Day 2: Visit Vaishno Devi, Katra

To reach Vaishno Devi Shrine, one has to either drive across the recently completed four-lane highway or take a train till Katra which is a 1-hour journey. Further, the trek to the shrine depends on the time of the day and fitness of the person. After an early morning breakfast either in Jammu or Katra, begin your journey by foot to the shrine, a trek of total 28 km. Like Jammu, there are hundreds of hotels and lodges in Katra too, who will be more than happy to welcome you for some much-needed rest and a warm meal.

Day 3/4: Patnitop and Sanasar

At a distance of 2 hours from Katra, is a less discovered but a place with immense tourism potential, called Patnitop. Bringing Patnitop even closer to Jammu and Katra is Patnitop Gondola, which is the highest ropeway in India, in terms of ground clearance. It takes between 12 – 20 minutes to reach the upper terminal at Patnitop. The breath-taking view of the lush green forests when you glide through the air in ropeway cabin is unimaginable. The gondola is part of the recently launched mountain adventure destination called Skyview Patnitop by Empyrean. There were hardly any adventure activities in Jammu previously. But now, with the development of this recreational site, Jammu/Patnitop will surely find a place in the best adventure destinations in India. This place boasts of India’s first magic-carpet which is a modern and rugged conveyor belt that takes you uphill. Adventure lovers can also experience Asia’s longest zipline and a dry tubing sledge to swirl down the mountain.

Day 4:- Patnitop Local Sightseeing

After breakfast, visit the Naag Mandir, a temple dedicated to the serpent god, with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. You can take a cable car ride to Mansar Lake, a scenic spot surrounded by dense forests, where you can also enjoy boating. In the afternoon, enjoy a nature walk through the meadows, or head to Sudh Mahadev Temple, located about 10 km from Patnitop, dedicated to Lord Shiva. Overnight stay in Patnitop.

Additionally, Skyview Patnitop offers a gamut of dining options. This includes a specialized Indian restaurant, an upcoming continental restaurant, an open roof Chinese restaurant, and one of the best cafés in Jammu and Kashmir. It is suggested that only after one has thoroughly explored this place, he should check into a nearby hotel. Evenings can be spent breathing fresh and cool air in a close-by meadow or sipping coffee/tea in the hotel balcony. On the 4th day, an hour should be spent in Nathatop which a hilltop surrounded by pine and deodar trees. It offers a great view of the snow-coated hills, especially during winters. Lastly, Sanasar, which is a meadow 20 km from Patnitop is worth visiting before returning to Jammu. This place is a hidden jewel known for its golf course, paragliding, and a lake. If you are traveling to Sanasar anywhere between March and April don’t forget to visit Sanasar’s tulip garden. Besides the Tulip Garden of Srinagar, this is the only other tulip garden in India in March/April. Patnitop has many other places of interest within one-hour distances like Sudhmahadev, Mantalai, and Madhatop; but to explore them more than two days are required. So here it is. Your best 4 Day itinerary for places to visit in Jammu. Have fun on your next trip!