8 Safest Tourist Places in North India

8 Safest Tourist places in North India

Before we make a holiday plan, there are several aspects that we take into consideration. Affordability, convenience, and offers are some of the issues that are worth looking into. However, a major aspect that we recommend being taken is safety. Here we will talk about the 8 safest tourist places in north India.

With snow-capped mountain peaks, lush meadows, gushing streams and waterfalls, high altitude glaciers, and an amazing variety of flora and fauna are a few among many reasons that travelers across the globe find solace in India, making it one of the best holiday destinations in India.

  1. Jammu and Kashmir

Nestled in the foothills of mighty Himalaya, the region is one of the most sought-after tourist destinations in the world. Its natural beauty and picturesque scenery have given it the title of ‘Paradise on Earth’.

The region continues to be a safe destination for foreign tourists. A National Crime Record Bureau report reveals that no case of crime against foreigners emerged in J&K during 2016, 2017, and 2018 and there was no crime against solo women travelers in Kashmir during the period.

While you are in Jammu and Kashmir, here are the three places that you must visit.

  1. Skyview by Empyrean

The place has emerged as the new identity of Jammu. With first of its kind, the place offers world-class tourism at the foothills of the Shivalik range of the Himalayas.

Spread over 21 acres of green meadows stretching from Sanget valley to Patnitop, you can experience the best of sights, serenity, and excitement. This place is an ideal destination for your holiday as it offers a blend of both indoor as well as outdoor adventure.

The establishment of India’s highest ropeway in terms of ground clearance is credited to Skyview by Empyrean. It stretches over 849 meters between eight towers, with 65 meters of ground clearance.

It also features Asia’s longest zig-zag zipline, measuring 580 meters, tubing sledge of 238 meters, and the first magic carpet in India making it one of the best tourist places in North India.

BEST TIME TO VISIT Patnitop can be easily accessed by bus or taxi ride from Jammu city which would take an approx. 3-4 hours. The nearest railway station to Patnitop is Udhampur Railway station, from where buses and taxi regularly ply to Patnitop.

  1. Gulmarg

Gulmarg is a treat to your eyes as this beautiful valley is filled with lush greenery, small lakes, and a large variety of flowers nestled with the snow-capped mountains of Pir Panjal Range.

This place is very famous for adventure lovers and also one of the best hiking trails in India. The place is dubbed as a paradise for skiers around the world. The best time to visit Gulmarg for snowfall is in the winter season i.e. December-January. This magnificent tourist destination in the valley of Kashmir is great for both a family, honeymoon, and snow adventure sports lovers.

BEST WAY TO REACH – Gulmarg can only be reached by roadways which is well connected to Srinagar at a distance of almost 50 kms, though Srinagar can be reached by multiple ways including Airways, roadways.

  1. Pahalgam

Pahalgam is located 95 kilometres from the summer capital Srinagar. Surrounded by thickly wooded pine forests, breath-taking landscapes of pastures, and the snow-clad mountains, the place is one of the most famous hill stations in Jammu and Kashmir and termed as a paradise for the water sports lover. This destination is very famous for water rafting.

While you are in Pahalgam, you should never miss places like Betab Valley, Sheshnag Lake, Aru Valley, and Tulian Lake.

BEST WAY TO REACHPahalgam is located 90 kms from the city of Srinagar and is connected by well-maintained roads only. The nearest airport to Pahalgam is Srinagar Airport, while roadway travel should be experienced.

  1. Himachal Pradesh

Bespeckled with innumerable hill stations, Himachal Pradesh is an ideal destination for tourists who want to relax, enjoy, and explore nature. Embellished with religious sites, lakes, sprawling apple farms, ancient monasteries, and historical heritage sites, are a few reasons that make this one of the must-visit tourist places in North India.

NCRB in its report 2018 reveals that Himachal Pradesh is low on crime rates. While you are in Himachal Pradesh, two places you should never miss.

