Explore the Majestic Beauty of Bagh-e-Bahu, a Landmark in Jammu

Bagh-e-Bahu is a famous garden located in Jammu City, in the Indian Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir. The garden is situated on the banks of the Tawi River, at the foothills of the Bahu Fort. It is a popular tourist destination and a favorite picnic spot among locals.

Bagh-e-Bahu was built during the reign of the Dogra dynasty, which ruled Jammu and Kashmir for over a century. The garden was established in the early 18th century by Raja Bahulochan, a Dogra king. The garden was later renovated and expanded by Maharaja Gulab Singh in the 19th century.

The garden is spread over an area of about 115 acres and is famous for its lush green lawns, beautiful flower beds, and well-manicured trees. It is a perfect place to relax and unwind, away from the hustle and bustle of the city. The garden also offers stunning views of the surrounding hills and the Tawi River.

History and Significance of Bagh-e-Bahu Jammu

Bagh-e-bahu has a rich history and cultural significance. The garden was established in the early 18th century by Raja Bahulochan, a Dogra king. He built a beautiful garden at the foot of the Bahu Fort, which served as a summer retreat for the royal family. The garden was later renovated and expanded by Maharaja Gulab Singh in the 19th century.

During the Dogra period, the garden was used for royal hunting parties and as a place for entertainment and relaxation. The garden also served as a venue for cultural events, such as music and dance performance.

Bagh-e-Bahu is significant for its beautiful architecture and landscaping. The garden is designed in the Mughal style, with terrace lawns, fountains, and beautiful flower beds. The garden also has a variety of trees, including chinar, deodar, and pine, among others. The garden is also significant for its cultural and religious importance. It is located near the Bahu Fort, which is a famous Hindu shrine dedicated to the goddess Kali. The fort is believed to be over 3,000 years old and is a popular pilgrimage site for Hindus.

Attractions and Activities in Bagh-e-Bahu Jammu

Here are some attractions and activities to enjoy in Bagh-e-Bahu:

1- Bahu Fort: Bahu Fort is an ancient fort located on a hill overlooking the Bagh-e-Bahu garden. It was built in the 18th century and is dedicated to the goddess Kali. The fort houses a temple dedicated to the goddess, and visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the city from its ramparts.

2- Bagh-e-Bahu Garden: The Bagh-e-Bahu Garden is a beautiful terraced garden located at the base of the Bahu Fort. It is home to a variety of plants, trees, and flowers and is a popular spot for picnics and family outings.

3- Tawi Riverfront: The Tawi River flows through the heart of Jammu, and the Bagh-e-Bahu garden is one of the best places to enjoy the riverfront. Visitors can take a leisurely walk along the riverbank or enjoy a boat ride on the Tawi River.

4- Trekking: The hills surrounding Bagh-e-Bahu offer great opportunities for trekking and hiking. Visitors can take a trek to the nearby Mahamaya Temple or explore the scenic trails leading up to the Bahu Fort.

5- Food: Jammu is known for its delicious cuisine, and Bagh-e-Bahu is a great place to sample some of the local dishes. Visitors can enjoy traditional snacks like gol gappas, samosas, and chole bhature or indulge in a full meal of Kashmiri cuisine.

6- Shopping: Bagh-e-Bahu is home to several local markets and shops selling handicrafts, souvenirs, and traditional clothing. Visitors can shop for Pashmina shawls, silver jewelry, and embroidered textiles.

How to Reach Bagh-e-Bahu Jammu

There are several ways to reach Bagh-e-Bahu, depending on your starting location:

1- By Air: The nearest airport is the Jammu Airport, which is located around 6 km from the Bagh-e-Bahu. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Bagh-e-Bahu.

2- By Train: The nearest railway station is Jammu Tawi Railway Station, which is located around 4 km from Bagh-e-Bahu. From the railway station, you can take a taxi or a bus to reach Bagh-e-Bahu.

3- By Bus: Jammu is well connected by road to major cities in India. You can take a bus from Delhi, Chandigarh, Amritsar, or other nearby cities to reach Jammu. From the bus stand, you can hire a taxi or take a local bus to reach Bagh-e-Bahu.

4- By Car: You can also reach Bagh-e-Bahu by car. If you are coming from Delhi, you can take NH 44 and reach Jammu in around 12-14 hours, depending on the traffic.

Once you reach Jammu, you can hire a taxi or take a local bus to reach Bagh-e-Bahu. It is located on the left bank of the Tawi River, around 5 km from the city center.

