Another Shangri La up North!! – Bhaderwah (Jammu)

Discovering this idyllic place, I find myself filled with a yearning to linger here, where time stands still and beauty overwhelms. The very true said by someone “The real beauty of realizing your true nature is in the freshness, peace and deep bodily relaxation which touches to the core of your being, flows into your everyday life”……..

The main hub to reach Bhaderwah is Jammu. It is approximately 200 Kms form Jammu to Bhaderwah by road. The Way to Bhaderwah is quite enjoyable and thrilling too. The road is fine with several sharp inclines and hairpin bends .You will enjoy the beauty of valley all along the way. And don’t forget to relish the local food items like Rajma- Chawal with pure desi ghee….am feeling the taste right now!!!!

Bhaderwah is also known as “Nagon ki bhoomi” meaning ‘land of Snakes ‘.History tells us that, history of Bhaderwah is closely linked with the history of Kashmir. Once upon a time Kashmir Valley was a big lake, it was drained out in time of “Kashyap Rishi” followed with some people. Most of the Naga (Snakes) Chiefs ruled over their subjects when the valley was a lake, One water born “Dragon” named “Jallodbhava” started killing and eating Nagas living in the lake. As a result many Nagas and their fellows migrated to different directions for safety. Some went to Kishtwar and Bhaderwah side.

In Kashmir, after the death of Kashyap Rishi, succession dispute started amongst his sons born from his two queens ‘Kadru’ and ‘Vanita’. From Kadru were born ‘Vasuki nag’, ‘ Shesh Nag’ and ‘Mahel Nag’ and their elder sister queen “Bhadra” ( Godess Bhaderkali) and his brothers were born from Vanita while the time of Garud (The big powerful  bird at the time of Ramayana). Garud with his supporters attempted to eliminate Vasuki and his brothers. Bhaderkali had already shifted to Bhaderwah and settled there as ruling queen. She extended invitation to Vasuki and his brothers to come to Bhaderwah for safety. All the three brothers went there and settled there. Garud failed to them to defeat at Bhaderwah though he had gone there to eliminate the Naga brothers. Bhadra divided her territory amongst the three brothers. The main Bhaderwah valley on the left bank of “Neeru river” was given to Vasuki local people  called ‘basak nag’ , on the right the territory was given to Shesh nag locally known as ‘Sabar Nag’ and in the areas touching Bhallessa and Marmet were given to Mahel Nag.

The temples of these Naga brothers are located at different conspicuous places in these areas, where many local people worship them as ‘Kul Devta’ (Family Deities) till date. Thus queen Bhadra was the first queen of Bhaderwah and Vasuki Nag (Basak Nag) was the first Raja (King) of Bhaderwah. This way the pre-historic rulers and their rule was the Rule of Naga Chiefs and the history of Naga raj in Bhaderwah. After developing some differences with her brothers, as per the local legend, Bhadarkali seems to have migrated back to Kashmir valley and settled at a village Wadipura situated at a distance of 8 kilometres from ‘Handwara’ (District Kupwara) Kashmir. It is a fact that her temple still exists there in the midst of the pine trees. The local Kashmiri Pandit families recognize her as their family diety (Kul-devi) & worship  her on Ram Navami and Maha Navami each year.

The Nagas settled in some of the most beautiful places in India. The beauty of the Valley and hills of Bhaderwah are perhaps the best kept secrets of Jammu and Kashmir. The breathtaking views of places in Bhaderwah, often force me to hold my breath admiring the splendor of nature all around.  Have a look..

Chinta Valley

Chinta valley is valley of natural raw beauty with fabulous chinar plantation, green lash slopes, simple living life people; whistling sound of flowing crystal water etc is located at height of 6,500 feet

Soej Meadow

If Gulmarg and Pahalgam are jewels of “Paradise “on earth, Seoj Meadow is diamond in the crown of Bhadarwah, pride of Jammu region. The amazing beauty is found in plenty.

Bhal Padri

Simply a dreamland, not known to many, is 4 kms having unique landscape where many mountains with heavy deodar trees are jingles with each other just complimenting each other.

Padri

Padri is my favorite, located at 40km from Bhadarwah on Bhadarwah Chamba road, at a height of 10,500 feet. It is the highest point on Bhadarwah-Chamba road. It experiences heavy snow fall up to 5 meters and snow-melting continues right upto mid June. Calm of the meadow is broken when thousands of pilgrims of the famous Mani-Mahesh Yatra pass through Padri in July every year.

Sartingal

A very popular place for school going students as a picnic spot. Sunshine on the one hand and the fragrant breeze from Kailash, Ashapati hills. One can feels close to the nature

Khani Top

Khani top situated 25 kms From Bhadarwah.Trekkers would also find it a convenient launching site for expedition to Ashapati peak on the border with Himachal Pradesh.

Nalthi-Basti

The cool breeze flowing across snow-clad mountains makes the place all the more fascinating in summer months. It is located 10 kms from Bhadarwah which serves as a base camp for trekkers; it has come a junction point with the completion of Bhadarwah-Bani-Basholi road.

Hanga, Noorie, Devchater and Kellar

A place 10 kms away from Bhaderwah situated on the bank of Hanga Nallah (Hanga River) separate by crystal water flowing like rhythms that makes the ambience musical. The place came to lime light when in the 80′s Hindi Film ‘Noorie’ was pasteurized at this place and first time the beauty and culture of Bhaderwah was depicted in its fine glory to world outside. The Kellar belt is famous for agriculture (terraced rice fields) and Horticulture, apple and pear trees exit in abundance. The area has many stone carved, idols and is culturally vibrant.

One falls in love with Bhaderwah at first sight. There are a number of easy options to explore Bhaderwah. Contact theotherhome.com , our travel advisors, to enable you to bring home the beauty.