BEST WAY TO REACHHimachal Pradesh can be easily accessed by road via Chandigarh, Pathankot and Kalka where bus services and cabs usually ply. The distance can also be covered via Airway travel.

  1. Spiti Valley

Spiti Valley is a cold desert mountain valley located high in the Himalayas. It is bordered on the northern side by Ladakh, Tibet in the East, Kinnaur in the South-East and Kullu valley in the North. This beautiful valley is one of the famous places in the region. The places that are must-visit include are; Key Monastery, Chandra Tal Lake, Tabo Monastery, Suraj Tal Lake, Kunzum Pass, and Pin Valley National Park. It is the best weekend getaways from Delhi.

BEST WAY TO REACHAs there is no airport and railway in Spiti, it can only be reached by road travel. Shimla is the nearest railway station, while Kullu Airport is the nearest airport to Spiti Valley.

  1. Dalhousie

Located at an altitude of 1970 meters above sea level, Dalhousie is a mesmerizing place to visit in India situated in the Chamba District. This town is spread across five high-altitude hills close to the Dhauladhar Mountain Range.

Dalhousie is a tourist hill station since the British era, thus it reflects the impressions of colonial heritage. Once you are in Dalhousie, one could witness century-old churches, European styled cottages, and, homes with ornate doors.

Surrounded by rich green mountains, sparkling waterways, cool mountain breeze, and a pilgrim design, Dalhousie has brilliantly procured its natural as well as vintage charm. Among many places, Khajjiar a small town in Dalhousie remains the most favourite destination. This small town is often referred as ‘mini-Switzerland of India’, It offers a unique combination of forests, lakes, and pastures.

BEST WAY TO REACHThe city is connected via roads to other cities and highways, hence can be reached by road travel. Dalhousie does have an airport, but it is located 140 kms from the heart of the city. Pathankot railway station is the nearest railway station to the city. The station is well connected to other parts of the country and is located 80 kms from the main city.

  1. Kasol

Kasol is an old-fashioned hamlet located on the banks of the river Parvati. This place is very famous for bikers, trekkers and nature lovers. The panorama of snow-clad mountains, pine trees, and gurgling river are the reasons that Kasol is called as ‘Amsterdam of India’.

If you’re planning to go to Kasol, don’t miss trout fishing in the sparkling freshwaters of the Parvati river, Attend A Rave Party and the best way to explore the magical Valley of Kasol is to rent a bike.

BEST WAY TO REACHKasol can be reached by Reaching Bhuntar Airport, from where Kasol lies at a distance of 33 kms. One can also take a cab or bus to Manali and move towards Kasol from there only.

Top Places to Visit in Katra besides Vaishno Devi

places to visit in katra besides vaishno devi

Situated in Jammu and Kashmir, Katra is famous for its pilgrimage destination Vaishno Devi and attracts numerous visitors from all around every year. With warm hospitable people and nature at its best, Katra is an ideal place to visit. What’s more, there are many other places to visit in Katra that are popular and are in close proximity that you can visit with your loved ones.

So if you are visiting this place, don’t just think Vaishno Devi temple is the only place you can go to but there are several places to visit near Vaishno Devi as well. Explore the rich culture and beauty of this town that is situated in the Reasi district.

Here are a few places that you can visit when you are in Katra:

Ban Ganga Temple

ban ganga temple
Source: flickr

Located about 3 km from Katra, this temple is one of the holiest Hindu temples and holds great significance. It is believed that Goddess Durga had halted here to take rest while heading to the Trikuta Hills. As she was resting there, her attention was caught by a langur which was lying there thirsty. In order to help the langur, Goddess Durga used an arrow to shoot into a rock. When she did that, a freshwater spring emerged which is now popularly referred to as Banganga. Hence, this spring water is considered very holy and significant by the devotees. Several pilgrims also come here to take a holy bath after which they start their religious journey. The water here is believed to be pristine and helps those who take a dip here to get rid of the sadness or obstacles in their lives. As per the legends, Goddess Durga washed her hair in this river. The Banganga temple is located by this river amidst the picturesque views of the majestic hills making it look even more attractive. The temple offers a very serene atmosphere. It is one of the famous places to visit in Katra.

