In conversation with ETTravelWorld, Rita Saffioti, BBus MLA Deputy Premier, Treasurer, Minister for Transport; Tourism- Government of Western Australia highlighted a significant surge in Indian tourists to the destination, boasting a 30 per cent increase since pre-Covid times.
“This surge is coupled with a significant growth in the Indian community in Western Australia. The combination of family visits and leisure travel has contributed to a climbing visitation rate. The Indian population in WA has become the third largest in the state, indicating exponential growth that we expect to continue,” she stated, adding that India’s is a fast growing tourism market, with vast untapped potential.
In 2019, India stood as WA’s 11th largest visitor market, witnessing about 31,000 visitors in the state. Fast forward to September 2023, visitor numbers rebounded impressively to 87 per cent of pre-Covid levels. In one of recent interactions with ETTravelWorld, the minister stated that this notable uptick in tourism figures from India, has propelled the country from becoming 11th to the 7th largest market for Western Australia. This growth was driven notably by a nearly 50 per cent increase in spend per person.
“We view India as a crucial market for our tourism sector, and we are eagerly committed to fostering its further growth while concurrently amplifying our endeavours to raise awareness about Western Australia within India,” she stated.
Saffioti had also recently spearheaded a delegation to India aimed at fortifying bilateral relations, exploring fresh avenues for collaboration with the Indian travel trade, and addressing pertinent challenges, including the prospect of establishing a direct flight route.
“There’s a clear interest in establishing direct links, but aircraft availability remains a challenge. The surge in travel post-Covid has led to high demand, and while direct links are not proposed in the short term due to this constraint, we’re actively eyeing for future opportunities when aircraft become available,” she told ETTravelWorld.
Pilgrimage tourism in India earned per cent1.3 lakh crore in 2022, as compared to per cent0.65 lakh crore in 2021, according to the Ministry of Tourism. Post-renovation, the Kashi Vishwanath Dham in Varanasi experienced an unprecedented rise in footfall, attracting 70 million visitors last year, a dramatic increase from the roughly 8 million who visited in the preceding year, demonstrating the growth of spiritual tourism year on year. It is to be noted that 5 per cent of international travel is attributed to pilgrimage reasons.
Saffioti further noted that, based on available reports and indicators, India’s expanding middle class demonstrates a keen interest in exploring new destinations and indulging in unique experiences. Noting the travel segments currently under scrutiny, Saffioti disclosed that the Western Australian government is actively targeting high net worth individuals, in addition to families and honeymooners.She highlighted the adventurous inclinations of this demographic, citing their interest in activities like self-driven expeditions and deep-sea diving adventures. She emphasised the importance of maintaining focus on these unique adventure experiences, given the fact that WA boasts some stunning natural attractions including the coral reef in Exmouth, Rottnest Island, pristine beaches, and unique experiences in the northwest and Kimberley regions.
Additionally, the minister noted culinary tourism as another segment of interest, as the state has an abundance of fresh, locally-sourced cuisine and gastronomic experiences including wine regions.
In terms of marketing strategies, the minister outlined plans for intensified engagement with travel agents and tour operators. “We’re considering more familiarisation tours for the agents to experience Western Australia firsthand, along with enhanced engagement with tour operators. Explaining our unique attractions like the Ningaloo Reef and Rottnest Island will be crucial, alongside increasing marketing budgets for targeted campaigns,” she mentioned.
Notably, Western Australia just concluded its inaugural India Roadshow post-pandemic, spanning three days of meetings with tourism, travel, and trade partners based in India from February 5 to 7.
Collaboratively organised by Tourism Western Australia (WA) and Business Events Perth, the roadshow featured 16 representatives from WA’s hotels, attractions, experiences, and Regional Tourism Organisations (RTOs), showcasing their offerings to over 300 Indian agents in New Delhi and Mumbai.
When asked about any specific target cities for engagements in India going forward, the minister highlighted Chennai, Mumbai, and Delhi as priority markets. She said the aim is to leverage existing ties and explore new opportunities for collaboration.
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Abrupt dry winter, with no snowfall and unusually high temperatures, in the coldest parts of Kashmir has adversely impacted the tourism sector in the Valley. Adventure tourist arrivals have hit rock bottom.
