Top 4 fun activities at Skyview Patnitop

skyview patnitop by empyrean

Skyview Patnitop by Empyrean has emerged as the new identity for Jammu as if offers a blend of indoor and outdoor activities. Entitled as the largest tourism project in Jammu and Kashmir, Skyview Patnitop is determined on developing mountain tourism, adventure activities, and public infrastructure. Here we discuss the top 5 fun activities at Skyview Patnitop.

Spread over 21 acres of land in the Shivalik belt at an altitude of 2,024 meters in the Udhampur district of Jammu, Skyview Patnitop is credited with setting up India’s highest ropeway besides having first Asia’s longest zig-zag zipline, measuring 580 meters and much more!

Table of Content:

  1. Ropeway
  2. Zig-Zag Zipline
  3. Magic Carpet & Tubing Sledge
  4. Hiking Trails

1. Ropeway

Best Ropeways of India

Skyview Patnitop is credited with setting up the highest ropeway in India. The amalgam of adventure and leisure at Skyview Patnitop makes it ideal and most accessible for all the tourists and allows you to explore one of the most popular and fun activities at Skyview Patnitop, the thrill of the gondola ride.

The highest ropeway in terms of ground clearance in India will make you admire the beauty of nature as you hover over the lush green forest. The new ropeway connects Sanget valley, the lower terminal of the project, to Patnitop on the upper terminal. It spans over 849 meters between eight towers, with 65 meters of ground clearance. And the distance of 2.8 km from the lower to the upper terminal in just 10 minutes. It has 18 ropeways with a capacity to carry eight people. It can transport 6,400 passengers in eight operating hours. However, as per the SOP’s issued by POMA for ropeway operations globally, only four passengers are allowed in each cabin against the eight that were allowed earlier to maintain social distance.

2. Zig-Zag Zipline

zipline

Situated at an altitude of 1,371 meters, this zig-zag zipline will certainly increase your adrenaline rush as you zip past the scenic aerial view of nature.

This incredible zipline has won the tag of the longest in Asia and the best Zipline in India, making it one of the top fun activities at Skyview Patnitop for tourists. It measures 580 meters, includes nine wires and 10 poles.

Zipline is a combination of adventure and a chance to witness the mesmerizing view and you will experience nature at its best. The breath-taking ride on the foothills of the Himalayas will certainly wonder you with the view leaving you speechless.

3. Magic Carpet & Tubing Sledge

Tubing Sledge

An instant movement of travelers from one place to another. We all have heard and watched the famous flying carpet as a character in the 1992 Disney film Aladdin. And how it has carried people from one place to another. With the same thrill, Skyview Patnitop will take you to a whole new world on the first magic carpet ride in India.

Skyview Patnitop offers activities for all ages and adventure levels. This rendezvous with nature will certainly be a great thrill while zooming down a hill on India’s first dry tubing sledge at the speed of light.

4. Hiking trails

Skyview Patnitop hiking

Surrounded by picturesque landscapes, the 2.5-kilometer-long hiking trail at Skyview Adventure Valley is an extraordinary climbing experience. This area is an adobe to trees like Deodar, Oak, Juniper, Taxus, Acer Villosum, Juglans Regia. The fresh breeze followed by the chirping of birds has a therapeutic effect on the mind and body. This trail is an escape from the noisy city life into a refreshing world. Our trained guide will lead you during the soul-stirring walk to Adventure Mountain.

ENDS…

Skyview Patnitop – The New Identity of Jammu

skyview patnitop by empyrean

Skyview Patnitop is the only adventure destination in Patnitop that offers world-class tourism at the foothills of the Shivalik range of the Himalayas. It is one of the best family holiday destinations in India as it brings a unique and unmatched integrated leisure, entertainment, and adventure sight in the Jammu region.

Spread over 21 acres of green meadows sprawling from Sanget to Patnitop, you can experience the best of sights, serenity, thrill, culture, and tastes. A magical destination in motion with a perfect blend of indoor and outdoor activities channeled into an enriching and incredible modern setting.

