Hill station
Patnitop
Patnitop or Patni Top is a hilltop tourist location in
Udhampur district in Jammu and Kashmir state of India on National Highway 1A
112 km from Jammu on the way from Udhampur to Srinagar. Situated on a
plateau in the Shiwalik 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.
The name
'Patnitop' is a distortion of the original name of the place, "Patan Da
Talab" meaning "Pond of the Princess". In olden times a pond
existed in the meadows and a certain princess often used to bathe there. Some
part of the pond still exists near the local youth hostel. It may be the case
that the British had difficulties recording the Indian name correctly in their
revenue records. Hence, over the years the name has changed from "Patan Da
Talab" to Patnitop.
The towns of
Kud and Batote are nearby. Kud is a very small town where sweet shops make
fresh Patissa (a sweet). It may be bought hot and melts in
one's mouth. Batote is known as a place for quality rajma or
the kidney bean.
Enveloped by
thickly wooded Cedar/Deodhar forests, Patnitop offers beautiful picnic spots,
peaceful walks and breathtaking views of the mountainscape 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
closest winter resort to Jammu and to Udhampur and is second to none in its
natural charm, climate, pine forests and lush green cover. J&K Tourism as
well as the army have some holiday homes here.
Bhaderwah
Bhaderwah is a town and a notified area committee in Doda district in the
Indian administered state of Jammu and Kashmir.Bhaderwah valley is
predominantly a mountainous town situated 80 km from Batote.
Bhadarwah is
located on the foothills of middle Himalayas.The town is endowed with
breath-taking natural beauty which is why it is popularly called "mini
Kashmir".Apart from having picture perfect scenic beauty due to beautiful
forests, there are many small streams flowing through various parts of the
town.The Halyan river flows through the main market of the town.
Bhaderwah also
known as “Nagon ki bhoomi” means ‘land of Snakes'. The history is very little
known to general masses. The Bhaderwah Town ( Nagar Bhaderwah ) was known as
Hettary Nagar and prior to that, there were two other towns namely Donga nagar
and Udho Nagar. Both the Nagar was situated around villages Mondha which is
about 3 km. In the East of present Bhaderwah town.
History tells us
that sometime back both the Nagars were flooded due to torrential floods from
Himalayan Ranges, and the presence of the big boulders in abundance available
in the present era reveal the story of disaster occurred then. Later on, the
people of Bhaderwah selected a place for their rehabilitation in Seeri (from
word ‘SEER' meaning a vast piece of land), now known as Seeri Bazar, a vast
field belonging to a Zamindar (Farmer) and reconstructed their dwellings around
it.
The
revolutionaries followed him with great Zeal, and killed him in the cave
itself. After two months from this incident, the Govt. of Chamba once again
raided Bhaderwah. The forces under the command of Shagtu Kotwal fought with the
forces of Chamba Raja at Padri Dhar for at least three days wherein the general
Nathu Ram of Chamba was badly defeated.
A few days after
repulsing the Chamba Force, he managed to present himself before Maharaja Gulab
Singh at Jammu for accession of Bhaderwah with the J&K State. The Maharaja
Gulab Singh gladly accepted the proposal and the brave General Shagtu Kotwal
was awarded with a Jagir (Poperty) in Kailar named Droundi. It occurred during
the year of 1902 Bikrami i.e. in about 1854, when the revenue of Rabi Crop was
collected by the Chamba Rulers and that of Kharief Crop Revenue by the Jammu
and Kashmir Rulers.
DHAKKU and GHURAI,
which is religious in inspiration and characteristically devotional in nature.
The dance DHAKKU is not a dance of individual participation or of a small
group, but a large number of men participate in the dance. Despite of the fact that
large numbers of people participate in the dance, a complete synchronization in
the hands and feet is seen with elaborate, rythmatic movements and planned
steps, backward and forward. Dance is performed in three stages depending upon
completion of a particular ‘ TAAL '. First stage is smooth and consistent in
movement, which is called ‘DHAKKU'. The second stage called ‘DHORU DHAKKU'
where in the movement gets accelerated and in the final stage called ‘LAASTI',
climax of the dance is reached and spectators gets into ecstasy. Instruments
used; In the course of dance are Dhols, Flute, Bells and historical important
instrument ‘NARSINGHS'.
