Gently hugged by the snow covered peaks of Kailash Parbat! With an illusion of not more than an arm’s length away, freezing cold even in the month of June. Indicates that one will have to carry their woolens!

 

Green hilly terrains, curve roads, bikers, farmers sowing seeds and heavy trucks passing by make the most of the trip. Little fire and sacks piled up on road side, selling corn make the journey yummy.

 

Remember the song “Behte hawa saa tha vo” when it appears in the movie 3 Idiots? Running over the curved roads and trees? Approaching Bhaderwah is none less than this. Therefore, journey to Bhaderwah via road is a different experience in itself. This place so remains uncorrupted by the modernity that trains are yet to reach here. So, one might have to travel only by road, buses are available at Indra Chowk.

 

The virgin land of Bhaderwah is not just about the hills and trees, but is about the calmness and the fresh air you inhale every second. It is the place to reinvent you. Because of its natural history it is also called as “Mini Kashmir”.  It is a destination for trekkers, mountaineers, campers, and all sorts of adventure sports. It is the atmosphere of serenity which will majorly draw a tourist’s attention from fast running cities.

 

With no malls, night clubs, brand showrooms and restaurants this place still has a lot to offer. It has crystal clear chilled mineral water from Kailash Parbat running down into small rivers. Around these small rivers are mountains with huge rocks at its feet making perfect desktop wallpaper.

 

The picturesque surrounding of Bhaderwah keeps expanding as you travel upwards. The higher you go the more attention-grabbing music you hear. The Chinar trees on higher level give out a unique music created by the waving of Chinar leaves.

Bhaderwah is mix of three religions: Muslim, Hindu and Bhaderwahi bringing with it different language, cuisine, customs, etc. When one reaches the center of the valley known as the old bus stop, the road up leads to Muslim clan, while on the right is the Hindu clan. Hindus are the mix of Kashmiri Pandits and the locals. As far as the language is concerned, Muslims only speak Kashmiri whereas Hindus speak a mix of Bhaderwahi and Kashmiri.

 

As the place is ­­­still opening up to tourists it lacks in five star hotels with eminent facilities. But people here have opened their doors to tourist at reasonable prices to stay.

 

This place is also known as Land of snakes, and locals worship Lord Vasuki Nag. The idols of Lord Vasuki Nag date back to years when lords existed, with every detail so fine.

 

Off course it is a hilly area and roads are narrow making literally for an uphill task, so a walk down the road in your jogging shoes fit the bill. With ever house having its own apple, walnut tree, rice field and you having to walk miles on feet exploring every corner is compelling.

 

When to visit

 

Mela Patt celebrated every year on Nag Panchami to commemorate the historic meeting of Emperor Akbar and Raja Nagpal of Bhaderwah. This mela is devoted to Lord Vasuki Nag.

 

Kailash Yatra takes place late in the month of August, starts from Gatha and ends at Kailash Kund. Yatra is filled with night stay in the mountains to crossing rivers. Locals say that a snake with three heads has emerged from the water in past and many claim to have seen it, referring it to lord Vasuki. You need loads of luck to witness the site!

 

Machail Yatra was started by the thakurs in 1980s but now has become a tradition. The yatra routes from Bhaderwah- Pul Doda-Thatri-Machail and culminates in Chandi Mata ka Mandir on the hill.

 

Mani Mahesh Yatra which is done in the month of August starts with a chari and goes upto Mani Mahesh. This yatra precedes Kailash Yatra.

 

To use words like scenic and serene are understatement to describe the beauty of Bhaderwah.