21/04/2025
Meeting with Stakeholders in Civil Secretariat Jammu on 18th April 2025 under Your Worthy Chairmanship – Submission by TTTAB on Development of Tourism Sector in Jammu Province
Respected Sir,
Greetings from the Tourism Travel Trade Association Bhaderwah (TTTAB).
With reference to the meeting scheduled on 18th April 2025 at the Civil Secretariat Jammu under your esteemed chairmanship, and in connection with the presentation on tourism development activities in Jammu Province by the Tourism Department, we would like to humbly submit the following points for your kind consideration:
1. Bhaderwah – Crown of Tourism in Jammu Province
Bhaderwah is undoubtedly the No. 1 tourist destination in Jammu Province, and arguably the second most liked destination in J&K after the Kashmir Valley. The region boasts of fresh air, natural sweet water springs, snow-clad mountains, lush green meadows, gushing rivers, waterfalls, and the densest forest cover in J&K, known locally as the Black Forest. It is a pristine natural treasure with immense potential for sustainable tourism.
2. Basic Amenities and Public Infrastructure
While Bhaderwah has developed a variety of accommodations — from homestays to upcoming 5-star properties — a major concern remains the lack of basic public amenities such as:
Toilets and sanitation facilities
Sheltered rest areas
Waste management systems
Eco-system preservation
Tourists often express dissatisfaction in these areas. While we try to reassure them, the absence of consistent government intervention and budget allocation makes it difficult to deliver improvement. As an example, local stakeholders even assisted Bhaderwah Development Authority by contributing thousands of carry bags, which were meant to be replenished using nominal charges from tourists — but that initiative faded due to lack of continuity and support.
3. Development of Offbeat Destinations
New travel trends show tourists are seeking unexplored and authentic experiences. The Chenab region, including Bhaderwah, Doda, and Kishtwar, has vast untapped potential. Key areas for development include:
Bal Padri, Seoj Dhar, Kailash Kund, Phukal Dhar, Behiyal, Dev Chatar 1 & 2, Shikri, Naghar Top, Kellar Valley
Noori Hanga Cliffhanger road (Paddar), Hot Water Springs, Famber Valley, Warwan, Mahu-Mangat, and others
These regions deserve focused infrastructure development to be opened for responsible tourism.
4. Trekking Routes
The region offers tremendous trekking potential, from single-day hikes to 15-night expeditions. Some notable treks include:
Padri to Jai via Kanthi Dhar
Kellar to Shikri via Naghar Top
Bhaderwah to Seoj
Padri to Chattergalla to Sharthal
Dessa to Anantnag
Warwan to Kargil, Warwan to Pahalgam
Chor Nag Lake treks from Margan Top
10 Lakes of Warwan, Famber to Sinthan Top
These trekking routes can be promoted nationally and internationally with basic trail-marking, homestay integration, and rescue/safety mechanisms.
5. Paragliding and Adventure Activities
Bhaderwah’s Padri Dhar hills offer excellent potential for paragliding — even claiming elevation comparable to Bir Billing. With proper launching and landing zones, training camps, and safety facilities, this can become North India’s premier paragliding hub.
Similarly, the untouched alpine lakes, such as Kailash Kund, could be developed with marked trails, guided tours, and eco-sensitive structures, transforming the area into a pilgrimage-meets-adventure destination.
6. Tourist Circuit Development
Bhaderwah sits at the confluence of multiple tourist circuits:
From Dalhousie via Chamba & Padri Pass
From Jammu via Katra, Patnitop, Sanasar
From Kashmir Valley via Sinthan Top
Tourists often stay 1–6 nights in Bhaderwah and visit places like Jai Valley, Gulli Danda, Chattargalla, Padri, Noori Hanga, Kellar Valley, Lal Draman, Bhalessa, Dessa Valley, and upper Kishtwar. Most of these are accessible within a 40 km radius except few, making Bhaderwah an ideal base for circuit tourism.
7. Pilgrimage Tourism
Known as Bhadrakashi or Dev Bhoomi, the region is rich in spiritual sites such as:
Gupta Ganga, Kailash Kund, Vasuki Nag, Machail Yatra Base, Munch Moror, and Chandi Mata Mandir
A formal Pilgrimage Circuit Plan will not only enhance spiritual tourism but also generate year-round employment for locals.
8. Preservation of Natural Water Resources
The depleting water levels in springs and rivers are alarming. Freshwater streams and springs, once abundant, are vanishing due to neglect. Immediate conservation plans are needed to protect these vital resources from encroachment, pollution, and mismanagement.
Final Submission:
We humbly urge that Bhaderwah and the broader Chenab Region be given due representation in the tourism development budget. The stakeholders from Bhaderwah have always been at the forefront — participating actively in all major tourism events across India and organizing FAM trips in collaboration with the department. Despite our efforts, we feel the Chenab Region continues to be overlooked in the official tourism narrative.
Unlike some promoted destinations in Jammu that struggle with extreme heat or limited natural appeal, Bhaderwah offers year-round scenic beauty, adventure, culture, snow, and spiritual richness. Areas like Gulli Danda, Margan Top, and Sinthan Top offer snow experiences well into late summer, a unique advantage that must be utilized.
We seek your support and the Department's backing to finally bring Bhaderwah and Chenab Valley into the mainstream tourism roadmap of Jammu & Kashmir.
Thanking you in anticipation.
With Best Wishes & Kind Regards,
Tariq Chowdhry– President
Tourism Travel Trade Assocation Bhaderwah (TTTAB)
Register Office – Jai Road, Bhaderwah, District Doda, Jammu & Kashmir 182222
Working office : - Magga Morh, Malnai, Doda Bhaderwah highway, Jammu & Kashmir 182201.
Mobile: +91 - 9018371077| E-mail: [email protected] | [email protected] |www.bhaderwahhotels.com
Follow us on - Instagram – ttta_bhaderwah
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