If there is a paradisiacal hilly resort in the Jammu region, it is Bhadarwah in Doda district. Its natural beauty is enchanting, which has been the envy of the rulers in the past. Rajatarangini makes its mention as Bhadravakash, that is, a good resting place. That was the description of this place between 1112 and 1128. According to the more recent history, a scion of the ruling Billowaria family of the adjoining region of Billawar (presently a tehsil of Kathua district) is said to have founded Bhadarwah in the 15th cenutry.
According to the more recent history, a scion of the ruling Billowaria family of the adjoining region of Billawar (presently a tehsil of Kathua district) is said to have founded Bhadarwah in the 15th cenutry. Its rule had changed hands many times (it was also once part of the Chamba State, which is now a district of Himachal Pradesh) till Maharaja Gulab Singh had wrested its control in 1846. In the beginning of the Dogra regime, it was administered by the military. Such was its natural splendour, however, that soon the kings themselves had taken fancy to the place. Maharaja Pratap Singh bestowed it as a jagir to Raja Amar Singh with all powers of administration, development and revenue collection. It had remained his personal domain till his death in 1911.
HANGA NOORI VALLEY
A place 10 Km. away from Bhaderwah town amidst the thick black forests of deodar, is a fine picturesque spot situated on the bank of Hanga Nallah characterize by crystal water flowing with murmuring rhythms that makes the ambience musical. The place came to lime light when in the 80’s Hindi Film ‘Noorie’ was pasteurized at this place and first time the beauty and culture of Bhaderwah was depicted in its fine glory to world outside.
This place is suitable for camping and attracting the adventure lovers who intend to spend 2/3 nights in wilderness enjoying an unexplored flora and fauna.
CHINTA VALLEY
Is a picturesque valley located at a height of 6,500 feet, has thick coniferous forests on all sides and Chinta nallah flowing through it. Many scenic spots are situated around this place.
One such place is known as Thuba, which is situated across Chinta nallah. Horse ride from Baggan to Thuba is enjoyable.
Thuba is the highest point which separates the Chinta valley from Bhadarwah. This place also has ancient temple of Lord Shiva .
JAI VALLEY
Jai the Everlasting Green Valley lies on the North East of Bhadarwah town about 32 Kms. away connected to the town by beautiful Bhadarwah-Jai Link Road.
The Valley runs in kilometers bisected by the rivulet called Jai Nallah flowing towards the Thathri Tehsil Headquarters where it merges into Kalgoni Nallah which has mighty waterfalls and rocks which pose challenge to expert rock climbers.
The Jai nallah is popular for Trout Fish Culture.
PADRI
Padri is a “Gali” of undulating landscape, located 40 kms. from Bhadarwah on Bhadarwah Chamba road, at a height of 10,500 feet. It is the highest point on Bhadarwah-Chamba road.
It experiences heavy snow fall upto 5 metres and snow-melting continues right upto mid June. It is one of the most sought after picnic spot even now, and with the opening of interstate bus service between Bhadarwah and Chamba, its importance will increase. The gentle curves and slopes of hills beset with lushgreen carpet of grass comes as surprise.
SEOJ
If Gulmarg and Pahalgam are jewels of “Paradise ” on earth, Seoj Meadow is diamond in the crown of Bhadarwah, pride of Jammu region. The amazing beauty is found in plenty. On the south is the sacred Kailash Kund , surrounded by snow-capped mountains. On way to Kailash Kund, there is unique landscape at Shankh Paddar. The meadow of Seoj is flanked by a beautiful river on its west which emanates from hills surrounding Kailash Kund.
The landscape across the river is replica of the beauty of Pahalgam whereas on the eastern side there are long stretches of grasslands.
SARTHAL
Sarthal is one of the most popular places of the Kishtwar district. Located at a distance of 24 km from Kishtwar town, it is famous for Ashta Bhuja Temple.
There are several picnic spots in Saarthal like junwas, bandwaan, sumzaa, agral, ghaan. Every year, Zagroo, culture festival is celebrated where chakri dance is performed.
It is a beautiful meadow situated at a height of 7000 ft which remains covered with snow for six monhs. The virgin and beauty of the area casts a fascinating spell to any visitor.
LAL DRAMAN
Lal Draman offers a variety of beautiful landscapes, unique mosaic culture, extremely soothing and pleasant summer, numerous spots of scenic splendor and snow winter. It is about 25 kilometer from heart of the Doda city.
This is one of the best and beautiful places in Jammu and Kashmir with a view of Bhaderwah valley, and Patni top with green lawns, flower beds with the panorama of lake in the middle of the resort.
Lal Draman remained a favorite place for political leaders including late Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah.
BHADERWAH FORT
Bhadarwah always had a great potential of a popular tourist destination but due to lack of infrastructure it could not convert potential into reality.
But after the efforts of Mr Gulam Nabi Azad, Bhadarwah is being developed into a model tourist destination.
Bhadarwah Development Authority set up by Govt of J & K is acting as a nodal agency to bring Bhadarwah into the tourist map of the country.
DURGA MAA DARSHAN
Durga meaning “the inaccessible” or “the invincible”; durga) is a popular fierce form of the Hindu Goddess or Devi. She is depicted with multiple (variously, up to eighteen) arms, carrying various weapons and riding a ferocious lion or tiger. She is often pictured as battling or slaying demons, particularly Mahishasura, the buffalo demon.
Her triumph as Mahishasura Mardini, Slayer of the buffalo Demon is a central episode of the scripture Devi Mahatmya. Her victory is celebrated annually in the festivals of Navaratri and Durga Puja.
