Srinagar, Sep 28: Nestled amidst the breathtaking landscapes of North Kashmir’s Baramulla district, six captivating waterfalls have emerged as the favorite captivating destinations attracting both the locals and tourists alike.
Kashmir, often referred to as the “Switzerland of Asia,” is renowned for its natural beauty, and these waterfalls contribute to the region’s allure.
Among these attractions is Qumrinad Waterfall, which falls in Limber Wildlife Sanctuary. The place is 35 kilometers away from Baramulla town.
The waterfall is known for its crystal clean waters in the area. During summer season, it witnesses a huge rush of people. In winter months, its transformation into the snow and icicles add more charm to the area.
It is a beautiful place, which is still fresh and protected from human interference. Green forests and the stream with many log bridges make the place an emerging tourist destination in the Valley.
While locals pitch that area should be developed with the latest tourism infrastructure, more needs to be done to develop this unique destination which has the potential of generating economy.
Farhan Lone, a local resident of Limber Baramulla said the waterfall has become a major attraction for locals, national and international tourists.
“The government should develop this place so that it could be explored,” he said.
Mithwayain Waterfall is famous for its natural beauty, situated in Babagail Limber area which is over 33 kilometers from Baramulla town.
This waterfall is shrouded in the lush greenery of the Limber forest and offers a serene escape from the urban hustle and bustle. The cascading waters, tumbling gracefully down the rocky terrain, create a mesmerizing spectacle that leaves visitors in awe of mother nature’s craftsmanship.
Tourists and nature enthusiasts from both near and far have been flocking to Mithwayain Waterfall to witness its pristine beauty.
Locals and environmentalists of the area are working together to preserve the natural habitat surrounding Mithwayain Waterfall, ensuring that future generations can continue to revel in its unspoiled charm.
Shrunz fall is located in Chandoosa area of Baramulla and is situated at a distance of 22 kilometers from Srinagar-Baramulla highway from Tapper Kreeri and Putkhah junctions.
It is also emerging as a hotspot for the local population but is yet to be developed. The waterfall has remained a spot of attraction for the tourists visiting world-famous Tangmarg and Gulmarg tourist destinations.
The naturally receding waterfall doubles the charm of the spot in scenic beauty. The waterfall is located on Nalla Ningli stream and falls under the lap of mighty Pirpanchal Mountains adjacent to the famous tourist spot Gulmarg. The place is around six kilometers away from famous shrine of Sufi saint Baba Payam uddin Reshi.
There are multiple roads to reach the destination, in 2019; the tourism department had installed many signboards for the promotion of the waterfall on the Baramulla-Srinagar highway.
Aqib Ahmad Rather, a local from Nilsar village of Wagoora Baramulla said the government should bring the area on the tourism map and develop good tourism infrastructure.
“If the area can be developed, it can provide a livelihood to hundreds of people in the area. Government should promote its beauty, it can be economy booster in the area,” he said.
Rather said the area has good tourism potential and if the spot can be explored for various activities by the tourism department then it can act as employment generation point for the whole population of the area.
The villages situated in a picturesque forest area near Shranz waterfall include Saterseeran, Nagbal, Dandmoh, Nilsar, Chontipathri and Balaji. The waterfall adds charm to the scenic beauty of the place. The spot remains a priority of people including school children in the area.
Batnisar waterfall, is also called the Namblan waterfall. It is situated around18 kilometers from the main town Baramulla and is known for its fresh and crystal waters.
The area lies in the Narvaw (Sheeri) tehsil of Baramulla and It is located on the Mundri Nallah canal, a tributary of the Jehlum River, in an alpine valley covered in pine and fir trees mountains.
The waterfall is an almond-shaped pond and according to the locals its depth is in meters. People all around the town come to visit the place to have a bath with the crystal clear water over there. But still, it remained an undiscovered tourist spot and attained a back seat in tourism.
The place is quite peaceful and suitable for expeditions, trekking, photography, and fishing. It is still one of the unexplored places in Kashmir. The road to the destination is not motorable.
During the summers, people mostly from adjacent villages, visit the area to explore its natural beauty.
Mohammad Mustafa, a local from Kanispora said it became popular during the past several years but despite repeated pleas to the administration, the road leading to picnic spot is not still not developed.
“The spot should be developed at par with other tourist spots in the Valley and these picnic spots can generate a good economy for the local people,” he said.
It’s a ferocious fall that has a deafening roar and makes a pool of crystal clear water at the base. Taking a dip into these waters happens to be an exhilarating experience for the visitors.
The majestic Noorkhah Waterfall is located in tehsil Boniyar of Baramulla and is around 32 kilometers from the district headquarters. The gurgling waters of this waterfall used to descend from a height of 100 feet and the place is more popular among locals.
The waterfall offers a breathtaking view, however, it requires the attention of the administration as it can turn out to be a very attractive tourist spot.
As per locals, the water is believed to cure ailments, especially digestive and skin-related. While many people come here to bathe in this healing water, most throng to this place only for the unmatched beauty and fragrance of this place.
Towards the Uri town in the extreme north, Khujri waterfall falls in Namla (C) village of the border town. It is one of the prime locations of the area and people mostly visit the places during the summers.
It is around 10-11 kilometers from the Uri and 115 kilometers from Srinagar. People of the area speak mostly Pahadi language followed by Gojri.
However due to lack of basic facilities in the area the visiting tourists face immense hardships. Locals opine that this unexplored tourist destination if maintained properly can to a greater extent boost the economy of the area.
