Amidst the tense atmosphere in Jammu and Kashmir following the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam and escalating India-Pakistan hostilities, Patnitop and Batote — serene hill stations in Udhampur district — have emerged as unexpected safe havens for tourists and a lifeline for the local tourism economy.
Tourists who had to cut short their plans in Kashmir, especially in Srinagar and Pahalgam, have found refuge and reassurance in Patnitop, leading to a notable revival in hotel bookings and income for locals.
“Ever since the situation in Pahalgam worsened, our work was absolutely zero… Now we have got relief because vehicles have come, otherwise the situation was bad,” said Rajesh Kumar, a hotelier in Patnitop.
A Glimmer of Hope Amid Fear
The sudden shift in tourist movement has been a ray of hope for hoteliers and locals who depend on seasonal tourism. With the Valley largely deserted due to security concerns, Patnitop and Batote have seen a surge in visitors from Jammu and beyond.
Tourist Kiran Patel from Gujarat recounted her disrupted Kashmir trip and how Patnitop provided a sense of safety and closure:
“We went to Srinagar but everything was closed. Then we came to Patnitop and have been staying here for two nights. We felt very safe.”
Why Patnitop?
- Perceived as secure and distant from border tensions
- Road access from Jammu remains open and safe
- Cooler climate and scenic beauty offer a welcoming retreat
Despite the crisis, this redirection of travel highlights the resilience of local communities and the potential for safer domestic tourism circuits to thrive, even in turbulent times.