Rishikesh is a famous tourist destination for Indian tourism. It is the starting point of some of the great adventure trekking tours of India and has several ashrams, the renowned centers of philosophical study, yoga and meditation.
As a part of adventure, Rishikesh is enveloped by hills and offers the breathtaking environs for trekking and hiking in India. It provides opportunity for adventurous trekking tours in India.
The untamed Ganges leaves the himalayas and flows onto the plains at Rishikesh. Matching the enthusiasm of the river rapids, the trekkers hike along the Ganges. The sights of dense forests, verdant mountain slopes, meandering river and exotic flora and fauna keep the trekkers mesmerized.
Best season to visit Rishikesh is from February to October. It's a 10 nights and 11 days tour that includes other attractions like Lakshman Jhula, Triveni Ghat, Swarga Ashram, Pipalkoti, Kalpeshwar, Bansi Narain, Manpai Dumuk, Toli, Rudranath, Panar Gufa and Gopeshwar.
As a part of adventure, Rishikesh is enveloped by hills and offers the breathtaking environs for trekking and hiking in India. It provides opportunity for adventurous trekking tours in India.
The untamed Ganges leaves the himalayas and flows onto the plains at Rishikesh. Matching the enthusiasm of the river rapids, the trekkers hike along the Ganges. The sights of dense forests, verdant mountain slopes, meandering river and exotic flora and fauna keep the trekkers mesmerized.
Best season to visit Rishikesh is from February to October. It's a 10 nights and 11 days tour that includes other attractions like Lakshman Jhula, Triveni Ghat, Swarga Ashram, Pipalkoti, Kalpeshwar, Bansi Narain, Manpai Dumuk, Toli, Rudranath, Panar Gufa and Gopeshwar.
According to the local myths about the Peer Khoh there are hidden channels that make way for many cave shrines of India. It is also believed that the internal rock routes of Peer Khoh extend towards many faraway locations too. Surrounded by acacia forests and igneous rocks Peer Khoh reflects a holy bliss of Lord Shiva. Not only the people belonging to Hindu religion but also followers of other faith frequently visit Peer Khoh to explore its enigmatic aura. During the months when the weather conditions and the road situations are suitable, travelers from all corners of India and even from abroad visit Peer Khoh.
The temple of Peer Khoh is considered as one of the major attractions of Jammu & Kashmir, and it is one of the natural wonders of the state. Peer Khoh can be easily reached through the Jammu air terminal or the rail head. Aap Shambu Temple is also a nearby pilgrim place.
Peer Baba is the Dargah of a legendary figure Peer Budhan Ali Shah, a Muslim saint who is assumed to have lived up to the age of 500 years by supporting his life entirely on milk and earned a lot of love and respect from the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Due to which even after his death, people still regard him as a guardian no matter to which faith they belong. This is why a large number of people visit the Shrine of Peer Baba fairly regularly. The power of belief and faith will deepen after a visit to the Shrine.
Baba Budhan Shah was born at Talwandi in Punjab, and it is said that another shrine of this Peer is located at Anandpur Sahib in Punjab. Peer Baba was also a close friend of the tenth and the last guru of Sikhs, Guru Gobind Singh. So, irrespective of the caste and religion, Hindu and Sikh believers flock to this place on Thursdays to offer prayers and respect to the legendary saint. The people believe that the 'durgah' protects them and this city from mishaps and evil spirits. 
The shrine is located in the outskirts of Jammu city at a distance of about 8 Kms towards the aerodrome at Satwari. Most VIPs make it a point to visit this 'durgah' when they come to Jammu. Peer Mitha is another famous Muslim shrine in Jammu. Peer Mitha was a contemporary of Ajaib Dev and Ghareeb Nath. Both the saints were famous for their prophecies and miracles. 'Mitha' means 'the sweet one' and the saint was called Peer Mitha because he accepted only a pinch of sugar in offering from his devotees.
The oldest building of the Mubarak Mandi Palace Complex was constructed in 1824. But the average age of all the buildings can be rounded up to 150 years. Architectural skill used by the artisans to construct the building are very impressive. A blend of Rajasthani, Mughal and Baroque European styles of architechtrue can be seen in these buildings. Such rich influences have made the appearance of the structures elegant and exquisite. The most striking one is the Sheesh Mahal. The Sheesh Mahal can undoubtedly rated as the most spectacular of all the structures within the Mubarak Mandi Palace Complex.