Food Options at Bagh-e-Bahu, Jammu

There are several food options available nearby. Some of the popular food options at Bagh-e-Bahu and its surrounding areas include:

1- Street food: There are several street food vendors located near Bagh-e-Bahu Garden, offering a variety of snacks and delicacies. Some of the popular street food options include chaat, golgappa, samosas, and pakoras.

2- Local cuisine: Jammu is famous for its delicious local cuisine, which includes dishes like rajma chawal, khatta meat, nadru yakhni, and rogan josh. You can find several restaurants near Bagh-e-Bahu garden that serve authentic local cuisine.

3- Fast food: There are several fast food restaurants located near Bagh-e-Bahu Garden, including popular chains like McDonald’s and KFC.

4- Bakeries and cafes: There are several bakeries and cafes located near Bagh-e-Bahu garden, where you can enjoy a cup of coffee and some delicious baked goods. Some popular options include Cafe Coffee Day, Bakers Delight, and Brown Sugar.

5- Fine dining: If you are looking for a more upscale dining experience, there are several fine dining restaurants located in Jammu City, serving a variety of cuisines, including Indian, Chinese, and Continental.

Tips for Visiting Bagh-e-Bahu Jammu

If you are planning to visit Bagh-e-Bahu in Jammu, here are some tips that may help you:

1- The best time to visit: The best time to visit Bagh-e-Bahu is from September to March when the weather is pleasant and cool. Winters can be bitterly cold while summers can be sweltering and muggy.

2- Entry fee: There is no entry fee to visit, but if you are carrying a camera, you will have to pay a nominal fee for photography.

3- Timing: Garden is open from 7 am to 7 pm every day, so plan your visit accordingly. You can avoid visiting during peak hours to avoid the crowd.

4- Dress code: It is advisable to dress modestly while visiting Bagh-e-Bahu, as it is a religious place. It is recommended to wear clothes that cover your shoulders and knees.

5- Footwear: You will have to remove your shoes before entering the temple complex, so wear shoes that are easy to remove and wear.

6- Photography: Photography is allowed in Bagh-e-Bahu, but make sure to take permission before clicking pictures of people. It is also advised to be respectful of the religious sentiments of the people.

7- Food: You can carry food and water bottles inside the temple complex, but make sure to dispose of the trash properly.

8- Guided tour: If you want to learn more about the history and significance of Bagh-e-Bahu, you can take a guided tour, which is available at the entrance.

9- Nearby attractions: Bagh-e-Bahu is located near other popular attractions in Jammu, such as the Bahu Fort, Mubarak Mandi Palace, and Raghunath Temple. You can plan to visit these places as well if time permits.

10- Safety: While visiting Bagh-e-Bahu, it is advisable to be careful of your belongings and avoid carrying valuables. It is also recommended to avoid visiting alone, especially during odd hours.

Nearby Places to Visit

There are several nearby places that you can visit. Some of the popular nearby attractions include:

1- Bahu Fort: Bahu Fort is located on a hilltop near Bagh-e-Bahu Garden. The fort is famous for its magnificent architecture and beautiful surroundings.

2- Raghunath Temple: Raghunath Temple is one of the largest and most popular temples in Jammu. The temple complex consists of seven shrines, and it is dedicated to Lord Rama.

3- Amar Mahal Palace: Amar Mahal Palace is a beautiful palace located on a hilltop near Bagh-e-Bahu garden. The palace is famous for its stunning architecture and beautiful surroundings.

4- Mubarak Mandi Palace: Mubarak Mandi Palace is a historic palace complex located in the heart of Jammu city. The palace complex consists of several beautiful buildings, including the Sheesh Mahal, the Dogra Art Museum, and the Durbar Hall.

5- Peer Baba Dargah: Peer Baba Dargah is a famous shrine located near the Bagh-e-Bahu garden. The shrine is dedicated to a Muslim saint, and it is a popular place of worship for people of all religions.

6- Surinsar Lake: Surinsar Lake is a beautiful lake located around 35 km from Jammu City. The lake is a well-liked picnic location and is bordered by lovely green woodlands.

7- Mansar Lake: Mansar Lake is another beautiful lake located around 50 km from Jammu City. The lake is surrounded by beautiful hills and forests, and it is a popular spot for boating and picnics.

These are just a few of the many nearby attractions that you can visit while at Bagh-e-Bahu Garden in Jammu.