Patnitop

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Patnitop or Patni Top is a hilltop tourist location in Udhampur district in Jammu and Kashmir state of India on National Highway 44 112 km from Jammu on the way from Udhampur to Srinagar.Situated on a plateau in the Shivalik belt of the Himalayas, Patnitop sits at an altitude of 2,024 m (6,640 ft). The river Chenab flows in close proximity to this location.

By far the most popular of J&K’s hill resorts is a hilltop tourist location in Udhampur, situated on a plateau in the Shiwalik belt of the Himalayas, Patnitop sits at an altitude of 2024 metres. The river Chenab flows in close proximity to this location. It comprises several meadows enveloped by thick forests of Deodar(Cedar) and Kail(Blue Pine) trees, and affords peaceful walks amidst conifer groves, beautiful spots for enjoyable picnics and breath taking views of the Chenab basin and the Pir Panjal range beyond. For solace one can visit the beautifully located Nag Mandir at Karlah village.

Snowfall and avalanche in winter at Patnitop obstructs National Highway 44 (earlier name: National Highway 1A) a few times every winter and causes long queues of vehicles - sometimes for days at length. India's longest road tunnel, the 9.2 km (6 mi) long Chenani-Nashri Tunnel or Patnitop Tunnel has been excavated starting from about 2 km (1 mi) from Chenani town south of Patnitop to Nashri village north of Patnitop to reduce the distance from Jammu to Srinagar and reduce traffic jams on NH 44 that occur due to snowfall and avalanche in winter at Patnitop.The Southern portal (end) of the tunnel is at 33.0463°N 75.2793°E and the Northern portal (end) of the tunnel is at coordinates 33.1285°N 75.2928°E. When the road tunnel is opened to traffic by the middle of 2017, the highway will no longer pass through Patnitop. The tunnel will reduce the length of the highway by 31 km (19 mi) and the highway will bypass Patnitop. The excavation of the tunnel has been completed and it is expected to be opened for traffic by middle of 2017

History

The name Patnitop has been derived from a distorted form of the name “Patan da Talab”, the 'Pond of The Princess'. It is believed that in the ancient days, a pond existed in the lush pastures of the area. Belief holds it that the princess of the ruling kingdom back then, bathed in that pond each day. Hence the name. It is said that the rumination of this pond still remains in the modern day Patnitop. History has it that in 1730 AD, Patnitop, the Dogra King, Raja Dhruv started his reign over the town. The influence of this kingdom gave the cultural heritage of the area a great boost, which remains even in modern times. A 600-year-old Naag temple is another evidence of ancient inhabitation in the area.

Currently, Patnitop is considered to be one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country. This has led to an efficient preservation of the natural beauty and heritage. It continues to attract travellers and adventurists from all parts of the world, to explore the unexplored.
As per the local lore, the name Patnitop originated from the phrase 'Patan da Talab', meaning ‘pond of the Princess'. It is believed that there was a pond on the grassy slopes of this place where a princess used to bathe.

state	Jammu & Kashmir,India
Country	India
Area	44 112 km (70 mi)
Languages	Hindi,Urdu,Doda,English
Currency	Ruppee

Nathatop

One reaches Nathatop after a short trek from Patnitop. The hill station is covered with snow during winters thereby enhancing its beauty two times. One can happily go skiing in these mountains. Nathatop has become very famous for its paragliding and sometimes people from different parts of the country travel to experience the beauty and these experiences offered by the place. One gets an excellent and clear view of the Himalayas from the peak of these hills. It has an altitude of about 2711m.

Baglihar Dam

Baglihar Dam, also known as Baglihar Hydroelectric Power Project, is a run-of-the-river power project on the Chenab River in the southern Doda district of the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir.

Sanasar Lake

Sanasar (सानासर) is the name given to the two small villages of Sana and Sar in Jammu province, Jammu and Kashmir state, India.Named after small local lakes, Sana and Sar are located 20 km west of Patnitop, Udhampur district on the national highway 1A. At an altitude of 2,050 metres it is the hub for adventure sport activities in the Jammu region. The area is notable for its scenic views of mountain ranges including the Brammah Massif.

