Hemani Kandhari
Panchari wonder of nature, a village in Udhampur district has became a new tourist spot. The picturesque hill station is situated at an altitude of 5900 feet and located 40 kilometers from the district headquarters Udhampur and 90 t0 95 kilometers from Jammu city. Panchari village is well connected by road by NH 44. The nearest railway station to Panchari are Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra Railway Station and Udhampur Railway Station located at a distance of 57 kilometers and 40 kilometers respectively.
The hill destination is fully covered with the Banj Oak and a deodar forest locally called Dayari. The forest hut located on the top has its own history. It was constructed during Maharaja’s time. The hut is an attraction for the visitors. The hut itself tells its history, the signatures and remarks on the visitor’s book dating back to 1935 tells about the cooling and soothing effects of Panchari refreshing and cool climate. It is the amazing place for who is trying to escape from the scorching summers of the plains.
Earlier the lone hut was the only stay in Panchari but after the implementation of Prime Minister Development Programme PMDP by Ministry of Tourism MOT, Govt. of India there is a tremendous growth in the area. The mountain huts on the slope of the hill have an breathtaking view of mountain range. for welcoming the tourist a tourist reception centre at Kainth Gali is under preparation which will facilitate the tourist and provide them sufficient information about the area.
The devotionally inclined tourist who want visit the holy places there, the Shankri Devta is one of the oldest historical temple in the area which is spiritual place at Panchari.
The temple is situated on a hillock in village Meer of block Panchari in a scenic spot which is surrounded by Meadows, lofty mountains and lush green forest. The district administration organises the Shankri Devta Mela in the month of September every year.
The rich folk music/ dance / other art and culture traditions of Panchari are wonders to enjoy. The agro and farm tourism to make young generation aware of various agricultural/ farm activities like visit to farms, milking of cows, preparation of butter, watching of water mills, Atta Chakkis, spinning of handloom on old handlooms, sheep rearing etc are being arranged for the experience of the tourist.
To get opportunity to purchase local authentic art and craft pieces as a memory pieces, a local Bazar namely “Saada Bazar – Saadi Birasat” has been established.
The upcoming huts are going to transform Panchari into a base camp for trekking expenditure, adventure camps and outdoor quotient of the place an d its adjoining area. The location has a mesmerizing view the cloud covers the area within seconds and the beauty of pine is bewitching sight. A leisurely stay in the huts and walk into the deep forest with a pleasant atmosphere envelops a visitor with serenity. The apple and walnut orchards, the thickest of wild pomegranates blooming in the oak woodlands.
The different variety of Flora and fauna encompassing from the region of Sanasar, Nathatop , Patnitop, Sudhmahadev and Mantalai. The Greenery and the cleanliness of the area is the beauty of this place. Clean fresh water strams and the greeny bushes making it more senioritis approach.
The Panchari in winters receives mild snowfall due to which the village become no less than a white wonders to visit. during winters the tourist village is a place to play and enjoy number of games and activities. the view of the village covered with mild snow is quite mesmerizing and a source of pleasure for all of the tourist visiting there.
The shopkeepers and farmer are very sweet expecting a good tourism boost for the area. The tourism project has already gave a boost to the tourism of the Panchari. Many school and colleges taking their students for picnic and educational tour to explode the untouched part of Panchari village. The locals are very happy with the outcome and the increased tourism of the village. Already the Black Morels, Guchchi which is very famous vegetable in the north zone of India are worth the weight in gold. The Guchchi has many medicinal values in it also used by many medicinal firms.
(The writer is student of Jammu University, Department of Journalism and Media Studies).