Now that Skyview Patnitop is open for visitors, it is practicing strict sanitization procedures adhering to WHO and MoHFW for the guest to have a joyous time without any distress.

Read on to know why Skyview Patnitop has emerged as the new identity of Jammu!

Table of Content:

Adventure for the Adrenaline 

Skyview is one of the most exhilarating adventure places in India with a magnitude of activities in its basket that will compel you to go back there again and again. The management has taken all the latest and necessary safety precautions and protocols for you to have an exciting experience without any worries. Here is the list of all the amusements there.

Magic Carpet

magic carpet skyview patnitop

All set to aback you, Skyview Patnitop takes you to a whole new world on a magic carpet ride.

Zipline

zipline skyview patnitop

Get that adrenaline rush as you zip past by the scenic views on India’s longest zipline that has 9 wires and 10 poles.

Tubing Sledge

tubing sledge skyview patnitop

Slide down India’s first dry tubing sledge for an exhilarating experience.

Gondola Ride

ropeway skyview patnitop

The magnificent gondola ride spanning 2.8km takes you over a beautiful scenery of terraced valleys and pine forests. A remarkable sight throughout the year as the views adapt to altering seasons. The spacious cabins and technologically advanced ropeway has been imported from France via Skyview’s collaboration with POMA – the world leader in ropeway infrastructure.

Hiking Trails by Skyview Adventure Valley

The Leisure Trail at Skyview Adventure Valley is an exceptional hiking experience, measuring 2.5 km dotted with fabulous picturesque views. The trail passes through an untouched landscape that gives a refreshing escape from the monotony of life. This area is an adobe to trees like Deodar, Pine, Juniper, Taxus, Acer Villosum, Juglans Regia, and many more. The fresh air carrying the melodious chirping of birds is highly therapeutic to the mind, body, and soul. This invigorating hike provides the ideal solitude from the concrete jungle and the blaring sounds of honks in the city.

Grubs Amidst the Views

Skyview Patnitop has some wonderful restaurants and cafés catering to the culinary needs of visitors. The decadent meals are provided while following all the safety protocols of digital menus, social distancing, sanitized cutlery, and more!. Here are the restaurants that guests can enjoy themselves with their loved ones:

  • Skyview Cafe by Empyrean: The aroma of tea, coffee, and baked goods greet you at the Skyview Café. Select from a variety of exotic teas, Chinese green tea- Blooming Flower Tea, or the specially brewed Turkish and Arabic coffee. Our skilled F&B team serves you with Dora cakes, Frankie rolls, cakes, and more for you to relish while you dine amidst the pleasing Himalayas.
  • The WOK: Straight from the oriental kitchens- The WOK has a variety of lip-smacking and mouth-watering dishes from dim sum to noodles and more!
  • Banana Leaf- Taste of India: Serving mouth-watering flavours from the North and South, this 100% vegetarian eatery will leave you wanting for more while you relish the scenic sight at Skyview Patnitop.

In addition to the numerous offerings of Skyview Patnitop, the location of this unique venture is a major USP as it caters to the tourists’ attractions of the region. These have listed below so that you plan an itinerary to help you enjoy yourself to the fullest.

Beyond Patnitop

There is a myriad of places to journey through around Patnitop, here is the list of some of them.

Billo Ki Powri

The 400 steps carved out of the mountain are thought to have been carved by the former King of Chenani to create a crosscut route to the town of Batote. It radiates fine craftsmanship at its best but over the years some steps have been eroded, hence, now only about 270 steps are identifiable. As you climb higher, you get to see an even more mesmerizing view of Kud.

Madhatop

madhatop
Source: triphills

Only a 5 km trek from Patnitop, Madhatop is located amid dreamlike surroundings. Take a walk amongst the clouds which are enclosed by views of the mesmerizing Himalayan range, glaciers, dense green forests, and offer adventure activities like sightseeing and trekking.

