Border destinations in the Kupwara and Bandipora districts are becoming highly sought-after, offering serene landscapes and rare, up-close glimpses of the border regions, thanks to a sustained ceasefire agreement and improved security, previously out-of-bounds border villages along the Line of Control (LoC) in Kashmir are transforming into booming tourist hotspots.
Travelers seeking to escape intense summer heat and crowded traditional circuits are now exploring these pristine, offbeat destinations, said officials confirming flocking of huge number of tourists to many such places which remained untouched for many years due to volatile situation. Gurez is currently the most favourite place for the tourists, who visit this destination in numbers to explore a variety of landscapes.
With Kashmir’s prime destination overcrowded by tourists, visitors are heading towards border areas to explore the LoC tourism of the valley, these places are becoming a natural choice for the tourists who are no more apprehensive of security situation, he added.
Kashmir till mid-May has received more than a million tourists due to which majority of the destinations in Kashmir are overcrowded by tourists. The hotels and other accommodations too are occupied and booked for the coming month.As such many tourists are heading towards the peripheries of Kashmir to explore the border tourism of Kashmir, which has come into focus for the last few years.
From Gurez to Keran, Uri and Tangdhar, footfall of tourists is increasing in these border areas, where tourists enjoy the serene setting and virgin beauty.“Gurez has recently opened for tourists after winter break. We have been receiving a good number of tourists for the last few years. This year so far the footfall to this place has been encouraging,” said Ghulam Nabi Khan, a local service provider.
Similarly, North Kashmir’s Keran and Tangdhar areas too receive a good number of tourists. “A lot of homestays have come up in Keran. Tourists from different states of India come here and enjoy the hospitality of the people. This place offers a breathtaking experience to the tourists, who want to explore the border areas of Kashmir,” said Feroz Ahmad Khan, a local.
Uri, which has lately come into focus for its beautiful landscapes, also receives a good number of tourists this season. “This place is very less crowded and tourists come here for off-roading. They visit the Kaman post and other areas of Uri to explore its natural beauty. Meanwhile, the government too has launched a blitzkrieg to promote the border and offbeat destination of Jammu and Kashmir.
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