The Valley is disturbingly warmer than other places in northern India. As experts point to global warming, dry winter could also lead to flash droughts during summers.
Snowless winter has spoiled a major portion of the adventure winter sports season in Gulmarg, Pahalgam and Sonamarg, even as forecasters are expecting a light snowfall later this month and in February.
Srinagar Met Centre director Mukhtar Ahmad said: “We are hopeful of light snowfall in upper reaches in the later part of January and early February, which will recharge our glaciers as well.”
“The situation is worrisome for the adventure tourist industry. We have seen a 70% decline in tourist arrivals in Gulmarg, where most of the adventure and sports events are organised in winters,” said Rouf Tramboo, president of Travel Agents Association of Kashmir. The snowless Chillai Kalan – 40-day coldest winter period starting December 21 – has marred the excitement of several tourists, who had booked hotels for winter holidays. “We were fully booked till April, but now the majority of guests are cancelling, some are rescheduling and a few are short staying,” said Muhammad Arif, a hotel manager in Gulmarg.
J&K Tourism welcomed Mudgul as their Secretary, poised to build upon the foundation laid by her predecessor Dr. Syed Abid Rasheed Shah’s tenure which notably witnessed a remarkable surge in tourism activities and numbers growing threefold, pinning J&K’s on the global tourism map.
A few feet of December snow at Sinthan Top – a mountain pass at about 12,500 feet in Anantnag district of south Kashmir, connecting Valley with Kishtwar district of Jammu – has come to the rescue of tour operators there. “I have diverted all my guests to Sinthan Top, which received early snowfall and has plenty of snow for tourists,” said Sajad Ahmad, a tour operator from Srinagar. Some of the operators in Kashmir have now taken their tourist groups to Kazakhstan to experience snow and skiing.
The Jammu & Kashmir administration officials have informed that ‘Khelo India Winter Games’, which is organised in Gulmarg and scheduled to start in the first week of February, might be deferred. To hold winter games, the ski resort needs a very thick layer of snow. “We had come to Kashmir for the first time to experience snow, but we are disappointed to see this dry meadow here,” said Kerala’s Madulekha, who along with her family has booked a hotel in Gulmarg for a week.
The dry spell has also impacted hydroelectricity generation, triggering a further increase in load shedding in an already electricity-deficit region. With rivers drying up, drinking water supply through springs and canals has also been affected.
Hundreds of locals are offering special prayers – Namaz-e-Istisqa – for rain and snowfall this winter.
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Over the past two decades, Kerala has solidified its position as a tourism superpower, earning over 60 accolades, which has also labeled it a destination not to be missed in a lifetime.
With an impressive growth rate of 19.34 per cent and a record number of 159.69 lakh visitors from within the country during January-September 2023, Kerala Tourism‘s initiatives have cemented the state’s reputation as a safe, hospitable, and all-weather holiday paradise.
Now, their revamped strategy focuses on introducing new destinations, creating innovative tourism circuits, notching up efforts for heli-tourism and adventure in the states, investing in infrastructure, cruise tourism, and expanding the Responsible Tourism (RT) initiative, said Kerala Tourism Director, P B Nooh.
New destinations, circuits & development projects on the anvil:
Examining last year’s statistics until September, domestic tourist arrivals in Kerala reached 15.9 million, with an all-time high of 18.8 million visitors recorded in 2022. Despite this peak, the state is yet to surpass pre-pandemic numbers. Nooh affirmed that 2022 marked the best year for Kerala’s domestic tourism, expressing optimism about reaching pre-pandemic tourist figures this year.
To address the challenges posed by the surge in both domestic and international tourism, particularly in managing crowds at traditional hotspots, the state government has introduced the destination challenge. Nooh explained that this initiative aims to develop a new destination in every gram panchayat, focusing on the creation of small village destinations. “With 1000 gram panchayats available, the objective is to redirect domestic tourists away from major destinations, ensuring sustainable tourism growth.”
“Kovalam, an established destination for the past 20-25 years, is undergoing a significant transformation with an investment of around 93 crores. Looking ahead, the spotlight is on the most significant destinations in development—Varkala and Vagamon. These projects are undergoing a massive revamp and have received funding under both central and state government schemes,” Nooh told ETTravelWorld.
