A hidden gem in Jammu and Kashmir’s Doda district, Bhal-Padri, is finally stepping into the tourism spotlight thanks to its new road connectivity.
Discovering Bhal-Padri: Doda’s New Hotspot
Nestled at an elevation of 11,000 feet, Bhal-Padri is a breathtaking high-altitude meadow that has remained largely unexplored until now. It sits just 10 kilometers from Padri, a well-known tourist point on the Bhaderwah-Chamba interstate road.
The Doda region itself is often dubbed ‘mini-Kashmir’ due to its stunning scenic beauty, and Bhal-Padri promises to be a significant addition to its attractions.
Boosting Tourism with a Debut Festival
To celebrate its new accessibility and invite visitors, Bhal-Padri is gearing up to host its very first tourism festival this month. Scheduled for July 20, the event is a collaborative effort by the Doda district administration and the Jammu and Kashmir Tourism department.
Officials hope this festival will significantly boost tourist footfall, introducing more people to the region’s untouched beauty.
A Paradise of Flowers and Adventure
This sprawling 11-kilometer meadow was previously inaccessible, making it a haven for locals, tribals, and botanists who cherished its unique and diverse flora. Deputy Commissioner Harvinder Singh highlighted its potential, calling it a “breathtaking valley of flowers” poised to become J&K’s next major tourist hotspot.
Adventure tour operators are particularly excited about Bhal-Padri. Mehran Ganai, an adventure tour operator, describes it as a “Himalayan marvel” with all the natural elements to attract a wide range of visitors, from adventure seekers to flower enthusiasts. The landscape, water bodies, and especially the multi-colored wild flowers are said to have a mesmerizing effect.
Improved Connectivity Paves the Way
The recent construction of a road directly connecting Bhal-Padri has made it easily accessible from Padri Top. Deputy Commissioner Harvinder Singh also mentioned plans for an alternate connectivity route from Gandoh in the near future, further opening up the area.
This improved infrastructure is expected to be a game-changer for regional tourism.
Economic Hope and Cultural Showcase
The local community is highly optimistic about Bhal-Padri’s emergence as a tourist destination. Ayub Zargar, chairman of the Education Environmental Social Sports and Cultural Society of Bhalessa, expressed gratitude to the authorities, believing it will pave the way for economic upliftment in the area.
The inaugural festival is also seen as a crucial opportunity to showcase the unique local culture and foster brotherhood among different communities, presenting the true essence of Bhal-Padri to the outside world.
- Bhal-Padri, a high-altitude meadow in Doda, J&K, is now accessible by road.
- It will host its first tourism festival on July 20 to attract visitors.
- The area is known for its diverse flora and potential for adventure tourism.
- New road connectivity is expected to boost local economy and tourism.
This new development marks a significant step towards unlocking the tourism potential of Doda’s unexplored territories.
