Kishtwar distrcit situated amist
snow-capped mountains, emerald valleys, fruit orchards, whispering
deodar and pine forests with their rich flora and fauna, gurgling
streams meandering through lush green meadows, sprinkled with
colourful natural wild flowers, create a grandeaur that is hard to
match.
Tha valleys of Chhatroo, dachhan, Marwah, Paddar and Warwan in particular have an enchanting and mesmerising natural beauty which has a great potential for adventure, pilgrimage, eco, health, rural, cultural and film tourism. Unexplored and unexpolited due to scarce road connectivity, these areas, having lush green forests, humming heights talking to the sky, green meadows and alpine pastures in the lap of high rising mountains where sight of neighing horses, bellowing cattle, bleating sheep and goats which have ascended from hot plains, display an absorbing view in summer months and remain under a white blanket of snow during the winter.
Tha valleys of Chhatroo, dachhan, Marwah, Paddar and Warwan in particular have an enchanting and mesmerising natural beauty which has a great potential for adventure, pilgrimage, eco, health, rural, cultural and film tourism. Unexplored and unexpolited due to scarce road connectivity, these areas, having lush green forests, humming heights talking to the sky, green meadows and alpine pastures in the lap of high rising mountains where sight of neighing horses, bellowing cattle, bleating sheep and goats which have ascended from hot plains, display an absorbing view in summer months and remain under a white blanket of snow during the winter.
The prominent Tourist circuits along with the main beauty spots, worthy of mention are the following:
1. Kishtwar-Chhatroo-Synthen Top- Dakshum-Anantnag Circuit
The circuit having matchless beauty
is one of the most beautiful toursit circuits of the country.
Recently, on 26th and 27th June 2010, a motor rally was organised by
the "Himalayan Motor Sports" in which 33 racers, drawn from various
states of the country, passed through this beautiful circuit. It
traversed through Dakshum, Synthen, Mughal Maidan, Kishtwar, Udhampur,
Mansar, Surinsar, Jammu, rajouri, Poonch, Mughal Road, Shopian and
back to Srinagar. The motor rally has attracted the attention of the
adventure tourists of this country and the world towards this
beautiful region, hither to neglected. The government of Jammu and
Kashmir has taken up the construction of road, with liberal central
assistance, from Kishtwar to Dakshum via Synthen Top through GREF. The
road is operational now. The government is also proposing to connect
this circuit to Kathua, Bani, Bhaderwah, Doda circuit which will open
an area of immense natural beauty, places of pilgrimage and adventure
for the local as well as the foreign tourists. This road will also be
the most comfortable road for the Yatries of baba Amar Nath Ji or
reavhing the base camp at Pahalgam within shortest possible time.
Some of the beautiful spots in Kishtwar are given below:-Qilla Kishtwar:- To
the south west of Kishtwar town is a hillock where a fort and palace
existed during the rule of the Raja's of Kishtwar. There are said to
be built by Raja Kahan Paul. With the passage of time, the house and
the fort at Kishtwar became non-existent excepting the throne, made of
stone, which stands there even today. The one piece seat of stone
slab with a thickness of 15cms, stands on four stone pillares of
greenish colour 42 cms high. As it is a heritage site, it needs be
preserved, otherwise the slab too will get lost in due course of time.
The two guns locally called 'TOPE' have been preserved and installed
within the prenises of the office of the Deputy Commissioner Kishtwar.
From 'Qilla' site a panormic view of
Kishtwar town, NHPC colony and Mandal along with tall mountains
surrounding the valley of Kishtwar can be seen. The 'Kishtwar
Development Authority' proposes to develope this place by laying a
park and fountains there and connecting it with a road.
Katarsamna:- The
place at a distance of three kilometers from Kishtwar and connected
with a road is another beauty-spot, wherefrom the view of Kishtwar town,
Dul-Hasti Project Colony, and its beautiful surrondings, Nagin- Shiru
peak to its North and roaring river Chenab to its South can be seen.
The premises of the 'Kartik' Swami temple are situated at a prominent
place. there is a vast ground in front of temple, a two room suite, a
kitchen and a toilet for the convenience of the pilgrims.
Bharnoin:- The
picnic spot of Bharnoin, below Pochhal village, 3 kilometers away from
Kishtwar town is known for its eye-captivating beauty. The place is
situated in a forest area dense with conifers like deodar and kale
trees. The place nearby busting Kishtwar town is cool, calm and
pollution free. Down below the slopes of Bharnoin is the majestic view
of roaring Chenab whose roar is heard here. Side by side is the
beautiful forest patch of ‘Bindraban’. The whole area is, indeed, full
of mesmerizing beauty.