Also, noteworthy investments have been made, particularly along the state’s 580-kilometer coastline. Muzhappilangad beach, with an investment of approximately INR 230 crore, stands as a testament to this dedication, shared Nooh.
“Varkala beach, too, has garnered attention from investors, with other islands being developed through a collaboration of private industry and government support,” he shared, adding that Backwaters, housing a one third of Kerala’s population, remain a unique strength and experience for tourism.
Further, the department plans to develop thematic tourist circuits. “Literary circuits, covering the trail of renowned Kerala-based authors and locales associated with their literary works as well as a biodiversity circuit connecting some major destinations, are being actively planned for this year,” informed Nooh.
Speaking in general about the economic impact of the tourism sector for Kerala, Nooh termed it as substantial, adding that the direct earnings from domestic tourists in 2022 amounted to INR 24,588.96 crore. The tourism sector’s contribution to Kerala’s GDP reached 10 per cent, generating around 15 lakhs jobs, both directly and indirectly, he pointed out.
Setting the stage for heli, adventure & wedding tourism
In a bold move to elevate Kerala’s tourism experience and as part of its aggressive campaign to increase the domestic tourist footfalls, Nooh also announced the ‘Sky Escapes’ heli-tourism project yesterday. Branded as a potential game-changer akin to the impact of houseboats three decades ago, this initiative aims to connect the state’s top destinations through a comprehensive heli-tourism policy.
“Kerala has become the first state in the country to come out with a comprehensive heli-tourism policy. A micro-site has been created giving details of travel packages offered by the helicopter service providers,” stated Nooh.
This initiative, in line with Kerala Tourism’s campaign — Make up for lost time, pack up for Kerala, will be of enormous help to tourists planning to visit various destinations in a single trip, making the state an inter-connected tourism hotspot, remarked Nooh.
This initiative he said will revolutionise the way tourists experience Kerala, provide an efficient and seamless travel experience, while offering a unique aerial perspective of diverse landscapes and cultural sites. This will include city rides for short trips and destination-to-destination rides, said Nooh.
The government’s commitment to placing Kerala on the global adventure tourism map also takes center stage this year with the recent announcement of four international adventure sporting events. These include International Paragliding Festival at Vagamon in Idukki from March 14 to 17, International Surfing Festival at Varkala from March 29 to 31, mega mountain biking event, MTB Kerala 2024, to be held at Priyadarshini tea plantation in Mananthavady, Wayanad, from April 26 to 28 and The Malabar River Festival 2024 will be held at Kodencherry in Kozhikode from July 25 to 28.
Recognising the anticipated 20 per cent global growth in adventure tourism by 2032, these events are poised to showcase Kerala’s diverse geography, featuring mountains, rivers, beaches, and canals, added Nooh.
In addition to its captivating natural beauty and scenic locales, Kerala Tourism is also planning to position the state as an ideal wedding destination. The department officials say that Kerala’s serene backwaters, bordered by swaying palm trees, pristine beaches, and mystical hill stations adorned with expansive tea and spice plantations, establish a perfect ambiance for couples to tie the knot or head for a honeymoon.
Nooh, during his presentation, also emphasised the growing trend of hosting destination weddings across the state. Recognizing the substantial appeal, the government is dedicated to fostering a conducive environment for destination weddings. “The objective is to attract couples from across the globe, thereby not only enhancing the tourism landscape but also contributing to the growth of local economies,” he added.
These theme-based tourist circuit trains aim to showcase India’s rich cultural heritage and magnificent historical places. The trains have covered major tourist circuits like Shri Ram-Janaki Yatra: Ayodhya to Janakpur; Shri Jagannath Yatra; Garvi Gujarat tour; Ambedkar Circuit; North East tour, among others.
Cruise Tourism: A new horizon
While speaking to ETTravelWorld on the sidelines of a partnership meet, director Nooh hinted at the upcoming developments in cruise tourism. “Eight ports are in the pipeline as part of the cruise tourism initiative, with Beypore set to debut as one of these ports this year. This strategic move seeks to diversify Kerala’s tourism offerings and capture new segments of the market,” he added.
