support@headlinenews360.com
Last Updated:
Pahalgam Attack: A Kerala travel operator recommends Aru, Betaab and Chandan valleys instead of Baisaran. She says these tourist spots are much more peaceful and scenic.
Pahalgam Terror Attack: The once serene Baisaran Valley of Pahalgam is now filled with helicopters and ambulances. (Photo credit: Kashmir Tour Bazaar)
Baisaran, located 5 kilometres from Pahalgam and one of Kashmir’s most popular tourist destinations, is “quite isolated and is surrounded by forests”. So is this the reason that terrorists chose Baisaran for the attack that killed at least 28 people? While investigators believe that area’s lack of significant security presence and accessibility (can only be reached on foot or pony ride via a dirt track) due could the reasons, a travel entrepreneur from Kerala shares why she never recommends Baisaran to tourists who approach her.
Geethu Mohandas, who operates ‘Lets Go For A Camp, panicked initially when news of terrorist attack in Pahalgam began to emerge on Tuesday. Her three groups of tourists, consisting of families with five, eight, and six members, are currently in terror-hit Kashmir tourist area. But she is relieved that all her tourists are safe in their accommodations in Srinagar.
The once serene area is now filled with helicopters and ambulances, drastically changing its atmosphere, said Geethu, who has visited Pahalgam multiple times.
“Their Kashmir trips had just started, and they will return in four days. I also have other tourists planning to visit Kashmir next week. Although no trips have been officially canceled yet, there is a noticeable fear, and many are reconsidering their travel plans,” she was quoted by onmanorama.com.
Kerala Travel Operator ‘Excludes’ Baisaran From Tourists’ Itinerary.
Baisaran is visually captivating in photos and videos. Geethu, however, shared that her visits to Baisaran were far from pleasant. She described it as having very steep terrain, compelling tourists to hire horses to explore the so-called ‘mini Switzerland.’
“It has an extremely steep terrain, where tourists are pushed to hire horses to see the ‘mini Switzerland.’ However, the horses are extremely famished; we can see they are overworked and are treated very poorly. The pony handlers take too many tourists on the horses up the hill for quite a few kilometres. “The ride downhill is also extremely scary. The situation worsens when it rains. Moreover, the spot is quite isolated and is surrounded by forests,” Geethu was quoted.
Geethu mentioned that she doesn’t include Baisaran in her itinerary unless tourists specifically request it. According to Manoramathe travel operator instead includes Aru, Betaab, and Chandan valleys in the trip, which she says are much more peaceful and scenic.
“In one of our trips in 2022, a trip coordinator fell from a horse and got injured. However, the pony handlers didn’t even help us hospitalise the person, fearing police intervention,” she was quoted.
Where Is Baisaran? Why Is It Called ‘Mini Switzerland’?
While Baisaran is a known tourist destination, some of its areas like the meadows — a popular trekking destination — is accessible only by foot or ponies. Hence, there were no vehicles available nearby when the attack unfolded on Tuesday afternoon.
The Pahalgam Development Authority (PDA) website describes Baisaran as a stunning place that looks like a European landscape. Known as ‘Mini Switzerland,’ it features extensive, dark meadows reminiscent of those in Switzerland.
A dense pine forest creates a green carpet effect across the meadow, contrasting beautifully with the snow-capped peaks of the nearby mountains.
Baisaran is also a perfect campsite for trekkers aiming to reach Tulian Lake, which offers breathtaking views of the town and the Lidder Valley.
The Lidder River’s stunning scenery adds a delightful charm to the location. According to Jammu and Kashmir’s tourism department, this destination is popular in both the summer and winter seasons.
“The valley appears like a fresh emerald in summer and is ideal for photography sessions. Winters change the backdrop into a snow wonderland,” the department mentions on the website.
What Are The Tourist Attractions In Pahalgam?
The renowned mountain trails and thick forests along the Lidder River in Pahalgam, also known as the ‘Valley of Shepherds,’ are home to the Amarnath Cave Templea Hindu shrine.
The Aru Wildlife Sanctuaryhome to species such as brown bears and musk deer, is a major attraction in Pahalgam. The stunning Betaab Valley, named after Bollywood actor Sunny Deol’s movie, and Tulian Lake are also well-known spots. Additionally, Baisaran, a beautiful meadow in Pahalgam, draws many tourists.
- Location :
Pahalgam, India, India