The view of the Mubarak Mandi complex is very 'Mubarak' or very admirable. The palace commands great views of the Tawi River and the city of Jammu. The hall and galleries of the Mubarak Mandi Palace were once the venue of the official functions hosted by Dogra rulers. Presently these halls and galleries have government offices and courts within them. Among the halls the pink hall holds great importance today as it houses the Dogra Art Gallery which has an amazing collection of sculptures and paintings that are sure to leave any visitor startled. The Dogra Art Museum showcases about 800 rare and exquisite Pahari paintings from Jammu and Basoli schools of paintings.
Another important attraction of the museum in the Mubarak Mandi Palace is the gold painted bow and arrow of emperor Shah Jahan. The Mubarak Mandi Palace is open for the visitors from half past ten in the morning to half past four in the evening during the Winter Season and from 8'o clock in the morning to half past one in the afternoon in the Summer Season. Visitors will definitely enjoy their visit to this palace not only because of the museum’s rich collection but also because it gives them a chance to witness the remarkable blend of different architectural features that is so magnificently manifested in the buildings.
These buildings have been constructed around a beautiful garden cum courtyard. The palace site has a commanding view of Tawi River and old city built on the hillock. It is one of the most prominent tourist attractions of the Jammu city. Reaching the Mubarak Mandi Palace is not a problem because it is situated right in the heart of the walled city. One can take an Auto Rickshaw from almost anywhere in the city as well as common mode of transport in form of the minibuses can take you there for the payment of nominal fare.
More than a century ago, the Mahamaya temple area was covered with dense forests and had wildlife of various species living in it. Even 60 years ago this area was home of a number of peacocks, owls, monkeys, tiger etc. But due to many severe man-made environmental calamities like soil erosion, landslides, floods, deforestation, grazing beyond carrying capacity, almost whole of this area has transformed into degraded forests. In 1982 this same area was declared as city forest by the then Governor Sh Jagmohan, to preserve natural habitat to enrich biodiversity / environment. But it could not be developed much due to encroachment of most of the area by the Gujjars and Bakerwals. They even have begun permanent construction upon the forest land. Frequent breaking out of forest fires is another cause for the destruction of forests.
According to the history of Mahamaya Temple, thousands of years back, there was a state known as Dhara Nagri. Dhara Nagri was a beautiful, clean and green city and was ruled by the king Vikramjeet. King Vikramjeet was an honest, truthful and religious man. He was a good administrator and everybody was happy and prosperous during his reign. In case of any disaster the king used to provide all reliefs to the people. People had full faith on the Mahamaya Goddess and thought that was because of Her boons/blessings Dhara Nagri was quite safe and progressive. But after the death of king Vikramjeet, his kingdom fell in to the hands of his and started to fall down in reputation. 
It was because Vikramjeet's son was not well versed with the governing rules. He used to pass his time mostly in evil deeds, due to which the people of Dhara Nagri city always remained surrounded with troubles and had no hope to get justice. Soon many people left the city and ultimately the ruling system comprised only of cruel people who accepted bribes from the general masses. The people rarely used to go to the Mahamaya temple because of which the Godess Mahamaya became annoyed at the King and the dwelling people. She showed her wonders by way of bringing an earth quake. 
Due to the earthquake, the whole city of Dhara Nagri was got buried into the debris and especially all the buildings of the king. Population of the city considerably decreased and many alive people left the city and settled somewhere else. The area became unpopulated and later on converted into thick forest. The Mahamaya temple got covered in the forests and was destroyed. The idol of the Goddess was also buried under the soil in a corner of hill forest on the bank of the river Tawi. Thus, according to this legend the idol of the Mahamaya temple is very old which survived the earth quake destruction. According to some well known historians the temple of Goddess Mahamaya dates back to Satyug.
But some historians, believe that Goddess Mahamaya came in the dream of Maharaja Ranbir Singh instead of Maharaja Gulab Singh who was the son of the latter. Thus, Maharaja Ranbir Singh is believed to have build the temple for keeping the searched out idol in it. It is also said that due to heavy rains accompanied with soil erosion/land slides and floods during 1986, the temple was damaged and thus a new temple was constructed under the supervision of former Governor Jagmohan. Metaled road has been constructed from Nagrota bypass to Mahamaya Temple for the pilgrims so that they can bring in their vehicles upto the temple. A hall for the pilgrims has also been constructed.
From the Mahamaya Temple one can have the full glamorous view of the Jammu City. The climate here is pleasant and the Tawi basin is very attractive. The place is surrounded by fascinating trees and bushes like Dalbergia Sisso, Acacia Nilotica, Acacia catechu, Acacia modesta, Cassia fistula, and Carissa spinarum, Dodonea Viscosa. People can visit this temple from September to April anytime. The temple is accessible from all the spots of the city. Regular transport is available from all the connecting points. Minibuses and Autorickshaws can also take you right upto the fort on payment of nominal fare.
