The Jammu and Kashmir administration has announced the reopening of 12 tourist spots for visitors.
These include Aru Valley, Rafting Point Yanner, Akkad Park, Padshahi Park, and Kaman Post in Kashmir; Dagan Top in Ramban; Dhaggar in Kathua; and the Shiv Cave in Salal, Reasi. With this, travellers can once again enjoy river rafting, alpine meadows, mountain views, and spiritual sites across the region.
For hoteliers, shopkeepers, pony owners, and artisans, this reopening is more than just access — it is the return of livelihoods after nearly six months of uncertainty. The Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry Kashmir (CCIK) welcomed the move but stressed that all 87 closed destinations should be opened to fully revive tourism.
President of the Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO), called the reopening a “signal of confidence,” adding that safety, infrastructure, and promotion must go hand in hand for sustainable growth.
For locals, the return of tourists means hope. Houseboat owners on Dal Lake are preparing to welcome guests again, artisans are ready to display their crafts, and hoteliers in Pahalgam are opening their doors. The reopening of 12 sites is not just about travel; it is about restoring trust, routine, and the vital connection between Kashmir and the rest of the world.(KINS)
