Ganderbal district is a newly formed district in Jammu and Kashmir State of India. It is located at 34.23 degree N 74.78 degree E. It has an average elevation of 1,619 metres. It is bordered by districts Srinagar in the south, Bandipore to the north, Kargil in the north east, Anantnag to the south east and Baramulla in the south west. It is divided into four blocks including Ganderbal, Kangan, Lar and wakoora. The district is constituted into three tehsils including Ganderbal, Kangan and Lar. It has two assembly constituencies: Kangan and Ganderbal. Nallah Sindh River flows through this district. The water of the river is mainly used for irrigation, and generation of Hydroelectricity.
Historical Significance of Ganderbal District
It has witnessed many upheavals from time to time. Most of the ancient architectural monuments in the area were destroyed during the rule of Sultan Sikander. Kheer Bhawani and Naranag Temple are the only ancient sites that are the reminiscence of past.
Kheer Bawani temple is located 5 kilometres from the district headquarters of Ganderbal. It is the only site that has still remained in its original form of architecture. The temple is dedicated to the Goddess Kheer Bhawani.
The Naranag temple is one of the significant archaeological sites of the India. It is basically a group of temples and is situated in the lap of Harmukh Mountain. This temple has the typical Aryan structure. According to Historians, the temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva by the 8th-century ruler Lalithdatiya Muktadiya. The temple is now left in ruins. The government has recently constructed walls to protect it from encroachments.
Attractions of Ganderbal District
The beauty of Ganderbal is a treat to the eyes. It is rich in landscape and is known as the valley of Nallah Sindh. Ganderbal is blessed with unparalleled beauty. The main attractions of Ganderbal are as follows:
Lakes - Ganderbal is also called as the district of lakes, as it is home to the most number of lakes in the whole State. Some of the popular lakes are Manasbal Lake, Gangabal Lake, Vaishnosar Lake and Gadsar Lake.
Manasbal Lake is the main attraction for tourists in Ganderbal district. It is located in the Jhelum valley and is stated to be the deepest lake in the Kashmir valley. During the months of July and August, the beauty of the lake escalates due to the large growth of lotus.
The Gangabal Lake is situated at the foothills of Mount Haramukh which is the highest mountain peak in the vicinity of Kashmir valley. It is fed by precipitation, glaciers and springs and is home to many types of fishes of which one is the brown trout.
Sonamarg - This world-famous hill station was once a favourite place for shooting of Bollywood films. It is nestled on the banks of Nallah Sindh. The alpine meadows and snow-clad mountains add beauty to this hill station. Sonamarg is also popular for hosting the International Championships of Rafting on Nallah Sindh.
Harmukh - Harmukh is a mountain which is part of the Himalaya Range. It is located between Nallah Sindh to its south and Neelum River to its north.
Adventure Activities - Ganderbal district offers great opportunity to indulge in adventure tourism. Every year, water rafting tournaments are organised at the tourist destination of Sonamarg. The sport attracts adventure enthusiasts from various distant places.
Khirbhawani Temple - In addition to these, people can also visit the shrine of Khirbhawani of Goddess Ragni. It is situated in the Tullamulla Village, at a distance of 5 km from Gandarbel
