Copyright@shravancharitymission
By Kamlesh Tripathi
By Kamlesh Tripathi
I recently covered Jammu-Patnitop-Sanasar circuit
as a vying tourist with my family. It was an electrifying experience. I had not
known what I was missing in life till I actually got to see this paradise that
remains unruffled from the poison of planet corrosion even now. Let me take you through this interesting
journey that may motivate you too, to visit these fizzy tourist spots that remain
huddled in scenic landscapes and lazing around in idyllic settings.
The hilly region of Jammu spreads across the
middle Himalayas and the Shvaliks in the Jammu & Kashmir state. It presents
a variety of attractive features and is home to several tourist resorts and
pilgrimage centres. These include the Holy Cave Shrine of Mata Vaishnodevi (so
famous that I dare not discuss in the passage) nestling in the folds of the
Trikuta hills which is one of the most venerated Hindu Pilgrimage destinations
of northern India, visited by millions every year. Also hidden away amongst the
surrounding mountains are a number of hill resorts, the most famous among these
being the beautiful meadows of Patnitop & Sanasar towards northeast of
Vaishnodevi. These present an opportunity to recoup, after the strenuous
pilgrimage, amidst an enchantingly beautiful and salubrious environment, with a
variety of other tourist attractions/pilgrim centres to see en route before
returning to Jammu, the City of Temples, on way home.
Chidai
Muttal
As one embarks towards Patnitop, 12 kms from
Katra, is Chidai Muttal, famous for its wells and well side sculptures. An
ancient temple stands beside a small garden here, shaded by Chinar trees normally associated with
Kashmir. A brief stopover at this place refreshes one’s soul and mind.
Krimchi
After travelling a further 25 km towards
Patnitop, a short detour of 8 km from the National Highway near Udhampur, leads
to Krimchi, the site of one of the oldest temple complexes of Jammu. Believed
to have been constructed between 11th-12th
century AD. This group of temples, is locally known as the Pandava Temples, has some interesting
architectural features, which resemble the Orissan style of temple
architecture.
Udhampur
An important town in the hilly areas of Jammu
region, Udhampur is the farthest rail head of Northern India so far. The
ancient Raghunath Temple located
next to the sacred underground river, Devak is one of the oldest temples of the
region. Accommodation is available in the PWD Dak Bungalow and several private
hotels. The ancient temple of Jallandri
Mata at Ladden Kotli is believed to have been abode of the Pandavas for
some time during their exile. The hidden chambers in its roof, sculptures on
its walls and the nearby springs tell a unique story. Mini Hydel Project
Chenani, is at a short distance, and an ancient fort provides the backdrop of
the temple. 10 kms from Udhampur towards Patnitop, at the way side station of Samroli, one can enjoy Kaladi Sandwhich
(a local cottage cheese produced in the interiors of hilly areas) with a hot
cup of tea.
Kud
The first hill resort on this circuit, Kud (1738 meters), is a picturesque town
located just 9 kms short of Patnitop. This resort commands a panoramic view of
the terraced valley downwards and the mountains beyond, specially, from the Mall Road, presently under
construction. Besides enjoying a cool climate in summers, it is also famous for
Patisa a speciality sweet
preparation and waters of a spring. A number
of hotels and guesthouses besides the Tourist Bungalows of the JKTDC here provide
decent accommodation for a comfortable stay in the hills.
Patnitop
By far the most populous of Jammu’s hill
resorts, 87 kms from Katra, Patnitop (2024
meters) is perched on a beautiful
plateau across which the Jammu-Srinagar highway passes. It comprises of several
meadows enveloped by thick forests of Deodar & Kail trees and affords
peaceful walks amidst pine groves, beautiful spots for enjoyable picnics and
breathtaking views of the Chenab basin and the Pir Panjal range beyond. For solace one can visit the beautifully
located Nag Mandir. Other activities include horse rides and short treks into
the surrounding hills. One can also drive through thick forests 12 kms downhill
to Batote, an old hill station also known for apple orchards, Amar Cheshma and other springs. From
here one can also visit the Dam site of the Bagliar Hydro-Electric Project
10 kms away, with permission of the authorities.
