2010 declared visit Jammu & Kashmir Year
Jammu, Kashmir & Ladakh will be promoted
with their unique distinctiveness on World Tourism Map

Srinagar, August 22 - Minister for Tourism, Mr. Nawang Rigzin Jora today declared year 2010 as visit Jammu & Kashmir (J&K) year at International level to showcase State’s varied tourism potential at the global level. He said there was a dire need for synergy and coordination among various departments and development agencies for exploiting tourism potential up to the desired level. The Minister apprised the House about various measures taken by the government to exploit the tourism potential of the State optimally.

The Minister said that all the three regions of the State i.e. Kashmir, Jammu and Ladakh would be showcased with unique distinctiveness on the world tourism Map. The Minister announced that a motor rally to kick start tourism promotion in Rajouri and Poonch districts would be organize next year adding that the banner of the campaign would be “In the footsteps of Mughals”. Under the campaign all Heritage places of Mughal period including Mughal Sarain and Noori Chamb would be showcased in an attractive & organized manner.

The Minister said that aero sports is being introduced in Surinsar and Kishtwar in Jammu in a big way owing to great potential for it in these areas. In addition, Adventure Tourism like River Rafting and Para-Gliding has a great scope in Kishtwar and Bhaderwah adding that Water Sports Clubs would be set up in Dul Hasti and Pull Doda. He said that the department will shortly organize Water Rafting Championship in river Kishan Ganga.

Efforts are being made by the state department of Tourism to divert 72 lakh Vaishno Devi pilgrim tourists, which is our captive market, towards other scenic spots like Bhaderwah-Patnitop, Rajouri and Poonch. He said for the purpose upgradation of basic tourism infrastructure is being created.

The Minister said that virgin tourism potential spots in the state particularly in Kashmir Valley would be brought on the tourism canvas for which 19 Tourism Development Authorities have been set up.

He said Golf has merged as a major tourism attraction at the global level and the State government has decided to develop a chain of world standard golf courses in the State including Gulmarg, Pahalgam, Srinagar Sonamarg and Sidhra Jammu to attract foreign golfers to visit the State. He said an international golf tournament would be organized in near future.

5.80 Lakh Pilgrims visit Shiv Khori Shrine

Srinagar, August 22 - The religious sanctity of Lord Shiva’s Cave Shrine situated about 130 kms from Jammu, 120 kms from Udhampur, 80 kms from the holy town Katra and 50 kms from Reasi in Sanger hills of Ransoo village in Pouni block has gained impetus these days as nearly 5.80 lakh pilgrims from within and outside the state have visited the cave shrine and paid obeisance upto 20th August, 2009.

It was disclosed by the Vice Chairman of Shri Shiv Khori Shrine Board Mr. Pandurang Pole who is also the District Development Commissioner, Reasi. Mr. Pole further shared that during the same period of last calendar year, about 3.56 lacs pilgrims had darshan of the holy Shiv Lingam and other deities in the cave.

The total yatra of 2008 calendar year was 5,21,306 and this figure has already been crossed during first seven months of the current calendar year.

This Shrine cave is now emerging as one of the most growing pilgrimage destination of the Jammu province after Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine cave. This historic cave shrine is a huge hall with a 4 feet high Aap Shambo in the form of Shivlingam , which is also the presiding deity. The cave is a real wonder to be seen which according to the people is unending. The cave is in the shape of Lord Shiva’s Damroo-wide at the two ends, while very congested at the centre. There are many features which can be observed in the cave, however the best of them is the natural water dripping from the top on the Shivlingam.

The Vice Chairman issued instructed the concerned officers for initiation of fresh initiatives and early completion of developmental projects to provide better infrastructural facilities to the pilgrims.

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