MASROOR AHMAD
BUDGAM: Doodhpathri, a popular tourist destination in central Kashmir’s Budgam district, has seen a record-breaking number of tourists in the last four months, with nearly two lakh people visiting the place.
Doodhpathri comprises two words – Doodh means milk, due to clear crystal water of Shaliganga River, and Pathri means meadows. So it is the milky meadow tourist destination. This hill station located in the Khansahib Tehsil of the Budgam, situated at an altitude of 2,730 metres (8,960 ft) from sea level, it is located at a distance of 42 km summer capital, Srinagar, and 30 km from district headquarters, Budgam.
The place is becoming a winter as well as summer tourist destination, a group of tourists from Maharashtra told the STATE TIMES that, “They reached Srinagar two days ago and first we chose this place to visit because we had heard a lot about Doodhpathri which is now most attraction and it has become the most favourite place”.
Regarding connectivity and ATM facility issues, a tourist Sandiya said that “lack of internet connection is not a big problem as we come here to enjoy and see the natural beauty, if we find ourselves surfing the internet. If you keep me busy, then what is the fun of our tour? Yes, there should be an ATM and calling facility for emergencies”.
According to officials, “to attract more tourists to the meadow, all weather friendly tourist huts have been established at different locations in Doodhpathri for local tourists and national or foreigners with all kind of facilities like washrooms with 24 hours water facility, dining hall and fully furnished bedrooms”.
“There is to be done to attract more tourist ,for which the Doodhpathri Development Authority is taking every step that will help make the destination more attractive , eg starting an initiative to establish an overnight tent colony. It was done which was liked by the viewers”, added officials.
According to official figures from January 2023 to moth of June 822,138 tourist have arrived this period to Doodhpathri. The highest number of tourists was recorded at 450,854 in June. However during the first week of July more than 1.25 lakh tourist arrived here.
