Gandola Special

Jammu – City of Temples. Jammu, the Duggar land where the past still has a living presence. A land of grand ancient temples, and beautiful palaces. All nestling in the foothills of the Himalayas. It is believed that the city was originally founded by Raja Jamboo Lochan who lived in fourteenth century B.C. The Raja had gone out one day for hunting when he happened to witness a tiger and a goat drinking water from one and the same pond. This extraordinary phenomenon set him thinking and he decided to build a city at this site so that the strong and weak could live together in peace and mutual tolerance. Eventually, he founded the city which came to be known as “Jamboo” after his own name. With the passage of time and due to its frequent use, the pronunciation of the name got slightly distorted and the city, came to be known as ‘Jammu’ as it is called now. Check-in to the hotel.

Later visit the International Border area, (Indo Pak Border) to witness the Retreat Ceremony by Border Security Force. If time permits visit international acclaimed Gharana Wetlands, where migratory birds flock during the winters time. This is the Bird watcher’s paradise; one can see Little Grebe, black stork, Pariah Kite and many more which are going extinct from the world. Stay overnight at pre-booked accommodation.

After early breakfast, head towards one of the oldest shrines in India dedicated to Lord Shiva. This shrine is said to be 2300 years old. First, we will stop at Gauri Kund which is approx. 40 Kms. from the Udhampur town and is at Altitude of 1225 mts above sea level. The journey is bit mountainous but worth watching. There is a small cave which is associated with the Goddess Parvati, wife of Shiv is a 5 Kms short of Sudh Mahadev Temple. Sculptures from the Hindu mythology can be seen here.

At the distance of about 5 Kms, you will visit the holy shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva, the site and temple is said to be more than 2300 years old.

Later, you will visit the Archeological wise important site of Man Talai, red earthen ware and terra cotta figures discovered here. This site is at the distance of 8 Kms. approx. Continue your journey towards Patnitop which is another 42 Kms. from Sudh Mahadev. Stay overnight at pre-booked accommodation.

After early breakfast, take the Gandola Ride (Only gondola in India with over 65 meters of ground clearance and longest span of 849 meters between 2 towers).

Later drive towards the meadow of Sanasar. At 11 kms from Patnitop, Natha Top offers scenic views of the mighty western (Kishtwar) Himalayas and the lower Shivalik range.

Nine kms. down the road, from Natha Top, is Sanasar. As you approach Sanasar, the range on the right is Shanta Ridge, with the Shank Pal Nag temple situated at its highest point of 2800 mts. Sanasar is named after small local lakes, ‘Sana’ & ‘Sar’ is located approx. 20 km west of Patnitop.

Sanasar, the mini Gulmarg and one of the remotest regions of India, is a wonderful hill station in the state of Jammu and Kashmir. The town is built in a cup-shaped meadow surrounded by gigantic conifers. Recently, it has been developed as a golf course for its tourists. While visiting Sanasar, you are provided opportunities for paragliding, parasailing and horse riding also. All these adventure sports activities are controlled by J&K government authorities. The place is a paradise for those who want to explore their latent sporting spirits and sportsmanship. It is particularly famous for the wide range of sporting activities and Tulip Garden. On the return walk around in the meadow and will visit the famous and unique temple dedicated to the Snake lord and made like the Pagodas in Patnitop. Stay overnight at pre-booked accommodation.

This is your last day of the tour. After breakfast check-out from the hotel and you shall be dropped at Jammu railway station / airport for onward journey.

Important Note: The above itinerary is indicative and is subject to change during ground operations. Distance and timing(s) mentioned above is approximate.