At a glance Jammu is the southernmost of the three regions comprising the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir. Jammu borders Kashmir valley to the north, Ladakh to the east, Himachal Pradesh to the south and Pakistan occupied Kashmir to the west About the city Jammu has been for ever tucked into the shadows of the ever resplendent Srinagar, but has her own charm or grace. The snowcapped, mighty Himalayas over look hill town. A recent entrant in the tourist agenda, this city, on the banks of Tawi is more of a business hub and home to the Pahari school of painting. It is dotted with ancient temples including the Vaishno Devi temple which sees thousand of people during the season. Dotted with temples it is the leading centre for the Pahari school of painting. A busy trading centre, it also plays host to a steady stream of pilgrims heading to the shrine of Vaishno Devi. How to reach Road: State transport as well as private operators connect Jammu to most cities and towns of north India. There are daily buses to Amritsar (243 km), Chandigarh (436 km), Katra (48 km), Srinagar (305 km), Patnitop (108 km) and Mansar (62 km). There are also tourist cabs that ply between cities but make sure the vehicle has an inter-city permit. For hiring, contact the Special Tourist Taxi Association (Tourist Reception Centre, Tel: 2546266, 2575380). Rail: Jammu has trains to all the metros as well as superfast trains to Trivandrum, Kanyakumari, Ahmedabad and Patna. Air: Jammu is connected to Delhi and Srinagar by air. Getting Around: The locals love the mini-buses that are quick and take you just about anywhere. Autorickshaws are aplenty, though you have to negotiate the rates. Cabs are available at designated stands. Distances 112 km from Patnitop-Sanasar Circuit 125 km from Batote 103 km from Kud 120 km from Sudh Mahadev 305 km from Srinagar 62 km from Mansar Lake 100 km from Shiv Khori Best Seasons Jammu, in winter becomes the headquarters of the J&K administration. Many Kashmiris move here for the winter when the temperature in the valley begins to drop. Jammu in summers is hot and sweaty. The mercury can hit even 40 C and the season is best avoided. The ideal time would be September-April, when the heat and the rains have ebbed away, leaving the city wonderfully pleasant. The winter is mild here, the temperature ranging around 26 C, the night temperatures dipping to 4 C. Places in and around Palaces and Museums Amar Mahal Palace Museum You can enjoy a double treat here. Browse through Pahari paintings, family portraits of the rulers of Jammu and Kashmir, and a library. Once you are finished, opt for the heritage walk programme that takes you through the history of Kashmir. The museum is open 10 am to noon, and 3 pm to 5 pm (winter); 5 pm to 7 pm (summer). It's closed on state holidays and Mondays. Mubarak Mandi Palace This palace complex was built way back in 1824. The architecture is a blend of Rajasthani, Mughal and even Baroque styles. What captures your attention immediately is the Sheesh Mahal, also known as the Pink Hall that displays miniature paintings of various hill schools. Dogra Art Gallery Within the palace grounds is this gallery where art aficionados can study rare miniatures from the Jammu and Basohli schools of painting. The gallery is open 10:30 am to 4:30 pm (winter); 8 am to 1.30 pm (summer); Monday closed.