Bagh-e-Bahu

bagh-e-bahu
Source: Holidify

Situated about 45 km from Katra, Bagh-e-bahu is a unique place and is at the top of the list of places to visit in Katra and its surroundings. Many devotees choose this place to relax after visiting the holy temples and shrines in Katra. One of the most popular gardens located in Jammu, this garden is perfect for a stroll or a refreshing walk. One of the most noteworthy things about this garden is the beautiful lake which enhances the beauty of this garden even more. The garden also houses a temple of Maa Kali on its premises. Once you enter the garden, you will get to see beautifully aligned trees that lead to the walkway. There is also a terrace garden and a variety of pleasant blooming flowers that adds to the vibes of this garden. Thus the aesthetics and the serene environment of this garden attract tourists to this garden throughout the year. You will also get to see locals visiting this garden for a relaxing time. So whether you are alone, or with your family or your partner, this garden is a perfect place to visit. For couples, the Bagh-e-Bahu garden will definitely be romantic due to the calming natural surroundings. Other than a lake and a temple, this garden also houses one of the largest underground aquariums that you can find in India. This aquarium has been well-maintained and houses several species of fresh-water and marine water fishes. Other than that you will also find a museum and a laboratory. Bagh-e-Bahu garden is a perfect place to visit for those who want to explore nature, aquatic life, and more. There is no wonder why it attracts tourists to this place.

Jhajjar Kotli

jhajjar kotli

While in Katra, do not miss out on visiting Jhajjar Kotli, situated about 15 km from Katra, this destination offers serenity and peace with lush greenery and a soothing surrounding to make you feel refreshed. The fresh air and the beautiful sight of this place make it a popular place among tourists.

Himkoti

If you are looking for a place that offers nothing but only nature at its best, you should definitely go here as it is one of the most popular tourist places to visit in Katra and around it. It is situated at a distance of about 13 km from Katra and provides a splendid view of the entire valley. You will also find many locals who travel here for a fun picnic. An artificial pond in Himkoti adds even more charm to this place. And in case you want a completely serene experience in this already calming spot, there is also a meditation center. Isn’t that an icing on the cake? So if you are in Katra do visit Himkoti for its majestic views and beautiful greenery. This place is also known as the Himkoti viewpoint for the breath-taking view it offers.

While you are here for a picnic you can also enjoy some dishes from the restaurants and counters that have been set up here. They serve mouth-watering delicacies thus adding more to your experience.

So here is the list of famous places to visit in Katra and around it.

5 Best And Unexplored Places To Visit In North India

We are sure you would agree with us when we say that the COVID-19 pandemic has changed the world that we know.  The travel and tour industry has been one of the most severely impacted industries globally and it is no different in India. People will now seek to explore places that facilitate social distancing. In this blog, we will share with you 5 best and unexplored places to visit in north India after the lockdown.

New habits and measures have emerged to become the ‘new normal’. In the weeks gone by, the government announced relaxations in the lockdown measures and we all are hopeful that in the weeks to come, there will be more relaxation in the lockdown. This would mean looking out for unexplored places that do not feature large crowds and yet offer experiences that will create memories to last forever.

Let’s take a look:

1. Doodpathri, Kashmir

doodhpathir kashmir
Source: thedispatch.in

Doodpathri or literally translated to ‘Valley of Milk” is a pristine hill station in Kashmir, 42 km from Srinagar, and is situated at an altitude of 8,960 ft above sea level. As per the local legend, the famous Kashmiri saint Sheikh Ul Alam prayed here. The water flowing through the lush green meadows have a milky white appearance from a distance and remains cold even in summers. You can experience a diversity of multi-coloured flowers while you holiday here. Not to forget, the famous Tosamaidan is in proximity to this destination. The bowl-shaped alpine valley features snow-covered mountains and meadows of Deodar and Pine. In summers, you can also witness daisies, buttercups, and forget-me-nots making Doodhpathri one of the ideal places to visit in north India in summers. Additionally, the most convenient way to visit Doodhpathri is by flying into Srinagar and then hiring a cab. Also ensure that you are exploring the vicinity of Doodhpathri such as Dishkal, Palmaidan, Tangnar, and Mujpathri.

