Patnitop

Patnitop, a beautiful hill resort of the Kashmir valley, is situated at a distance of 112 km from Jammu. Hovering above a beautiful plateau and encircled by dense forests, it is located at a height of 2024 m. Some of the main attractions of Patnitop, Kashmir are delightful picnic spots, serene walks and magnificent views of the mountains forming the backdrop of the Chenab basin. Patnitop hill station wears a thick coat of white snow in winters. A number of snow games like skiing add to the charm of the hill resort in winters. Patnitop counts amongst the best-developed tourist spots in the Kashmir valley. The natural beauty, dense pine forests and flourishing green landscape of this hill resort makes it a popular tourist destination. Patnitop also boasts of three freshwater springs, with ice-cold water and said to have medicinal properties. A 9-hole golf course lures tourists to Patnitop in summers. You can also take an excursion to Sudh Mahadev, a holy place near Patnitop. There are many activities to undertake while on a tour of Patnitop, Kashmir. For the adventure lovers, there are amazing trekking options near Patnitop.

Location: 112 km from Jammu

How to Reach: Easily get buses from Jammu, Katra and Udhampur.

Best time to Visit: May-June and September-October

Places to visit

• Batote
  125 Kms. from Jammu on the way to Patnitop, Situated at an altitude of 1560 metres on the Jammu-Srinagar national highway, this resort straddles the forested slopes of the Patnitop mountain range, overlooking the spectacular lie of the Chenab gorge
• Sanasar
  Sanasar is 18kms from Patnitop (advised to carry Picnic lunch). Play Golf / have Pony or Joy ride in a Para Glider (only for age groups 15yrs to 45yrs and if weather permitting) - in winters enjoy Snow Skiing at Patni Top / Natha Top.
• Sudh Mahadev
  This holy spot near Patnitop is situated at an altitude of 1225 mtrs and about 120 kms from Jammu. Pilgrims visit the shrine on the full moon night of 'sawan' (July-August) to worship the 'Trishul' (trident) and a mace, which are said to have belonged, to Bheem, one of the five legendary Pandava brothers. The Devak stream originates at Sudh Mahadev and disappears among the rocks a few kilometres downstream.
• Gauri Kund
  Some distance short of Sudh Mahadev is the legendary spring where the Goddess Parvati used to have bath before commencing her daily prayers at Sudh Mahadev. This spring came to be named after her as 'Gauri Kund'.
• Mantalai
  Situated a few kilometers further away from Sudh Mahadev, Mantalai is surrounded by lush deodar forests at an altitude of 2000 m. The place is associated with the legend of the marriage of Lord Shiva with the Goddess Parvati.
• Mansar Lake
  90 kms from Patnitop. A beautiful lake fringed by forest-covered hills. Boating facilities are available on the spot. Every year around Baisakhi, a food and crafts festival is organised here by J&K Tourism