Overview
People who love the calmness and are close to nature, here is their day-to-day. Today’s topic is Bhaderwah, also known as the ” Switzerland of India “ As soon as you enter the periphery of district Doda you start feeling the difference in climate, scenic beauty, and fresh air. Moreover, in the morning you can hear the chirping of birds, the calm fresh breeze blowing and the mind-thrilling sound of the river ‘Neeru’ passing through it, even sometimes you can notice fog coming out of the bunch of trees, the scene that has a soothing sensation. We feel like we have entered a world of calmness and eternal joy.
Bhaderwahi is the main language spoken in this area. It is famous for its Rajma beans, the Local Rice of a particular area known as Kelar, Kesar, Kundi, and Walnuts. Moreover, Bhaderwah is situated at 1613 meters above sea level and is known to be one of the most breathtaking regions in Jammu and is located in the foothills of The Himalayas in District Doda in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. Local marriages and folk dances of this area are worth seeing.
The people of this area are humble and cooperative. They welcome all the tourists with open arms. These people are mostly farmers and are connected to the ground. They are simple in nature and sober in character.
11-Top Places To Visit In Bhaderwah
1. Padri
Moreover, if from Bhaderwah town we move 40kms on Chamba road, we will reach the destination. This place is situated at an altitude of 10500ft above sea level. This place is one of the coldest places in Bhaderwah. Over the years this area has turned into a famous tourist spot. Surrounded by forests from all sides, it proves itself a cool destination for tourists from hotter places all over the world. This region receives one of the heaviest snowfalls in the winter season ranging from 5 to 10 meters. A transportation facility is available but any residential facility is not available there. Either you can visit the place during day time or you can carry your tents if you want to have a night’s stay there.
2. Jai Valley
This tourist spot is about 32 km from Bhaderwah. This area is surrounded by Coniferous trees from all sides. This spot is famous for its sports activities like horse riding, trekking, and mountain climbing. This spot is also famous for different types of herbs that have great medicinal value. The availability of accommodation is plentiful here. J&K Tourism Department has constructed igloo-shaped huts for tourists. Moreover, private players have also made tents for night stays. They charge Rs.500 to Rs. 1000 per tent for a night.
3. Chinta Valley
This place is about 6500ft above sea level. This area is another Epitome of Bhaderwah’s beauty. This place has many beautiful spots including’ Thuba ‘ which is the highest point separating Chinta from Bhaderwah. The famous temple of Subar Nag, a local deity, is another famous place in this area that tourists like to visit. From this point, you can visualize the entire town of Bhaderwah. It seems to be a magical sight if you see the whole town from this point.
4. Fish Pond In Gatha
Gatha Pond is nearly 3kms from Bhaderwah town. Firstly You will find a fish pond and a beautiful park at this spot, secondly, its beauty is added many folds because the river Neeru flows along its boundaries. You can enjoy a boat ride in the pond also. The blooming colorful flowers add to the beauty of this place. There is a tourist resort right in the center of the park. The resort here is not a big one but is a beautiful and clean place to stay for some days. (BDA) Bhaderwah has developed this resort. You can enjoy the beauty of this place as rented accommodation is easily available here.
5. Gupt Ganga
This place is famous for an ancient Shiva temple on the river Neeru’s bank. This spot lies nearly 1km away from Bhaderwah town. Moreover, the presence of Neeru near the temple makes it unforgettable and this beautiful sight is soothing to the mind, eyes, and soul. It is believed that Pandavas stayed at this place for a few days during their exile and moved towards Kashmir after that. Transportation and availability of accommodation are in plenty at this spot also.
6. Seoz Dhar
This spot is ideal for those people who love adventures. Along with the scenic beauty you can enjoy all sorts of adventures here. At this place, you can witness snow up to 6 to 7ft even during June and July. No transportation is available to this spot. One is expected to move on foot to enjoy the beauty of this place. There are a no. of lush green open areas that you will come across while moving toward this place. You can camp in those areas if you have got tents with you. You can enjoy the beauty of nature to the fullest extent if you have accordingly arranged for the tour. It is a steep slope that one is expected to climb to have a full view of the area by reaching the top.