In one of recent statements, Kerala state government had revealed plans to inaugurate cruise ship services from Beypore in this year, with the increased funds earmarked for port dredging. The allocated funds will be utilized to enhance the river’s depth at the port, with the objective of commencing cruise ship journeys from Beypore before the next edition of the Beypore International Water Fest (BIWF).
Finance Minister Balagopal highlighted the initial launch of domestic cruise ships with a capacity of 300 to 500 passengers. This move is anticipated to play a pivotal role in boosting tourism within the state, drawing larger crowds to the annual BIWF event.
Championing responsible travel
“In recent years, Kerala has emerged as a key responsible tourism destination. This also means that we have consistently ensured that visitors become responsible travellers, while also contributing to the betterment of local communities,” Nooh reiterated, adding that wellness, and responsible tourism will be taken forward with a greater sense of purpose and vigour in 2024.
Besides this, the state government is actively involved in the caravan park initiative, with three parks already under construction. “Simultaneously, the private sector is contributing to this endeavor, currently progressing with the construction of more caravan parks. This collaborative effort aims to enhance tourism infrastructure and cater to the evolving needs of travellers, while ensuring a responsible way of travelling,” he stated.
He said the revamped strategy of Kerala Tourism hinges on creating new destinations and capacity building projects, while broadening the award-winning Responsible Tourism (RT) Mission, which allows tourists to experience village life and ensures better connectivity.
Providing insights into the current statistics, Nooh revealed that there are 23,784 registered units statewide, with over 46,000 individuals directly benefiting and approximately 83,964 enjoying indirect benefits. Notably, a significant 73 percent of these units are owned or led by women.
Additionally, as part of the Responsible Tourism (RT) initiative, a diverse range of 140 experiential tour packages has been introduced across various locations in Kerala. Impressively, these packages involve direct participation from about 850 families in their curation, further enhancing the local engagement and impact of the initiative.
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The Ministry of Tourism convened the National Conference on Adventure Tourism, held from December 18 to 19, 2023 in Ekta Nagar, Gujarat. Based on the theme, ‘Viksit Bharat@2047: Making India a Global Adventure Tourism Hub’, the primary objective revolved around creating a platform for in-depth discussions and formulating strategies to propel India into a prominent role as a global adventure tourism destination.
Fueled by ambition, the Ministry of Tourism aims to achieve a robust USD 3 trillion tourism economy by 2047, with a substantial contribution of USD 800 billion from adventure tourism alone. This vision also encompasses elevating India into the top ten adventure tourism destinations globally.
To materialise this goal, the agenda includes attracting 20 million Foreign Tourist Arrivals (FTAs) and 80 million Foreign Tourist Visits (FTVs) specifically for adventure tourism, generating a significant foreign exchange of USD 90 billion. Domestic visits are expected to reach 4 billion for adventure tourism within the country. Such an ascent from the 96th to the 10th position globally necessitates a cohesive strategic roadmap jointly designed by the Central Government in collaboration with States and Industry stakeholders.
India’s geographic diversity stands as a substantial advantage, boasting rich natural and eco-tourism resources. The country boasts 70 percent of the Himalayas, a 7,000-kilometer coastline, both hot and cold deserts, extensive forest cover (ranking 10th globally), and a remarkable count of recognized UNESCO Natural Heritage sites. Furthermore, India hosts an array of iconic wildlife species, including tigers, lions, elephants, rhinos, leopards, and more than 1200 species of birds.
Despite this wealth of natural resources and potential, India currently holds a comparatively low position in the global adventure tourism sphere. Recognising the country’s immense potential to emerge as a global adventure tourism marketplace, efforts are being directed toward attracting adventure enthusiasts from around the world.
To give impetus to adventure tourism’s development, the Ministry of Tourism has laid out a comprehensive National Strategy. The Indian Institute of Travel and Tourism Management has been designated as the Central Nodal Agency for Adventure Tourism, providing crucial technical support. Additionally, the establishment of a National Board for Adventure Tourism, comprising representatives from Central Ministries, States, and Industry Stakeholders, aims to provide guidance for sectoral development.
