Paradise on Earth -Patnitop

A beautiful hill station located in the Udhampur district of Jammu and Kashmir, Patnitop was originally known as 'Patan Da Talab', which literally means 'Princess Pond'. Situated on a picturesque plateau of the Shiwalik range of the Himalayas, this tourist place in the Jammu region offers lush green meadows and panoramic views of the glistening snow-capped peaks. The most popular hill station in the Jammu region, Patnitop offers a number of treks, a few temples, monuments and a garden for a memorable vacation with family, friends or even a couple.

Patnitop offers short hikes that even family vacationers can enjoy. One such short trek from this tourist spot leads to Nathatop, a great place to experience serenity and plenty of adventure activities like paragliding. Another popular trek from Patnitop will take you to Madhatop, known for its skiing and other adventure activities. Madhatop's three freshwater springs also attract nature lovers. Shiva Garh is another very popular tourist destination near Patnitop which makes for an exciting day hike.

For history buffs, a staircase of 270 steps dug into the rock wall, the “Billo ki Powri” is a must-see in Patnitop. You can also visit Kud Park for a family picnic. Patnitop is also very popular for its sweet dish, “Patisa”, which is a must-try.

Make planning your vacation easier with our Patnitop travel guide. We offer valuable information about Patnitop and its attractions, holiday seasons, activities to enjoy, ways to get there and types of accommodation available. With us by your side and our best Patnitop packages, you can be assured of a hassle-free journey whenever you want.

Best Time to Visit Patnitop

Summer Season in Patnitop

The season begins with the month of March and ends in June. The temperature during the summer season in Patnitop remains between 15°C - 25°C making it the best time to plan a holiday.

Monsoon Season in Patnitop

Beginning from July, monsoon is not at all a bad time to plan a vacation in Patnitop. The temperature dips a bit but due to little moderate rain, Patnitop holiday plan can still be made.

Winter Season in Patnitop

The winter season begins from October and stays till February. During this season, Patnitop receives snow. It is a good time to enjoy skiing and snowboarding in Patnitop.

Popular Tourist Attractions in Patnitop

About Gaurikund in Patnitop, Jammu & Kashmir

A popular tourist attraction in Patnitop region, Gaurikund is a holy site. There is a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and his consort Parvati at Gaurikund that is thronged by a number of devotees who offer their daily prayers.

A large number of pilgrims visit Gaurikund annually during the 3-day festival in the month of June during which devotees worship Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati in the form of Uma and Shankar. During this festival, a special fair is also held. Pilgrims visiting during the festival time bathe in the Dewaki River before performing ‘Pooja’ (worship) in this temple. After paying homage to Shiva and Parvati here, the devotees head towards Gaukaran and Papnashi Vavli, which are other attractions in Patnitop.

Mythology of Gaurikund

Legend has it that Goddess Parvati took her daily bath at the spring in Gaurikund before offering prayers at Sudh Mahadeva. This place had natural springs here earlier where the goddess used to take bath.

Major Highlights of Gaurikund Tour

The major attraction of Gaurikund is its 3-day festival.

Best Time to Visit Gaurikund

March to October is the best time to visit Gaurikund. The pleasant weather makes it quite comfortable to pay homage at this sacred site near Patnitop.

About Sudh Mahadev Temple in Patnitop, Jammu

A highly revered temple in the Jammu region, Sudh Mahadev is believed to have been built over a thousand years ago. One of the major attractions near Patnitop is located in the town of Chanhani and is visited by a large number of Shiva devotees throughout the year.

The temple houses a trident (Trishul), a natural black marble Lingam and a mace (gada). There is also a sacred spring called Pap Nashni Bowli near the temple which is said to cleanse the sins of anyone who bathes in it.

During the Asad Purnima festival, a large number of devotees throng Sudh Mahadev. This 3-day festival takes place every year in the month of June and is one of the main attractions of Patnitop. Cultural programs like dance and music are organized during this festival; a small fair is also organized for people.

Mythology of Sudh Mahadev

According to Hindu mythology, a demon named Sudheet came to visit Goddess Parvati. But when the Goddess saw the demon, she screamed in fear, prompting Lord Shiva to throw his trident at the demon and kill it. When he realized that what he had done was a mistake, Lord Shiva resurrected the demon; since then this place is known as Sudh Mahadev.

Idols in Sudh Mahadev

The main sanctum sanctorum of the temple is headed by the presiding deity of Lord Shiva, his consort Parvati and his son Ganesha. Opposite the main shrine are the temples of Goraknath, Kal Bhairav and Bayankar Bhairav. There is also a small shrine of Ganesha, where his idols preside in different postures.

Best time to visit Sudh Mahadev

For Shiva enthusiasts, the 3-day festival in June is the best time to visit.

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About Shiva Garh in Patnitop, Jammu and Kashmir

Shiva Garh, one of the major trekking destinations near Patnitop, offers a picturesque setting at an altitude of 3,500 m. Day trek is preferred by many adventurers who want to see the beauty of Patnitop region.

The hiking trail passes through a picturesque pine forest and then follows a steep climb from where the views are spectacular. Trekkers and those who want to enjoy a picnic surrounded by nature can visit Shiva Garh.

Best time to visit Shiva Garh

March to October is the best time to plan a Shivagarh trek. These warm months are perfect and pleasant, while the winter season can be very cold and a bit inconvenient for hiking.