2. Skyview Patnitop by Empyrean

skyview patnitop leading multi activity adventure places in india

Continuing in Jammu and Kashmir, if you are looking for adventure-filled weekend getaways from Delhi, I would strongly recommend visiting this destination. The scenic tourist destination features India’s highest ropeway in terms of ground clearance hovering over scenic lush evergreen forest. Additionally, you can also experience various adventure activities like tubing sledge, magic carpet, and zig-zag zipline. For the foodie in you, Skyview Patnitop or Patnitop Gondola as it is locally called has a gamut of dining options to offer. The vast open spaces will allow you not only to enjoy the outdoors but also to make the most out of social distancing. This destination is located 2 hours away from Jammu city and can be accessed throughout the year. This largest Indo-French mountain infrastructure project of India promises something for everyone and is one the best places to visit in north India.

3. Hemis National Park

hemis national park
Source: liveladakh.com

Located in Ladakh, Hemis National Park is the only national park in India north of the Himalayas and is the largest notified protected area in India. The national park is famous for spotting one of the rarest animals in nature – the snow leopard. You can also observe the golden eagle, Himalayan Snow Cock, Eurasian brown bear, and the Tibetan wolf. This unique park offers several routes for trekking from mid-June to October. You can also witness the Indus river meandering north of this national park. However, the best chances of witnessing snow leopards would be in late December-January. While you are here, you can also explore the 400-year old Hemis Monastery.

4. Khirsu

khirsu
Source: .tourismnewslive.com

Situated 92 km from Dehradun in Uttarakhand, this less explored hill station is set at an altitude of 1700 m. The highlight of this picturesque destination is the 300 km panoramic view of the Himalayas. Some of the mountain peaks visible from here are Nanda Devi, Panchchuli, Nandakot, and Trishul. The dense forest of Pine, Deodars, and Oaks cover the pathways filled with mushrooms, apple trees, herbs, wildflowers and so much more making it one of the most exotic holiday destinations in India. You can also engage in trekking and mountain biking while you are here.

5. Kalpa

kalpa places to visit in north india

One of the most serene villages in the old Hindustan Tibet Road in Himachal Pradesh, Kalpa is situated 260 km from Shimla. This exotic destination has all the virtues of a heritage village. While you explore this hamlet which came into prominence under the rule of the British government, don’t forget to explore Narayan-Nayani temples and Hu-Bu-Ian-Car Gompa Buddhist monastery founded in the 11th century AD. According to the local legend, Kalpa is the winter home of Lord Shiva. The highlight of this scenic village has to be the view of Kinner Kailash mountain during sunrise. The best way of reaching Kalpa is by hiring a cab from Shimla and driving through the picturesque landscape of the road to this village.

So there you have it, 5 best And unexplored places to visit in north India. We hope you enjoy your next trip.

My Exhilarating Trip to Patnitop

places to visit in north india

We’ve been missing the band of adventurers that made Skyview Patnitop feel like a home. So, here’s a short experience of one of the fellow travelers who dropped by and journaled their experience here!
It was October 2019 when I had recently shifted back to my home-town Jammu after an 8-year professional stint in Delhi. While I was in the national capital, I would escape the chaos of the city by traveling to popular tourism spots. Having covered over 100 destinations of India and South Asia, I always wanted to explore the tourist destinations of Jammu and Kashmir. I had returned to Jammu for good and was having a few weeks in hand before I was supposed to start my new professional assignment. I concluded that this was the best time for me to explore the places to visit in north India, particularly Jammu and Kashmir.