7. Khellani Top
This spot is also very famous. A large no. of people visit this place also. The main source of attraction for tourists is a hut made of a tree. This place is nearly 17 km from Bhaderwah town. When one moves from Bhaderwah town towards Jammu, after covering a distance of 3kms a small town namely Senai comes. There is a diversion of road. One of the roads will take you to Jammu and the other to Khellani Top. You can enjoy your supper there as there is a good restaurant too. No such tourist hotel is available in this area. So, plan your trip to this area only during the day.
8. Gul Danda
Another marvelous place, where one can find the calmness of nature that will lead you to develop a calm mind. You can enjoy the architecture of nature here too. This spot is 33 km away from Bhaderwah town. Ice-clad mountains can be seen in some places even during June and July. No Tourist hotel is available here too whereas road connectivity is excellent.
9. Sarthal
If you continue moving on Gul Danda road, after covering a distance of about 25 km, you are going to reach Heaven on Earth. To me, this is the best spot to visit. A transportation facility is available here. You can stay here because of the availability of hotels in this area. Moreover, the climate of this place, the scenic beauty, and the fresh food are going to have an impact on your thoughts forever. I recommend each of my readers to visit this spot at least once during their lifetime and I am sure, this place will force you to come here again and again. This area is famous for its pure cheese, khoa, pure milk, and, Kalari.
10. Tensana
This place is little known to tourists but has the potential to attract many tourists. You can start your journey from Bhaderwah in the morning and return in the evening to your hotel after visualizing another small heaven in this area. From Bhalla, the diversion of the road will lead you to your destination. Tensana is about 15-16 Km from Bhalla. It will take nearly one hour to drive to reach Tensana. After reaching there you have to cover about 800 meters on foot to reach the famous Ganesh Jee Temple which is situated amidst dense forests. The beauty of this place is beyond the limit of words.
If you want to visit another famous Temple in this area you have to cover a distance of another 1.5 Km on foot to reach the famous Khellu Mata Temple. The locals believe that whoever visits these Temples, his/her desires are fulfilled by the mighty God.
11. Bhaderwah Fort
This is a Famous Fort in Bhaderwah and was constructed by Maharaja Pahar Chand in Bhaderwah. It is just 3 km away from the main city of Bhaderwah. It was converted into a prison for freedom fighters in 1919. Now, it has been declared a heritage site by the Development Authority of Bhaderwah. Inside the Fort, a famous Temple of Goddess Bhaderkalli was built which attracts the devotees in large numbers. The beauty of the Fort and the presence of the Temple inside the Fort makes it a unique experience.
Best Time To Visit Bhaderwah
Moreover, the best time to visit Bhaderwah is the Summer Season because people who are fed up with the scorching heat may visit this area, and it’s sure that they will feel relief from the heat and will find themselves rejoiced in the company of Nature.
People fond of witnessing snowfall can visit in the Winter Season to get the live experience of snowfall. Moreover, you can visit the place in any season.
Best Hotels In Bhaderwah
To me, the Hotels constructed by the Tourism Department are the best. Every kind of facility is available in these Hotels. Some of the private Hotels can be considered according to their affordability and availability.
What Is Bhaderwah Famous For?
Bhaderwah is famous for its beauty and the friendly nature of locals. The edible famous items are Rajma Beans, Kundi, Sarson Ka Saag with Makki Ki Roti, Kundi, Kasrod, Anardana, Saffron, etc. Moreover, when other parts of India are under heat, one can visit Bhaderwah to soothe and relax.
What Is The Other Name Of Bhaderwah Fort?
The other name of Bhaderwah Fort is Ratnagarh Fort. This Fort is connected to our history and is an important place, as far as our History is concerned.
Which Language Is Spoken Is Bhaderwah?
Most people speak Bhaderwahi in Bhaderwah. Most of them are even capable of speaking Kashmiri, Hindi, and Dogri. As Bhaderwah is a highly educated area, some people are also capable of communicating in English.
How To Reach Bhaderwah?
The first station to visit Bhaderwah is Jammu. You can reach Jammu by using various modes of transportation. Mean to say that it depends upon from which city or country you belong. From Jammu you can reach Bhaderwah by following the route:
a. Jammu to Udhampur – 65km using NH1A
b. Udhampur to Batote – 55km NH1A
c. Batote to Doda – 51km NH1B
d. Doda to Bhaderwah – 30km
It will take you nearly 5-6 hours to reach Bhaderwah from Jammu via road.
Map Showing Route From Jammu To Bhaderwah
I hope you will enjoy reading this article. Stay connected to read more such articles. Till then Bye!