The Kishtwar Development authority has constructed a ‘Shelter Shed’ a toilet block, an eating point, viewing deck and some view points keeping in view the eco aspect of development. The place is full of hustle and bustle created by various picnic parties. After this place, the visitors feel themselves free of stress and strain and return relaxed.
The Kishtwar Development authority has constructed a ‘Shelter Shed’ a toilet block, an eating point, viewing deck and some view points keeping in view the eco aspect of development. The place is full of hustle and bustle created by various picnic parties. After this place, the visitors feel themselves free of stress and strain and return relaxed.
Saffron Safari:- A
place of attraction for the tourists are the saffron fields of
Kishtwar located mainly in Pochhal, Hatta, Bera-Bhatta, Matta and
Berwar villages nearby Kishtwar town. Saffron flowers are in full
blossom in the months of October and November every year, so this time
is the best for visit to Saffron Safari. The view of purple colored
Saffron flowers, spread like a blanket over the fields, early in the
morning is, really, enthralling and mesmerizing. The fragrance
scattered by this blossom in the atmosphere gives a heavenly touch the
environment. Early in the morning women folk, men and children in
their colorful attires go to the saffron fields for plucking flowers,
preferably, before sun-rise otherwise its red carpel’s get separated
from the petals after sun rise, causing inconvenience in handling these
later on.
For the convenience of the tourists and their comfortable stay at Pochhal, the Kishtwar Development Authority has constructed a rest house there.
For the convenience of the tourists and their comfortable stay at Pochhal, the Kishtwar Development Authority has constructed a rest house there.
Bhandarkoot:- The
place is situated at a distance of about 12 Kms from kishtwar town on
Kishtwar-Sybthen-Anantnag road. A big mela is held here on Baisakhi
every year. After a dip in the 'Sangam', the visitors pay their
obeisance to the two most revered religios places, the Astaan of 'Shah Zain-ud-Din' on the left side of Chanderbhaga, an the ancient 'Neelgangeshwar' pond
and the temples of other gods and goddesses on the right bank of the
river. These two places of religious importance attract thousands of
pilgrims not only on Baisakhi but for the whole year round. Cocks and
Sheep are offered at the Astaan by both the main communities for taking
the blessings of the great saint.
Bhandarkoot, thus, is symbolic of
complete mutual brotherhood and communal harmony. A small army
cantonment at the place has added to the hustle and bustle of the
place. The scenery around Bhandarkoot is quite charming. This is an
ideal place for rock climbing.
Mughal Maidan:- Eight
kilometers ahead of Bhandaroot comes Mughal-Maidan a scenic spot on
the bank of Chatroo river. The market place and some govt. buildings
and add to the beauty of this place. The place is being developed as
tourist spot. Chatroo River is known for rearing ‘Trout’ fish.
Therefore the fisheries Department of Jammu and Kashmir had
established a ‘Fish-Hatchery’ here and constructed some buildings,
Fish trade, if promoted, will raise the economic standard of the
people.
Synthen Top:- From
chingam onwards, we find an ascending road Amidst Zigzag road and
forest cover; we reach Synthen Maidan, 60 kilometers away from Kishtwar.
The alpine pastures of this place have matchless natural beauty. The
cool and salubrious climate of the place has a refreshing effect on
the tourists. Here we find unending slopes and plain meadows on the
foot of the Synthen-top. The place is ideal for games like
Para-gliding, horse riding, rock climbing and winter games like
skiing, skating, ice –hockey etc.
24 kilometers ahead of Synthen Maidan
is the Synthen Top at an altitude of 3784 meters from sea level. On
reaching the top, one feels at the top of the world, quite light and
detached from the worldly worries. View of the surrounding area is
very charming. A potato farm established here by the Agriculture
Department yields a good potato-crop which is superior in quality and
tasty to eat. From Synthen top, the descending road leads to Daksum, a
health resort of Anantnag district in the Kashmir valley.
There are several other picnic spots in Kishtwar like Har Gaddi, Tel Mochay, Godresh Naag, Varda on NH1B,Gali Gaad on
Sarthal road and various other fascinating and eye-captivating places
are here in Kishtwar. You can enjoy the real charm of natural beauty.
2. Kishtwar-Dool-Nagseni-Paddar-Suncham Tourist Circuit
DOOL DAM:- 22kms
ahead of Kishtwar town is a water body at Dool, the site of the Dool-Dam
of the famous Dul Hasti Hydroelectric Project of 390MW capacity. The
NHPC has constructed a good road up to the Dam site. The water body
formed due to the construction of 65 meters high dam on Chenab is being
developed for water sports as the surroundings area of the reservoir
has a huge potential to attract tourists.
