Patnitop is a hill station in Jammu and Kashmir, India known for its natural beauty, trekking, skiing, and springs:
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Location
Patnitop is located in the Lower Himalayan Range, near the Pir Panjal range, and is 47 km from Udhampur and 112 km from Jammu. It's situated on a plateau at an altitude of 2,024 meters, and is crossed by the Jammu-Srinagar Highway.
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Natural beauty
Patnitop is known for its scenic views of the Himalayas, meadows, and pine forests.
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Activities
Visitors can trek through the woods, ski in the winter, or try the healing waters of the natural springs.
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History
The name Patnitop comes from the original name "Patan Da Talab," which means "Pond of the Princess". A pond once existed in the meadows, where the king's princess would bathe.
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Nearby attractions
The Nag Mandir, a 600-year-old temple dedicated to the snake king cobra, is located near Patnitop. Other nearby attractions include:
- Sudh Mahadev: A shrine where pilgrims worship a trident and mace said to have belonged to Bheem, one of the Pandava brothers
- Gauri Kund: A legendary spring where the Goddess Parvati bathed before praying at Sudh Mahadev
- Mantalai: A place associated with the legend of the marriage of Lord Shiva and the Goddess Parvati
- Mansar Lake: A lake with boating facilities and a food and crafts festival held annually around Baisakhi