Hill Stations in India

Relatively unknown, compared to the other tourist spots in the state Patnitop is no less beautiful or serene. If one is aiming to get away from it all for some time, this place is hard to beat.

With all its beauty at a hill station, it is a charming plateau at 2, 024m. The meadow is surrounded by dense woods and lush greenery of Pines. Tracks lead to pockets where time stands still and calm prevails.
Trekking
Picturesquely situated at a high altitude, there are many pleasant walks around this popular hill station. Patnitop is a good starting place for many short or longer treks into the nearby mountains. An attractive one-day walk is to Shiva Garh, about 11-km from Patnitop at an altitude of almost 3,500 metres.

Good bridle paths passing through wooded lanes and fascinating scenery link Patnitop with Kud and Batote. There are three, gushing, ice-cold freshwater springs in the area, which are said to have medicinal properties. The complete tourist circuit covers Jammu-Katra-Vaishno Deviji, Kud-Sanasar, Patnitop-Gourikund, Sudmahadev, Mantali, extending upto Latti-Dhuna.

Adventure Sports

Patnitop is an ideal place for walks and picnics. Sanasar, 19-km away was chosen by J&K Tourism for major development. Situated in a Gulmarg-like meadow it has picnic spots around. The 6-hole golf course is being expanded to 9-holes.

Pony rides along little known trails, camping and walks can be indulged in by those with a less adventurous spirit. The daring can opt for Para gliding and basic skiing, introduces in recent years. Sudh Mahadev is another sacred spot situated close to Patnitop.

How To Get There

Buses and taxis are available from Jammu/Katra/Udhampur. By a taxi it takes about 3 and a half hours to reach Patnitop and bus takes about 5 hours.

Places To Stay

There are a large number of huts and Tourists Bungalows, all managed by J&KTDC, having facilities of Drawing room/Dining room and fully equipped kitchen in all huts and LPG facility.

General Information

2,024m Trekking, Skiing & Aerosports Although Patnitop is an 'anytime' place, the best time for a visit are summer, during May-June, and autumn, September-October. If seeking snowboard joys, December to March is the time to be here. 110-km From Jammu, J&K

Prime Attractions of Jammu

Jammu is justly famous for its temples. Infact, it is known as the city of temples and the every fame of its trends to overshadow its palaces, forts, forests and powerful Ziarats (shrines). If Bahu Mata is the presiding deity of Jammu, the Dargah of Peer Budhan Ali Shah is the other shrine that protects Jammuites.
The holy cave shrine of Vaishno Devi is nestled in a beautiful recess of the Trikuta Mountains forming a part of the lower Himalayas. It is located 61 km north of Jammu at a height of 5,200 feet above the sea level in the state of Jammu and Kashmir. In the cave there are images of three deities viz. the Mahakali, Mahalakshmi and Mahasaraswati.
Situated on a rock face on the left bank of the river Tawi, this is perhaps the oldest fort and edifice in the city of Jammu. Constructed originally by Raja Bahulochan over 3,000 years ago, the existing Fort was more recently improved and built by Dogra rulers.
This is a unique Shiva Temple which is located on the foothill and not on the hilltop and secondly the Shivlinga of white stone is not self-made.
If one visits the Jammu region during Shivratri, one will find a celebration on almost everywhere. Mansar food and crafts Mela is a three-day celebration of the local crafts and cuisine, where people from adjoining states also take part.
Lohri festival heralds the onset of spring. The whole of Jammu region wears a festive look on this day. Every year, on the first day of "Vaishakh", the people of Jammu like the rest of northern India- celebrate Baisakhi.
Kishtwar is sited on a plateau above the Chenab River and below the Nagin Sheer glacier. It is noted for the fine saffron grown in the area and for the many waterfalls close by.
Kishtwar High Altitude National Park in Jammu is interesting for the marked variations in topography and vegetation that occur here. Spread over an area of 400-sq-kms, the park contains 15 mammal species.
The oldest building in this Palace complex date to 1824. The architecture is blend of Rajasthani, Mughal and even Baroque European influences. The most stunning segment is the Sheesh Mahal. The Pink Hall now houses of Dogra Art Museum which has miniature paintings of the various Hill schools.
Situated in the heart of the city and surrounded by a group of other temples, this temple, dedicated to Lord Rama is outstanding and unique in Northern India.
Sudh Mahadev is well known for its archaeological importance, as a great pilgrimage centre and as a charming natural site. It stands on the banks of the holy Dewak River, held by some to be as sacred as the Ganges.