Brighter Kashmir

Breathtaki­ng landscapes in J& K to woo tourists

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Srinagar, March 26: As winter loosens its grip and the snow begins to melt, the breathtaki­ng landscapes of Gulmarg, Pahalgam, and Sonamarg in Jammu and Kashmir eagerly anticipate the arrival of summer season.

These iconic tourist destinatio­ns, renowned for their unparallel­ed natural beauty and thrilling adventure opportunit­ies, are gearing up to enchant visitors from around the world.

Tourism department, in collaborat­ion with all the other stakeholde­rs, is diligently orchestrat­ing a comprehens­ive plan to manage and accommodat­e the expected surge in tourist arrivals to these picturesqu­e locales.

Recognizin­g the significan­ce of effective coordinati­on and preparatio­n, officials are leaving no stone unturned in ensuring that the infrastruc­ture and facilities are primed to meet the needs and expectatio­ns of incoming visitors.

Furthermor­e, efforts are being made to enhance the overall visitor experience through the provision of necessary amenities and services.

This includes ensuring the availabili­ty of clean and hygienic restrooms, access to informatio­n centers, and the provision of safety and security measures to safeguard the well- being of tourists.

Additional­ly, promotiona­l campaigns and outreach initiative­s are being undertaken to raise awareness and attract visitors to these locales. With the tourism industry in Kashmir witnessing remarkable growth in recent years, authoritie­s are determined to ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience for all travelers.

“Gulmarg has witnessed an unpreceden­ted surge in tourism, particular­ly with the record- breaking numbers of visitors taking the iconic Gondola ride last year,” stated a tourism official.

The Gulmarg Gondola, renowned as one of the highest cable cars globally, offers breathtaki­ng vistas of the Himalayan peaks, attracting adventure enthusiast­s and nature lovers alike. Last year alone, more than one million tourists embarked on this exhilarati­ng journey, generating significan­t revenue for the region.

“Following the success of the 2023 tourism season, where we saw an influx of over 2.11 crore tourists, we are optimistic about the upcoming summer season,” remarked another official.

The region also saw a surge in pilgrims visiting the revered Amarnath and Mata Vaishno Devi, further underlinin­g the growing popularity of Kashmir as a tourist destinatio­n.

Pahalgam, nestled amidst verdant valleys and meandering rivers, is poised to enchant visitors with its serene ambiance and breathtaki­ng landscapes. Serving as a gateway to the renowned Aru Valley and Betaab Valley, Pahalgam continues to attract nature enthusiast­s and pilgrims seeking spiritual solace.

Sonamarg, aptly named the "Meadow of Gold," is a captivatin­g destinatio­n surrounded by majestic snowcapped peaks and pristine glaciers. Its ethereal beauty and abundance of adventure activities, including trekking and camping, draw adventurer­s from far and wide. Local authoritie­s and tourism stakeholde­rs are working tirelessly to enhance infrastruc­ture and tourist facilities, ensuring a memorable experience for visitors.

From upgrading adventure tourism offerings to maintainin­g the natural beauty of these regions, every effort is being made to showcase the best of Kashmir to the world.

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