Situated in the lower Himalayan ranges, Patnitop is a hill station that has been attracting tourists since more than a couple of years. It lies at an altitude of 2024 meters and is surrounded by a picturesque setting, making it one of the most adored hill station in Jammu and Kashmir. Needless to say, it is famous for its natural beauty and its charm, and is popular as a vacation resort for the Jammu and Kashmir people.

Patnitop gets its name from a belief that once it had a pond where a princess used to take bath. It was then called as ‘Patan da Talab’ meaning ‘Pond of a Princess’.  Over the time, the British found it difficult to pronounce and remember, and finally it came to be called as Patnitop or simply Patni. Whatever little records of this place’s history exist suggest that it was inhabited until before 6 centuries, a temple dedicated to the snake god, Naga, stands testimony.  

Tourism in Patnitop saw an increase after the tension in Kashmir due to military presence led to a decline in tourists visiting Kashmir. In turn they came to visit Patnitop and were besotted by its greenery and natural beauty. Not too far from Jammu (112 kilometers) it gained popularity as a modest destination, which provided opportunities to enjoy adventure sports like paragliding and high flying.

Paragliding can be done from Dawariyai, a place that is on the Patnitop-Sanasar road, at a distance of just 2 kilometers from the town. Dawariyai can be called as the gateway for paragliding. Stairs, 400 in numbers have been carved out of solid rock to make the difficult slopes easily accessible. Dawariyai is the take off point which you reach after climbing the stairs. A pilot flies with you and you can enjoy flying depending upon the wind and weather conditions. The organizing body also provides a facility of taping an amazing quality video of your flight. You take off from Patnitop and land at Kud. The Natha top is another place from where you can take off. You land at Kud no matter from where you take off. Everything about paragliding depends upon the wind conditions.

Kud is famous for a sweet called as Patissa. It is prepared in small shops in Kud and it is a unique sweet. It melts in the mouth the moment it touches the tongue. Batote is another little town in close proximity to Patnitop, the rajmah or the kidney beans are what make it famous.

Eco adventure tourism is being promoted at Sanasar, 20 kilometers from Patnitop. Sanasar hosts trekking spots like- the Shank Pal temple, Ladoo Ladi and the Surni Kund. Due to these spots, Sana and Sar are known as the Sanasar Circuit. Camping, paragliding, rock climbing, trekking and nature walks are all the activities that you can enjoy in and around Patnitop.

Thick cover of deodar and cedar forests surrounds Patnitop which host exciting picnic spots; a casual stroll through the woods can be refreshing. The view of the mountains and the river basin of Chenab are spectacular. The real beauty of Patnitop can be seen during the winters, when the town is covered in a bulky cover of snow. Skiing in this season can be delightful, if you are there on the right time.

Due to its vicinity to Jammu, natives of the state of Jammu and Kashmir have built small vacation houses at Patnitop. The state tourism department also has some holiday homes here. Patnitop is an adorable vacation get away for the natives, and for those who want thrilling memories, it is just the place where they must be.

Quick Reference

Patnitop is a famous tourist destination which is 112 kilometers away from Jammu, situated in the lower Himalayan ranges. It hosts adventure sports activities like paragliding, rock climbing and trekking. Kud and Batote are towns near Patnitop that are known for Patissa (a sweet) and rajmah (kidney beans) respectively. Patnitop boasts of impeccable natural beauty. The Sanasar circuit (20 kilometers) is also very proximal to Patnitop. It also hosts eco adventure tourism.