Availability Period :- 15 Jan, Feb, March, April, 15 July, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov, 15 Dec.
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 spoken |
Hindi,Urdu,Doda,English |
| Currency |
Ruppee |