Chadar Trek
Zanskar is located
at a very high altitude in Jammu and Kashmir. It is one of the best trekking
destinations around the world. In Winter, Zanskar river freezes up, and get
converted into an amazing adventures trek called Chadar-The Frozen
River Trek.
Khillonmarg is
another beautiful senic beauty and a favourate tourist destination . the famour
liddar valley is promintnt feature .
The traditional
name for the Zanskar Trek is Chadar Trek as the river becomes a snow sheet
during winters due to heavy snowfall. It boasts of some of the lowest
temperatures making it a challenging trek for the adventurers. The most isolated
and inaccessible for nearly eight months in a year due to heavy snowfall
resulting in closure of all the access passes; Zanskar has the distinction of
being the least interfered with microcosms of Ladakh, and thus one of the last
few surviving cultural satellites of Tibet. This geographical isolation
together with the esoteric nature of Buddhism practiced here has enabled its
ten thousand inhabitants to preserve and perpetuate their cultural identity.
Ranbir Canal,
Ranbir Canal, situated about 2 km from the Jammu city center, is famous for its small
garden that serves as a perfect venue for picnics especially during the summer
season when temperatures in Jammu can really get high. Despite the high
temperatures in summer Ranbir Canal remains icy cold all-year-round. It also
features good walkways and offers excellent viewpoints that draw tourists to
its site.
Bagh – e – Bahu
Aquarium
Bagh – e – Bahu
Aquarium in Jammu is known as largest underground aquarium
of India and is placed within the Bagh-I-Bahu area of Jammu. Every year, this
Aquarium draws a large number of tourists and is a must-visit for any person
visiting Jammu. This aquarium also acts as an edutainment centre and awareness
centre for school kids and also features a museum.
The Aquarium
of Bagh – e – Bahu is situated within the Bagh-I-Bahu area of Jammu.
This Aquarium is regarded as the largest underground aquarium in India that
lures a large number of tourists every year.
A must-visit in
the Travel itinerary of any person visiting Jammu, the Bagh–e–Bahu Aquarium is
a top favourite amongst kids who cannot wait for their holidays to come by so
that they can enjoy the sights of this aquarium.
Besides students
and children, the Aquarium of Bagh – e – Bahu is also a popular tourist
destination in Jammu visited by tourists from across the country and abroad as
well. This aquarium is the centre of attraction for locals and tourists alike,
offering them with the opportunity to indulge amidst the exotic sights of this
rather unique aquatic site.
The Bagh–e–Bahu
Aquarium is also an edutainment and awareness center offering people
and their kids with the chance to learn about the aquatic world and their
survival needs. This aquarium and edutainment centre features 24 aquarium caves
of which 13 smaller aquarium caves houses a large population of freshwater fish
while the 2 larger aquarium caves houses marine water fish. The remaining 9
medium sized aquarium caves contain both freshwater and marine aquatic life.
Nandini Wildlife
Sanctuary
Nandini Wildlife
Sanctuary, called and best known for wonderful species of pheasants, has been
established in an area of thick forests teeming with wild life. It is renowned
natural habitat for a significant population of pheasants. Among the other
avifauna are Indian mynah, Blue Rock Pigeon, Indian Peafowl, Red Junglefowl,
Cheer Pheasant and chakor.
Spread over an
area of 34 km2, the sanctuary is rich in fauna and provides
refuge to a wide variety of mammals. The main species are leopard, wild boar,
rhesus monkey, bharal and grey langur.
Lakes
Sanasar
Sanasar is the name given to the two small villages of Sana and Sar in
Jammu province, Jammu and Kashmir state, India.
Named after small
local lakes, Sana and Sar are located 20 km west of Patnitop, Udhampur district
on the national highway 1A. At an altitude of 2,050 metres it is the hub for
adventure sport activities in the Jammu region. The area is notable for its
scenic views of mountain ranges including the Brammah Massif.