My trip started by visiting The Amar Mahal Palace, built in the 19th century for the Dogra King Raja Amar Singh, by a French architect on the lines of a French Chateau.

Next, I visited Bagh-e-Bahu which boasts of having India’s largest underground aquarium.

bahu fort jammu city

This was followed by a visit to other local sites like Mansar lake, Surinsar lake, and Mubarak Mandi Palace. All nearby historical palaces and lakes were covered, so now I was looking forward to visiting Patnitop, a hill station 2.5 hours drive away from Jammu city and one of the several less explored places to visit in north India. Before hitting the road, I wanted to check what all is to be explored in Patnitop, and to my surprise, the name Skyview Patnitop by Empyrean popped up on my browser. It was one of the upcoming adventure places in India featuring a gondola ride, adventure activities, and dining options. There was no way I was missing out on it!

skyview patnitop by empyrean

The next morning, I set to explore Patnitop with its scenic landscape, culinary delights, and the recently launched adventure destination. On reaching the destination, the first aspect that stood out for me was the grandeur of the place amidst a scenic location. I realized how much I missed this while I was away in Delhi. I took my own sweet time to just sit there and absorb the natural setting around me. An executive from Skyview Patnitop handed over a pamphlet to me and I was overjoyed to know that the multi-entertainment destination had so much to offer. It truly was a complete getaway and I was ready to explore! First, I glided upon India’s first magic carpet (a modern and rugged conveyor belt that takes you uphill). On reaching the top of their “Adventure Mountain” I experienced the first zig-zag zipline in India. Having experienced that, it was time to swirl down the Adventure Mountain on a dry tubing sledge.

zipline in india

Next in line was experiencing the culinary offerings of this adventure destination. To begin with, I ordered a portion of buttery popcorn, Kalari sandwich, a portion of freshly made noodles and topped it up with a nice cup of freshly brewed coffee. Now was the time to experience the main attraction of Skyview Patnitop i.e. the gondola or cable car. Heading towards the lower terminal, I could not help being amazed at the state-of-the-art infrastructure. I was briefed about the way all this was set up and built in a record 2 years and 4 months! The 2.8km ropeway was built collaboration with POMA and adhered to the highest ropeway safety norms. The cable car takes you from Sanget to Patnitop. With all the necessary information I boarded the spacious cabin and was ready for the experience that awaited ahead. Words will not do justice to the scenic view from the gondola hovering lush green forests. You have to actually experience to understand the serenity of the ride.

places to visit in north india

On reaching Patnitop, I checked into one of the several hotels of the serene hill station. The next morning, I explored the meadows and other tourist places in Patnitop and it was now time to grab some much-awaited lunch. I headed back to Skyview Patnitop’s lower terminal via the ropeway and was again in awe of the picturesque view that the gondola offered. On reaching the terminal, I headed towards Banana Leaf. The ambiance of the restaurant is wonderful, to say the least. My meal consisted of one of the best Indian cuisines that I have tried in a long time. Someone at the restaurant recommended me to check out Sanasar and Mantalai as well but that would have to wait. I had such a memorable experience here that there was no more room for more. I wanted to cherish my experience to the fullest. By the afternoon, I headed back to Jammu pledging that I would be back here in December when the area gets covered by a sheath of milky white snow. Skyview Patnitop had now become a destination that I would recommend to anyone planning an itinerary for places to visit in north India

Skyview Patnitop by Empyrean is India’s latest adventure destination that offers adventure activities, gondola ride, and dining options. In 2019, it was awarded the Best Adventure Tourism Destination of India by The Travel & Tourism Excellence Award organized by FICCI and Ernst & Young. You can know more about what Skyview Patnitop has to offer by visiting www.skyviewpatnitop.com.

