The beauty of Jammu and Kashmir beyond valley

Main bazaar of Bhaderwah; Seri Bazaar

The Jammu and Kashmir is mainly linked with Kashmir and its unprecedented beauty. There are various books and extensive media coverage given to Kashmir. Even though Kashmir has endured tumultuous times the tourism industry in Kashmir has always been on rise. Their are people from all over India in the Kashmir during the summer season. It is also the reason that colloquially Jammu and Kashmir is also known as Kashmir only and many people doesn't know about Jammu and  Kashmir beyond the valley. The treasure of beauty of nature is hold in many place of Jammu and Kashmir. Due to Kashmir centre politics of the state government and the biased media these places are not much developed but they are adequate. Bhaderwah is one such place which has serene and green environment and now government tapping its potential after so many years. Bhaderwah can be a economic boon for the state if our government continues its development throughout year and not only in the election days. The plausibility of making it a alternate destination for the tourist going to valley is contemplated for years but has been revolving in files till now. It is already famous for the adventure sports and a hot spot for para gliders. The thing is Bhaderwah is a great place to go and view the sheer amount of nature and to feel oneness but irony is reaching there is not difficult but it do takes some hassle. The only way you can reach Bhaderwah is by road which is in dilapidated condition. The nearest airport is in Jammu which is 186 Km from t Bhaderwah city.

Chinote mata mandir Bhaderwah

Also this place has religious values too; this is the first stop of Machail Mata yatra which is also known Chhadi Yatra. This is a religious journey which starts in Chinote in Bhaderwah. Thakur kulveer Singh which is also from Bhaderwah started this journey and it starts in August every year. Thakur ji started this yatra in 1989 from Bhaderwah to Machail Mata Shrine in Kishtwar. The shrine is located in the Machail village and thus got its name. Their is a famous story that Zorwar Singh Khaluria the general of Raja Gulab Singh take the blessings of Machail mata and then crossed the suru river with his force of 5000 strong men to conquer Ladakh. Gulabgarh is the base camp of the Yatra and from here the foot journey starts. The Machail from here is about 23kms and all journey is on foot. Bhaderwah is a very nice place but if you want to explore more you can go to Kishtwar via Doda. These places are also picturesque. The only caveat is that the road is in very bad conditions and driving here is a difficult task. Their are also others places to go in Jammu and Kashmir aside from Kashmir, one of those is jammu. If you can bare heat this is a great place and completely different from Kashmir. I have already explained this in my previous articles. These places are completely free from insurgent activities and there is not even a single trace of fear among the tourist whichever I have met. These places are completely like jammu and they are friendly to the tourist. Rajouri and Poonch is also very picturesque destination in nammJ and Kashmir. The famous Mughal road starts from Rajouri and ends in shopian in Kashmir valley. Poonch has already been a holy destination due to the presence of Bhuda Amarnath Shrine which is one of the most holiest shrine in India. It is also said that Amarnath Yatra cannot be completed if piligrims does not pay visit to Bhudda Amarnath. So indeed jammu and Kashmir has lot to offer aside from Kashmir and everybody who is coming to Jammu and Kashmir is welcomed with a open heart.