Excelsior Correspondent
BHADERWAH, May 17: Local economy of Bhaderwah which was experiencing continuous slump since COVID-19 pandemic has all of a sudden received a much required boost as visitors are visiting here in large numbers to experience the beauty of snow clad meadows and peaks.
The May snowfall which has resulted in spreading a white carpet on green meadows during this period of the year has brought the Guldanda meadow and Chattergalla pass to life with rush of tourists.
The twin meadows located 35 km north-east of Bhaderwah town on Bhaderwah-Pathankot national highway have given all tourist stake holders including small time vendors, cab operators, hoteliers and guesthouse owners a reason to smile as the flow of visitors has brought charm to the tourism industry.
“We came to pay obeisance at Mata Vaishno Devi in Katra and thereafter our plan was to visit Kashmir but the tour operator suggested us to visit Bhaderwah as Jammu-Srinagar highway was closed,” said Santosh Jangam, a tourist from Mumbai adding: “We decided to give it a try and believe me our visit to this beautiful Valley was a good decision.”
Another tourist claimed that he was fortunate and lucky to be at Guldanda as the place has extraordinary beauty.
“In search of a virgin destination for our honeymoon we reached Bhaderwah valley and are much satisfied on finding more than expected charm here,” said Sunny Kumar from Patna.
“Since last month we are doing good business at Guldanda,” said Mohd Yusaf Wani, a local tea vendor at Guldanda.
“I have been serving local cuisine like wild ferns, Makki Ki Roti, Sheer Chai and white butter to the tourists and they love it. My son and wife help me to meet the rush of visitors at our Desi Cahi Tea Stall which we have established in makeshift tented accommodation at Thanthera,” said Shabir Ahmed, 53, of village Basti.
“Last few months were best for tourism industry as Bhaderwah valley witnessed record number of tourist arrivals during this period,” said Vishesh Paul Mahajan, DC Doda.
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