Beyond Vaishno Devi, Jammu’s other sites in the spotlight
In the aftermath of the Pahalgam attack, tourists and holiday-makers are turning their gaze towards Jammu’s lesser-known destinations. Scenic mountains in Kathua, Udhampur and Ramban are witnessing an uptick in footfall, emerging as sought-after spots beyond the traditional Vaishno Devi pilgrimage.
How to get there
- Basohli is directly connected with Dunera in Punjab through Atal Setu bridge. Bani area is accessible through a direct road from Basohli. Taxi and bus service is available on the route.
- To reach Panchari in Udhampur, Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH) can be used. Tourist spots in Ramban are located along the same NH.
The government’s Tourism department’s apathy and lethargy, over the decades, is well-known — beyond lip-service, nothing much ever happens. Lack of infrastructure, such as poor road conditions and dingy hotels little has kept picturesque destinations like Bani and Basohli in Kathua district, Panchari in Udhampur and Batote in Ramban district away from the reach of tourists.
Local tourists always loved these little gems of the Jammu region, even before the April 22 Pahalgam attack that claimed 26 lives. But since Pahalgam, a noticeable surge in visitors from Punjab and other regions is being witnessed. Patnitop and Bhaderwah, already known for their natural beauty, have grown significantly in popularity, emerging as top choices for travellers seeking scenic and secure alternatives.
Babu Ram Tandon, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Tourism Development Authority, Bani-Basohli, said due to pleasant climatic conditions even during peak summers in plains, the mountainous region of Bani is witnessing an uptick in tourist footfall. “Many tourists from Punjab and plain areas of Jammu region are visiting both Bani and Basohli areas. Sarthal has also become a favourite destination for the tourists in Kathua district,” said Tandon.
He admitted that facilities for lodging and adventure activities in Bani and Basohli are in the middling range today, but being upgraded at a rapid pace. Bani and Basohli in Kathua borders Chamba in Himachal Pradesh, because of which it also attracts visitors from the neighbouring state. Basohli offers a sprawling view of Ranjit Sagar dam as the area also shares its borders with Punjab. The banks of the reservoir lake at the dam have become a tourist destination.
Mudasar Ali, a social activist from the Bani area, said the region offers a mix of meadows and mountains with lush green areas. “If the government supports us, Bani and Basohli can become destinations at par with Kashmir valley. However the will to develop infrastructure is missing so far,” he said. Another hidden gem, Panchari in Udhampur district, so far a victim of the government’s apathy, is also sliding into the tourist’s eye. Accommodation is limited, but JKTDC huts that have been leased out to private players are a hit among visitors.
Jasbir Singh, District Development Council (DDC) member from Udhampur said that tourism in the area is increasing as the region offers a clean environment. “The community focuses on ecology, environment and economy thus giving an eco-tourism experience to the visitors,” said Singh.
He said while most of the tourists are from Jammu, a major chunk is from Punjab. There are two hotels and six to seven guest houses along with homestays in Panchari.
J & K