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Peer Kho Cave Temple

Peer Kho Cave Temple is a highlight of Jammu city as history, myth and legend all combine at this place. Based on the epic Ramayana, it is believed that Jamvant (the bear god) adopted the cave as a place where he went into deep meditation. The temple is located on the banks of Tawi River and is now dedicated to Lord Shiva. The shivling inside the temple is revered a lot by the locals and tourists alike. There is an ancient charm to the place that makes a visit here replete with devotional fervour. The shivling is known as the Swayambhu Shivling and the cave as Jamvant cave. The forests around the temple comprise acacia trees and the geology is based on igneous rocks. According to mythology, this cave is connected to other caves and shrines that lie outside India; it is a literal gateway to these places.

The temple is abuzz with activities during the Shivratri festival and traditional gaiety is the well marked.

How to Reach

By Air

At a distance of eight kilometers from the city is Jammu airport, which is well-connected to other places across the country. Flights of various airlines connect Jammu to rest of India.

By Rail

The Jammu-Tawi railway station is linked to various cities of the country as far as Trivandrum in Kerala.

By Road

A good network of roads connects Jammu to major north-Indian cities like Chandigarh, Ambala and New Delhi. Visitors can board either public or private buses to reach Jammu and visit the Peer Kho Cave Temple.

Best Time to Visit

Jammu has nice weather throughout the year, but the best time to visit is from September to April. Summer is quite hot and scorching while winter can be harsh and foggy. Temperatures can reach sub-zero level in winter. The Monsoon is also heavy in this part of the country. Autumn is thus the best season to be in Jammu and visit the temple. It is also the festival time, so the atmosphere is full of celebration.