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THE PLACE
The lush wooded forests around offer ample opportunity for trekking and a rich selection of scenic spots for picnics. A walk on the kutcha (unpaved) paths between rows and rows of tall trees leads to quiet retreats and excellent views of the pine-covered mountains. The only sound one hears is the tinkling of bells around the necks of goats and cows and the rustling of leaves and twigs as one walks in a dream world of his own.
Patnitop does not offer opportunities to shop. For really compulsive shoppers, a few kiosks are located beside the meadow selling Kashmiri specialties- handicrafts, namdas (embroidered wool carpets), pherans (embroidered long shirts) and woolens.
The pride of Patnitop is its 600-year-old Naag (cobra) temple. Though small in size, it reflects the faith and reverence shared by millions of Indians all over. The evenings in Patnitop are quite cold. The mountains are covered by fog and visibility can drop to a mere 10 feet. The peak season is during the summer, though end July to August is beautiful and not crowded.
HOW TO REACH
Patnitop is about three hours drive from Jammu, and private taxis with drivers can be hired outside the Jammu airport or the railway station to cover the 112 km distance. The journey can stretch a bit more, depending on the condition of the road. Landslides are common on the mountain road after the rains, and it is quite common to get stuck behind a long line of local trucks and army convoys.
WHERE TO STAY
There are only a few hotels to stay and it is better to come back to Jammu in the evening. For security reasons, camping is discouraged in Patnitop.
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