Empyrean Skyview Projects Private Limited (ESPPL) recently announced the launch of their hospitality venture – Skyview Patnitop – an adventure tourism destination at Patnitop, Jammu comprising a Ropeway (India’s Highest [in terms of ground clearance] Ropeway), adventure activities (such as Zipline, Magic Carpet, Tubing Sledge) and a range of F&B offerings as part of the launch stage. “Skyview Patnitop” by Empyrean is an initiative which was made possible through a strategic fusion of entrepreneurship, global partnerships, and modern technology to offer a world class adventure destination at the foothills of the Shivalik mountain range in Patnitop, J&K. This ambitious project aims to transform Patnitop, a hill station in Jammu into a major tourist attraction not only in North India but also the entire nation. To convert an undeveloped location like Patnitop into a world-class adventure destination required technological, ecological, structural, and developmental expertise and offerings from the best in the trade. Subsequently, ESPPL partnered with prominent global leaders and experts including POMA Group, MND Group, ERIC, and Sage Geotech in the planning, development, and construction of Skyview Patnitop. The layout and master planning of the 11-acre tourism site is the work of Dianeige (France), the master-planner of the Sochi Olympics, Russia. Skyview Patnitop is the largest Indo-French collaboration in mountain infrastructure development and India’s highest ropeway with over 65 mts. of ground clearance and the longest span of 849 mts between 8 towers. Additionally, the ropeway also features 2.8kms of inclined destination covered by the cable car [gondola] from the upper terminal to the lower terminal. It was built in a record time of 2 years and 4 months, as against the industry norm of 8 years, a feat that is common to a majority of initiatives taken up by companies of the FIL Group of which ESPPL is a subsidiary. Furthermore, Skyview Patnitop has emerged as a hallmark project under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model that is fast becoming the preferred tourism development structure. It connects a sleepy hamlet called Sanget, where the lower terminal is situated to welcome visitors, to Patnitop, the upper terminal. This newly commissioned adventure tourism project is set in scenic countryside, providing a complete experience replete with adventure, thrill, culture and wholesome food for every taste and pocket. It takes a 2-hour drive from Jammu, on the four-lane highway, across four spectacular tunnels, to reach this picturesque destination, just 3 km from the famous Chenani Nashri tunnel. Sanget can also be reached from Katra in just 90 minutes and from Udhampur, which is only 45 minutes away. The destination’s easy accessibility via air, rail and road will make it into a much visited adventure activity destination.
Syed Junaid Altaf, the Managing Director, Empyrean Skyview Projects, stated, “Empyrean’s vision of creating a world-class integrated mountain tourism infrastructure destination for tourists is now ready to welcome visitors. Skyview Patnitop is sure to drive tourism to this unexplored paradise with its clean air, unique landscape, endemic flora and wildlife, biodiversity and the timeless local culture and history”. He reiterated that Skyview Patnitop would surely emerge as a leading adventure destination that will put Patnitop on the map of adventure and leisure tourism in India and abroad. Skyview Patnitop aims to cater to millions of tourists who visit nearby Katra for religious tourism. And for those looking to combine or extend their stay, there are several places to explore, namely Sanasar, Nathatop and temples such as the 600 year-old Naag Mandir and other ancient places of worship. This new adventure destination in Patnitop spread over several acres in the sylvan Himalayas matches an international experience built to exacting safety standards. Adventure seekers will get a rush of adrenaline and thrill not experienced anywhere else in India. Adventure activities at Skyview Patnitop offer a unique perspective of the majestic Patnitop hills. From heart-pounding thrills of a zipline and ropeway ride to a refreshing stroll through the vicinity, there is something for everyone. In addition to the ropeway, adventure enthusiasts can experience Asia’s longest zig-zag zipline measuring 580 metres; an all-season tubing sledge of 238 metres or ride India’s first magic carpet measuring 162 metres. All activities adhere to and are operated under international safety standards. An extensive F&B offering includes restaurants, an indoor food court, coffee shop and street food carts to cater to a vast clientele with varied tastes and preferences. Skyview Patnitop, within days of its opening added a prominent feather to its cap when it was awarded the Best Adventure Tourism Destination 2019 by The Travel & Tourism Excellence Award organized by FICCI and Ernst & Young in August 2019. The Travel & Tourism Excellence Awards is an initiative to recognize and acknowledge states, organizations and individuals for their contributions to the travel and tourism industry of India and also to encourage innovation and entrepreneurship in the space of travel and tourism. Skyview Patnitop is now open for all to come and enjoy the many facilities it has to offer – and to truly become “One Destination with Endless Experiences”
About Empyrean Skyview Projects
Private Limited Empyrean Skyview Projects Private Limited (ESPPL) is a wholly owned subsidiary of FIL Industries Limited. The business focus of ESPPL is development of mountain tourism, adventure activities and public infrastructure. It endeavours to implement best practices and principles in pioneering the development of mountain tourism in India It also seeks to employ innovative strategies to respond to the current and future challenges in order to optimize the value of return on investments in infrastructure. As an organisation it acknowledges the necessity of responsible tourism in accordance to the recommended guidelines for sustainable tourism development.