Sanasar

sanasar
Source: tourmyindia

Named after two small lakes Sana and Sar, Sanasar is only 60 minutes away from Patnitop. Its undulating site makes it an ideal picnic destination. The drive to Sanasar is picturesque and unforgettable permitting you to soak in the natural beauty and make pit stops for photographs amidst scenic settings. Once you are in Sanasar, you can relish pony rides, or just spend time idling on the vast meadows. If you are looking for unsurpassed tourist locations in Jammu then you should add Sanasar to your list.

Best Outdoor Activities in Jammu & Kashmir

best outdoor activities jammu kashmir

Jammu and Kashmir, a piece of heaven on earth, due to the impeccable natural beauty, the place remains the major attraction for tourists across the globe. Not only does it provide a tranquil escape from the commotion of the city, but also the perfect spot to quench the thirst of an adventurer. From tubing sledge, skiing, rafting to paragliding, and more, it caters to the needs of everyone. Now that the lockdown has been lifted, this part of the year is ideal to visit and explore nature at its best. In this blog, we will tell you 6 outdoor activities in Jammu and Kashmir that you must try.

Table of content:

  1. Skiing Down the Slope
  2. The Rift in the River
  3. Adventures in Patnitop
  4. Safari for the Wildlife
  5. Paragliding in Heaven

1. Skiing Down the Slope – Gulmarg

skiing in gulmarg best outdoor activities jammu kashmir

Dubbed as one the best skiing destinations in India, Gulmarg is festooned with lofty snow-capped mountains, lush greenery, small lakes, and a large variety of flowers. It is located in the Baramulla district of Jammu and Kashmir and remains abuzz with tourists belonging to India and abroad from December till April. If you want to feel the adrenaline rush of this adventure and the chilly wind hitting your face as you slide down the slope, then you ought to try this one!

2. The Rift in the river

river rafting

The Lidder river in Pahalgam offers a terrific challenge to the adventure devotees with a touch of beauty. To make it an exhilarating river rafting experience; the turbulent river challenges you the same way as the rugged mountains do! The river rafting in Pahalgam has two, three, and four rapids for adventure lovers making it one of the best outdoor activities in Jammu & Kashmir This escapade is worth a try if you love being near water and aren’t scared of it.

3. Advenuture in Patnitop

Ropeway-in-Summer-Option-1

Patnitop is a scenic location in Jammu and Kashmir, which witnesses tourists in large numbers. It is located in the Shivalik ranges of the mighty Himalayas and offers a gamut of activities for an adventurer like you. It has one of the highest ropeways in India and that surely will make you admire the beauty of nature as you hover over lush green forests. Skyview Patnitiop by Empyrean offers the first ride on a magic carpet in India straight out of a fairytale! It also has one of the longest zig-zag ziplines in Asia! You will love the cool breeze on your face as you zoom past by the panoramic views of the Himalayas. Moreover, you can also record your thrilling experience while you are there so that you can share it with your loved ones and relive your experience at one of India’s leading adventure and hospitality destinations.

4. Safari for the wildlife

dachigam national park
Source: Tour my India

Who doesn’t love a good, old safari? This place is, particularly for wildlife lovers. Dachigam National Park boasts an impressive list of species, both in flora and fauna. It is famous for its populations of leopard, Himalayan Grey Langur, Musk Deer, Leopard Cat, Yellow-throated Marten, Himalayan Black Bear, etc. It’s a paradise for bird watchers; Golden Oriole, Pygmy Owlet, Himalayan Monal, Kashmir Flycatcher, Koklass Pheasant, Tytler’s Leaf Warbler, Himalayan Rubythroat, Streaked Laughing Thrush, etc. can be found here.

5. Paragliding in Heaven

paragliding best outdoor activities jammu kashmir

When it comes to Paragliding in Jammu and Kashmir, the first place that comes to mind is Bhaderwah. It is located on the sloppy hills and that makes it the epicentre of attraction for paragliding activities. Undoubtedly, you will be left speechless after witnessing the aerial view of this picturesque location while you are paragliding. The feeling of soaring through the sky is inexplicable, it is an experience that should definitely exist in your bucket list! The different locations for paragliding are : Chinta & Jai Valley, Padri & Bal Padri, and Seoj meadow.

