Jammu & Kashmir’s tourism has been on a standstill since August last year. The global pandemic set in shortly after the Central Government removed the state’s special status and revoked Article 370. Both these events brought tourism to a complete halt in the region. However, the J&K administration has started preparing a case study on the six Mughal Gardens in the Kashmir Valley in an attempt to include them in the list of UNESCO mandated world heritage sites. The Kashmiri locals are expecting that this consideration will boost tourism in the valley.
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The Six Mughal Gardens To Be Restored
The administration is highly interested in the development of Mughal gardens. Recently, Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir Manoj Sinha issued orders to upgrade the restoration work of the six Mughal Gardens including Shalimar, Nishat, Cheshmashahi, Achabal, Pari Mahal, and Veerinag. The Department of Floriculture reworked eight gardens of Jammu and Kashmir between 2005-2011. Rashtrapati Bhavan Mughal Gardens Also Opens For Public.
Including Mughal Garden In Unesco World Heritage To Boost Tourism
The Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage survey experts of UNESCO had earlier visited the valley to understand the heritage value of Mughal gardens. Later in 2011, six of the gardens were in the tentative list of UNESCO heritage sites. A lot of tourists would be attracted after the historical Mughal garden makes it to the UNESCO’s heritage site list. This, in turn, will eventually boost the tourism in Kashmir valley and the economy in Srinagar. In fact, many tourists come to Srinagar every year with a prime focus to visit the Heritage Mughal Gardens. Jaipur Officially Becomes A World Heritage Site, Gets Certified By UNESCO!
Tourism In Kashmir Badly Hit By The Pandemic
Soon after the announcement of the nationwide lockdown, J&K closed its gardens, parks, and other important tourist spots like Mughal Gardens and the Srinagar Tulip Garden. The lockdown took a significant toll on tourism, and the situation continues to be grim. Tourist footfall is at an all-time low, and the new decision to welcome tourists again was brought to the forefront to improve the situation. After the latest decision, all public gardens and parks have been reopened for tourists. However, the visitors are advised to follow all the safety measures such as wearing masks, maintaining social distancing, and using sanitisers at all times. Kashmir To Get World’s Tallest Railway Bridge, Taller Than Eiffel Tower At 1,178 Feet.
The valley is calling! If you are still making a post-pandemic travel checklist, J&K should definitely top your list. For those who have not been to Kashmir yet, it is paradise on earth, and the pictures of the valley scattered all over social media can never do justice to the beauty of Kashmir.