Patnitop

Patnitop

Surrounded by the majestic, snow-clad mountains of the Pir Panjal range, lush greenery and vibrant fields, Patnitop, in Jammu and Kashmir, makes for a stunning getaway. It sits atop a plateau within the Shivalik belt and remains shrouded by a thick canopy of green pines and dense woods. Cut by the pristine Chenab river, Patnitop has mesmerising natural charms that leave you awed. it’s variety of verdant valleys and vast, empty fields that are now being dedicated to camps, making camping one among the foremost coveted activities here. Travellers looking to interact their adventurous side can go trekking and hiking also .

There is an enthralling legend related to Patnitop. it’s believed that a pond existed amidst the luxurious green pastures of the world , and therefore the princess of the ruling kingdom wont to bathe in it a day . Thus, the pond that was called ‘Patan da Talab’, or the Pond of the Princess, greatly influenced the name of the place. Capitol Hill station is additionally home to 3 freshwater springs whose cold water is believed to harbour medicinal properties.
Lying on the outskirts of Patnitop are the towns of Kud and Batote. Kud is popular for patissa, also referred to as soan papdi, while Batote is understood for its high-quality kidney beans, referred to as rajma in Hindi. Situated almost 112 km from Jammu and 47 km from Udhampur, Capitol Hill station of Patnitop falls within the Udhampur district of Jammu and Kashmir.

How To Get There

By Air

The nearest airport to Patnitop is Jammu Civil Enclave. It connects Patnitop to all important cities in India.

By Road

Patnitop is easily accessible through motorable roads. Major cities like Delhi and Chandigarh are connected to Patnitop through major highways. There is also good connectivity with town and cities close to Patnitop like Jammu and Pahalgam.

By Rail

The nearest station to Patnitop is the Jammu Tawi station in Katra district, which connects Patnitop to other parts of the country.

Attractions

Attractions

A visit to Natha Top 01

A visit to Natha Top

A short trek from Patnitop takes one to Natha Top, which remains covered in snow during winters. it’s an honest place for skiing and is additionally known for paragliding. Situated at an altitude of two ,711 m, the Kishtwar range of the Himalayas is visible from Natha Top, as is that the Brammah Massif, which comprises the well-known peaks of Flat Top, Arjuna, and Brammah I and II. The interesting thing about these peaks is that Brammah II is that the highest of the lot, despite its name suggesting otherwise. However, Brammah I is certainly the foremost dramatic, rising theatrically from the western edge from a lower base.   One also can try some delicacies available at this place. a neighborhood of the Pir Panjal range , Natha Top may be a must-visit for nature lovers.

Gaurikund 02

Gaurikund

A spring , Gaurikund is understood for its sacred water that attract variety of tourists and devotees. it’s believed to be the place where Goddess Parvati would come and bathe a day before making her thanks to Sudh Mahadeva to wish . it’s also said that taking a shower within the sacred water of the kund (pond) keeps one from falling prey to bad fortune. Tourists can see the highest of Mt Kailash or Kailash Parvat from here.   A temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati has been constructed here, and is frequented by devotees all year round. An annual fair is held in June, during which Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati are worshipped within the sorts of Shankar and Uma. Pilgrims bathe within the Dewaki river after offering their prayers.

Sanasar 03

Sanasar

A conglomeration of two small villages named Sana and Sar, Sanasar, also known a mini Gulmarg, is found on the outskirts of Patnitop, and is one among the remotest towns in India. The range within the shadow of which this village lies is understood as Shanta Ridge. Here, you’ll find the Shanta Gala, a pass that gives uninterrupted vistas of the picturesque Panchari Valley below. This pass also allows visitors access to the village of Lander. A short walk off from Sanasar lies the Shank Pal Ridge, at the highest of which lies the Shank Pal Temple, almost 400 years old and constructed at an altitude of two ,800 m. The unique aspect of this temple is that no mortar has been wont to join the stones.   One also can rent small huts surrounded by lush green deodar trees and luxuriate in the natural great thing about the place. The cup-shaped meadow features a golf links if you would like to undertake your hand at the game . Adventure sports enthusiasts can visit this place to enjoys activities like paragliding, hiking , abseiling, paragliding, parasailing and hot-air ballooning. Another highlight of Sanasar is horseback riding.

Naag Mandir 04

Naag Mandir

The 600-year-old Naag Mandir sits on top of a hill in Mantalai and is claimed to be the place where Lord Shiva married Goddess Parvati. The temple is devoted to Naag Devta (serpent god), and other people come here to worship snakes and offer prayers and sweets to the deity. Surrounded by lush greenery and snow-covered mountain peaks, the temple is visited by thousands of pilgrims during the Naag Panchami festival, when snakes are traditionally worshipped. Naag Mandir is believed to be one among the oldest temples within the country, and from here, you’ll enjoy the magnificent view of the Chenab gorge and pine trees. Amongst the devotees may be a common belief that praying at this temple fulfills wishes. Thus, people come here and tie a sacred red thread whilst praying to Naag Devta, and people whose prayers are answered, come and hold a langar (open kitchen), feeding everyone free food. Photography is strictly not allowed inside the temple. In fact, perhaps to discourage it, an area lore has been making its way among devotees; it says that those that sneak in their cameras and take pictures are going to be subjected to nightmares. This usually prompts visitors to go away their smart phones and DSLRs behind once they choose darshan (the opportunity to ascertain a deity or holy person).

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