A nearby mountain
range is called the Shanta Ridge. The Shank Pal Temple is located at the
highest point of the Shank Pal ridge, at an altitude of 2,800 metres, a few
hours' walk from Sanasar. The 400-year-old temple is dedicated to Nag Shank
Pal. No mortar was used to join the stones of the temple.
Shanta Gala is a
pass on the Shanta ridge which offers a view of the Panchari valley on the
other side of the ridge. The pass leads to the Lander area.
Mansar Lake
Situated
62 km from Jammu, Mansar Lake is a beautiful lake fringed by forest-covered
hills, over a mile in length by half-a-mile in width.
On the eastern
bank of Mansar Lake there is a shrine dedicated to Sheshnag, a mythological
snake with six heads. The shrine comprises a big boulder on which are placed a
number of iron chains perhaps representing the small serpents waiting on the
tutelary deity of the Sheshnag. Newlyweds consider it auspicious to perform
three circumambulations (Parikarma) around the lake to seek the
blessings of Sheshnag.
Two ancient
temples of Umapati Mahadev and Narsimha and a temple of Durga are situated in
the vicinity of the Mansar Lake, which are visited by devotees in large
numbers. People take a holy dip in the water of the lake on festive occasions.
Certain communities of Hindus perform the Mundan ceremony (first hair cut) of
their male children here.
Mansar Lake also
has boating facilities provided by the Tourism Department. which is not fully
maintained by the tourism department and no one likes to visit this place.
With all religions
belief and heritage behind the Mansar Lake is also picking up its fame among
the tourists with all its flora and fauna. The lake has cemented path all
around with required illumination, with projected view decks to observe
seasonal birds, tortoise and fishes of different species. There is a wild life
sanctuary housing jungle life including Spotted Deer and Neelgai and water
birds such as Cranes and Ducks. One can also witness the traditional and
typical distinct life style of Gujjar and Backarwals wearing ethnic costumes,
living in open Kullhas in the hills around Mansar Lake.
The Mansar Lake
road joins to another important road that directly links Pathankot to Udhampur.
Udhampur is a town of strategic importance, on National Highway No. 1A. The
shortcut road from Mansar or Samba to Udhampur by-pass the Jammu town. Surinsar
Lake, a smaller lake that is linked to Mansar, is 24 km from Jammu via the
by-pass road.
Parks and Gardens
The Jammu Gardens
are fringed with trees of varied species and in different hues of greens, apart
from the well placed bed of flowers, shrubs and plants that are aligned in the
authentic and typical Persian style lawns.
Besides the varied
species of trees, plants, flowers, and shrubs, the Gardens in Jammu also
feature exquisite architecture and imperial couture that defines their
existence and fame amongst top Gardens in India. Such fame only reflects the
artistic facet of the Mughals and Persians thus endorsing their legacy forever.
Gardens of Jammu
The
Persians, Mughals, as well as the British truly loved their gardens as these
were one of those places where they could relax without the stress of court
gatherings and courtiers surrounding them
with a line of
agendas with respect to the State & Citizen Welfare.
The Gardens in
Jammu do feature well defined structures nestled amidst the greenery of the
lawns and trees such as the Bagh-Bahu garden to name one while the rest are new
additions to the list of Gardens in Jammu. The Flower Garden in particular
witnesses a flourish of vibrant colours when they blossom to their fullest
during the spring season every year that witnessed a large influx of tourists
during its inception stage when it opened to public visitation.
Bagh – Bahu Garden is a terraced-style garden placed on a slope just below the Bahu Fort
in Jammu. This Garden depicts a typical Mughal style of design and architecture
as seen in many Mughal Gardens in India and also commands a spectacular
panoramic view of the city of Jammu, the River Tawi, and Trikuta Hills.
Flower Garden is a new addition to the list of Gardens in Jammu situated at Bhour
Camp and features over 20 varieties and species of flowers. This
garden is deemed to be one of the primary floriculture centres in Jammu that
will assist in generating revenue for the State of Jammu & Kashmir and make
it self-sufficient in terms of requirement of seeds for plantation purposes as
well.
