J-K’s Bhaderwah valley to be developed as International tourist destination

Bhadarwah Dec 18: Known for its breathtaking landscape, snow peaked mountains, flower Valleys, ancient Nag Culture, unique handcraft and abundant scope for adventure sports, J&K’s Bhadarwah valley got a major boost in tourism sector after World Bank in collaboration with Union and J&K governments enlists to promote it as International tourist destination.

Bhadarwah is among the four destinations of Jammu and Kashmir that have been selected by the government to be developed with world class tourist infrastructure with financial and technical help from the World Bank.

Four new sites which have become immensely popular among the visitors and have been chosen by the World Bank include Kokernag in Anantnag district, Baradari in Reasi district, Bhadarwah in Doda, and Doodhpathri in Budgam.

CEO BDA Bal Krishan said that the destinations were finalised after a World Bank delegation visited the region in September.

"This is a major development for tourism in Bhadarwah as the project is being developed as a joint venture between The World Bank, Jammu and Kashmir Government and the Centre,” CEO added, saying that the industry especially adventure and cultural tourism is going flourish in coming days.

Local tourism players are also buoyed by the development and said that World Bank's collaboration will surely prove a turning point in the economic growth of the region in general and tourism industry in particular.

"We are looking forward to this wonderful development and anticipating major boom in tourism industry of Bhadarwah in coming days. This will surely give our unique Nag Culture, adventure sports and age-old handcrafts international recognition which eventually can prove beneficial for every individual of this valley," Said Vikas Sharma, adventure Tour Organiser.

Tourists who regularly visit Bhadarwah are also looking forward to this positive development and are hoping that in coming days the Valley will come up with infrastructure of international standards.

"I'm a regular visitor of this wonderful valley and fell in love with the unparalleled beauty of this place. This news that World Bank has decided to develop Bhadarwah as International tourist destination will surely bring this place on international tourism map beside the profile of this site will also increase in leaps and bounds which can become detrimental in attracting foreigners in big numbers," said Irene James, tourist from Mumbai.

Snow sports, white water rafting in river Chenab, adventure sports beside pilgrimage tourism to ancient Nag temples and high altitude glacier lake - Kailash Kund are the major tourist attraction of Bhadarwah valley.

According to the figures issued by BDA, Guldanda, Jaie, Padri, Seoj and Chattargalla of Bhadarwah have become immensely popular among the visitors and since January this year more than 7.5 lakh tourists have visited these sites.