Patnitop
112 kms from Jammu, this famous hill resort is perched on a beautiful plateau, at an altitude of 2024 metres across which the Jammu-Srinagar Highway passes. Enveloped by thickly wooded forests, Patnitop offers beautiful picnic spots, peaceful walks and breathtaking views of the of the Chenab basin. In winter, the resort is generally covered with a thick mantle of snow thus providing opportunities for various snow games including skiing. It is the best-developed tourist spot of Jammu and is second to none in its natural charm, climate, pine forests and lush green cover. The occupancy of the huts and Dak Bungalow is full in summer months. There is an ambitious plan of Patnitop Development Authority to develop Patnitop, Kud, Sud-Mahadev, Mantalaicircuit. The construction work of Mall Road at Kud is to be taken up in the near future. Trekking route from Kud to Patnitop-Sanasar has already been completed. The complete tourist circuit covers Jammu-Katra-Vaishno Devi, Kud-Sanasar, Patnitop-Gourikund, Sudmahadev, Mantali, extending upto Latti-Dhuna. Perched among dense forests the green carpeted meadows, overlooking Pirpanjal range, is an ideal place to holiday for days together. Patnitop is the most popular picnic spot among tourist and locals alike, One of the highest point on Srinagar-Jammu highway, Patnitop provides an escape from the summer heat to visitors. The nearby area of Padora and Nathatop are favourite excursion spots. Tourist loves to have a thrilling horse riding at the Padora meadows, ponies available at a reasonable charges. The Nag temple, a 15 minutes down hill walk from Padora can be covered on a pony available at Padora. The spectacular view of Kud valley from Nag temple is quite notable. Mata Vaishnodeviji pilgrims after darshan prefer to visit Patnitop for trip or overnight stay. Snow fall during winter is much awaited by the tourists peak season once again arrives in the region once snow covers the meodows Patnitop. A snow capped mountain in far north reminds every visitor of valley. Skiing and sledging on the easier slopes attracts young and old to indulge in the adventure during winter.
Places of Interest
-Sanasar
19Km from Patnitop, Sanasaris a cup shaped meadow where one can go on day-trips during Summer. 9 hole golf course and Paragliding are some of the major attractions here. 10 km ahead of Sanasar is another meadow of Sankhpal, it is 21/2 hours trek through mountains and meadows. JKTDC tourist bungalow and hutments are available at Sanasar Best time to visit: April - October.
-Kud
A village resort situated 6 km before Patnitop, Kud is famous for Patisao, a sweet. DonÂ't be surprised to see most of the passengers getting off the coach to collect a box of sweets at Kud. The scenic beauty of the Kud valley is most captivating. The hotels and JKIDC tourist bungalow offer economical rooms for the night stay here.
-Jhajjar Kotli
35 km from Jammu on Jammu-Srinagar highway is the riverside picnic spot at Jhajjarkotli, it is a favourite among Jammuites during summers. JKTDC tourist cafeteria and tourist bungalow adds charm to this beautiful spot.
-Krimchi
35km from Jammu, off the Udhampur Patnitop road, a road leads to Krimchi. Near Pancheri Hills, this site comprising of three old temples reflect Greek (Hellenic) influence. These temples are supposed to have been built in 2nd century BC, however some sculptures belong to 5th to 7th century AD.
-Kol Kandoli (Nagrota)
9 km from Jammu the ancient temples at Kal Kandoli is said to be the first darshans of Mata Vaisnodevi Ji when the pilgrimage to the Holy cave was entirely performed on foot from Jammu, the first of the 6 nights used to be at this temple.
-Mantalai Temple
Few Km ahead of Sudhmahadev are deodar forests of Mantalai. According to a legend the goddess Parwati and lord Shiva are said have got married here. Shiv temple and the complex of Swami Dhirendra Brhamchari are some attraction. 5km further down is the forest retreat of Naina Devi, a favourite excursion spot of the locals.
-Sudh Mahadev
42km from Patnitop, near Chenani is the holy place of SudhMahadev. This place is the origin of underground stream Devak considered sacred as origin of Ganges which disappears into rocks after a distance. During Sawan (July-August), pilgrims visit in large numbers to worship a Trishul (trident) and mace, which according to belief belongs to Lord Shiva. Gauri Kund near the temples is the spring believed to be 3000 years old where it is believed the goddess Parvati used to bathe here before commencing her daily prayers.Sarais and tourist bungalow are available for the visitors.
-Batote
Overlooking the spectacular Chenab gorge, on the Jammu-Srinagar highway, 25 km downhill from Patnitop, Botote offers a complete mix of Dogri and Kashmiri culture. Some travelers opt Batote as a night halt while traveling on the highway.