This magnificent temple is flanked throughout the year by the devotees who gather in large numbers to offer prayers to the reigning deity of the temple. One can visit anytime throughout the year. To reach there one can take a flight that connects Jammu with Delhi, Leh and Shrinagar or take a train to Jammu Tawi from Calcutta, Delhi, Bombay, Madras and other main cities in India or can travel by road to Jammu on N.H.no 1A, which is connected by good all-weather roads to all parts of India. 
There is a local belief that in the ancient times a demon lived near Karua Jheel and commited atrocities on the people of the village. The villagers asked for help from Baba Dhansar to get rid of the demon. Baba Dhansar prayed to Lord Shiva for help. Lord Shiva came and helped Baba Dhansar in killing the demon. Since then the temple of Baba Dhansar and a cave of Lord Shiva near Karua Jheel has become a place of worship. Karua Jheel is considered sacred but bathing is not permitted. But the devotees can take bath downstream. It is a belief among people that if they take bath in the stream and pray with complete faith then their wishes are fulfilled. A large number of devotees visit the place every year on the day of Mahashivratri when an annual fete is organized. An annual Dangal (wrestling) competition is also organized here.
The temple is on the way to Salal Dam. The beauty of the place is that a huge spring emerges from the rocks in a thick grove of trees and forms a number of small cascading waterfalls before flowing into the Holy rivulet that further merges with Chenab. There is a naturally formed Shivling on which droplets of water fall at a constant pace all the year round. A big fair is held here during Shivratri. For the facility of the yatris visiting the place, the Shrine Board has undertaken some development works including the construction of a Dharamshalla.
The Raghunath Temple has seven shrines, all with sculptures of Gods in their interiors. The most important shrine houses the Dogra's patron deity, Rama, Vishnu's eighth incarnation. The cluster of temples makes Raghunath Temple complex is the largest temple complex in Northern India. The inner shrines of these temples contain huge, gigantic statues of Gods and Goddesses and numerous 'lingams'. It contains representatives of the entire family of Gods and Goddesses of Hindu Mythology, which makes it a rare sight to see. 
To visit the temple one just needs to reach Jammu.Jammu has an airport 8 km from the city center. There are flights to Delhi, Srinagar and Leh. There is also a major rail head. Jammu is connected to all parts of the country by the National Highway. By road the distance to Delhi is 586 km, Srinagar is 305 km, Chandigarh is 436 km, Amritsar is 243 km, Katra is 48 km, Manali is 428 km, Patnitop is 112 km and Mansar is 60 km. The main bus station is 0.5 km from the Tourist Reception Centre. For local transport bus, taxi, minibus and auto are available.
On March 30th 2002 militants attacked the Raghunath Temple for the first time. The same year on 24th of November the temple was again attacked. But the damage done at this time was greater than the first. Nine persons were killed and forty-two were injured. In the encounter that followed with the security forces, one militant was gunned down ending the siege. A jawan of the Central Reserve Police Force was also killed. Another terrorist attack was simultaneously launched at the Shivalya Mandir which is also known as Panchbakhar mandir and is only a few hundred meters away from the Raghunath Temple. The militants targeted devotees at the Raghunath Temple as they made their way into the complex by passing the security ring at the gates. They sneaked in much deeper than they had done in March and opened fired indiscriminately.
Akhnoor has its historical importance too. It has many stories related to it. One being from the Mahabharata which says that Pandavas hid in the caves in Akhnoor during their period of Agyaatwaas. Another story says that Akhnoor was earlier called Virat Nagar, but it came to be known as Akhnoor during the Mughal reign. The reason behind this is that the Mughal emperor's wife had vision problem in her eyes and she was prescribed to wash her eyes with the holy water of Chenab using some ayurvedic medicines by a local Hindu priest. The queen strictly followed the prescription and her vision was restored. Hence the city was named Akhnooer as in Urdu the word 'noor' means vision/glow/shine and the word 'aankh' means the eye. 
Akhnoor is very near to the border which is around 18 km by road, and the aerial distance is just around 8 km. On 10th September 1992, the main bridge over the Chenab river was washed out, and was rebuilt on 13th April 1994. There are many places of tourist interest in and around Akhnoor. The places of visit in Akhnoor include Kameshwar Temple which is believed to be 5000 yrs old, remains of Harappa civilization, Jiapota bank of river Chenab, Pandav cave, Durga Mandir at Jiapota, Sikh Gurudwara in Chandian, remains of Akhnoor Fort, Peer Baba in Bal-da-Bagh and the newly constructed attraction the 2 KM walk-way constructed along the bank of the river Chenab from Gurudwara to Hari-Mandir, on the one side of which is river Chenab flowing and on the other side are the rocks.
