Babagail, a village located in Boniyar area of north Kashmir’s Baramulla district, is a hidden tourist destination waiting to be explored. The village is nestled amidst the verdant valleys of the Himalayas, and its picturesque beauty is second to none.
The village is known for its serene environment, rich cultural heritage, and breathtaking landscapes that attract tourists from all over the world.
Recently, the government of Jammu and Kashmir has allotted home stays in Babagail and announced it as a village for border tourism. This initiative has made the village accessible to more tourists and has opened up avenues for the locals to showcase their culture and traditions.
The village is situated in the Limber Budrali area of Boniyar, which is about 25 km from Baramulla. The route to the village passes through Sheeri, Nowsheri, Chahal, and Limber, and the road is macadamised up to Prinjal.
The journey is an adventure in itself as it takes you through scenic routes with beautiful landscapes and breathtaking views.
One of the main attractions of Babagail is the Vijji top, which is just a 2.5-hour trek from the village. The trek to Vijji top takes you through the unexplored Mithwain waterfall, which is a beautiful sight to behold. The trekking route is challenging but rewarding, and it takes you through dense forests, rocky terrain, and gurgling streams. The view from the top is a sight to behold as it offers a panoramic view of the entire valley.
Apart from the Vijji top, there are two other waterfalls in the village that are yet to be explored.
Rasgali Naigi, one of the famous waterfalls in the region, can be found in Babagail.
The village is also home to a wildlife sanctuary, Limber wildlife sanctuary which is a haven for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. The sanctuary is home to various species of animals like Markhor, musk deer, leopards, and black bears and dozens species of birds and butterflies.
Irfan Rasool Wani (IFS), Conservator of Forests for North Kashmir Circle, told Rising Kashmir that the natural beauty of Babagail and Limber is amazing and it features one of Kashmir’s largest and most stunning waterfalls.
“The area is a popular destination for trekkers from across the country,” he added.
Wani emphasized that the forest department prefers to avoid concrete structures, as they detract from the natural environment.
“Currently, only one forest department hut is present, and while tourists do visit the area for camping, the department is focused on promoting adventure and ecotourism in the region,” Wani added.
He said that the department plans to restart this process following the upcoming Eid festival.
Farhan Lone, a social activist from Babagail Boniyar, has been instrumental in promoting the village as a tourist destination.
He believes that Babagail has the potential to become a major tourist attraction, and with the government’s support, the village can thrive and create employment opportunities for the locals.
He said that Babagail is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. The village’s serene environment, breathtaking landscapes, and rich cultural heritage make it an ideal destination for tourists seeking a break from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Locals said that the area’s excellent roads and civic amenities could be transformative for its development.
Shakir Ahmed, a local resident, believes that the authorities must prioritize the progress of Babagail to establish it as a premier tourist destination in Baramulla district.
The government’s initiative to promote the village as a border tourism destination is a step in the right direction and will go a long way in promoting the village’s potential as a tourist attraction.
With proper promotion as a tourist destination, Babagail has the potential to improve the lives of its inhabitants.
