Directorate of Tourism Jammu unveils exciting adventure tourism opportunities

STATE TIMES NEWS

JAMMU: The Directorate of Tourism Jammu, in a press conference here on Friday, unveiled a plethora of adventure tourism opportunities in the Jammu region.
Vivekanand Rai, Director of Tourism Jammu, while talking to reporters, emphasized the region’s vast potential as a hub for adventure tourism, offering an exciting array of activities aimed at captivating tourists, especially the youth.
He further added that, the Tourism Department has been proactively working to enrich adventure tourism offerings.
Extensive consultations with experts have resulted in a comprehensive feasibility report, with a focus on expanding adventure activities with minimal investment, he said adding that these endeavours are geared towards creating employment opportunities and engaging the youth in the thriving tourism sector.
Sunaina Sharma Mehta, Joint Director of Tourism, shared that the Directorate of Tourism, Jammu, in collaboration with the Indian Kayaking & Canoeing Association (IKCA) and Jammu Adventure Sports Association (JASA), has conducted water surveys across all districts of Jammu Division.
These surveys have yielded valuable recommendations, pinpointing specific locations for activities like paragliding at Aitham, Dhanwa and Billo ki Paudi, Mokhri and water based activities in Locations like Jammu (Kattal – Battal) offer activities such as Shikara rides, flatwater rafting, kayaking, and more, she said.
She added Surinsar and Mansar Lake (Samba) opportunities for flat water kayaking, family rafting, paddle boat rides, and stand-up paddleboard rentals.
Doda (Prem Nagar-Doda) offers commercial white water rafting tours, white water kayaking, canoe slalom development, and stand-up paddleboard tours, she said adding that the Bhagliar Dam backwaters in Ramban present the chance to engage in canoe sprint, flatwater kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, jet boat tours, and in the serene surroundings of Pathwal, you can indulge in peaceful paddle boating and the delightful experience of water zorbing.
Meanwhile, Shiv Mandir – Karara/Kundal provides heart-pounding adventures with commercial white water rafting, kayaking, and extreme kayak events. For a more tranquil experience, Sanasar Lake beckons with serene Shikara rides, water zorbing, and paddle boating, she said.
In Reasi (Chenab), adventurous spirits can engage in rafting, canoeing, and more. Baradari and Serli Pond (Katra) offers a peaceful spot for paddle boating and water rafting while Udhampur (Dalsar Lake) allows for serene paddle boating and water zorbing. In Poonch(From Buffliaz town to Poonch)seek an adrenaline rush with thrilling rafting, kayaking, and paddle boarding adventures, while the Rajouri region (Tawi from Rajouri to Hidayatpura) boasts exciting rafting, kayaking, and paddle boarding in the running water
Mehta further added that reconnaissance activities have been completed for hosting international paragliders on a FAM tour and paragliding event in Jammu. These paragliders will provide recommendations after their trials. Additionally, the introduction of paddle boating at Gatha has received a positive response.
The Directorate of Tourism, Jammu, plans to conduct a Paragliding Professional Training Course in Arunachal Pradesh, and 38 new trekking routes have been identified to enhance adventure tourism offerings in the region.
The press conference also saw the presence of Abdul Jabbar, Deputy Director of Tourism (P&A), and Sugandi Banotra, AD Tourism Jammu.
The Directorate of Tourism, Jammu, is fully committed to expanding adventure tourism offerings to cater to the diverse interests of visitors. The department will soon invite expressions of interest from trekking experts to further enrich the adventure tourism experience.