8 Best Places to Visit in Jammu & Kashmir

Best Places to Visit in Jammu and Kashmir

Are you planning a family vacation? or maybe a weekend getaways from Delhi or Punjab with your friends? You might be browsing through the internet to get good ideas about some places to visit and let me guess traveling to alluring hill stations of Northern India might somewhere be on the top of your list. Well, if that’s the case, then have a look at some of these amazing places to visit in Jammu and Kashmir and an unexplored destination which might surprise you with its adventuresome atmosphere. Let’s get into it.

Vaishno Devi

Located at about 5200 ft. above the sea level, Vaishno Devi is one of the most sacred Hindu shrines in the world. The cave-styled sanctorium is devoted to goddess Mahalakshmi and is visited by millions of devotees every year with a belief that whatever they wish for will come true if they visit there with a pure heart.

Reaching the Bhawan from the foothills is an experience in itself. There are a few options available, you can either trek from base camp to the temple, book the helicopter service which starts from Katra on the foothills and the flight will drop you at Sanjichhat, or hire the Pony, Porter, and Palanquin services to ease your journey.

One of the most common questions that pop up in people’s minds after completing the pilgrimage is what are some other places to visit in Katra besides Vaishno Devi temple or what are some other places to visit in Jammu & Kashmir other than Vaishno Devi? Well, there might be not a lot to do in Katra but you can visit the mall road which is the perfect place for devotees and tourists to buy a few souvenirs.

BEST WAY TO TRAVELIf one is preferring to travel by air, then the Jammu airport, located at 50 kms is the nearest airport. Alternatively, Udhampur railway station is the closest railway station from which cabs can take directly to Vaishno Devi. Also, deluxe buses and cabs are available from Jammu city.

Bahu Fort

Believed to be one of the oldest structures in the city of Jammu, Bahu Fort was built around 3000 years ago by Raja Bahulochan of the Dogra dynasty. This magnificent Fort stands tall on the banks of river Tawi and is a major tourist attraction.

This fort provides history enthusiasts, photographers, and nature lovers with amazing opportunities to spend their share of time with nature and appreciate it.

The Mahakali temple built within the fort makes it a holy place for the devotees. The popular Bahu Mela held during the Navratri, in the fort, twice a year, attracts thousands of tourists and worshipers of Kali.

BEST WAY TO TRAVEL Bahu Fort can be easily accessed by taxi as the fort is within the city range.

Mubarak Mandi Palace

Situated in the heart of the old walled city of Jammu and famed for its archaeological significance and astounding narratives, this grand abode was the main seat for maharajas of the Dogra dynasty till 1925 and is now one of the main tourist attractions of Jammu.

Various buildings and complexes such as Darbar Hall, the Pink Palace, Royal Courts, Gol Ghar, Hawa Mahal, the Toshakhana palace, and the Sheesh Mahal, which is made entirely of glass, are encompassed within the walls of this palace.

The oldest complex in this palace dates back to the early 18th century and has seen its share of time and accumulated specimens from the past making Mubarak Mandi Palace one of the best places to visit in Jammu for history buffs.

BEST WAY TO TRAVELMubarak Mandi Palace is located within the heart of Jammu city and can be easily travelled by taking a taxi in Jammu city.

Peer Kho Cave

Peer Kho cave is the oldest site in the Shivalik region and attracts thousands of devotees during Shivratri and other Hindu festivals.

Situated along the banks of river Tawi, the Peer Kho cave temples are remnants linked with the instances from the Ramayana. The legend has it that the King of bears, Jambavan, meditated in this cave which is why the place is alternatively known as Jambavan Cave.

BEST WAY TO TRAVELThe best way to reach the Peer Kho Cave is by taking a taxi from Jammu city which is located not more than 4 kms.

Mansar lake

Encompassed by the dense forest cover of the deodar forests and archaic temples, Mansar Lake is a popular excursion site in Jammu and is one of the popular places to visit near Vaishno Devi.

