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Winter Getaway: Lesser Known Places To Visit In Jammu & Kashmir

Winter Getaway: Lesser Known Places To Visit In Jammu & Kashmir
Aharbal Falls Shutterstock
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Beautiful lakes, green meadows, snow-capped peaks, and the heavenly kahwa. Jammu and Kashmir is rightly known as 'Paradise on Earth'. Here's a look at some breathtaking off-the-beaten-track places you can visit on your next trip

Sakshi Tickoo
December 10 , 2022
03 Min Read

Srinagar, Pahalgam, Sonmarg, etc are places that are well- known. However, paradise is not restricted to these breathtakingly lovely locations. These six unique places are equally stunning and vying for your attention.

Aharbal Falls

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Aharbal Falls, which gushes down and falls melodiously in isolation, is a hidden gem. Also known as the Kashmiri Niagara Falls, Aharbal is located in Kulgam district's Noorabad region. It is situated in an alpine valley surrounded by pine and fir trees on the Vishav River, a tributary of the Jhelum. Aharbal is easily accessible from Srinagar, and it takes around two hours to go there by vehicle or bus through Shopian. A different path to Aharbal will take you through Kulgam.

Astanmarg

Flanked by a few tiny towns, Astanmarg is a meadow atop the Zabarwan mountains. You climb up the hill on a narrow, steep road until you reach the point where the road terminates, giving you an incredible view of Srinagar and Dal Lake. If you are an adventure seeker, you can go paragliding in Astanmarg. This place is located around 10 kilometres from Shalimar Bagh, 13 kilometres from Nishat Bagh and Dal Lake, and approximately 25 kilometres from Lal Chowk in Srinagar.

Machhedi

Machhedi is 35 kilometres from the town of Billawar in the district of Kathua. Surrounded by stunning mountain ranges, it is reminiscent of one of Kashmir's most prestigious picnic destinations. It has a moderate climate throughout the year. The location is notable for its lovely summers and chilly winters. The majestic pines, deodars, walnut and pear trees, and diverse flora add to the area's allure. 

Dehra Ki Gali

Located in Rajouri district at 6,600 feet within the Pir Panjal range, the valley is charming with a lush green cover, colourful flowers, and small wooden huts where you can have a cup of kahwa. The Pir Panjal pass connects the districts of Poonch and Rajouri. This destination sees snowfall through the winter months and boasts a dense plant cover that delights and draws many.

Suchetgarh

The state tourism department has established Suchetgarh border post as a tourist destination. On the other side of the border is a magnificent banyan tree that is said to be more than 100 years old. This area has two incredible wetlands, Gharana and Abdullian, where thousands of indigenous and migratory birds converge during the winter. Located 28 kilometres from the centre of Jammu, you can get to Suchetgarh via the road from Jammu to Nai Basti-Gulabgarh. It follows the railroad line set up before 1947, and several ancient structures may be viewed along the way. 

Sarthal Valley

This undiscovered heaven is nestled amidst stunning mountains and rivers shimmering in the sunlight. Its natural splendour has earned it the moniker "Mini- Kashmir". A location rich in surprises, the valley sheltered within Jammu's Kathua district is home to several waterfalls and streams. You can even witness seven waterfalls in one place.

Chatpal

Chatpal, surrounded by the mountains of southern Kashmir, is dotted with unending stretches of dense woods, natural streams, and wildflowers. Take leisurely walks, chat with the Gujjar- Bakerwal people over cups of kahwa, and observe herds of sheep grazing freely in huge, open meadows. During the high winter season, you may even organise a ski excursion to this remote hamlet. 


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