Samba is situated in the Shivalik Hills alongside the National Highway 1-A on the bank of the Basantar River, at a distance of 40 km (25 mi) from the city of Jammu.

In the census, a worker is defined as a person who does business or performs any job, service, cultivation, or labour activity.

The lake is surrounded by hills with different Hindu temples and attracts a large number of tourists and religious pilgrims in the area.

The state government has also established the Surinsar-Mansar Development Authority, which is responsible for implementation of tourism developmental projects in all four tourist destinations.

Purmandal is known as "Chotta Kashi" and has old Shiva temples, which have religious importance, surrounded by the Shivalik Hills.

Another village, Utterbani, is situated on the bank of the Devika and has historic temples located 5 km (3.1 mi) from Purmandal.

After the attack, the militants commandeered a truck to Samba, located 18 km (11 mi) from Hiranagar.