Patnitop is a hilltop tourist location in Udhampur district in Jammu and Kashmir state of India on National Highway-44, which is 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 m (6,640 ft.). The river Chenab flows in close proximity to this location.
Enveloped by thickly wooded forests, Patnitop offers beautiful picnic spots, peaceful walks and breathtaking views of the 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 Dak Bungalow is full in summer months. There is an ambitious plan of Patnitop Development Authority to develop Patnitop, Kud, Sud-Mahadev, and Mantalaicircuit. The construction work of Mall Road at Kud is to be taken up in the near future. Trekking route from Kud to Patnitop-Sanasar has already been completed. The complete tourist circuit covers Jammu-Katra-VaishnoDeviji, Kud-Sanasar, Patnitop-Gourikund, Sudmahadev, Mantali, extending up to Latti-Dhuna.
Perched among dense forests the green carpeted meadows, overlooking Pirpanjal range, is an ideal place to holiday for days together. Patnitop is the most popular picnic spot among tourist and locals alike, one of the highest point on Srinagar-Jammu highway, Patnitop provides an escape from the summer heat to visitors. The nearby area of Padora and Nathatop are favorite excursion spots. Tourist loves to have a thrilling horse riding at the Padora meadows, ponies available at a reasonable charges. The Nag temple, a 15 minutes downhill walk from Padora can be covered on a pony available at Padora. The spectacular view of Kud valley from Nag temple is quite notable. Mata Vaishnodeviji pilgrims after darshan prefer to visit Patnitop for trip or overnight stay. Snow fall during winter is much awaited by the tourists peak season again arrives in the region once snow covers the meadowsPatnitop. A snowcapped mountain in far north reminds every visitor of valley. Skiing and sledging on the easier slopes attracts young and old to indulge in the adventure during winter.