There is also a place known as The Amar Mahal Palace Museum. The Amar Mahal Palace Museum is a beautiful palace of red sandstone. It offers a beautiful view of the Shivaliks in the north and the river Tawi in the south. This was once the residential palace of Raja Amar Singh, but now it has been converted into a museum. There is a golden throne made of 120 kg of pure gold also kept in the museum. The banks of the river Chenab are a happening site to watch in the evenings of the summer season, because a very large number of people gather there to get relief from the heat and enjoy in the cold breeze that flows along the banks. The water temperature is around 25 degree Celsius in summer and many people take a dip or swim. A good number of hawkers with eatables also come to earn their living. 
A new concrete, 2 way bridge has also been built now by 'D2 Construction Company' which is 0.5 KM upstream the present steel bridge. It is the first longest caterpillar bridge in India which is 180 mtrs in length. It was inaugurated by Prime Minister of India on 13 April, 2008. The Chenab river meets the plains in Akhnoor, just north-west of Jammu. This was originally the route to Srinagar in the Moghul era. Jehangir, who died on the way to Kashmir, was temporarily buried at Chingas. Akhnoor is also related with the legend of Soni-Mahiwal. The whole area commands a panoromic view. A nice place to be in.
The bungalow is very luxurious with all sorts of mordern facilities. The rooms are well furnished and decorated. There is also a tourist cafeteria, a bar and a restaurant where all sorts of Indian cuisine are served. The bar is also very well stocked. This is a wonderful place to get rid of all the tension of the urban lifestyle and spend a relaxing weekend. The place is calm and quite and this provides you with a good scope to peacefully enjoy the company of nature. The peak season to visit is during the summer months.
Krimchi is a place of natural beauty and is a beautiful temple town. It has relics of the rich religious ancestry and cultural traditions of state of Jammu and Kashmir. The beautiful place of Krimchi casts a magical spell on the tourists. One of the famous religious sites of Krimchi is Sudh Mahadev Mantalai which is a beautiful temple complex and comprises ruins of three temples, which stand in a row facing east. These three temples are actually the oldest temples in the state. They are built on a stone complex and a small stream flows nearby. The reflection of the temple complex in the clear waters of the stream provides a sparkling sight. 
The architecture on these ruins suggests the presence of a very strong Greek influence. The architecture on the walls of these temples is abstract and comprises of sculptures of deities like Ganesha, Shiva and Parvati. The main temple is around 50 feet high. On their way to these temples, pilgrims rest at the Sarai Krimchi. At a little distance from Krimchi there is Pancheri, which is a picturesque hill resort. Latti, Mantalai, Naka Seoj Dhar and Sansar constitute interesting excursions outside the village.
Krimchi is Easily accessible from Jammu by road. Regular bus service connects the village with Srinagar, Jammu and Udhampur. The nearest railhead is Jammu Tawi Railway Station and the airport is Jammu Airport. By road if you are traveling to Krimchi then start from Jammu and take the National Highway 1A(NH 1A). On that highway take a right turn towards Udhampur (58 kms). From Udhampur, take the district road towards Krimchi(8 Km), which Ends at Krimchi Temple.
In the past years pilgrims seeking God ventured to the Himalayas. Himalayas play a great part in Hindu mythology. It is often considered the home of Gods. Gauri Kund is an important Hindu pilgrimage site on the way to Kedarnath and is on a sharp descent from Dolma La. It is situated at an altitude of around 5608m in the Garhwal Himalayas. Gauri Kund is at a distance of 5 kms from Son Prayag. It is the last bus stop on the Kedarnath route. People from the tour to Gauri Kund bathe in the hot water pond which is located here, before visiting the Gauri Devi temple. It is also known as the lake of compassion. 
Gauri Kund has mythological importance too and has been referred to in the Shiv Puran. It is said that Gauri Kund was the setting for the legend of Parvati and how Lord Ganesha acquired his elephant head. According to the legend once Goddess Parvati was bathing in the emerald waters of the kund when she fashioned an image of Ganesha from the soap suds on her body and breathed life into it. She placed this image at the entrance of her home to prevent anyone from entering. Lord Shiva returned at this point of time and was stopped by Ganesha. At this Lord Shiva got angry and cut off the boy's head. Goddess Parvati was inconsolable and became very furious. She wanted Lord Shiva to to bring the boy to life. 
