Bhaderwah Half Marathon: A Key step to Promote Bhaderwah Tourism

BY: RAMNEEK MANHAS

Bhaderwah is not only known for its scenic beauty, ancient heritage, unique and magnificent culture, but also for its tourism potential which includes pilgrimage tourism and adventure tourism.This part of the world offers breathtaking mountain landscapes, a vast amount of dense pine forests and untouched natural terrains.

After the spectacular culmination of White River Rafting on the River Chenab in March this year, Bhaderwah has witnessed the first ever professional run event Half Marathon in past days, which was a joint initiative of Sportive and India Tourism Delhi MoT GoI. The event was presented by J&K Tourism Jammu and supported by District Administration Doda and Bhaderwah Development Authority. The maiden event was co-hosted by a local tourism organization ‘Amazing Bhaderwah Tourism Association’ (ABTA), which played a vital role for its immense success by assisting and providing all on-ground support.

As part of ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’ and ‘Dekho Apna Desh’ campaign, the maiden event was held on October 17 this year in Bhaderwah, Jammu & Kashmir. The event began from Tilli Garh Resort, passed through Bhaderwah Fort, Herbal Garden Sungli, Rock Temple Nalthi and ended at the venue after returning from Thanala village. It was divided into 3 different categories that includes 5K, 10K, and 21.1K respectively. More than 100 zealous runners from different states and union territories across India were seen experiencing the splendid run on this hill and nature glittering valley. While sharing his views a runner said: “Participating in Bhaderwah Half Marathon was a great sporting experience so far”. “The participants were extremely enthusiastic and thoroughly motivated, the sights simply unforgettable. Crossing through many scenic spots alongside dense pine forest was the ultimate reward for each athlete” says, a runner who had come from Mumbai to participate.

The assistant Director India Tourism Delhi MoT, Sandeep Shukla who personally came here from Delhi to participate as guest of honor in this significant event on behalf of Ministry of Tourism, while sharing his views with J&K Reporter said: “the vast expanse of Bhaderwah valley in the Great Himalayas, with its dense pine forest, mountains and gurgling river, provides ample options for indulging in exciting adventurous activities”.
“Bhaderwah – the holy place of Lord Vasuki Nag ji in Jammu is no exception. Apart from Marathon, River Rafting, Trekking, Mountaineering, Rock-climbing, skiing can also be introduce on large scale. Now there is only one thing that needs attention; which is to encourage active local participation, so that the economy here can get momentum”.He added.

Later on while interacting with participants, Chairperson of District Development Council Doda, Dhananter Singh Kotwal, who was also the Chief Guest on the occasion, welcomed the participating teams and urged them to experience both natural and untouched beauty of this place.

“This region has a great tradition of hospitality. I hope all of you will enjoy the expedition and take with you the cherishing memories of adventure, affection and spiritual fulfilment”, he said.

In order to promote domestic tourism of this dazzling hilly region, Director Tourism, Jammu, Vivekananda Rai while interacting with J&K Reporter said: “The event was initiated to boost the tourism potential of this hilly region and more sports and cultural activities will be organized in future so that more tourists can be attracted”, he added.

When asked about the active participation of public in these events, he said “it is difficult to carry out these programs successfully without local support and participation. Local people will have to come forward and with the help of tourism department, private people associated with the sector will also have to be encouraged so that tourism potential of the area could be boosted, which will help in improving the economy of the people here”.

While speaking to J&K Reporter Dy. Commissioner Doda Vikas Sharma said: “This maiden attempt to organize a half marathon event was a great success. The administration would support to conduct more events and other activities here in near future. Also local participation especially of youth would be encouraged towards such programmes.The event has also marked Bhaderwah on the national Marathon map and would encourage tourism in the region”.

As far as Bhaderwah and its tourism potential are concerned, this hilly and scenic valley has been deliberately ignored by the previous Kashmir-centric state governments. Now the admirable efforts are being made by the central as well as UT government, to promote the local tourist destination by organizing such events. It would not be wrong to say that ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’ and ‘Dekho Apna Desh’ a vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in context with developing and promoting local tourist destinations across India seems to have been implemented here in Jammu and Kashmir at ground level.

Facts to Know
Nearest Airport: Jammu
Nearest Railway Station: Udhampur
Distance from Jammu: 180km (approximately)
Distance from Udhampur 120km (approximately) Condition of Road: Good
Stay: preferably Homestay and Guest Houses.