Prof Junaid Jazib
Come summers and the residents of Rajouri and its vicinage start budging in search of some cooler and breezy haven to escape the scorching heat of June. Fortunately the region, being situated at the foothills of the Pir Panjal range of mountains, is richly endowed with hill-station like localities to serve the purpose. These locations, even though set marvelously deep inside the mountain ambience, are not much far away from the lower hotter zones of the district either. Placed amidst the grassy mounds and blossoming undulations lies the area called Kotranka-the one of the such places which offer a great deal of respite and recreation to those coming here to avert the brunt and sizzles of the sweltering sun. Cradled by the mighty Pir Panjal in its cherished lap the hamlets of Kotranka lies to the east of Rajouri, about 40 kilometers from the district headquarters and is connected through a well maintained single lane road. The locale becomes an unusual attraction during summer months when school children from across the district and scores of natives and non-natives from Rajouri and its vicinity start tripping Kotranka and its conterminous sights for recreational purposes.
Gusts of cool and refreshing air offer gestural welcome as soon as one crosses Mandargala-the entry point to the miniature vale. On reaching Bakouri(another name preferred by the natives for Kotranka). The mini town, comprising of clustered shops and residential houses on the right bank of river Ans(a tributary of Chenab), also houses the administrative offices of various departments at tehsil and block level, a small hospital and a Higher secondary school. The tract remains cool and freshly throughout the summer months owing partly to the chilled water of Ans stream which originates from snow clad mountain expanse rendering it an ideal place for picnic and summer camping. The little market and its surroundings are almost pollution free and healthy. Kotranka can also be reached at through a road passing via Mahore area of district Reasi as also from Kalakote through Badhal-Khawas road besides the usual route taken from Rajouri through Palma, Rehan and Mandargala.
Relaxing in frosty air for some time persuades one to look around and search for even more beautiful and charming views. There are numerous other spots around in the area to mesmerize the nature lovers and the tourists. The picturesque Budhal valley, 10kms from here, serves as base camp for trekkers, transhumant, nomads, researchers, explorers and locals, travelers who opt arduous journey through Pir Panjal to reach Kashmir valley and higher reaches of the Himalayas. Phalni, a nearby locality on Kotranka-Budhal road, is famous for its trout fish farms. Klhad,Numbal, etc are some other eye-catching spots in Budhal famous for natural beauty.
The luxuriantly green Badhal Mahl, about 11kms from Kotranka, is yet another location characterized by the mesmerizing meadows and grassy plateaus. The arresting beauty of nature bestows the mahl (the vernacular word for an elevated and meadowy rangeland) with tremendous scope for the tourism industry provided proper projection and development of the area is undertaken. The connecting road passes through Peri Nar oak forest which was, until a decade or two ago a very thick jungle teeming with rich wildlife. Locals enthusiastically narrate the incidents of the time when one passing by could easily spot wild goats, leopards, jungle fowl, swine, jackals, bears, porcupines, macaque etc but now the thinned forest hardly supports any worth mentioning form of wildlife. The stunning view of Nanga Thub hillock makes it to be compared with the most popular tourist destinations of Kashmir. One feels on the top of the world reaching at the mount and enjoys the open views of far off places in all directions. The place is also famous for the final abode of a sufi saint Baji Mohammad Shafi and is visited throughout the year. State Tourism Department seems to have some plans for its development. A link road from Badhal Gali to the spot is under construction and though only a few kilometers of it has been completed since the inception of the work some two years ago, hope of its getting through sooner or later is alive among the locals.
Mobilizing the available resources is an effective tool to raise the living standard of a people. The rural and hilly regions of the state, owing to their geographic location, unique topography, stunning natural backdrop, splendid forests, salubrious environment, etc. have enough reasons to be brought on state’s tourist map. These areas require proper projection, planning and official patronage to appear and flourish as tourist centers. Encouraging and developing tourism in these rural setups not only speeds up the overall development of the hilly tracts but will also help bringing in the economic independence.
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