The Sheshnag shrine on the eastern bank of the lake makes it a sacred place for the newlyweds who perform three Parikrama (circum-ambulations) around the lake to seek the blessings of Sheshnag, the lord of serpents. The temples on the shore of Mansar Lake makes it a popular spot among the devotees.

During the summer season, the lake is swarming with lotus flowers blooming on its surface. Tourists also engage in bird watching around the lake during this season. The lake also offers breathtaking views for capturing amazing pictures of the changing hues of the sky at dawn and dusk.

BEST WAY TO TRAVELBest way to reach Mansar Lake is to take NH1A bypass road to Surinsar road and continue 2-hour drive through wildlife sanctuary to reach Mansar Lake.

Srinagar

The Summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, Srinagar, is situated on the banks of the Jhelum river. The stationary houseboats and colourful Shikaras in Dal Lake along with some of the most admirable Mughal-age gardens in India make Srinagar the perfect place to be.

Apart from being a tourist attraction, the many mosques and temples in this city attract lots of pilgrims every year as well.

The carpet and silk mills, silverware and copperware manufacture, leatherworking, and wood carving make Srinagar an ideal place for shoppers.

BEST WAY TO TRAVEL Srinagar Airport is located around the city which is the easiest mode of travel. One can also travel to Udhampur railway station, from which taxis can be hired or if one is a travel enthusiast, an approx. 6 hour drive from Jammu city can be covered through beautiful hills and mountains.

Gulmarg

Located at an altitude of about 2700 meters above the sea level, Gulmarg is an adventure hub of India popular for skiing and mountaineering.

Popularly known as the “Heartland of winter sports in India”, Gulmarg is voted as Asia’s seventh best ski destination. Winter sports like skiing, snowboarding, and heli-skiing take place on the slopes of Mount Apharwat and are reachable by a Gondola lift.

Apart from being the destination for winter sports, the famous Maharani temple and St. Mary’s church attracts pilgrims to Gulmarg.

BEST WAY TO TRAVEL The beautiful meadow of Gulmarg can only be reached by roadways which is well connected to Srinagar at almost 50 kms, though Srinagar can be reached by multiple ways including airways, roadways and even railways.

Patnitop

Located at about 6600 ft. above the sea level, Patnitop is a hilltop tourist attraction place in the Udhampur district of Jammu and Kashmir and is one of the most popular places to visit near Vaishno Devi.

The dense woods, lush greenery of Pines, and tracks that lead to pockets of scenic views make it a perfect destination for adventure activities.

Skyview Patnitop is one such unexplored destination for adventure activities including a gondola ride, zipline, magic carpet, tubing sledge, and ropeway making it one of the best adventure places in India.

The ropeway at Skyview Patnitop is one of the highest ropeways in India with over 65 meters. of ground clearance and the longest span of 849 meters between 8 towers and is quickly becoming popular among the tourists and adventure buffs.

This ropeway is set in a scenic countryside view where you can see the beautiful mountains. Starting from Sanget, the lower terminal, this ropeway makes you reach the beautiful Patnitop in about 10-12 minutes.

The ropeway adheres to CEN (European) standard certification making it one of the safest ropeway in the world.

In addition to adventure activities, Skyview Patnitop offers a variety of cuisine representing Asian, Indian, and Continental, through multiple outlets.

There is a Kids Zone also which is equipped with slides, swings, trampolines, etc. giving something to enjoy for everyone visiting.

The perfect blend of adventure, food, and mesmerizing scenic views makes Skyview Patnitop one of the best places to visit in Jammu and Kashmir with your family.

BEST WAY TO TRAVELPatnitop can be reached by a local bus or taxi from Jammu city which would take an approx. 3-4 hours. The nearest railway station to Patnitop is Udhampur Railway station, from where buses and taxi regularly ply to Patnitop.

Planning a Long Weekend Escape in Jammu?

