Srinagar : , Nov 22, 2002 Srinagar is the most popular tourist destination, but J&K’s small towns Bhaderwah (and Bhalessa) offer a similar experience in Paradise.These hidden gems in the UT have been a favorite destination for hikers since long.
But now, these God-gifted areas are being fully explored.These valley towns can be described as a reflection of Kashmir or the ‘Chhota-Kashmir’.Bhaderwah, a charming mountain town in J&K’s Doda District is located at the Himalayas foothills.The pleasant, sunny summer climate, as well as the simple, traditional lifestyle, make it a charming place to visit.
The UT has given it a unique place because of its lush grasslands and fertile valleys.This fairytale land, at 5 295 feet above sea level, is the gateway to many pristine river valleys that meander through alpine forests and mountains with hidden temples and undiscovered snow-peaks.
Hidden meadows are also home to fuchsia and rhododendrons.
The stunning views and simple lifestyle of its residents have made Bhaderwah a popular destination for international tourists who are interested in the history, legends, folklore, and local traditions.
Bhaderwah is also a gateway to other nearby attractions like the Chinta Valley and Padri Meadows, Neeru Rivers, Seoj Meadows, and Sylvan Valley.Chinta Valley, which is surrounded by coniferous forest, contains the incredible Chenab River, at 6,500 feet above sea level.
Seoj Meadow is a great place to spend time with nature and enjoy romance.It also boasts a river that flows west, as well as the breathtaking view from its summit of Pahalgam.
This area is also used as a base for paragliding, and it serves as a campsite for Kailash Yatra pilgrims.The conifer-bearing Sylvan Valley allows visitors to trek to an ancient Shiva temple, as well as skiing possibilities.
The Padri Meadow deserves special praise.If you don’t have a picnic at an elevation above 10,500 feet, you won’t have it in the lushest of wildflowers or berry-shrubs.
The lazy afternoon sun hypnotizes you into a state that induces a state of relaxation.Padri is a showcase of nature’s beauty with its multitude of shades of green, and hidden waterfalls that are found in the middle of nowhere.Through the seasons, the colour palette changes dramatically in the valley.It’s the ideal destination for adventure seekers, including paragliding and horse riding, as well as climbing rock walls and taking on challenging treks.
Jammu-Bhaderwah’s 200km stretch of road connects the two cities.It offers some of India’s most beautiful terrains and forests.
The route also features the majestic Neeru River.The UT is putting the finishing touches on road development, and it looks like the saucer valley in Chhota Kashmir will soon be India’s next paradise.
Bhalessa is another jewel of Doda district.It shares its borders with mountains like Thathri and Bhaderwah as well as the Chamba Valley of Himachal.
Name Bhalessa may be derived from Sanskrit Bhalla, which means “doing well”, or 16th-century Queen Bhalla, Bhaderwah.Either way, the name is a fitting tribute to the area’s warm people and rich culture.
Rajatarangini mentions Bhalessa and says that the city dates back to between 1112-128 AD.The town is most well-known for its extensive forest cover, which allowed it to be kept secret from the rest of the world for many centuries.The lush green Deodars, Kails and natural meadows of the Gulmarg are a perfect match for their beauty standards.Tourists are gradually discovering its valleys, villages and more than 30 sites.
Two beautiful valleys are found in the Bhalessa region: Bhalessa and Bonjwah.While Bhalessa is home to the Kalgoni stream, Bonjwah attracts people with its many streams.
The valleys merge at Donadi, creating a surreal sight for the eye.
The mountainous meadows of Bhalessa (locally called Dhar), which include Chashool and Kanthi as well as Soin Bhagar and Bal Padri’s vertical hiking routes, make it an ideal spot for adrenaline-hungry people.Because of the geography, no one thought it possible to develop this town.It was considered an ancient civilisation.
The government has given a special push to this important town due to the rapid growth in the valley.It is being improved, the roads through the majestic hills have been widened and tourism development officials appointed.
The potential power sector has also been discovered in the rivers that run through them.Bhalessa has an Industrial Training Institute that provides technical training for employable people.
This is a great initiative to help the region’s commercial revolution.
Construction of the motorable road linking Bhalessa and Bhaderwah, as well as subsequent villages passing through these two areas is underway.
The road runs from Kahara, Bhalessa to Jai in Bhaderwah and then through Malanu, Gugara.It also passes through Malanu.Gugara is in the Bhalessa region.Gandoh Chinta Road is an alternative to Bhaderwah.Gowari Khaljugasar road (another parallel project) will open the doors of the UT to the rest the world.
Bhalessa can now be viewed as a base camp for mountaineers who are aiming to reach the Great Himalayas.
The stunning landscape is dotted with mustard and wheat crops, as well as streams that flow down from the mountains.They then meet the Chenab river at the horizon.
Gujjar men and Bakkarwal are often seen in the meadows leading goat, sheep and mountain buffalo flocks.They sell milk, cheese and ghee in the summer, as well as being involved in traditional beekeeping, handloom weaving and blanket-making, as well cattle rearing.
People from Bhalessa have a surprising number of options for participation in politics, sports, education and civil services.It is a small community that has been respected for their peace and interfaith harmony.
Tourism is no longer synonymous with large-scale wonderland.The simplicity and intimacy of small-town living is what people are looking for.These places have a unique USP: there are fewer distractions and the birds chirping, the ivy blurred, and a connection with nature.Bhaderwah as well as Bhalessa were hiding in plain sight.
Now that we’ve discovered the fairytale world of J&K our fantasies are complete.
dpb/ #Paradise #rediscovered
