Bhaderwah – A Tremendous Tourist Destination for Tourists in Winters
BY: RAMNEEK MANHAS PUBLISHED ON JANUARY 03, 2021
Tourists across the country are visiting Bhaderwah in hordes after its upper reaches received snowfalla few weeks ago. Tourism stakeholders are expecting for the revival of tourism in this mountainous valley which remained subdued for a long time due to Covid pandemic.
The Kailash mountain ranges, Padhri Pass, Ashapati, Seoj Dhaar, Chattargalla, Gurdanda and Jaai Valley have received substantial snow. People connected with the tourism industry are upbeat and hope that tourists will visit Bhaderwah in a large number.
Vikas Sharma founder Xtreme Adventures said: “Tourists across the country have started visiting Bhaderwah especially from the states of Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Haryana and West Bengal. We are hopeful that tourism industry will get the great boom in this year”.
“Recently whole of Bhaderwah valley received transcendent snowfall which is good for tourism industry. Tourists can enjoy the snow and easily travel to the snow-covered high-altitude destinations as compared to Patnitop” he added.
Bhaderwah is a scenic valley in the hilly District Doda of Jammu and Kashmir and situated at the foothills of the Himalayas. Set amidst a landscape of lush green meadows, dense pine forests, rolling hills and sparkling streams, Bhaderwah is a mesmerizing tourist destination. It is also commonly referred to as Switzerland of India.
Dwelling on the cultural aspect, eminent writer, traveller and Photographer Dharam Kant Dogra said “Bhaderwah has remained a citadel of Nag Culture since Mahabharata times. It remains the only place where ancient nag culture still stands preserved. The culture of Bhadarwah remains essentially influenced and dominated by Nag traditions. Nagraj Vasuki is the supreme presiding deity of the entire region and shrines dedicated to Nag Devtas dot the whole area. Hence Bhadarwah is also known as Nag Bhumi ‘The Land of Nags’.”
Bhaderwah Valley, situated in the lap of the Himalayas, offers a perfect escape from the city cacophonies. Perched at an altitude of about 5000 ft. above sea-level, the place is also famous for adventure tourism. One can enjoy skiing in the snow- covered Himalayan hills during winters or have an exciting time paragliding through the meadows during the summer months. Horse riding through the valley is the best way to enjoy its breath-taking scenery.
Other popular tourist activities for the adventurous are rock climbing, trekking and hiking through the surrounding mountains. The valley is home to a wide range of Himalayan flora and fauna. With a landscape composed of evergreen mountains, deep valleys and meandering streams, the valley is an epitome of beauty.
Bhaderwah in summers is beautiful indeed, but its winters are also worth enjoying. Unlike London and Kashmir where days always remain foggy during winters, Bhaderwah remains generally sunny after snow falls, which makes days warm and crystal clear. Whole valley of Bhaderwah and mountain peaks around it are covered by a thick layer of snow making a spectacular and charming view of Bhaderwah.
Facts to Know
Nearest Airport: Jammu
Nearest Railway Station: Udhampur
Distance from Jammu: 180km (approximately)
Distance from Udhampur 120km (approximately) Condition of Road: Good
Caution:
Nights in Bhaderwah during winters are considerably cold. It is, therefore imperative for the visitors to bring warm clothing and prefer staying in home stays where there is ample arrangement of warming like fire hearths (Bhukhais) and hot water bottles in view of the fact that heaters which are used in hotels and guest houses seldom work here due to irregular power supply.
