Manmeet Motan, Mandeep Singh Azad
At times when life is running at a pace of bullet train, I often wonder what is the best way to keep us going in these hectic times of work and family. You need a balance between work and peace of mind and for this we need to travel to places where we could find peace of mind. More than 450 million domestic tourists every year visit different parts of the country which helps in better understanding of the people living in different parts of the country.
Those who visit different parts of the country have a better knowledge of the different cultural diversity of India. It generates or encourages feeling among people for preservation of monuments and heritage properties and helps for the survival and refinement of art, music, crafts and culture. A segment of tourism industry is eco-tourism, where travellers not only discover new experiences, but do so with utmost respect for the environment and understanding the needs of the people local to the area so that their quality of life can also be improved. It also involves learning about the history, traditions, culture of the place and preserving historical landmarks and biodiversity. Local communities, especially those that do not thrive by industrial means, benefit greatly from tourists who respect their lands while providing additional funding. Tourism in Jammu and Kashmir has a wider impact on other economic sectors through both backward and forward linkages such as on agriculture, horticulture, handicrafts, transport, construction, etc. It also leads to additional income generation, generation of employment and poverty eradication. Rajtaringini the chronology of the Kashmir Kings written by Kalhana praises the beauty of Jammu Kashmir as follows: “Kasmira Parvati Paroksh; Tat Swami ch Maheswara”. Meaning Jammu Kashmir is as beautiful as Goddess Parvati manifest; and its owner is Lord Shiva Himself”. And the Mughal Emperor exclaimed “Gar Firdous Bar-ru-e-Zamin Ast; Hamin Asto, Hamin Asto, Hamin Ast”. Meaning if there is paradise on this earth: This is it, this is it, and this is it. Jammu and Kashmir union territory of India, located in the northern part of the Indian subcontinent in the vicinity of the Karakoram and western most Himalayan Mountain ranges. Also known as, “paradise on earth” because of its unmatchable scenic beauty, attractive landscapes and is one among the most important tourist destinations of the world.
If you fancy waking up to the rushing of waterfalls then the wonders of Dudu Basantgarh are waiting for you. The beautiful place has some of the best places to visit for discerning travellers.Dudu Basangarh are Landlocked valleys situated at an altitude of 5500 ft above sea level having thick cover of lush green forests surrounding these twin valleys of Dudu and Basantgarh. Dudu Basantgarh Valleys falls in District Udhampur in Jammu region of union territory of Jammu and Kahmir. These valleys of Dudu Basantgarh are least explored and one of the most beautiful valleys in this region. The complete circut connecting valleys of Dudu Basantgarh has many other place to explore enroute as well. Dudu, also known as Parla Dudu, has breathtaking natural beauty. Dudu attracts Vasuki Naag Jee devotees. Dudu is the official starting point for the annual Baskund Yatra, which takes place every year in August-September and attracts thousands of devotees from all over the district of Udhampur. There is also a waterfall on the bank of the river Tawi, about 400 metres away from Vasuki Naag’s Temple. Tehsil Headquarters Basantgarh is a beautiful village located approximately 101 kilometres from Ramnagar and 126 kilometres from Chenani. Basantgarh and its surrounding areas, including Punara, Khaned, Loudhra, Rai Chak Kadwah, Berli, Lalaon, Chochru Galla, and many other beautiful but unexplored sites, have a vital scope for adventure tourism, ecotourism, and winter sports.
