Bandipora, July 03: Many villages in north Kashmir’s Bandipora are witnessing a huge tourist influx owing to the successful campaigns of the district administration to attract the maximum number of visitors.
Sirander – nestled beneath the majestic Harmukh peak, and Zurimanz – situated on the banks of the famed Wular Lake, have become vibrant destinations, captivating tourists and well as local visitors with their enchanting natural beauty.
The government had identified eleven places in Bandipora district under the tourist villages development programme including Zurimanz and Sirander which are witnessing a remarkable surge in tourist activities, with a large number of visitors thronging the places.
Zurimanz, located on the serene shores of the Wular Lake, is offering a peaceful retreat for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers. The tranquil ambiance, gentle breeze and captivating views of Wular make it an ideal destination for people visiting there.
Similarly, Sirander, nestled at the foot of the magnificent Harmukh peak, has been mesmerising visitors with its breathtaking landscapes, panoramic vistas of towering mountains, lush meadows and cascading streams.
Local shopkeepers in both Sirander and Zurimanz told Rising Kashmir that they have never made such a good business as now due to the overwhelming tourist inflow to these destinations.
We used to cater to just local villagers and those from nearby areas; now, the significant increase in tourist footfall here has led to a surge in demand for our products and services, said a local shopkeeper at Sirander.
A resident of Sirander, who recently converted a portion of his home into a homestay, said the concept has not only enriched her with the tourism experience but has also provided additional income sources for her.
“We are delighted to welcome tourists here. By offering homestays, we provide them with an authentic experience of our lifestyle, traditional cuisine and warm hospitality,” he told Rising Kashmir.
An official of the district administration said the increasing tourist footfall in these villages has brought about positive changes including improved economic opportunities for locals.
The rise in tourism has led to the establishment of homestays, providing visitors with an authentic experience while generating income for the villagers, he added.
