By: Mohammad Akram
Baramulla, the district’s main township, is believed to have been created more than forty-three hundred years ago by Raja Bhimsena in 2306 BC. One of the ancient towns in the valley of Kashmir rose to prominence in the fifteenth century AD, when reverend Muslim Scholar and Saint Hazrat Syed Muhammad Janbaz Wali, May Allah be pleased with him, chose this town as the hub of his scholastic, philanthropic and religious activities in 1421 AD. In this reign of Badshah, the saint accompanied by more than a hundred scholars, artisans, craftsmen, etc. from Isfahan Turkey brought knowledge of Islamic teachings, culture, cuisine, arts, and crafts from Central Asia with him. This led to the blending of cultures, creating newer sources of livelihood and economic opportunities. The peaceful preaching and practice of Islam with newer economic opportunities for locals gave birth to a tolerant and vibrant society, where Hindus and Muslims lived peacefully. The visit of the sixth Sikh Guru in the 16th century added another dimension to its culture and development.
Baramulla Parish is blessed to have many tourist destinations due to religious, heritage, and scenic attributes. Tourism in this district is the second largest economic activity after agriculture contributing roughly fifteen per cent to the state GDP. The direct and indirect contributions in the employment generation due to the tourist activities prompted the district and local administration to develop the existing heritage/religious sites and create new recreational spots to cater to the public needs. The potential local tourist destinations in the town can be broadly categorised into the heritage/religious sites and the natural/human-made scenic spots.
The reverend Dargah-e-Aalia:- Located in the heart of the old town’s Mohalla Khawaja Sahab, this Dargah is one of the local Muslim religious sites, believed to host a relic of Prophet Muhammad, PBUH, attracts devotees from the locality, especially during the festival ceremonies. This Dargah and many other Shrines in this area ensure the subsistence of the livelihood of the local shopkeepers and the fast food vendors.
The Shailputri Devi Asthapan:- On the Bank of the River Jhelum, at the exit of the Town from the west towards the Uri-Muzaffarabad, the Shailputri Mandir, the oldest religious spot in the town is situated. This holy place is believed to have existed since the era of Satisar, hosting the first among the nine manifestations of the Durga. It is one of the most visited religious sites by the local Hindus, who consider this temple very sacred.
Ziyarat Hazrat Syed Janbaz Wali (RA):- This fifteenth-century shrine lies in the heart of the Khanpora (Khawanpora) locality towards the west, named after the tradition of Sufi Langar (Traditional Dastarkhawan) which fed both rich and poor. One of the famous shrines across the valley, it receives devotees from all corners of the UT. Every day hundreds attend this pious shrine to offer alms. A larger chunk of the populace depends on the alms offered at the Shrine.
The Gurudawara Shati Padshahi:- This sixteenth-century Gurudwara is located at the bank of the River Jhelum in Mohalla Tawheed Gunj, old town Baramulla. It is the largest Sikh-community religious structure in the district. Sikhs from all parts of the district throng this place at every Sikh festival. A Shiva Temple nearby adds charm to its sacredness.
Gulnar Park:- Developed on the eastern side of the old town area in early 2000, this park is a local recreational centre. The park, run and maintained by the district floriculture department generates a good amount of monthly revenue.
Eco-park Park Khadniyar:- Developed on the western side of a small island in the River Jhelum, this park is another local recreational point in the district. It is run and maintained by local contractors and generates a substantial amount of revenue. The park is an attraction for all kinds of local and non-local tourists due to its serene beauty.
Hajibal-Boosnia Trekking Trail:- This forest-based trekking trail is one of the earliest known trekking routes in the town and attracts local trekking enthusiasts due to its breathtaking beauty. It is historically significant as it is believed that the tribals camped in this forest area during the 1947 tribal invasion. Recently, road connectivity has been extended till Hajibal. On the way, an ancient temple known as Gosawaim Temple attracts tourist attention.
Venkara Wildlife Sanctuary:- Recently, a wildlife sanctuary has been set up in Venkara Binner, about seven kilometres from the main town for the protection and conservation of a few endangered species.
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