Shiv Kumar Padha
The entire Jammu and Kashmir Union Territory is bestowed with the enormous beauty in the shape of snow clad mountains with blanket of forests, verdures, green meadows, springs of crystal clear water, rattling brooks, big lakes and the white water rivers by the bountiful nature. Kashmir region has been accredited as a heaven on the earth by the Mugal emperror Shahjehan which is also known as Switzerland of Asia. It will not be an exaggeration if we call Basohli an ideal tourist destination in Jammu region.
There was a time when Lakhanpur was considered as the only gate way to Jammu and Kashmir but after the completion of Atal Setu over RSD, Basohli being situated at the confluence of three states, J&K UT, Punjab and Himachal pardesh, has emerged as the legitimate gateway to J&K. Atal Setu at Basohli, joining these states with J&K UT, is the only entrance which throws open the gates of world of tourism located in Jammu region in general and Basohli Bani areas in particular because these areas have got the potential of offering multidimensional tourism opportunities for the tourists of the varied tastes and temperaments. Atal Setu over river Ravi, now RSD, resembles with the one Golden Gates bridge of California, USA with the difference the former is built over 600 m wide stretch of RSD lake at Basohl, while the later over one mile wide and three miles long channel between San Francisco bay and the pacific ocean, USA. Like the Golden Gates, Atal Setu is also counted among the wonders in terms of design and technology globally. Due to its unique structure and technology, it has become a tourist destination in itself because thousands of the tourists from different states especially the students throng Basohli in order to have first-hand knowledge and information about the design of the bridge.
The moment tourists place their first step on the threshold of Basohli, the gateway of Jammu and Kashmir, whole tourism world from Basohli and Bani, is unveiled. The entire region is rich in natural, historic, religious and adventurous tourism. The terrain of Basohli Bani is an ideal for the trekking and mountaineering expeditions. The mountains are covered with thick blanket of forests, whereas, the peaks clad with snow, from where small brooks and the rivulets emanate producing the rattling sound which entertain the auditory senses and lull the tourists to sleep. The cascades of water, stair like farms, waterfalls and rich flora n fauna are enough to capture the attention of the visitors.
Basohli tehsil has many tourist places and spots which can cater the different tastes and likings of the tourists. The 88 sq. km water reservoir of RSD passing below the famous Atal Setu has got ample scope for water tourism, water sports, boating, surf riding, para sailing, boat racing and floating restaurants. The world famous Basohli miniature paintings, Pashmina shawls, the wonder of the Basohli palaces and the lake beach, which resembles with Goa, are the attractions available at Basohli. The entire region from Basohli to Bani is gifted with beauty by the mother nature. Besides traditional tourism, Bani Basohli have got ample scope for number of adventure tourism for the tourists.
Bestowed with natural beauty and climatic variations, whole Bani tehsil is considered as a unique geographical entity. Entire Bani tehsil is hilly which abounds in sights rich in natural beauty. Places such as Sarthal, Lowang, Bani town, Dhagar, Chala-Dhar, Banjal, Rolka, Jaurian Mata and a terrain extending from Sarthal to Kailash are worth mentioning as rich in tourist potential. Ever green tall waiving deodar trees, forests of cheel and padtal, crystal clear water, streams and brooks, springs and cascades, snow clad mountains, green pastures, vast stretches of water and snow and the verdure enhance the beauty of Bani.
- Water tourism in Ranjeet Sagar Dam
The Basohli Bani Development Authority, a nodal agency for the tourism development in the area has constructed the jetties from where the tourists enjoy the motor boat rides and trips. A good number of the tourists enjoy the motor boat ride in the RSD Lake bearing the life jackets for the safety. The entire area adjoining Basohli town is rich in multidimensional tourist potential. Town as well as the entire tehsil has got as many tourist spots as can capture the attention of the tourists. The new and the old historical temples of Mahan Dera, Shiv temple, Fort shrine of Mata Chanchlo,Sheetla and Mahakali temples, world famous Basohli miniature paintings, pashmina shawls, the wonder of the Basohli palaces and the lake beach of Purthu, resembling with one in Goa are the main attractions for the tourists at Basohli. A good number of the tourists camp at the beautiful beach and enjoy the nature in the real setting, organize bonfire and campfire programs during the whole nights, where the tourists enjoy dancing on the tunes of the DJs. The water all around the lake and especially at the beach is blue, crystal clear producing the ripples tossing the shores which are sending invitation to the tourists. Apart from water tourism, fort shrine of Mata ChanchloDevi is a beautiful tourist spot. The location of the fort, its height in comparison to its surrounding adds to its beauty and makes it one of the most charming, beautiful and worth visiting tourist spot in the Jammu region . From the view point at the fort shrine, the tourists can have bird’s eye view of the whole area below spreading up to dozens of miles in all directions. One can have full view of the 88 sq. km vast stretch of RSD water at one glance. The steamers and the boats transporting passengers and other material from either sides of the lake present a beautiful and charismatic view to the visitors. The night view due the reflection of the city lights in the lake waters resembles with the view of Dal Lake as seen from the ShankerAcharya temple in Srinagar.
The upcoming Water Sports centre at Basohli
Lakes of India in general and that of Jammu and Kashmir in particular are not only significant geographically, but have major tourist attraction. The vast 88 sq. km crystal clear fresh water RSD of Basohli situated amidst Shivalik hills are some of the popular and panoramic lakes The vast RSD is one of the largest fresh water lakes of the country which has been formed as a result of ponding of the RSD. The lake is situated at the border of Jammu and Kashmir and has got ample scope for water tourism and water sports in the state, where its development can add one more feather in the cap of tourism industry of Jammu and Kashmir in future.
With the proper training and guidance given at the right age, J&K will have National & International paddlers in the coming time and RSD is an ideal water front for hosting national and international water sports competitions in the future. Keeping in mind the accommodating potential for all the water sport events such as Kayaking, Canoeing, Dragon boat, Canoe polo and rowing for trainings and competitions, the government of J&K has sanctioned one Water Sports centre at Basohli, where construction of the centre has already begun with the foundation stone laid by LG. Sh. Manoj Sinha. Due to its location, it will facilitate large number of local population to take water sports and excel at the national and international level. The centre will promote water sports specially Rowing, Kayaking and Canoeing, which has high medal winning capacity. The Sports centre will facilitate players for high performance coaching at all levels. The water sports centre will attract youth towards the water sports and keep them away from drug addiction. As per the study, the water sports centre will provide facilities like. Boosting the Basohli tourism can enhance the opportunities of employment, number of the tourists and the income to the exchequer of the UT.
