BADERWAH: According to officials, more than 1.5 lakh visitors traveled to Bhaderwah in Jammu and Kashmir’s Doda district in May while the northern plains endured scorching heat waves and record-breaking temperatures.
Numerous water bodies that flow through Bhaderwah and come from the Ashapati and Kailash glaciers, including as the Neel Ganga River, Haloni, Puneja, Thanhala, Halyan, and Sharekhi, have been drawing large numbers of tourists, they claimed.
“Traditionally, this time of the year always remains conducive for tourism as after board exams, visitors start thronging hill stations. Bhaderwah has emerged as a favourite destination among them,” said Bal Krishan, CEO of Bhaderwah Development Authority (BDA).
“Bhaderwah is fast emerging as the favourite destination in Jammu province. This year we have received more than 5 lakh tourists so far while a record 1.5 lakh tourists visited Bhaderwah in May,” he added.
Set amidst the Himalayan ranges, the picturesque Bhaderwah valley is also known as “mini Kashmir”. The Padri and Guldanda meadows are some of the most sought-after tourist destinations.
“We came here to camp at Jaie Meadow to escape the unbearable heat wave in Jammu. A dip in the refreshingly cool and crystal clear Neel Ganga River made our trip memorable,” Rohan Verma, a tourist said.
The arrival of tourists has brought cheer to the tour operators, hoteliers and others associated with the tourism industry.
“After Guldanda attracted a record number of visitors during winters, Bhaderwah, with its water bodies, has now emerged as a favourite destination,” said Manish Kotwal, a leading Hotelier in Bhaderwah