Aharbal ,is a beautiful natural health resort located in western part of south Kashmir in the district Kulgam in the mountainous chain of Pir Panjal range. It is about 28kms away from district headquarter Kulgam. The place is bestowed with natural landscape and enthralling beauty. Amid lush green forests and the echoes of river Veshaw , the beauty of Aharbal gets Multiplied. The roaring sound of Aharbal waterfall enchants the viewers .The water of the fall, tumbles down from the height of about 25metres through the rocky narrow gorge about 7metres wide and provides a magnificent view owing to voluminous water. This is why the Aharbal water fall is called as “Niagara waterfall of Kashmir”. Aharbal , is also easy to reach from district Shopian as well through Shopian – Sedow road. Now another connectivity to Aharbal is through Shopian –Reshinagar bridge, the finest design much more beautiful , built over the river vishaw. River Vishaw , is an important tributary of river Jehlum.

Aharbal , however literally means the place of dread or fear. Although it is beautiful, yet equally fearful spot owing to tough rocky surfaces and very deep gorge through which river Vishaw flows .The route passing from Aharbal water fall to Gurwatan is very narrow and is above the gorge parallel to river Vishaw. It has been carved out of rocky surfaces. Thus there is threat of landslides during heavy rains. The physical infrastructure developed by department of tourism is worth appreciation as well designed huts have been developed in brief time , before all this it was in devastated conditions. Parks are spacious , but still more is scope for beautifying them . Aharbal Development Authority , is a nodal agency which has been taken care of the Aharbal , the authority is doing commendable job by making it clean and pollution free and has developed the huts par excellence. Aharbal is the base camp for trekking to Kousarnag, Mahinag, Indrasar ,etc. as trekking becomes less cumbersome .The river Vishaw is full of trout fish, and here fishing is also carried out after proper permission from fisheries department.
Tourists from length and breadth of UT, visit Aharbal during summers. However foreign tourist visits are not so much , perhaps due to unfamiliarity towards the area and lack of proper guides. Department of tourism needs to upgrade the spot to modern lines and develop hotels so that foreign tourists can visit the place in huge numbers , this will develop economy of this backward region. One such step can be of providing boarding and lodging facilities from district headquarters from both Shopian and Kulgam districts respectively.More over, Aharbal health resort is also bestowed with different medicinal plants , but here Tourism department in collaboration with agriculture department can work for promotion of medicinal plants on pilot project bases, this could enrich economy .The water fall region needs to be guarded well as there has been the cases of suicides .The weathering of rocks near water fall has made it vulnerable for drowning .Therefore , the deteriorated state of the spot needs to be developed so that it becomes safe and beautiful. As the place is considered as beautiful picnic spot .
The visit to Aharbal , is mesmerizing and enjoyable. One is lost in nature, the cold breeze of air refreshes mind and soul. Sun rays , kissing the surface of river Vishaw , reflects the alpine canopy in its totality and thus provides an enthralling view , difficult to forget but easy to remember. The charm is added by nomads who visit the steppes of Kungwatan and Kousarnag for cattle rearing and travel in caravans, glorifying the nature round the summer season.

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