Udhampur is a lush green city in the Indian Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir's Udhampur District. It is the third-largest city in the Jammu area and the fifth-largest city in Jammu and Kashmir's UT. It is nestled among lush green Eucalyptus woods. It is the district capital and the Indian Army's Northern Command headquarters, and is named after Raja Udham Singh. The Indian Air Force has a Forward Base Support Unit (FBSU) stationed here as well. When travelling by road between Jammu and Srinagar, the Armed Forces use Udhampur as a transit station (National Highway NH 44). The city of Jammu is the second largest in the Jammu division of Jammu and Kashmir's UT.

Udhampur is a lovely green place with eucalyptus forests aplenty. This city is the district capital of the Udhampur district, and it is a strategically vital city for India because it is so close to the Pakistan border that it houses the Indian military's Northern Command headquarters.

HISTORY OF UDHAMPUR 

Kashmir has always played an important role in India' s history, as evidenced by its mention in ancient Indian writings. Sage Kashyap is claimed to have drained a lake in this area and formed Kashmir, from which Jammu was later separated. Until the Sultanates from the west arrived in the 13th to 14th centuries B.C., Indian monarchs dominated this region. Kashmir remained a part of several towns and princely kingdoms after then, including those ruled by the Mughals and the Afghans, before eventually becoming a part of the princely state of Kashmir, which acceded to India. This region was strongly disputed after India's partition and the creation of Pakistan, resulting in Udhampur and other cities. 

THINGS TO DO WHEN IN UDHAMPUR 

• Bird Watching - Surinsar Lake is a charming little spot with excellent bird watching opportunities. Several migratory birds come here, while endemic birds use it as a breeding ground. It features a tiny bird sanctuary where photographers and bird lovers can spend time watching the adorable little birds in action.

• Walking Trails - Udhampur has several fantastic walking trails. It is wonderfully soothing and revitalising to walk through the alpine forests or along the banks of gorgeous lakes. Within Patnitop, romantic hikes from Patnitop to Madha Top, Patnitop to Matha Top, and Patnitop to Sansar are available.

• Skiing and Sledging - Patnitop is blessed with moderate and modest slopes, making it a perfect skiing destination. During the winter months, Patnitop offers a variety of skiing courses for skiers, and even those who have never skied before may enjoy this wonderful pastime. It's also a great spot for sledding. You may rent a wooden sledge and go on a ride!

• Ropeway in Patnitop - This ropeway trip takes you through a scenic environment of terraced valleys and pine trees, with one of the largest spans between its towers of 2.8 kilometres. In the spring, enjoy the blooming flowers and verdant meadows; in the summer, enjoy the bright days, blue skies, and the forest below; and in the winter, enjoy a snow-covered view of the valley's attractive settlements.

• Shopping in Udhampur - There are various marketplaces, bazaars, and shopping centres to visit in the city. Udhampur's Patnitop is known for its street shopping. Dry fruits, handicrafts, and Pashmina shawls are all readily available as souvenirs to take home or to give as gifts.

PLACES TO VISIT IN UDHAMPUR 

• Krimchi Temples - The Krimchi Temples are thought to date from the late 11th and early 12th centuries. These temples are known as Pandava temples, and their names have significant historical and mythological importance. The temples are perched atop a stony outcropping next to a little brook. The complex design works and sculptures depicting various Hindu Gods and Goddesses are the main attractions of these temples.

• Mansar Lake - Mansar Lake is a 40-kilometer drive from the city of Udhampur and is considered one of India's most beautiful lakes. The lake's attractiveness is accentuated by the thickets of trees and the glistening turquoise waves. According to Hindu mythology, the lake is sacred, and it is one of the most popular tourist locations. A diverse assortment of plants and fauna can be found in this lake.

• Patnitop - Patnitop is one of the most well-known hill stations in Jammu & Kashmir. This location, at an elevation of around 2024 metres above sea level, is nothing short of a nature lover's heaven. It offers breathtaking views of the thick cedar forests as it overlooks the Chenab river. In Udhampur, Patnitop is a popular skiing and sledding destination. 

• Sanasar - Sanasar is a 19-kilometer drive from Patni top and is called for two lakes, Sana and Sar. This location is situated at a height of around 2000 metres above sea level. It is a popular location for thrill seekers since it offers a variety of recreational and adventure activities such as abseiling, trekking, rock climbing, paragliding, parasailing, hot air ballooning, and more.

CULTURE OF UDHAMPUR 

Udhampur hosts a number of Northern Indian festivals, including Lohri, Basant Panchami, and Baisakhi, among others. Important Muslim festivals including Id-ul-Fitr and Id-ul-Zoha, as well as Sikh religious festivals like Guru Govind Singh's birthday, are recognised and celebrated here. Because Udhampur is located in the Pahari heartland, both Pahari and Dogri song and dance folk traditions are prevalent. Surma Fumenie and Kudd are group dancing rituals done at important occasions such as weddings and cultural celebrations.

BEST TIME TO VISIT 

Udhampur is recognised as a summer destination because the weather is good during this time, although some visitors may wish to travel during the winter months to experience the region's severe winters. When the weather is at its finest and excellent for tourism, the months of March to June see an inflow of travellers. nDuring the winter months, temperatures in Udhampur can dip to as low as 1 or 2 degrees Celsius, or even below zero.

HOW TO REACH 

• By Air - Udhampur's nearest airport is in Jammu, which is 65 kilometres away. Between Jammu and Udhampur, taxi and bus services are readily available.

• By Rail - Udhampur has its own railway station, which is connected to a number of Indian cities and towns. As a result, it is the most efficient method of getting to Udhampur.

• By Bus - Udhampur is connected to a number of Indian cities, including Jammu, Chandigarh, and Delhi. Udhampur is easily accessible by bus and cab to several locations around Jammu and India.