Bhaderwah water bodies becoming major attraction for tourists

Bhadarwah June 2: As mercury level is soaring high and breaking all the previous records in most parts of the country, the water bodies in Bhaderwah are attracting tourists in large numbers.

The half a dozen water bodies include Neel Ganga River, Haloni, Puneja, Thanhala, Halyan and Sharekhi steams which flow through Bhaderwah valley from Ashapati and Kailash glaciers.

The tourist who are converging in large numbers at Bhaderwah are finding the cold and crystal clear water of these steams extremely refreshing and a major respite from the heat wave in the plains.

"We came here for camping at Jaie meadow to escape the unbearable heat wave at Jammu. To have a bath in refreshingly cool and crystal clear water of Neel Ganga River made our trip memorable. We never expected that we will get so cold water during this time and that too along roadside at Tamara Dal," said Rohan Verma, tourist from Jammu.

Tour operators, hoteliers and others associated with tourism industry are also basking in the glory of new found attraction of the visitors from natural resources.

"Guldanda had attracted record number of visitors during winter and emerged as favourite snow destination. Similarly water bodies of Bhadaewah are emerging as favourite among the visitors,” said Manish Kotwal, a hotelier of Bhaderwah.

According to official figures, 1.5 tourists visited Bhaderwah in May. "Traditionally this part of the year always remains conducive for tourism after the board exams.Visitors start throng the hill station and Bhaderwah has gradually emerged as favourite destination among them during last one decade. But this water bodies are now getting the attention resulting in a record 1.5 lakh tourist having visited here," said Bal Krishan CEO Bhadaewah Development Authority (BDA).

"Bhaderwah is fast emerging as most favourite destination in Jammu province. First it was snow at Guldanda which attracted hordes of tourists during winters and now it is the turn of water bodies. This year we have received more than five lakh tourists so far," CEO added.