Ropeways – The Future of Urban Transportation and Tourism

ropeway the future of urban transportation

Ropeways are emerging as the latest way of urban transportation and tourism attraction across the world. From Bolivia to Hong Kong, cable cars, ropeways, or gondolas as they are also called, offer a unique experience altogether. It was in 2004, that Medellin, Columbia pioneered the use of cable cars for urban transportation. The world’s longest metro ropeway system is in La Paz, Bolivia which stretches over 16kms and is the city’s primary public transportation system. It features 25 stations and costs $0.42 for a return ticket. In 2017, China’s first tri-cable ropeway successfully was started as part of its initiatives to enhance tourism transportation in Lushan.

cable car columbia

Cable car in La Paz, Bolivia (Source: itinary.com)

It would be correct to speculate that globally the implementation of ropeways will only increase. In a report published by Market Reports, the cable car and ropeway market are to reach  US$4201 million by 2026, growing at a CAGR of 6.5% during 2021-2026. A  World Bank study concludes that the average journey length of modern ropeway systems is 2.7 km, and has an average speed of 10-20km/hr. An article published by the BBC, states that the reason for the rise in ropeway systems can be attributed to the fact that they are quiet, emit no direct air pollution, and in contrast to new railways, tunnels or bridges, are significantly cheaper to build. A major advantage of ropeways is its ability to connect the hilly and hard-to-reach regions. Additionally, in less economically developed cities that can’t afford light railway systems, they offer a faster and more comfortable method of commuting long distances than buses and can also help reduce congestion.

India too is catching up on the ropeway development and adaptation market for tourism and urban transportation. India already had several ropeways across the nation. Several states including Uttarakhand, Orissa, Maharashtra, Punjab, etc. are seeking to develop numerous ropeway systems for tourism and public transportation. India’s north-eastern states seem to adopt the implementation of ropeways more aggressively as compared to the rest of the nation. Guwahati will feature India’s longest ropeway over a river. The ropeway sprawls over the Brahmaputra river and will connect North Guwahati and Guwahati. Worth mentioning here are also the Darjeeling ropeway, Namchi ropeway, and the upcoming Bhaledhunga ropeway. The Bhaledhunga Skywalk as it has been termed is expected to have 18 cabins and will connect stations at Dhappar to Bhaledhunga. Additionally, the ropeway at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi, Katra, Jammu has one of the highest traffic when it comes to the commercial use of ropeways. The ropeway was inaugurated in 2018 and helps pilgrims reach the Bhairo Mandir offering a picturesque view of the Bhairo Valley and minimizing the time taken to cover the distance by three hours.

In 2018, WAPCOS  and a leading cable car manufacture signed an MoU for end-to-end solutions for ropeway projects in India. The MoU features the entire gamut of studies, project reports, installation, operations, and maintenance and is aimed to boost tourism particularly in tier 2 cities of India, and to reduce traffic congestion. The latest addition of ropeways in India was in 2019, with the commencement of Skyview Patnitop by Empyrean for commercial operations in J&K. The adventure destination features the highest ropeway in India (in terms of ground clearance) and functions in a PPP model with the government. It is expected to be one of the leading places to visit near Vaishno Devi.

Furthermore, in 2019, FIL Industries Private Limited and POMA S.A.S France were awarded the Dehradun-Mussoorie ropeway project in a public-private-partnership with the Government of Uttarakhand. The ropeway project involves the development of approximately 5.5 km of aerial passenger ropeway system, which will significantly reduce the traveling time between two scenic and famous hill stations of north India. The project will also include developing 2 terminals each at Dehradun and Mussoorie, parking spaces along with other facilities like ticket counters, waiting for lounges, food & retail, public amenities, etc. The estimated cost of the project is Rs 300 crores.

As ropeways come with several significant advantages and the ever-growing need for modern urban transportation systems across the world, it would be optimistic to speculate that in the next decade the cities across the globe will be developing and adopting ropeways aggressively. Ropeways are not only an excellent alternative for urban transportation but also are a major attraction to the tourism industry and its offerings.