Strategic pillars have been identified to foster sustainable tourism, adventure tourism, and ecotourism, including state assessments and strategies, capacity building, marketing and promotion, safety management frameworks, rescue grids, destination and product development, and governance frameworks.
During the conference, the Ministry of Tourism launched the ‘Adventure Tourism India Website’ and announced the ‘Best Adventure Tourism Destination Competition 2024’.
The event also witnessed various presentations, including the National Strategy for Adventure Tourism by Additional Secretary (Tourism) Rakesh Kumar Verma. Emphasis was placed on capacity building, marketing, promotion, and the necessity of collaboration among central, state, and industry stakeholders.
Notable international and industry perspectives were shared by Mike Druce, Coach at Slalomcoach, and Ajeet Bajaj, President ATOAI, respectively.
These agreements aim to enhance knowledge-sharing on adventure tourism, focusing on film shooting and infrastructure development in Gujarat. Key developments planned through the MoUs are establishing a four-star resort and an entertainment zone and culture theme park. ATOAI also signed an MoU with the UP Tourism Development Corporation as well.
The conference also dedicated a session to ‘Propelling States for Adventure Tourism’, featuring presentations from various states showcasing their adventure tourism assets, development initiatives, skill building efforts, marketing strategies, safety measures, and alignment with national policies and digital platforms.
On the subsequent day, the focus shifted to ‘Destination Planning, Development, and Management’, sharing best practices and experiences. Case studies on developing Ekta Nagar as a green field tourism destination and creating a sustainable and responsible tourist destination under Swadesh Darshan 2.0 were spotlighted.
The final session provided updates on various initiatives of the Ministry of Tourism, encompassing the Incredible India Portal, Meet in India campaign, Wed in India campaign, Travel for LiFE Campaign, Travel for LiFE: Tourism for Tomorrow Competition, Best Tourism Village, and Best Rural Homestays Competition.
The state representatives including Sachin Kurve, Secretary, Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board (UTDB); Swapnil Naik, Secretary (Tourism), Arunachal Pradesh; Hareet Shukla, Secretary (Tourism), Gujarat; Kaushlendra Vikram Singh IAS, MD MP Tourism corporation; Kunzes Angmo, Director (Tourism), UT Ladakh; P.B. Nooh, Director (Tourism), Kerala; C.S.Rao, Principal Secretary, Sikkim Tourism and Rakhee Gupta Bhandari, Pr. Secretary, Punjab made the presentations during the conference.
Director Niche Tourism, Radha Katyal Narang, commended the State Government of Gujarat and the Adventure Tour Operator Association of India (ATOAI) for the success of the 15th Annual Convention & Pre-Vibrant Gujarat Event, emphasising the Ministry’s ongoing efforts in promoting and developing sustainable adventure tourism in the country.
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The Adventure Tour Operators Association of India (ATOAI), in collaboration with the Tourism Corporation of Gujarat, is gearing up to host the Annual Adventure Tourism Convention 2023 from December 16 to 18 at the iconic Statue of Unity in Ekta Nagar. The convention, serving as a precursor to the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit 2024, aims to foster collaboration, innovation, and sustainable practices within the adventure tourism sector.
The convention seeks to discuss emerging trends, establish regulatory frameworks, and create a roadmap for the development of adventure tourism in Gujarat. Aligning with ATOAI guidelines recognised by the Ministry of Tourism, the focus is on safety measures and promoting a ‘leave no trace’ ethos.
Carbon-Negative and Plastic-Free Event
The Annual Adventure Tourism Convention 2023 aspires to be a ‘Carbon-Negative’ event, offsetting its carbon footprint through a tree-planting initiative during the convention. Sharing its commitment to sustainability, ATOAI has also pledged to making the event single-use-plastic free.
Eminent figures, including Chief Minister of Gujarat Bhupendra Patel, Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh Pema Khandu, and Tourism Minister Mulubhai Bera, will address the gathering. The event will also witness insights from notable personalities such as V Vidyavathi, Secretary Tourism, Lt General Rakesh Kapoor, Deputy Chief of the Army Staff (IS&C), Dr Sourabh Pardhi, Managing Director, Gujarat Tourism, and ATOAI President Ajeet Bajaj.