Rajinder Park is situated at Canal Road in Jammu and was constructed along the
Ranbir Canal. The Park was named after Dr. Rajinder Prasad, who is the former
and late President of India, a name gladly accepted by the people of Jammu.
Rajinder Park was recently cleaned and refurbished, which was funded by the
Jammu and Kashmir Bank and since then, it has become one of the favourite
tourist spots in Jammu.
City centres and attractions
One of the major
attractions of Jammu, it is a revolving restaurant named Falak located
on the top of the hotel KC Residency. Ragunath Bazar is the main tourist and
shopping districts of the city. The locality of Gandhi Nagar, hosts the market
areas of Gole Market, Apsara Road. On any pleasant evening you can take a
stroll in Green Belt Park alongside the magnificent bungalows that adorn Green
Belt Road. Rajinder Park, which is located on Canal Road, is a new development.
This park is situated between two canals and features a large fountain which is
lit up at night. A Children's Area is located next to the park.
The city has finally got its own shopping centre called "City
Square". This shopping centre has all the latest brands and accessories
all under one roof, and a food court. Also a beautiful complex and a new age
commercial hub by the name of Bahu-Plaza in Trikuta Nagar area is a major hang
out spot for youngsters and young professionals. After opening up of the K.C. Cineplex,
the first multiplex in the city, the city has also got another multiplex in the
form of the old Indira theatre being converted to K.C. Central.
Things To Do
Trekking
Soft trekking
options are available throughout Jammu, and summers are the best time to pack
your bags for short adventure treks in Jammu. Apart from that Jammu also has
some excellent camping sites. Those interested can rent trekking equipment from
one of the many shops in Jammu and Kud, owned by The Tourism Department.
Paragliding
Paragliding is
another adventure activity that you can do while you are in Jammu. Sanasar has
emerged as a popular paragliding spot over the past few years. Equipment can be
rented from the tourist office in Jammu. The best time to go paragliding in
Sanasar is in the months of May to June.
Picnic at Jajjar
Kotli
Merely 35 Km off
Jammu, Jajjar Kotli tourist Complex is situated on the National Highway leading
towards Srinagar. Built on the banks of the Jajjar brook, the place is popular
among picnickers and family travellers. The crystalline water at Jajjar Kotli
attracts many travellers during summer time. Jhajjar also features a tourist
cafeteria, a small bar and a cosy bungalow.
Salal Dam and Lake
Excursion
Salal Dam and Lake
is situated 95 Km off Jammu towards the west of Holy Vashnodevi temple. With an
installed capacity of approx.400 mw of electricity, Salal Dam is so far the
largest Hydroelectric Project commissioned in Jammu. The 33 km long lake behind
the Dam is another attraction that can also be visited with permission from
project authorities.
White Water
Rafting in Jammu is another outdoor activity that was
recently introduced by the Tourism Department of J&K. It allows tourists to
enjoy white water rafting at Dera Baba Banda situated within the District of
Reasi in Jammu. Do Contact the TRC [Tourist Reception Center] for more
information on rules, regulations, requirements and cost.
Golfing in Jammu
Apart from the
Army Golf Course in Jammu situated at Miran Sabh Satwari, the Jammu &
Kashmir Tourism Department has also developed an 18-hole Golf Course which is
being established at Sidhra to enable tourists to enjoy Golfing in
Jammu. The first phase that comprises of 9 holes of the 18-Hole Golf Course
is already completed and this Golf Course is touted to be developed as per
international standards with a cost of INR 44 crores.
Therefore, with a
number of activities in Jammu, The adventure tourism of Jammu is coming up
strongly giving an opportunity for tourists to completely enjoy their vacation
amidst the landscapes of Jammu and at the same time also enjoy its adventure
activities that comes with a package of unlimited fun and thrill thus, building
up your enthusiasm and excitement for your next trip too Jammu.
City Walks
For tourist with
the interest in City Walks, Jammu offers an excellent opportunity
to enjoy walks through City Chowk, Hari Market, Jain Bazaar, Raghunath Bazar,
Raj Tilak Road, and Vir Marg that provides a chance to know the city better and
get an insight into its unique culture, tradition and heritage wealth.
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