Almost by default as it were, the little hill-station of Patnitop came into prominence when militancy took its toll of the tourism industry in Kashmir. The decades of the 1980s and 1990s, saw a large number of visitors flock to Patnitop – especially from the neighboring regions of Jammu, Punjab and Delhi. Largely driven by the market, this also helped Patnitop come into its own as a full-fledged destination. It no longer remained a place for weekend visitors. The infrastructure developed, many people from Jammu built second homes, the trails became better explored and new activities came along. Much of this development was spearheaded by the Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Development Corporation which still runs most of the facilities – including accommodation and restaurants.

The place-name Patnitop, is believed to have originated from the local phrase ‘Patan da Talab’, or the pond of the princess. Again local lore has it that there was once a pond on the grassy slopes and this was where a princess used to bathe. Easily accessible, Patnitop is only thirty-five kilometers from the town of Udhampur and a hundred and twelve from Jammu – it also the closest place to Jammu which offers the experience of a ‘hill station’ with all the attendant charms of woods, walks and snow in winter. The river Chenab also flows close by.

History
Almost nothing is known about Patnitop’s past – or even if it had a substantial history. The oldest extant structure is considered to be the ‘Nag temple’, the temple to the serpent deity and this is said to be around six centuries old – and apart from this, there is very little by way of old habitation at Patnitop. The place was a part of the former princely state of Jammu and Kashmir and was a popular excursion and picnic spot for the people of Jammu. The nearby towns of Kudh, Batote and Udhampur have been inhabited and have had a level of urbanization for quite some time.
Getting Around

Taxis and buses are available to reach Patnitop. Around Patnitop, bus services are limited, but taxis are available. Much of the place can be seen on foot, or on horseback – ponies with attendants who double as guides are available.

Surface

Road distances to Patnitop are – Delhi is 710 kilometers away and Chandigarh is at a distance of 480 kilometers. After entering the state of Jammu and Kashmir, there is a large check post at Lakhanpur (210 kilometers short of Patnitop); here, every vehicle has to pay a toll-tax. Buses are available for Patnitop in Jammu.

Train

Udhampur is the closest railhead for Patnitop and is thirty-five kilometers away. This well connected to the rest of the country by train. The station at Jammu (Tawi) is 135 kilometers from Patnitop. Between New Delhi and Jammu there is the Jammu Rajdhani; other important trains are the Jhelum Express, the Jammu Tawi Express and the Jammu Mail.

Air

The airport at Jammu is the one closest to Patnitop. GoAir, Indian Airlines, Jetlite, Kingfisher Airlines and Spice Jet have regular flights to Jammu. This is 140 kilometers from Patnitop and taxis are available.