All that You Need to Know about Banihal: J&K’s Hidden Gem

Banihal is a town in the Ramban district of Jammu and Kashmir. The name "Banihal" implies a snow blizzard in Kashmiri language. In some more established writings it has likewise been alluded to as "Devgol", that is, the dwelling place of mystical giants. Sitting at an elevation of 1,666 m above sea level, it is a rustic and a sloping range with Kamirwah being a standout amongst the most fabulous hills here.

A hidden gem of Jammu and Kashmir, the town of Banihal has many secret admirers who found love in the very glance here. It is quite near Srinagar, and therefore, you don’t need to check the Srinagar to Banihal train time table, since it is a mere 2 and a half hour drive from Srinagar, via NH-44. The town has such a natural allure that even a matrimony app has been named after it! Now, you definitely need to check this place out, and the other quaint sites unveiled in the Banihal package. Take a look--

Jawahar Tunnel

Jawahar Tunnel or Banihal Tunnel, is named after the first Prime Minister of India and was developed for round-the-year surface transport by Mr. Alfred Kunz and C. Barsel (both German), sometime around 1954 and 1960. The tunnel has been operational since 22 December 1956. The length of the tunnel is around 2.5 km, and it is located between Banihāl and Qazigund. This encourages a constant road network to Srinagar From Jammu. Later, the passage was redesigned by the Border Roads Organization under the task BEACON in 1960. It was initially made for 150 vehicles per day, but today, the number rose to a whopping 7000! After several renovations, the tunnel now has a two-way ventilation framework, temperature and pollution sensors, a world-class lighting framework and with Emergency Phone Booths for any help from Border Roads Organization. It is supervised by military round the clock, photography or videography inside or adjacent the passage is entirely prohibited. Once the vehicle enters the passage, it needs to keep up the same speed throughout the tunnel. CCTVs are also installed in the tunnel for strict vigilance.

2. Mahu-Mangat

In Banihal, there is this area towards west side, drained by a stream of the same name, another tributary of Bishari. This area is rugged, yet brimming with long green slopes that pulled in individuals raising goat, sheep and cows in the locale, who possess it. Maize is the staple food here and is grown on sloppy grounds. Milk and Ghee is the main produce of Mahu-Mangat. The place is a small, pretty hamlet with an air so fresh and an environment so serene, that you’d succumb your senses entirely to its simple yet gorgeous facade.

3. Verinag

Verinag is a town and a known area committee in Anantnag locale in the state of Jammu and Kashmir, India. It is around 26 kilometers far from Anantnag and roughly 78 kilometres south-east from Srinagar, which is also the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir. Verinag is also the main tourist spot of Kashmir Valley when going by road from Jammu, the winter capital of the state of Jammu and Kashmir towards Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir. It lies at the entry point of Kashmir Valley, right after you cross the Jawahar Tunnel. A prominent site worth visiting here is the Verinag Spring, after which this spot is named. There is an octagonal stone bowl at Verinag Spring and an arcade encompassing it, both of which were built by the Mughal emperor Jahangir in 1620 A.D. Later, a wonderful green garden by this spring was laid out by his son Shah Jahan. This spring never dries up or overflows. The Verinag Spring is likewise the significant wellspring of the Jhelum river.

While you enquire about the IRCTC train ticket availability on the web for the same, mainstream destinations of Kashmir, we have provided you with yet another reason to visit the paradise on earth, to explore this hidden gem. Make the most out of your trip!