Madhatop

One of the breathtaking treks of the radiant valley of Jammu and Kashmir, Madhatop is a walk amidst the clouds. Take this five kilometers trek from Patnitop to be greeted by dense virgin forests, the gleaming Chenab basin, mist clad mountains, stunning glaciers and a wide array of adventure sports. The spot offers unmatchable scenic vistas of the Himalayan range and welcomes tourists to witness its untouched, immaculate natural bounties.

Naag Temple

The Naag temple is located near Mantalai at Krimchi, which is believed to be the place where the marriage of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati’s marriage was held. Naag temple is considered as one of the oldest places in Patnitop that is said to be about 600 years old. Situated on top of a hill, this temple is visited by thousands of devotees during Naag Panchami festival.

Shiva Garh

Shiva Garh is a trekking route located in Patnitop, which is located at an altitude of 3,500 m. Shiva Garh is about 11 km from Patnitop and is about a day’s trek from the place. The trekking equipments are available at the shops located in Kud or in Jammu.

Mahadev Temple

Sudh Mahadev Temple Jammu KashmirThe town of CHANHANI, located in the western part of the Jammu holds special significance as it houses a great piece of art - the Sacred Temple of Sudhmahadev. Chaudhari Ramdas of Chanhani and his son Chaudhari Parag Mahajan constructed the temple about 80 years ago.

Gulmarg

Gulmarg is a town, a hill station, a popular skiing destination and a notified area committee in the Baramula district of the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir. The town is situated in the Pirpanjal range in the western Himalayas

Auli

Auli is a ski destination in Chamoli district in the Himalayan mountains of Uttarakhand, India. Auli, also known as Auli Bugyal, in Garhwali, which means "meadow", is located at an elevation of 2,500 metres (8,200 ft) to 3,050 metres (10,010 ft) above sea level.After the creation of the state of Uttarakhand, formerly part of Uttar Pradesh, Auli was marketed as a tourist destination. Auli lies on the way to the Hindu pilgrimage destination of Badrinath. It is surrounded by coniferous and oak forests, with a panoramic view of the peaks of the Himalayas.

Skiing

Ski courses are conducted at Patnitop during the winter months of the year. The gently graded ski slopes of Patnitop are suitable enough for beginners. Madha Top (5-6 kms from Patnitop on the Sanasar Road) has good possibilities for all levels of skiing.

Kud Park

Located in Kud, this park is famous for its beautiful flowers. It is also a favorite picnic spot to plenty who visit Kud. Also Kud, one can get their hands on some 'Patisa', a sweet that Patnitop is known for..

Billoo ki Powri

A staircase of 270 steps chiseled out of the mountain, a little away from Patnitop is known by the name of Billoo ki Powri and falls in the town of Dawariyai.Its origin remain untraced, though it often finds itself being referred to as a shorter way to Batote town, constructed by the former king of Chenani.

Dham

On your trip to Patnitop don’t miss out on the traditional elaborate fare called Dham, which is usually cooked during wedding ceremonies in Himachal Pradesh.

It often includes rice, curry, curd and sweetened rice among other things. Often served as a special lunch, you will find it at many local food joints.

Red Rice

Grown locally, the red rice available at restaurants and dhabas in Patnitop has a unique nutty flavour..

Generally served with a local variety of kidney beans, and saag (a green leafy vegetable dish), it makes for a simple and hearty meal

River Trout

There is no way you can visit Patnitop and not feast on the local favourite--river trout preparations made with local flavours.

Generally served along with rice, the flavours are both spicy and tangy. You can try out a tandoori take on this dish at the Khyber Restaurant

Masala Omelette

TWhether you’re enjoying a nice time leisurely strolling on the roads or travelling to the scenic Rohtang Pass,

he one thing that you will find everywhere to eat in Patnitop is a special masala omlette, usually served with two slices of bread. This is the ultimate comfort food, specially on chilly mornings or evenings.

Kadhi Chawal

Famous for its mouthwatering kadhi chawal (a spicy gram flour curry and rice dish), no matter where you have this dish in Himachal,

you will always come back for more. While on the way to Patnitop don't forget to stop over at the Manikaran Gurudwara around which you will find many small food shacks selling this delicacy!

Tea

people of Patnitop love to have lots of tea to keep them warm and accompany conversations. From plain tea to masala tea with heaps of ginger and cinnamon flavour.

you are sure to find a tea stall at every nook and corner of the hill station. And every Indian knows that nothing beats the awesome combination of spectacular mountain views and a steaming cup of chai!

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