Kashmir, once hailed as a paradise on earth, is currently facing a significant decline in tourism. This follows the closure of 50 tourist spots and 48 resorts in the area due to the devastating attack in Pahalgam on April 22, 2025, which claimed the lives of many and left families in mourning. To help revive tourism, local authorities announced a phased reopening of these destinations, starting June 17, as stated by Jammu and Kashmir’s Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha.
In the initial phase, several parks in popular tourist areas, including some in Pahalgam, that had been closed after the attack, were reopened on June 17. The news of the parks’ reopening has been positively received by both tourists and residents who visited the parks in large numbers.
The tragic incident saw the loss of 26 lives, predominantly among tourists, at the Baisaran meadows, a well-known destination in Pahalgam.
16 Tourist Spots In Kashmir In Jammu And Kashmir Open In First Phase
On Saturday, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha ordered the reopening of 16 parks — eight in the Jammu region and eight in the Kashmir Valley, with plans for a gradual reopening. In the first phase, eight parks reopened in Kashmir Valley, including Betaab Valley and those near Pahalgam market, along with Verinag, Kokernag, Achabal Gardens in Anantnag district, Badamwari Park, Duck Park near Nigeen, and Taqdeer Park near Hazratbal in Srinagar.
Similarly, the Jammu region saw the reopening of eight destinations, such as Sarthal and Dhaggar in Kathua, Devipindi, Siyad Baba, and Sula Park in Reasi, Guldanda, and Jai Valley in Doda, and Pancheri in Udhampur.
A large group of schoolchildren gathered to welcome tourists at Verinag, a renowned park in Anantnag. Tourist police personnel were also on hand to assist visitors, and local MLA Ghulam Ahmad Mir expressed his support for the reopening of the parks.
