike from Jammu city to the hilly and mountainous regions in Jammu Division can be a scenic and enjoyable experience, but it also comes with certain risks and challenges. The road conditions in Jammu and Kashmir can be challenging, especially during the monsoon season, with narrow and winding roads, landslides, and poor visibility. It's important to note that the Indian Government has issued travel advisories for the Jammu and Kashmir region, and it's always advisable to check for any updates before planning a trip. Moreover, it's also important to have all the necessary permits and documents, as well as to inform someone of your itinerary, before embarking on such a trip. It's also important to take all necessary precautions such as wearing a helmet, carrying necessary supplies and spare parts, and having a good knowledge of the route and the local conditions.

Get around
Tourist taxis are a popular means of transportation for visitors. These taxis are typically operated by local travel agencies and are equipped to handle the challenging road conditions and long distances of the region. Tourist taxis are available for hire at various locations in Srinagar and Jammu cities, and can take you to various towns and cities in the Jammu Division. These taxis are typically driven by experienced drivers who have knowledge of the local routes and conditions, which can be very helpful for travelers who are not familiar with the area. They also offer flexible schedule, you can book the taxi for a full day or for multiple days depending on your itinerary.

Tourist taxis in Jammu and Kashmir are available in different categories such as Sedan, SUV, and Tempo traveler, depending on the number of passengers and their budget. It's important to note that the rates for tourist taxis can vary depending on the season and the distance of the journey, so it's advisable to check with multiple agencies and compare the rates before booking a taxi. It's also advisable to check the vehicle's condition, insurance, and the credentials of the driver before embarking on the journey.

The widely used minibuses cover the region on fixed routes. Auto rickshaws are available throughout the region at negotiable rates.

Stay safe
Due to militant and insurgent activities, the situation in the administrative division is far from stable. Outbursts of politically motivated violence and civil disobedience are possible. Demonstrations and rallies can rapidly turn violent. It is vital for visitors to maintain good situational awareness.

Clashes across the Line of Control (LoC) between India and Pakistan are also not uncommon, and hostilities between India and China are also possible. Check on current conditions before you go.