Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) plans to take tourism to new heights. It will soon launch air safaris to enable tourists to visit the unexplored virgin valleys in far-flung areas of Kashmir.
Through air safaris, it also seeks to attract high-end visitors to important tourist destinations in the state.
“Eight destinations have been short-listed [for air safaris],” MoS for tourism Nasir Aslam Wani said.
Tourists going on air safaris will be able to explore Lolab-Bungus, Gurez near the Line of Control (LoC) in Kashmir, Zanskar in Ladakh and scenic spots in Jammu’s Doda, Kishtwar, Poonch and Rajouri districts.
Situated 10,000-ft above sea-level, Bungus is a linear elliptical bowl in Kashmir’s Kupwara district. It comprises of 100 lush green meadows surrounded by lofty mountains. The exotic flora and fauna make Bungus an attractive tourist destination for nature lovers.
Gurez Valley is a fertile, 50-mile stretch in the Himalayas by Kishenganga river. It lies below the 8,000-ft high-altitude LoC that divides Indian and Pakistani sectors of Kashmir. Despite its lofty mountains, lush green meadows, exotic wildlife and rich Dardi-Sheena cultural moorings, the valley remained unexplored due to years of militancy.
“We will establish a well-coordinated network to take tourists to the spots. We have also floated tenders for air-service companies to bid. J&K Tourist Development Corporation will be the nodal agency to coordinate the air safaris,” Wani said.
The J&K government also plans to build helipads at these spots. “Tents will be put up for tourists who want to spend more time there,” Wani said.
http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report_coming-air-safaris-in-jammu-and-kashmir-to-attract-tourists_1383916
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