In winters (January-February) the snow covered
slopes of Patnitop provide opportunities for various snow games including
amateur skiing and sledging. Visitor facilities at Patnitop include good
quality accommodation in hotels, guesthouses, the JKTDC’s tourist bungalows,
and recreational facilities in the Patnitop Club. Accommodation for youth and
students is available in the Youth Hostel. The JKTDC’s luxury huts-self
contained timber cottages tucked away amidst pine trees- provide an idyllic
ambience for a quiet and memorable stay surrounded by sights and sounds of
nature.
The most exciting feature of the beautiful
resort of Sanasar (2079 meters), 19
km west of Patnitop, is a sprawling cup shaped meadow, 1 surrounded by gigantic
conifers, which has been developed into a 9-hole golf course. Besides enjoying
exciting pony rides amongst the groves and the other smaller meadows, one can
also take treks up the surrounding hills from here. Sanasar is also ideal for
paragliding, while Natha Top on way to Sanasar affords scenic views of the
surrounding peaks and valleys. For those desirious of experiencing a quiet stay
surrounded by the tranquillity of nature, there are self-contained huts and a
Tourist Bungalow managed by JKTDC at Sanasar.
Sankhpal
At an altitude of 10,000 ft, 10 kms from
Sanasar, the misty meadow of Sankhpal offers the most exciting trek from
Sanasar. It takes about two and a half hours of exciting trekking through
scenic mountain slopes to reach here. One can also hire ponies upto Sankhpal.
Food etc., should be carried from Sanasar. At one side of the meadow is the
small old temple of Sankhpal Devta. On a clear day trekkers can be rewarded
with breathtaking views of the mountain peaks.
This highly revered Shiva temple (1225 mtrs) is located at a distance of 42 kms from Patnitop and 112 kms
from Jammu. Legend has it that after bathing at a spring called Gauri Kund, just short of Sudh Mahadev,
the Goddess Parvati would worship the Shivling here that is believed to be at
least 3000 years old. The temple also houses a black marble statue of Lord
Shiva and Parvati. A trishul (trident) of
Lord Shiva is also preserved here. Pilgrims in large number visit the Shrine on
the full moon night of Sawan (July-August) to participate in the festival to
worship Lord Shiva. The mystical underground stream, Devak believed to be as sacred as the Ganges originates at Sudh
Mahadev and disappears among the rocks some distance downstream. Also of
interest are wooden sculptures, crafted locally. Accommodation is available in
Tourist Sarai managed by J&K Tourism Development Corporation and Dharmshala
managed by the Dharmarth Trust.
Mantalai
Temple
A few kilometres further ahead of Sudh Mahadev
is Mantalai (1450 meters) surrounded
by lush Deodar forests. As per legend, it is a place where Lord Shiva got
married to Goddess Parvati. Besides the Shiv temple here, one can also visit
the complex created by Swami Dhirendra Brahmchari which includes a tree shaped
house, an air strip, a hostel and a number of other unfinished projects. An excursion
through the woods to Naina Devi 5 kms from Mantalai provides excellent views of
the mountains landscape all round.
Kali Mata
Mandir
While returning to Jammu one can visit the
Kali Mata Mandir, located next to a waterfall near Manthal, 40 kms from Jammu. A
highly revered location for travellers driving on the National Highways, it
provides a cool and refreshing stopover point for the traveller especially
during the summer season.
Jhajjar
Kotli
Further ahead, 35 kms short of Jammu on the
National Highway is the Jhajjar Kotli, Tourist Complex, built on the banks of
the Jhajjar rivulet. The crystal clear, cool waters of Jhajjar attract
picnickers in large numbers especially during summers. A Tourist Cafetaria, a
Bar and a small Tourist Bungalow are provided here by JKTDC. Moving further
towards Jammu, one can also stop at the ancient Rani ka Talab.
Kol Kandoli
(Nagrota)
The ancient temple of Kol Kandoli located, 9
kms from Jammu is considered to be the first darshan of the Holy Goddess of
Mata Vaishnidevi was performed entirely on foot, the first of the 6 nights,
halts after Jammu used to be at this temple.
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