Top 11 Famous Temples in Jammu and Kashmir to Visit

Jammu and Kashmir, a region known for its breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural tapestry, is also home to numerous sacred sites and temples, drawing devotees and tourists alike.

These temples are not just places of worship but are deeply woven into the cultural and spiritual tapestry of the region, representing centuries of faith and tradition.

Explore the list of 11 famous temples in Jammu and Kashmir that guide you through the spiritual heartland of India; here are those 11 temples:

1. Vaishno Devi Temple | Katra

The Vaishno Devi Jammu Kashmir temple is located in the Trikuta Mountains. It is one of the holiest Hindu sanctuaries dedicated to the goddess Vaishno Devi. Thousands of pilgrims embark on a strenuous journey to reach the sacred cave every year.

• Best Time to Visit: March to November.
• Temple Timings: 5 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.- Every day.
• How to Reach: The nearest town is Katra, accessible by road.
• Nearby Railway Station: Udhampur.
• Nearby Airport: Jammu Airport is the nearest to Katra.
• Nearby Bus Station: Katra bus stand.

2. Amarnath Cave Temple | Pahalgam

The Amarnath Cave Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is located at an elevation of 3,888 meters; known for its naturally occurring ice Shiva Lingam. Pilgrims embark on a hard journey to see this annual development during the Amarnath Yatra.

• Best Time to Visit: July to August.
• Temple Timings: 5 a.m. to 11 a.m. Every day.
• How to Reach: The nearest town is Srinagar, accessible by road and then trek to Pahalgam.
• Nearby Railway Station: Jammu.
• Nearby Airport: Srinagar is the nearest to Amarnath.
• Nearby Bus Station: Amarnath bus station.

3. Raghunath Temple | Jammu

The Raghunath Temple in Jammu is dedicated to Lord Rama. The Jammu temple was built in the nineteenth century. Its complex has seven shrines known as "shikaras," each embellished with beautiful carvings and surrounded by a serene atmosphere.

• Best Time to Visit: April to June.
• Temple Timings: 5 a.m. to 8 p.m. - Every day.
• How to Reach: The nearest town is Rishikesh, accessible by road.
• Nearby Railway Station: Rishikesh.
• Nearby Airport: Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun.
• Nearby Bus Station: Jammu bus station.

4. Shankaracharya Temple | Srinagar

The Shankaracharya Temple, perched atop a hill overlooking Srinagar's picturesque Dal Lake, is devoted to Lord Shiva. The temple is at a height of 1,000 feet (300 m) above the valley floor and overlooks the city of Srinagar.

• Best Time to Visit: May to September.
• Temple Timings: 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. - Every day.
• How to Reach: Clim a series of stone steps to reach.
• Nearby Railway Station: Udhampur.
• Nearby Airport: Sheikhul Aalam International Airport Srinagar.
• Nearby Bus Station: Dalgate bus station.

5. Martand Sun Temple | Mattan

The Martand Sun Temple goes back to the eighth century. This well-known Jammu Kashmir temple is an architectural masterpiece. Despite being in ruins, the temple's elaborate sculptures provide a glimpse of its previous greatness.

• Best Time to Visit: April to June.
• Temple Timings: 24 hrs - Every day.
• How to Reach: The nearest town in Srinagar can take a cab or taxi.
• Nearby Railway Station: Anantnag Railway Station.
• Nearby Airport: Srinagar Air Force Base Airport.
• Nearby Bus Station: Mattan bus station.

6. Sharika Devi Temple | Srinagar

The Sharika Devi Temple is devoted to the goddess Sharika. This Kashmir temple is situated on the top of the Hari Parbat hill in Srinagar. It is regarded as the presiding deity of Srinagar. Pilgrims come to this shrine to seek blessings for peace and prosperity.

• Best Time to Visit: April to October.
• Temple Timings: 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. - Every day.
• How to Reach: Clim a series of stone steps to reach or take the cable car.
• Nearby Railway Station: Jammu Tawi.
• Nearby Airport: Srinagar International Airport.
• Nearby Bus Station: Srinagar bus station.

7. Peer Kho CaveTemple | Tawi River

Peer Kho Cave is a famous Jammu temple located on the banks of the Tawi River. It is devoted to Shiva and is known for the Jamwant cave. Tourists and locals flock to the temple to take a dip in the holy water and seek the blessings of the almighty.

• Best Time to Visit: April to August.
• Temple Timings: 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. - Every day.
• How to Reach: A flight of marble steps reach the cave.
• Nearby Railway Station: Jammu Tawi Railway Station.
• Nearby Airport: Jammu Airport.
• Nearby Bus Station: General bus stand, Jammu.

8. RanbireshwarTemple | Shalamar Road

The Ranbireshwar Temple is one of the most prominent temples in Jammu & Kashmir. It was constructed in 1883 by Maharaja Ranbir Singh and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is famous for its enormous Shiva Lingam.

• Best Time to Visit: April to September.
• Temple Timings: 5 a.m. to 8 p.m. - Every day.
• How to Reach: The nearest road is Shalimar, accessible by road.
• Nearby Railway Station: Jammu Railway Station.
• Nearby Airport: Jammu Domestic Airport.
• Nearby Bus Station: Shalamar bus stand.

9. Kheer Bhawani Temple | Tulmulla

The Kheer Bhawani Temple, located in Srinagar's Tula Mula village, is devoted to Goddess Ragnya Devi. The Kashmir temple is encircled by ancient chinar trees. The worship of Kheer Bhawani is universal among the Hindus of Kashmir.

• Best Time to Visit: May, June.
• Temple Timings: 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. - Every day.
• How to Reach: The nearest is Mansbal Lake, accessible by road.
• Nearby Railway Station: Jammu Railway Station.
• Nearby Airport: Srinagar Airport.
• Nearby Bus Station: Gundroshan, Lal - Chowk General bus stand.

10. Avantipur Temple | Awantipora

Avantipur is one of the most famous temples in Jammu & Kashmir. Its architecture is inspired by Greek culture and honors Surya Dev Ji. King Avantivarman built this temple in Jammu and Kashmir and planned two more surrounding it.

• Best Time to Visit: April to September.
• Temple Timings: 24 hrs - Every day.
• How to Reach: The nearest road is Srinagar, accessible by road.
• Nearby Railway Station: Jammu Railway Station.
• Nearby Airport: Srinagar Airport.
• Nearby Bus Station: Awantipora bus station.

11. Sharada Mataji Temple | Sharada Village

Sharada Mataji is a well-known Jammu Kashmir shrine on the banks of the Kishanganga River. It was built by refugees who relocated to the area during India's division. This Jammu temple is devoted to Maa Saraswati.

• Best Time to Visit: July to August.
• Temple Timings: 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. - Every day.
• How to Reach: The nearest road is Srinagar, accessible by road.
• Nearby Railway Station: Train from Jammu to Katra.
• Nearby Airport: Jammu Airport.
• Nearby Bus Station: Matador bus station.

These temples serve as places of worship and stand as architectural marvels, reflecting the deep-rooted traditions and beliefs of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. A visit to these sacred sites promises spiritual enlightenment and a profound journey through the history and heritage of this enchanting region.