Introduction
Budgam district is located in the state of Jammu and Kashmir. Budgam is one of the youngest districts of the State, carved out as it was from the previous District Srinagar in 1979. As per 2001 census, the population of this district is 6.29 lacs with density of population being 433 persons per sq. Km. Geographical Area of Budgam district is 1371 sq. km.
History of Budgam District
In the ancient days, Budgam was a fraction of district Baramulla, when Srinagar itself was a constituent of the Anantnag district. Then it was known as tehsil Sri Pratap. Historical record proposes that Budgam was also referred to as Pargana Deesu. According to a well-known chronicler, Khawaja Azam Demari, the region was also known as Deedmarbag.
Geography of Budgam District
District Budgam borders four other Districts, Baramulla and Srinagar in the north, Pulwama in the south and Poonch in the south west. It is situated at an average height of 5,281 ft above sea-level and at 75 degree E longitude and 34 degree N latitude. The topography of the district is diverse with both mountainous and plain areas. While the southern and south-western parts are mostly hilly, the eastern and northern parts of the district are plain. The climate is of the temperate type with the upper-reaches receiving heavy snowfall in winter. The average annual rainfall of the district is 585 mm. The soil is loose and mostly denuded karewas dot the landscape.
Administration of Budgam District
Comprising one sub Division Khansahib, six Tehsils Budgam, Khansahib, Beerwah Chadoora, Khag, and Charisharief, the Budgam district has been divided into eight blocks namely Budgam, Beerwah, Chadoora, Khansahib, Khag, BK Pora, Narbal and Nagam which serve as prime units of economic development. Budgam has been further sliced into 283 panchayats comprising 509 revenue villages.
Culture of Budgam District
Culture is an integral part of life of the people of Budgam district. The Budgam craftsmen have great mastery in creating household items from willow-wicker such as the ever-present small earthen fire pot, Kangri, and the prototypical baskets et al. The state government, with assist from the central government is trying to construct domestic and overseas market for Kashmiri shawl. Indigenous to Budgam, Bandpather is the most admired face of Kashmiri folk-art. Even now the bhands can be seen performing at Wathura. In a proposition to revive the age-old culture of folk music, Budgam district was in the front position in organising cultural shows in the district.
Tourism in Budgam District
Tourism in Budgam District in the state of Jammu and Kashmir has tremendous potential that has mostly remained unexploited so far. Budgam district is home to some of the most interesting tourist locales where man finds himself in close communion with nature. Numerous holy places in the district make it a major pilgrimage site. Pilgrimage tourists from all over the world throng these places everywhere. Other striking places that can be visited are Doodpather, Tosmaidan, Yousmarg, Nilnag and Khag.
Pilgrimage Tourism in Budgam District : District Budgam is home to many well-known shrines, including that of Sheikh Noor-ud-din Noorani at Chrar-e-Sharief. The secluded yet enchanting environs of the district have been favourite spots for these men of God to meditate and be one with Him. The tomb of Sheikh Noor-ud-Din Noorani (RA), popularly known as Alamdar-e-Kashmir, is situated 28 kms in the southwest of Srinagar at Chrar-e-Sharief. Shrine of Khan Sahib is situated in the Khan Sahib block of district Budgam. The shrine is associated with a famous saint, Hazrat Salen Khan. Imambara in Budgam is a major religious place and commands great reverence in the of Shia community of the Valley. Apart from its religious importance, it is equally important as a piece of monumental value. The Shrine of Hazrat Ganga Baba Rishi is thronged by a large number of devotees every year.
Nature Tourism in Budgam District : Nature tourism is an integral part of tourism in Budgam district. One of the charismatic meadows of Kashmir is Yousmarg which is situated 50 Kms to the southwest of Srinagar at an elevation of 7,500 ft above sea-level. Yousmarg is a cluster of meadows enclosed by wonderful trees in the lap of Pir Panjal mountain range. The place is simply mesmerising where man is lost in nature and impressed with its beauty. Pony riding in the meadows here is a tourist`s amusement. In the midst of splendid hills, milk stream, intense forest cover, lies the Doodhpathr meadow. The prominent sites of Doodpather are Mujpather, Dophkhal, Tangnar, Sochilpather, Palmaidan and Parihas.
Nilnag is a beautiful blue-water lake, situated 4 kms downhill from Yousmarg, and linked by a path through dense forests. The place is a fantastic picnic spot where tourists are enthralled by breathtaking natural surroundings. Mount Tatakuti is the source of the famous Dood Ganga stream. The stream, a tributary of the Jhelum River is famous for trout fish. Nakwaer Pal is the highest peak of this range. Situated 8,000 to 14,000 ft. above sea-level, in the lap of dense woods, bounded by mountains whose average height reaches 17,000 ft, Khag block in the Beerwah tehsil of Budgam district, is a place of breathtaking beauty in the southwest of Kashmir. Across the length and breadth of the district, there are many springs. In khag alone, there are at least thirty springs providing fresh water round the year. However, during the summer, the number increases to over fifty. For this reason, the area could as well be called the land of Springs.
A Little away from the famous meadow of Tosamaidan is the enchanting spring known as Sut Haran. The water of the spring is very sweet. Naranag spring is also known as Narain Nag. The spring is close to the Khag village. Of the many round-the-year-flowing springs, the Sukhnag, is the fountainhead of the Ahij brook. Pushkar Nag is in the east of Poshker village between Khag and Ferozpora is a historical spring which is surrounded by several villages on its three sides white it flows to the east. The spring owes its name to the village of its origin. Gandhak Nag is a spring in Darang Khaipora village of Khag block with sulphur contents in its water. People with skin diseases take a bath in the spring and are said to get cured.
Amid thriving forest, more than a few mountain streams flow through the district from Badran to Sut Haran. Of these, the eminent are Ahij Kol, Laen, Mala Kol, Lear Kol, Zaen, Mean and Sona Mean. The Ahij, Laen and Sona Maen have the common fountainhead in Sukhnag. The Ahij and Mala Kol embrace the Jhelum after marching through Khag and other villages of Budgam district. Besides, Dood Ganga nullah, Shaliganga Nallah, Ferozpora nullah and the flood-spill channel also flows all the way through the district.
Leisure Tourism in Budgam District : Tosamaidan is not only famous as a pasture but also for its historical backdrop. Bounded by dense forests, it is located about 10 Kms from Khag in the mountains of the Himalayan range. It is one of those pastures which the shepherds of other countries also used to visit in ancient times. The Mughals used to go to Poonch by means of this route. It is said that they had constructed a seven-storeyed building, Dam Dam here. The Basmai Gali (13,000 ft) is the pass which leads into Tosamaidan. Another pass, Poonch Gali on its right side leads to the valley of Poonch. This pass was deemed to be the safest, easiest, and nearest to reach Punjab in ancient times.
Adventure Tourism in Budgam District : Ten kms uphill from Yousmarg, one can go trekking to Sang-e-Safed, which serves as base for Mt. Tatakoti. En route, there are many meadows like Liddermar, where one could have a night`s halt. Sang-e-Safed is an oval-shaped meadow bisected by the Dood Ganga stream. Surrounded by dense pine trees, the place is a famous picnic spot.