Patnitop is a quaint hill station located near Udhampur, Jammu. Though most people go to Patnitop after a visit to the holy Vaishno Devi Shrine, however many on a trip to explore Kashmir also come here. Here are a few things that will help you explore this hill station better:
Stay: There are only a few hotels which are average in terms of luxury but charge exorbitant sums. However you must try and haggle because these prices are not usually fixed.
Eat: The food at Patnitop, including the resorts, is average. Outside the resorts only maggi, eggs and fruit chaat is abundantly available. Do try the bun-chole at the market near nag temple. PS, if you plan on drinking or having booze inform your driver beforehand as there is no wine shop in Patnitop.
Visit: There is a nag temple, but women aren’t allowed to see the shrine, an apple orchid and a small market near the nag
temple. Beware as the market people will try to con you to enter the store by saying some mysterious things like ‘chingoo’ or ‘bulbul ka bachchha’ are available. But this is a way to show you their wares! If you have a day extra do visit Nathatop where many sports like sledging, paragliding etc are available.
Reach: Most people go to Patnitop via taxi from Jammu or Katra, Viishnodevi. It is about 2.5 hours from Vaishnodevi and approximately 5 hours from Jammu. The nearest railway station is Udhampur.
Patnitop is about relaxing, enjoying nature and coming back rejuvenated.