Tourist places in Jammu & Kashmir

When you are surrounded by the hustle and bustle of the city trying your best to prove yourself on every front, a small vacation escape to the hills is what you need to revive yourself. Though there are a lot of holiday destinations in India worth-visiting, a trip to Jammu is most recommended owing to its immaculate beauty. The city of Jammu offers great tourist attractions, from religious sites to grand palaces, with a lush topography of spectacular glacier-laden hills, mesmerising valleys, picturesque towns, and much more. A perfect retreat for leisure travellers, honeymooners, and wildlife enthusiasts, Jammu attracts visitors from across the country. Let’s get straight to how you can make the most of your weekend vacation and which places to visit in Jammu. We have curated a list of tourist places in Jammu & Kashmir:

Day 1 – Arrival at Jammu and Local Sightseeing:

Early arrival at Jammu will give you enough time to visit some of the major hotspots of the city. A quick trip to Amar Mahal, Bahu Fort, Raghunath Temple, Mandi Palace will give you a brief idea on the historic facets of this ‘City of Temples’. Your stay at Jammu will enhance with some delicious top-ups of local dishes like Ambal, Khatta Meat, Aloo Dum, Pulao, and Maa da Madra, all complimented with famous sweets like Sund Panjeeri, Patisa, and Chocolate Barfi.

Day 2 – Jammu to Katra:

An easy 1-hour drive from Jammu will get you to Katra. There are various places to visit in Katra, each having its religious significance. Being home to one of the most important temples in India, Mata Vaishno Devi, you will find various cultural and religious sites here. It is also filled with undulating hillsides offering breathtaking views of great Himalayas.

For shopping freaks, a wide variety of dry fruits, leather articles, and tapestries are available on the main street to be bought as souvenirs for friends and family.

Day 3 – Katra to Patnitop:

A total distance of 70 km covered with a 2.5-hour drive from Katra, you will arrive at Patnitop. Located at an altitude of 6640 ft. above the sea level, it is nestled amidst the lush and luxuriant forest cover. Offering panoramic views of the Shivalik Range, Patnitop offers a number of places that you can visit. When it comes to the tourist places in Patnitop, you can visit Madhatop, Nathatop, Sanasar Lake, and Naag Temple among others. Each destination offers unique experiences for you to take part in. You can trek through some uncharted terrains at Madhatop, paraglide through the skies at Nathatop, or take a serene stroll at Sanasar Lake.

Day 4 – Adventure Time at Skyview

Skyview Patnitop is a one-stop destination for endless experiences. Be it indulging in the adrenaline-pumping activities or relishing lip-smacking delights from around the globe or simply getting up close to nature, you are going to find it all. There is a reason why we have suggested a full day at Skyview!

Adventure Activities:

Gondola Ride: Designed with the latest French technology in collaboration with POMA, Gondola at Skyview covers a total span of 2.8 km and adheres to CEN (European) standard of safety norms. It is the highest ropeway in India (highest ground clearance) with the longest span of 849 m between two of its eight towers. With a total of 18 cabins, each capable to accommodate up to 8 adults, you are bound to have a great time, no matter how large is your group. All in all, a great experience for everyone!

Zipline: Participate or compete with your friends along with a series of 9 zip wires. Built-in collaboration with Flying Fox, this activity offers a zigzag ziplining experience. Test your skills and set new records for everyone to break. You surely are going to love it.

Tubing: India’s first grass tubing sledge offering all-season fun; jump in for pure pleasure with your friends. Indulge in an exhilarating experience as you slide down the descending terrain!

Sumptuous Delights 

Referred to as a ‘Paradise for Foodies’, Skyview offers numerous options for your tummy cravings, each offering delicious and finger-licking cuisine from around the globe, never before in Jammu. You can dine at The Wok – An Oriental Restaurant; Banana Leaf – offering flavours from North & South India; Pine View Café, or Skyview Café by Empyrean as per your taste and choice.

After a day full of adventure and fun, you can shop for some souvenirs at the Skyview Patnitop.

Next-Day – Drive Back To Home!

And that’s how your long weekend escape to Jammu will come to an end.