This famous hill resort is perched on a beautiful plateau, at an altitude of 2024 m across which the Jammu-Srinagar Highway passes. The towns of Kud and Batote are nearby. Kud is a very small town where sweet shops make fresh Patissa (a sweet). It may be bought hot and melts in one's mouth. Batote is known as a place for quality rajma or the kidney bean.
Sightseeing of Patnitop,
Gaurikund,
This is the position where it is considered that Devi Parvati, the goddess, comes and bathes every day before her wishes. This is a recognized position. Taking a dip in the sacred water of this holy Gaurikund is expected to keep away all the bad fortune. From the area of Gaurikund, visitors can see the top of holy Kailash Parvat (peak).
Sudh Mahadev Mandir,
Believed to be 2800 years old, the temple of Sudh Mahadev houses a natural black marble Lingam, the Trident (Trishul) of Lord Shiva and mace believed to be that of Bheema, one of the five legendary Pandava brothers. This holy temple near Patnitop is situated at an altitude of 1225 m and is about 120 kms from Jammu. Sudhmahadev has a spring by the name Pap Nashni Bowli. It is believed that taking bath in it relieves a devotee of all sins. After bath one proceeds towards the holy temple of Lord Shiva. Pilgrims visit the shrine on Historic Sudhmahadev 3 day Festival (Mela) on the full moon night of 'Sawan' (June -July) to worship the Trident (Trishul) and a mace. during this 3 day festival, arrangements are made by the state government administration to provide facilities to the visitors. Adequate transport is also provided by the government agencies from various destinations. The government also ensures security arrangements. Good health facilities are also made available. Cultural programs are organized during the 3 day festival; in which the local performers entertain the visitors by showcasing various local dances and singing folk songs.
Shivgarh
The Lush Wooded Pine Forest In Patnitop Offers Ample Opportunity For Trekking. This Place Acts As A Good Starting Point For Short And Long Treks To The Nearby Mountains. The One-day Walk To Shiva-Garh At An Altitude Of 3,500 M, Which Is About 11 Km Away From Patnitop, Is Quite Exhilarating. Also There Is A Rich Selection Of Peaceful And Scenic Spots For Picnic Lovers. The Only Sound One Hears Is The Tinkling Of Bells Around The Neck Of Goats And Cows And The Rustling Of Fiber And Twigs As One Walks In The Lush Meadow In A Dream World Of Ones Own. The Walk In The Unpaved Path (named Kutcha) Between The Rows And Rows Of Tall Trees Leads To Quiet Retreats And Excellent Views Of Pine-covered Forest. The Beautiful Paths Passing Through Wooded Lanes And Fascinating Scenery Links Patnitop To Kud And Batote. Travelers Can Also Visit Three Springs, Gushing With Ice-cold Freshwater, In This Hill Station. They Are Said To Have Medicinal Qualities. The Complete Tourist Circuit Comprises Jammu-Katra Vaishnodevi Temple, Kud-Sanasar, Patnitop-Gourikund, And Sudmahadev, Mantali, Extending Upto Latti-Dhuna. Sanasar, Situated At 19 Km Away From Patnitop Was Chosen By Jammu And Kashmir Tourism Board For Major Development. The 6-hole Golf Course Is Being Expanded To A 9-hole Course. Travelers Who Are Less Adventurous Can Take Up Pony Rides In Little Known Trails. Those Who Are Highly Adventurous Can Indulge In Para-gliding And Basic Skiing.
Udhampur
The culture of this area is PAHARI which resembles the culture of other areas of Duggardesh. The other part of the district has Dogra culture. Dogri is the main language spoken by the people of the district. The Dogri spoken here is known for its sweetness in tone. Their main language is DOGRI/PAHARI. The language is the rural and hilly areas has maintained its native purity, accent and sweetness. Gojri is also spoken by the Gujjar Community settled here and there. However, Dogri is main language spoken in the district. The district is culturally an integrated part of Jammu region and all important religious fairs like Lohri, Maha Shivratri, Id-ul-Fitr, Holi, Ramnavmi, Baisakhi, Basantpanchami, Martyr's day of Guru Arjun Dev, Raksha Bandhan, Janam Ashtami, Mahanavami, Dussehra, Diwali, id-ul-zuha, Guru Ravi Dass's b’day, Mahatama gandhi's b’day Guru Govind Singh's b’day, Chacha Nehru's birthday.
Pine Forest
Pine forests offers beautiful picnic spots, peaceful walks and breathtaking views of the mountainscape 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 closest winter resort to Jammu and to Udhampur and is second to none in its natural charm, climate, pine forests and lush green cover. J&K Tourism as well as the army have some holiday homes here.
Engraved Stairs,
Enveloped by thickly wooded Cedar/Deodhar forests, Patnitop offers beautiful picnic spots, peaceful walks and breathtaking views of the mountainscape 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 closest winter resort to Jammu and to Udhampur and is second to none in its natural charm, climate, pine forests and lush green cover. J&K Tourism as well as the army have some holiday homes here.
