Patnitop Tourism: Everything you need to know about Patnitop

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Patnitop is a picturesque hilltop town situated in the Udhampur district of Jammu. Known for its natural beauty, this hill station is one of the most visited hill stations in India. It sits at an elevation of 2,024 m (6,640 ft) on the Shivalik Belt of the Great Himalayan Range. The prepossessing view of the majestic Himalayan range, dense pine forests, valley wearing the white blanket of snow, and many fun activities to enjoy making it one of the best tourist destinations to visit in India and this ultimately makes Patnitop tourism a booming sector.

The beautiful weather acts as an icing on the cake. Though this hill station is always crowded with tourists from across the globe, winters bring an upsurge in the number of tourists. The credit can be partly given to the various national level skiing competitions and events held in the valley. This further boosts Patnitop tourism.

A brief history of Patnitop

The name of this hill station is derived from “Patan da Talab” which means “Pond of the Princess”. History has it that back in time there was a large pond in the pastures. The then ruling Kingdom’s princess would come to the pond regularly to enjoy a bath. Since then, it was named Patan da Talab. Many people believe that the pond still exists in Patnitop.

In 1730 AD, the town came under the reign of Raja Dhruv, the Dogra King. That was the time when the town started to get a cultural boost.

Weather in Patnitop

Almost every hill station in the country tends to have a cold temperature. But, surprisingly, Patnitop is in stark contrast with the other hill stations. The summers in Patnitop are quite hot with the temperature soaring as high as 40 degrees C. However, the temperature tends to drop as the evening approaches making it very pleasant. Summer in Patnitop is accompanied by drizzling giving a sigh of relief to the tourists and making the weather more pleasant. The summer season begins from May and lasts till July.

Patnitop tourism meets a new height during the winter season. Winters in Patnitop are bone chilling. Temperature falls to -14 degrees C. Heavy snowfall covers every inch of the land. This is the real time to enjoy the real beauty of Patnitop. Plus, the adventure sports like skiing make the winters even more delightful.

The ideal time to visit Patnitop

Winter lasts for four months in Patnitop, from November to February. As already mentioned, the valley comes alive with the tourists who visit there to enjoy adventure sports like skiing.

Not just winter, you can also plan a trip during summer. Summers are not very harsh in Patnitop. They last from April to July. You can visit many tourist destinations at this time of the year.

The second half of July witnesses some light rainfall which makes it even more pleasant.

Access to Patnitop

There is no airport in Patnitop. To reach Patnitop, you will either have to land in Srinagar or Jammu. The nearest airport is at a distance of about 111 kilometres in Jammu. All the major airlines like Vistara, Het Airways, Indigo, Go Air, etc fly to this airport.

International travellers can land at Srinagar Airport which welcomes travellers from Jeddah via Air India. People from other parts of the world can visit Patnitop via Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi.

Road trips from the nearby states to Patnitop are real fun. You can travel by road from adjacent states like Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, etc.

Means of transport

Transport is not at all an issue in Patnitop. Every corner of the town is well-connected to each other. You can go for sightseeing in Patnitop and the nearby areas by a tourist bus.

Public transport is perhaps the best way to explore the city. It is a convenient and very economical option.

Food in Patnitop

Patnitop is a heaven for the foodies. You get so many savoury authentic dishes to relish on in this hilltop town. When in Patnitop, you must make it a point to try the spicy non-vegetarian dishes that are very delectable. Use of saffron in the dishes lends it a very distinct flavour to the dishes.

Accommodation in Patnitop

As Patnitop is one of the most visited tourist destinations in Jammu, finding accommodation in Patnitop is a true cakewalk. There are many luxurious accommodation options in the hill station. You can either book a lavish resort for you and your family overlooking the beautiful valley or lodge at a decent 3-star hotel offering your necessary amenities on the budget.

Patnitop is a breath-taking hill station. Either plan short trips from Delhi and other adjacent states or plan a full-fledged family vacation to the hill station but, make it a point to visit this beautiful hill station once in your lifetime.