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TourismFirst_February_issue

JAMMU’S TRYST WITH THE GODS! A HILL, STATION LIKE NO OTHER! Patnitop or Patni Top is a hilltop tourist location in Udhampur district in Jammu and Kashmir state of India on National Highway 1A 112 km (70 miles 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 mts. (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 Shivalik 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. thickly wooded 112 kms from Jammu, this famous hill resort is perched on a beautiful plateau, at an altitude of 2024 metres across which the Jammu-Srinagar Highway passes. Enveloped by 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 best developed tourist spot of Jammu and is second to none in its natural charm, climate, pine forests and lush green cover. The occupancy of the huts and Oak Banglow is full in summer months. There is ambitious plan of Patnitop Development Authority to develop Patnitop, Kud, Sud-Mahadev, Mantalai circuit. The construction work of Mall Road at Kud is also proposed to be taken up; trekking route from Kud to Patnitop-Sanasar has already been completed. The complete tourist circuit covers Jarnmu-Katra-Vaishno Deviji, Kud-Sanasar. Pamitop- Gourikund. Sudmahadev, Mantali, extending upto Latti-Dhuna. There are three fresh water springs at Patnitop and it is believed that the waters here are medicinal. There are facilities for those interested in pony rides and camping activities. Most tour packages to Patnitop include packages that offer trips to these medicinal springs. Patnitop is an ideal region that serves as a base for tourists who trek to the nearby mountains. Tours and travels to Patnitop include a visit to Sudh Mahadev. It is one of the sacred Hindu pilgrimages. The walk to Shiva Garh is also an exciting activity. Gaurikund This is the place where it is considered that Devi Parvati, the goddess, comes and bathes every day before her wishes. This is a recognized place. 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 (TrishuJ) 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 days Festival (Mela) on the full moon night of 'Sawan' (June -July) to worship the Trident (Trishul) and a mace. During this 3 days festival, arrangements are made by the state government administration to provide facilities to the visitors. Adequate transportation 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 days festival in which the local performers entertain the visitors by showcasing various local dances and singing folk songs. One can stay in the temporary tented accommoda- tions provided by J&K Tourism Development Depart- ment or even a Sarai maintained by the Dharamarth Trust, beside a few guest houses are also there. Sudh Mahadev Temple - The temporary shops are also established by the people to provide various things and eatables to the visitors. Langars are also arranged by some devotees to provide free food to the visitors. On the food trail: Some of the famous food items to eat during the festival are Rajma Chawal with Desi Ghee, Chatni of Pudina and Anardana. Local food specialties include Klari (a milk preparation like paneer) or Klari kulcha and are very tasty and one must eat there. Those who love sweets have Jelabis and pure Khoya to eat. It is a great fair which provides lot of entertainment, natural scenery, joy and spiritual experience. Another 8 kms from Sudhmahadev is an enchanting hill resort of Mantalai. Located at the top of a hill and surrounded by tall Deodar trees giving fresh and cool air, it is believed that Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati got married there. There is a Shiva temple with a pond by its side. 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

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