Dul dam is one of the four water bodies of Jammu region namely Mansar, saruinsar, bagilar dam and Dool dam for which experts of the Goa based ‘national Institute of Water Sports’ have recommended boating and water sports. Use of motor boats and Shikaras with specific horse power and seating capacity has been recommended for this water body. The department of the tourism has decided to encourage private participation in starting these activities here. The department will provide license for operation of boats, make rescue boats available, take safety measure, set up launching pads, jetties, view points and all other basic infrastructure but for the purchase of boats and Shikaras private participation will be encouraged and provided proper training and guidance. At present the KDA has completed the following works at site:-
Dul dam is one of the four water bodies of Jammu region namely Mansar, saruinsar, bagilar dam and Dool dam for which experts of the Goa based ‘national Institute of Water Sports’ have recommended boating and water sports. Use of motor boats and Shikaras with specific horse power and seating capacity has been recommended for this water body. The department of the tourism has decided to encourage private participation in starting these activities here. The department will provide license for operation of boats, make rescue boats available, take safety measure, set up launching pads, jetties, view points and all other basic infrastructure but for the purchase of boats and Shikaras private participation will be encouraged and provided proper training and guidance. At present the KDA has completed the following works at site:-
A guest House
Launching Deck
HRT Building to be used for training purpose
A park in about 8kanals of land.
A work shop for repair of boats and Shikaras
View points
On the start of the boating, avenue
for the employment of the local youth will usher in an era of economic
prosperity in the area.
Padyarna:- At a
distance of about 30 Kms from kishtwar town by bus we reach Padyarna
village, the block headquarter of Nagseni block where from historical
sites of Nagseni block can be visited. 8 to 20 Kms above Padyarna are
some villages where ruins of stone- temples, broken idols and stone
inscriptions have been found. Padyarna, a picturesque spot on the right
bank of Chenab. Qomiye Naag is also a place where you must visit.
3. Kishtwar-Dachhan-Marwah-Margan Top-Anantnag Tourist Circuit
The circuit abounds in matchless
natural beauty, forests with rich flora and fauna, meadows and
pastures and places of interest for adventures, mountaineers, film
makers, rock climbers and sportsmen. This circuit has, already,
attracted hundereds of trekkers during early seventees when the 'Youth
Hostel's Association of India' organized trekking on this circuit by
making Kishtwar, the base camp. foreign Mountaineers have been
visiting this area to scale a number of internationally famous
mountain peaks and places of absorbing natural beauty.
From Bhandarkoot, 12kms away from
Kishtwar, one has to go alog Kishtwar-Marwah road up to Patimhala, the
last bus point, 32 kms away from kishtwar. From Patimhala onwards
light vehicles take us to Ikhala further 6kms away. Ikhala, a
beautiful village situated amidst sylvan scenery on the bank of 'Mariv
Sudhir' has a Guest House made by the forest department, where
tourist can have a comfortable night stay. Ahead of Ikhala, we have to
travel on foot or on horse back. The path passing through sky-rising
mountains, dense forest cover with rich flora and fauna. gushing
streams and water falls keeps off the tiredness of the journey. there
are few habitations on the way from Ikhala to Dachhan sparsely
populated till we reach sounder, the gate way to Dachhan valley.
Sounder:- This place is situated at
a distance of about 20 Kms from Ikhala. The village has natural
beauty in the true sense of the word. As it lies within the precincts
of 'Kishtwar National Park' , so it has much offer to the tourists.
The J&K state P.W.D., Wild-Life and Forest Departments have
constructed Rest-Houses here where tourists are provided the
facilities of boarding and lodging. Mountaineers who want to reach the
'Brahma Peaks' via Kiber nalla can make this place as their base
camp. It is also the base camp of famous 'Hud Mata yatra' which starts
from Radha Krishen Temple here in the month of July every year.
Some other tourist places in this circuit are SIRSHI, Nanth Nalla, Kiyar Nalla Marwah and Warwan valley.
INSHAN, the head
quarter of Warwan block has now been connected witha motor able road
from the Kashmir Valley side and it is hoped that the area will now get
due attention as far as its development from tourism point of view is
concerned. As Warwan valley is now open for tourist flow from
Anantnaag so time is not far when it will find its due place in the
tourist map of India.
The famous mountain peaks 'NUN' and
'KHUN' can be reached easily from the Sukhnai village of Warwan by
crossing 'Lanwilla' pass. From Inshan the ascending motor able road
leads us to Margan Top at a height of 4470 Mtrs above sea level and
thence from the desecnding road takes us to Anantnag in the Kashmir
Valley.