Lord Shiva had no way out and went searching for a head. Lord Shiva tried very hard but could not find an apt head, so He took the head of a wandering elephant and placed it on the body. Life was restored and Parvati got her son back. Another legend attached to this place is that Gauri (Goddess Parvati) wanted to win over Lord Shiva and thus started carrying out ascetic and yogic practices. According to local tradition Gauri kund is the spot where Gauri lived while carrying out these practices. Lord Shiva was impressed at this and it was here that Shiva finally revealed his love for her and both of them were married at Triyugi Narayan, which is 10 miles away from Gauri Kund. 
Gauri Kund is said to be the road head for Kedarnath which is another nine miles up the path and is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva in India. Kedarnath is connected to Shiva, and Gauri Kund is connected with Goddess Parvati, also known as Gauri. The Gauri Kund has an ornamental gateway with the lion motifs and the temple here is built at a lower level than the surrounding plaza. Gauri Kund Temple has the idol of Goddess Parvati where devotees offer prayers. Gauri Kund Temple is considered to be one of the important tourist attractions in Uttaranchal, specially visited by those on their way to Kedarnath, and thus is an important contributor to Uttaranchal Tourism. 
Ponies, horses and dandies are also available for some travelers who find it difficult to walk. Gauri Kund is connected to Rishikesh, Kotdwara, Dehra Dun and other major towns nearby by bus. The best time to make the tour to Gauri Kund is from May to October. There is a hot sulphuric spring where people wash themselves and then visit the Triyuginarayan. There are a number of tours starting from Gauri Kund such as Gauri Kund to Kedarnath, Gauri Kund to Gandhi Sarovar and Gauri Kund to Vasukital trek. 
While on a tour to Gauri Kund you can stay at some of the hotels there which provide you with decent lodging and boarding including the tasty meals. From Gauri Kund make sure that you take an early morning bus to Joshimath if you want to go to Badrinath. The walk from Gauri Kund to Kedarnath takes at least four hours. Visiting Gauri Kund Temple can be an enchanting experience amidst the mountain ranges and the splendid scenes around.
The sacred temple of Sudh Mahadev is situated in the town of Chanhani, Northeast Off The Srinagar Road At Kud, in the western part of Jammu around 120 kms from the Jammu city. It was constructed by Chaudhari Ramdas of Chanhani and his son Chaudhari Parag Mahajan about 80 years ago and Shree Masu Shahane of Sudh Mahadev constructed the entrance door of the temple. This temple is near Patnitop and is at an altitude of 1225 m above sea level. A black natural marble piece or 'Lingam' is there in the temple along with another idol of Goddess Parvati mounted on Nandi. A sacred fire or Dhooni burns here constantly and it symbolizes the spiritual attainments of Baba Roop Nath who is said to have attained samadhi here. Baba Roop Nath is said to be constantly residing in the temple. The shrine inside the temple is considered to be around 2800 years old.
A popular legend about this temple says that Sudheet a devotee of Lord Shiva was killed by mistake by Lord Shiva through his trident in order to protect his spouse Uma(Goddess Parvati). It is said that Lord Shiva was in samadhi when he heard Goddess Uma's loud cry and shot his 'trishul'(trident). But it was Shiva's devotee, Sudheet who approached Goddess Uma to pay his respectful homage and frightened her with his demonic look. The trident killed Sudheet and Shiva on realizing his mistake offered to revive him but Sudheet preferred death given by Lord Shiva Himself instead of life. Lord Shiva was very touched by his devotion and thus He named the place on Sudheet's name forever and the broken trident in three pieces, is still installed in the temple.
Pilgrims visit the shrine on the full moon night of the rainy season or Shravan to worship the famous Trident and a mace, which is said to belong to Lord Shiva. They take holy bath in the sacred Devika River, which originates at this place and disappears magically among the rocks a few kilometers down stream. Gauri Kund Spring, a legendary spring close to the temple, and Mantalai, about 8 km away, add to the beauty of the place. During July - August on the occasion of Jestha Purnima, a fair is held here with 3 days of music, singing and dancing.
For reaching Sudh Mahadev a regular bus service connects it to Jammu. From Jammu go to Chenani on the Jammu Kashmir National Highway. Then from Chenani take the road towards east and travel for 30 kilometers to reach the temple. You can also come to this place from Patnitop by hiring a Jeep. There is good staying option for devotees coming to this place. This is offered by JKTDC’s Tourist Complex. You can get double rooms, 4-bedded room along with dormitories.