Nestled in the lush hills of Jammu, Dudu Basantgarh showcases the serene beauty and rich cultural heritage of the region. Hidden in nature, this charming destination is becoming a popular spot for travelers looking for peace and excitement. With stunning landscapes and a pleasant climate, Dudu Basantgarh provides a peaceful escape from city life. Tourists can explore lush forests and meandering roads, enjoying picturesque views of hills and valleys that create unforgettable memories. But Dudu Basantgarh offers more than just scenic beauty; it is also a historical treasure trove. Dudu Basantgarh is not just visually appealing; it holds a rich history and culture that is ripe for exploration. This area boasts ancient temples, each with their own myths and legends, providing pilgrims and history buffs a peek into Jammu’s spiritual legacy. Dudu Basantgarh is the perfect destination for thrill-seekers. Whether you fancy hiking through challenging terrain or spending a night under the stars, there are endless opportunities for adventure. The natural beauty of the area will captivate nature enthusiasts, with a wide variety of plants and animals to discover. Keep your eyes peeled for rare birds and elusive wildlife – they only add to the magic of this unforgettable experience.
Tourism Development:
Over the past few years, there have been initiatives to improve Dudu Basantgarh’s tourism facilities, including the creation of places to stay, dining options, and activities for visitors to enjoy a pleasant and unforgettable experience. Despite these enhancements, the town’s natural beauty and traditional charm continue to be its main appeal, attracting tourists in search of a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Improvements in Infrastructure: Lately, there has been a strong emphasis on enhancing the town’s infrastructure to cater to the requirements of tourists. This involves the building and upgrading of roads, bridges, and pathways to make it easier for people to reach popular attractions and picturesque spots. Moreover, steps have been taken to enhance transportation services, like timely bus services or enhancing public transport routes, to guarantee convenient travel for tourists in Dudu Basantgarh and nearby areas.
Eco-Tourism Initiatives: Dudu Basantgarh is committed to supporting eco-tourism and responsible travel practices to protect the environment. They have implemented waste management systems, recycling programs, and efforts to reduce plastic usage and littering in tourist spots. Local guides now lead eco-tours and nature walks to educate visitors about the area’s biodiversity and ecological importance, promoting a deeper connection to and respect for nature.
Cultural Preservation: There have been many initiatives to protect and celebrate the vibrant cultural history of Dudu Basantgarh. The restoration and upkeep of historical sites, temples, and monuments are key in preserving their importance and longevity. Educational materials, guided tours, and cultural festivities are being arranged to enlighten guests about the area’s history, traditions, and practices, encouraging a greater understanding and respect for the cultural legacy of the region. Despite all odds, there is tremendous scope of adventure tourism and winter sports at Basantgarh and its surrounding locations like Punara, Khaned, Loundhra, Barli, Kadwah, Lalaon, Chochru gali. Dudu, with an ancient temple of Vasuki Naag, is a beautiful valley with potential for religious tourism.
Biodiversity: Dudu Basantgarh area is also known for its rich biodiversity, with diverse flora and fauna thriving in its ecosystem. Birdwatchers can delight in the sight of vibrant avian species flitting among the treetops, while nature enthusiasts may encounter elusive wildlife such as Himalayan black bears, leopards, and deer during their explorations.
In 2023, Jammu and Kashmir became a global tourism hub, welcoming 2.02 crore tourists and over 50 thousand foreign visitors. Government is working for developing Jammu as a tourist hub to attract more tourist at par with Kashmir. This can be done only by popularizing the hidden gems like Dudu Basantgarh and making them tourist friendly for the tourist to enjoy the time spend in these places. Adequate tourist infrastructure should be developed at all the places so that the tourists come freely and local people get benefitted. Government should make efforts to divert tourists visiting Kashmir and pilgrim tourists’ worshiping at Mata Vaishno Devi and Shri Amarnath shrine to other areas enriched with tourism potential including parts of Udhampur, Doda, Bhaderwah. For this, not only the Government but the local people are also required to play their role. The people should also construct small hotels and guest houses for accommodation of tourists to facilitate their stay in the tourist destinations. The State Government should focus on the development of the area in a big way because massive tourism development in the area will not only increase local economy but will also help vastly in transforming socio economic condition of the people of the region by creating job opportunities for the unemployed youth. So this summer plan to visit Dudu Basantgarh and explore this beautiful place.
(The authors are SDM Dudu Basantgarh, and Scientist SKUAST-Jammu)
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