Today, we’ll look at the magnificent and uncharted town of Bhaderwah, which is nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas in Jammu and Kashmir’s Doda region. You may name the town ‘Mini Kashmir,’ as it is only 80 kilometers from this area called Batote and 205 kilometers from the capital of Jammu. The town is stunning, with several magnificent meadows, undiscovered valleys, gleaming water bodies, mountainous terrains, and a diverse range of flora and animals.
Why named Bhaderwah? Can you guess what it is? ‘Nagon ki Bhoomi,’ or ‘Snake Land.’ It is the preferred habitat for many different snake species. At an elevation of 1613 m, it is a mesmerizing sight in Jammu. This place welcomes tourists with open arms to experience all of its beauty, whether you are on a colorful holiday or simply in the mood for some adventure.
How to Get to Bhaderwah
By Air: The nearest airport to Bhaderwah in the Jammu Airport. Direct flights from Delhi, Bhaderwah, Srinagar, and Leh are available on Air India, SpiceJet, GoAir, and Jet Lite. After that, you may take a bus or a private cab from Jammu Airport to Bhaderwah.
By Rail: Have you ever heard of Jammu Tawi? It is the most significant railhead for Bhaderwah, located 206 kilometers distant in Jammu. It is connected to all major towns in India, and Udhampur is another railhead for Bhaderwah, which is 120 kilometers distant. It offers trains that link Delhi, Ahmadabad, and Allahabad.
By Road: Despite steep inclines and hairpin turns, an all-weather road connects Bhaderwah to Jammu. The route is separated into four large sections: Jammu to Udhampur (64 km on NH 1A), Udhampur to Batote (55 km on NH 1A), Batote to Pul Doda (48.5 km on NH 1B), and Pul Doda to Bhaderwah (48.5 km on NH 1B) (29 km).
It takes around 7 hours to go from Jammu to Bhaderwah by ordinary or luxury bus. However, it takes 5 to 6 hours via Udhampur. On the route, you’ll pass through tourist hotspots, including Batote and Patnitop.
Also Read, 7 Best Places To Visit In Jammu
Best Time to Visit Bhaderwah
You will enjoy your visit to Bhaderwah all year because the climate is nearly always pleasant and comfortable. However, you will have a fantastic time from March to November. Be prepared for loads of sparkling white snow caressing your feet from November to April.
Now, let’s get to the tourist attractions that make Bhaderwah in Kashmir even more fascinating!
Chinta Valley
Chinta Valley is surrounded by thick coniferous trees on all sides and is formed by the Chenab river’s flow. It is located at 6500 feet above sea level. The Chinta Nallah runs through the region, providing numerous picturesque locations such as Thuba, which lies close over the Chinta Nallah and is the highest point dividing Chinta Nallah and Bhaderwah. From Baggan to Thuba, horseback riding is available, and it is a fantastic experience. An old temple dedicated to Lord Shiva may also be seen in the area.
A route leads to the Subarnag mountain, on top of which lies the Subarnag Temple at an elevation of 10200 feet, 6 kilometers before Chinta Valley on the Chinta-Bhaderwah road. From here, one can see all of the valleys as well as the entire town of Bhaderwah. It’s a magnificent sight, with its winding hills and rich green surroundings.
Padri
Imagine experiencing severe snowfall that reaches a depth of 5 m and lasts until mid-June. Padri, which is about 40 kilometers from Bhaderwah, has a height of 10500 feet. It is located on Chamba road and provides perfect picnic destinations that you will remember for a lifetime. This meadow has a wonderful green palette from a mild green shade to all soothing green color kinds!
Padri’s broad and gentle undulating scenery makes it a popular picnic place. The calming green tones all around, from the wonderful light green hue of the grass to the dark green of the trees, make for a stunning meadow. This meadow is ideal for walking and horseback riding and offers a refreshing experience. The location also offers various adventure activities such as skiing in the winter and paragliding in the summer. The tranquillity of the meadow is disturbed every July when thousands of Mani – Mahesh Yatra pilgrims pass through here on their way to their destination.
Gupt Ganga Temple
The Gupt Ganga Temple is a significant old religious temple in Bhaderwah. The temple is devoted to Lord Shiva, and it is said that the shrine was built on the site where the Pandavas spent a few days during their exile in Bhaderwah. The imprint of Bhim, the second Pandava brother, may be seen on one of the temple’s rocks. The temple is built entirely of stone slabs and is located on the bank of the Neru River. In fact, the temple’s dome is built of round stones as well. River Ganga is called Gupt Ganga since the tradition has it that it suddenly falls on the Shiv lingam and then vanishes.
Jai Valley
The captivating Jai Valley is located 32 kilometers from Bhaderwah. The valley is surrounded by massive coniferous trees on all sides, with the Bhalessa Valley to the east approximately 46 kilometers away and connected to Jai Valley by the Jai-Bhalessa Road, which also encloses the lovely hunting grounds of Bachdhar. The rivulet Jai Nallah bisects the valley before combining with Kalgoni Nallah, which generates fierce waterfalls, posing a challenge to adventurers who want to put their rock climbing skills to the test.
The valley is also home to a diverse range of plant and animal species. It is well-known for the wild herbs that thrive here, such as Digitalis Purea, Aconitum, Podophyllum, etc. Furthermore, there is lots of available lodging in this area. Horseback riding, hiking, and other sports are available here.
Seoj Meadow
The beautiful Seoj Meadow location is also known as the “Crown of Bhaderwah.” The valley is a work of art, bound to the west by a raging torrent that flows down from the evergreen mountains of Kailash Kund and surrounds to the east by wide undulating meadows.
The meadow of Seoj is a one-of-a-kind and unrivaled paradise that replicates the beautiful beauty of Pahalgam through its environment across the river.
If you cast your gaze over the river, the sensual Pahalgam will enchant you, while the meadows on the eastern side will enchant you. When it comes to meadows, the western side displays the beautiful water of the Seoj Meadow, which flows into the Ramnagar regions of the Udhampur district. Another fascinating aspect is that Seoj Dhar is the unrequited camping place for many yatris on the renowned Kailash Yatra who descend from Bhaderwah.
As a result, we may speak to Bhaderwah as the crown that is the pride of Jammu and the Seoj Meadow as the dazzling diamond within it.
Bhal Padri
Bhal Padri, located 4 kilometers to the northeastern edge of the Padri area, is yet another beautiful valley with numerous small valleys and hundreds of fast-flowing rivulets and milky white, meandering streams running through it. This is an undiscovered location that is a fascinating site that is unspoiled by tourists.
Also Read, The Golden City of India, Jaisalmer…
Satringal
Why not put on your hiking boots and explore the Bhaderwah valley’s southernmost path? What distinguishes Sartingal from the competition? The dazzling sunlight, along with the refreshing breezes from Kailash, the Ashapati Hills, and the neighboring forests, makes the home wonderful. The valley is made up of melodic streams set against mountains covered in beautiful green woods. While the tourists happily soak in the beauty of the surroundings, you will feel deeply connected with nature. Starting for the win!
Bhaderwah is a magnificent sight with its wide undulating meadows, dense forest cover, and fresh and roaring rivers. This location is popular for both a relaxing vacation and a variety of adventurous activities. There are many more sites that will blow your mind.
