Patnitop at an altitude of 2026m above MSL is an ideal and most popular hill resort for tourists visiting world famous pilgrim centre of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi as well as the local population as it is conveniently situated on National Highway (NH-1A) at a distance of 110 Km from Jammu – winter capital of Jammu & Kashmir State, 80 Kms from Katra the base camp of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi and only 45 Kms from Udhampur which is the nearest railway station from Patnitop.
In summer, Patnitop has pleasant weather and provides relief and succor to the lakhs of tourists agonized and traumatized by the scorching heat of long summer days of plains. Environment of the Patnitop mesmerizes and embalm the visiting tourists with charm of its natural beauty and cool breeze blowing among the majestic deodars, deo-daru literally meaning the tree of Gods. Whosoever visits the lush green meadow of Sanasar, 18 Km from Patnitop cannot escape being smitten by its enchanting beauty.
Patnitop and its surrounding areas such as Sanasar, Bhoom Bari (Batote), Kud, Sanasar, Sudhmahadev, Mantalai, Dhuna, Latti, Dudu and Basantgarh are bestowed with natural beauty and are major summer health resorts whereas Sudhmahadev, Mantalai and Nag Temple at Patnitop are the equally famous religious spots attracting thousands of pilgrims throughout the year. A number of annual fairs are held at these temples dedicated to Lord Shiva and its consorts.
Since flow of pilgrims/tourists are increasing day by day to this circuit of tourist spot, to provide basic amenities is a challenge for this Authority. Immediate measures have to be taken up for comfortable visit viz-a-viz stay of visitors.
