Page 39 - Seniorstoday March 2022 Issue
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is a recent inclusion in the Jammu Kashmir The extreme northern part of the Kashmir
tourist map - the reason that the place is not valley in Kupwara lies the beautiful Lolab
overcrowded with tourists. Valley – Land of Love & Beauty. The Lolab
Valley is home to many ancient springs, and
WATLAB (Wular Lake) – LOLAB VALLEY is covered with dense forests of pine and
According to some, this part of the valley fir. Fruit trees such as apple, cherry, peach,
is absolutely the real Kashmir. Watlab is apricot and walnut are common in the valley,
situated close to Sopore - Bandipore – just which is known as ‘the fruit bowl of Jammu
an hour & half drive away. The hinterland and Kashmir’. The valley has several natural
of the valley unfolds in front of you as you landmarks and tourist spots, such as the
come across paddy fields. Apart from the caves of Kalaroos and one of the main places is
untamed beauty and the panoramic scenes Chandigam – an absolutely must visit. Thick
of one of the largest fresh water lake in Asia pine and fir forests form a significant part of
- Wular, Watlab in Kashmir is famous for its the surrounding mountains. There are small
hilltop Muslim shrine. The shrine was built in lakes and pristine meadows nestled within
the memory of Baba Shukurddin, a Muslim the mountains and hills. Numerous springs
mystic. The stunning Mt. Harmukh (highest and nameless waterfalls come down these
peak in the valley) can clearly be seen from mountains. And beyond the horizon you can
here. see the snow-capped Pir Panjal ranges. Lolab
The views from the meadow are stunning Valley is untouched and pristine. Tourism
and with extensive marshes of emergent infrastructure unfortunately is still very basic
and floating vegetation, particularly water here – call it a boon or a bane!!!
chestnut, provide an important source of
revenue for the State Government and fodder GUREZ
for domestic livestock. Apart from the Jehlum Ultimate adventure destination to the north
River, which traverses the lake, there are four of Kashmir, Gurez, is a gateway to the famous
smaller rivers which feed the lake. The lake silk route across central Asia. The pyramid
supports an important fishing industry and shaped peak named after famous Kashmiri
is a valuable source of water for irrigation poetess Habba Khatoon is most fascinating
and domestic use. The area is important for peak of Kashmir. The emperor Yousuf Shah
wintering, staging and breeding birds and Chak who is said to be a Dard from Gilgit
is a Ramsar site. A very important place for entered into Kashmir through Gurez. It is
migratory birds visiting from as far as Siberia. believed that when emperor was imprisoned
by the King Akbar, his beloved Habba
Khafton used to wander near the peak to look
for her lover.
Due to its strategic location and the
proximity to the Line of Control, Gurez has
not come into the limelight. The day tourism
infrastructure becomes available, mark my
words, Gurez will become one of the most
important and sought after destinations
of Kashmir. For those who have been to
SENIORS TODAY | ISSUE #33 | MARCH 2022 39