SUBAR NAAG TEMPLE
In the month of April on 12th or 13th, every year, a grand mela is held at Subar Dhar in honour of Subar Nag in which thousands of Bhaderwahis pay obeisance. Subar Dhar is a beautiful mountain surrounded by thick forests and covered with a natural carpet of green grass aout 9000 feet from the sea level. Dhar in Bhderwahi language means hill and Subar is for Subar Nag or Shesh Nag.Subar Dhar is spread over a large area comprising Chinta, Bhalra, Bedota, Chiralla and other adjoining villages.
A new temple has been constructed there now. This temple situated amidst of thick coniferous forest is visible from Thubba village.
NAGNI MATA TEMPLE
The holy temple of Nagni Mata is situated in Ilaqa Manthla, Malani. It is about six kilometers on foot and ten kilometers by motor road from the town of Bhadarwah. The main festival is celebrated on first day of the month of Basakh. Thousands of pilgrims and devotees assemble there to pay the obesence to Nagni Mata. Hawan, Kirtan and Bhajans are performed through out the day with full devotion.
Langer is arranged by the local residents of Illaqa Manthala.
A stream of clear cold water flows from beneath the sacred temple.
VASUKI NAAG TEMPLE
Vasuki Nag Temple is one of the oldest temples located in Bhaderwah. The history of this temple dates back to the 11th century. The name Vasuki comes from a word in Sanskrit which means serpent. Vasuki, according to the Hindu mythology, is the King of ‘nagas’ or snakes and has a Nagmani or gem on his head.
The temple enshrines an ancient statue of Vasuki Nag which has been carved out of a single stone. A special prayer is organised here annually just before the beginning of the Kailash Yatra.
LAXMI NARAYAN MANDIR
The Lakshmi Narayan temple is one of the famous temples of Bhadarwah. This temple was built by a resident of Sarolbagh and Prime Minister of Maharaja Hari Singh Wazir Sobha Ram. This temple was built about a century back.
There is a big inn by the side of this splendid temple. In this temple very beautiful statues of Lord Vishnu & Goddess Laxmi made of white marbel were installed.There are many statues of different gods and goddess kept in small almirahs on the outer walls of the temple and a small path round the temple for the devotees who come to pay obeisance to Lord Vishnu & Goddess Laxmi.
JAMIA MASJID
The Jamia Masjid is one of the most imposing of constructions in the town of Bhadarwah.It consists of central building with two halls and side rooms and four lofty minarets at the four corners.
The workmanship of its architectural quality can easily compose with the similar structures in rest of India. The present Jamia Masjid has a history of its own.
There was a jamia Masjid standing about fifty yards below the present one, built on the bank of the mountain stream that flows nearby.
BHADERWAH FESTIVAL
This is a totally unique festival which is celebrated only in the villages – especially hilly villages of Bhaderwah. This festivals starts from Raksha Bandan and ends on the full moon day of November . These ‘Jatrans’ are celebrated villagewise or in some case two/three villages celebrate on same day. This starts on day one in one village, then on the second day in another village, on the third day in some other village and so on till all the villages are covered.
Then on the other day in village Sartingal, followed by village Linga, village manthla, village Kondra, village Chinta and so on.
BHALLESSA VALLEY
Bhalessa has a potential to offer the tourists a variety of beautiful landscapes, colourful local fairs, important festivals with festive mood and unique mosaic culture, extremely soothing and pleasant summer (18 degrees to 32 degrees), snowy winter with numerous spots of scenic glory.
Moreover, all the places of tourist-interests are at a knee length.
A full and majestic view of Bhalessa valley with snow-capped mountains can make a visitor wonder struck and amazed during all seasons.
MELA PATT
Raja Nagpal first initiated this Mela in 16th century as the ruler of, the then small principality of Bhaderkashi. It is now known as Bhaderwah. Every year the Mela Patt is organized here after the end of the ‘Kalash Yatra’ and people of all castes, colours and creeds participate and witness the occasion.
The fair goes on for three days every year. People belonging to all castes including Hindus and Muslims celebrate the three-day fair with much festivity and joy.From far and near, rich and poor, young and old, kith and kin and friend and foes come to take part in the celebrations.
SUNBAIN GLACIER
Just six kilometers away from sojourn point Haiyen to Kailash Lake, again is charisma of nature as entire Sunbain area, also known as Aashapatti amazingly remains snow bound through out the year.
Locked by mountains the bowl like area remains buried under snow through out the year with glaciers.
Both Seoz Dhar and Sunbain present breathtaking sights of natural beauty and have the potential of being developed into tourist resorts.
Sources told NAK that there is no motorable road to reach Sunbain and Seouz Dhar resulting into under-development of the mountain-locked area.
GUPT GANGA
Gupt Ganga Temple is an important ancient religious shrine of the Bhaderwah region. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and it is believed that the shrine have been positioned in the same place where the Pandavas spent a few days in Bhaderwah during their exile days. Even one of the rocks at the temple has the footprint of Bhim, the 2nd Pandava brother.
The temple is located on the bank of Neru River and made up of purely stone slab. Indeed, the dome of the temple is also made of stones in circular shape. According to legend, River Ganga suddenly falls on the Shiv lingam and then disappeared and this is why it is known as Gupt Ganga.
KAILASH YATRA
It gives us divine pleasure in facilitating the pilgrimage of the all-faithful “Shiv-Bhakts” to the Mother of all “Tirtha Sthaan” – Kailash Manas Sarovar.
Mount Kailash is one of the world’s most sacred spots.
To experience its spiritual energy you must go there but with the right intention in mind.
The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, is a pilgrimage and the intent should be to visit it for peace.
FISH POND
The Bhaderwah Tourism Development Authority (BTDA) has built another picnic spot at Gatha Bhaderwah called Fish Pond in short span of two years.
It is 1.0 Km. away from heart of the city. The one of the best and beautiful place in Northern India with the view of Kailash, and Asha Pati Glaciers.