What was an octroi post between Jammu and Sialkot in the pre-partition days turned into a grim border post near the international demarcation line separating India and Pakistan. However, recently, thanks to the initiative of Jammu&rsquos tourism department, it has become a popular tourist attraction.
So when passing through Jammu, on your way to and from the Vaishno Devi shrine, you may pay a visit to Suchetgarh Border Outpost. It is said that the road from Jammu to Nai Basti &ndash Gulabgarh, a village adjacent to Suchetgarh, follows the train route that existed prior to 1947. Sialkot in Pakistan is about 11km from Suchetgarh. There are several old buildings which can be seen by the wayside.
Similar to Wagah-Attari border in Punjab, you may watch the beating retreat here. According to media reports, the half an hour ceremony starts around 5.15pm on weekends.
At Suchetgarh, the security personnel check visitors&rsquo identity before allowing them near the border (be careful not to cross over). Usually there are no restrictions on taking pictures on phone cameras but still check for permission. There is a small canteen within India&rsquos Border Security Force (BSF) complex.
Along with Suchetgarh, you may also visit the Gharana wetland, which is home to a large number of migratory birds in winter. The Gharana wetland, about 30km away from Jammu, is surrounded by other wetlands, such as Makwal, Kukdian, Abdullian and Pargwal. It is said to be located on the Central Asian Flyway and was declared an Important Bird Area (IBA).