Economic Implications for Gujarat
Beyond immediate economic injections, the convention holds the potential to catalyze the growth of adventure tourism in Gujarat, attracting both domestic and international adventure enthusiasts. The diverse landscapes and cultural richness showcased during the convention can lead to increased employment opportunities and sustainable development.
Addressing the pre-convention press conference, Hareet Shukla, Secretary Tourism, Government of Gujarat, expressed the state’s commitment to exploring adventure tourism’s potential and establishing Gujarat as a premier adventure tourist destination in the next 2 to 3 years. With India’s diverse landscape, there is an immense opportunity for the country to become a global leader in adventure tourism. “In collaboration with ATOAI, we will explore adventure tourism in Gujarat and we aim to facilitate year-round tourism activities in Gujarat. Our objective is to establish the state as a premier adventure tourist destination in the next 2 to 3 years,” he said.
At the same time, ATOAI President Ajeet Bajaj outlined the immense potential for adventure tourism in India, aiming to place the country among the top 10 adventure travel destinations globally in the next decade. “Working closely with the Government of Gujarat, ATOAI is actively involved in shaping adventure tourism policies, skill development, safety guidelines, and sustainable practices. By 2024, the global adventure tourism industry is poised to become a trillion-dollar industry,” he said.
A gyrocopter, akin to a small helicopter, distinguishes itself by the absence of an engine turning the rotors, providing a unique and thrilling experience. “We have been operating air safaris in Rishikesh since 2014 with the support of the state government. Gyrocopter safaris will also commence from Rishikesh, offering tourists an aerial perspective of the region’s natural splendour,” said Manish Saini, the CEO of the private sports company managing the air safari.
During the convention, participants will visit the Statue of Unity and the Sardar Sarovar Dam, experiencing exhibitions, thematic adventures, adventure activities, ATOAI awards, panel discussions, and cultural performances. There will also be thematic sessions on the ‘Implementation of National Strategy for Adventure Tourism’ and ‘Developing Adventure Tourism with a special focus on promoting Travel for LiFE program’ will be conducted.
These sessions cover a variety of topics, including Leave no Trace & Standard Operating Procedures, Reputation Management, Outdoor Adventure Education, Carbon Neutral – Make Your Ops Net Zero, Preserving the USP While Managing Risk, Sustainability – the New Responsibility, and Promoting Adventure Tourism in India.
The convention also offered three pre-convention FAM tours to the delegates helping them create exciting itineraries to promote adventure tourism in Gujarat.
The ATOAI convention 2023 emerges as a pivotal platform for industry professionals, enthusiasts, and policymakers to collaboratively shape the future of adventure tourism in India. With a commitment to best practices, the convention aims to propel India into the top tier of adventure travel destinations while championing sustainable development and responsible tourism practices.
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In an effort to bolster adventure tourism and tap into the potential of the region, the Directorate of Tourism, Jammu, is inviting expressions of interest (EOI) from trekking experts to improve the adventure tourism experience for visitors.
According to Vivekanand Rai, the Director of Tourism Jammu, the departments has been holding extensive consultations with experts to bring in more engaging products that would attract more people to adventure tourism.
This collaborative approach has yielded a feasibility report, with a special focus on expanding adventure activities with minimal investment. “The primary aim of this is to create job opportunities and engage the region’s youth in the flourishing tourism sector,” said Rai, adding that Jammu holds exciting possibilities as a hub for adventure tourism, particularly with the interests of the youth.
The Directorate of Tourism, Jammu, plans to host international paragliders on a FAM (Familiarisation) tour and paragliding event in Jammu. The paragliders will offer recommendations after their trials. The introduction of paddle boating at Gatha has garnered a positive response, as per the directorate. Also, the plans are in place to conduct a Paragliding Professional Training Course in Arunachal Pradesh. For this, 38 new trekking routes have been identified to enhance adventure tourism offerings in the region.
Under the new policies, the first 100 homestays will get INR 2L grant and up to 20L for caravan infra. Additionally, the initial 100 Bed & Breakfast establishments that have successfully completed one year and are registered with the tourism department can claim reimbursement of INR 1,000 registration fee. Property and road taxes will also be subject to reimbursement. The new Carvan policy allows the private operators to establish standalone caravan parks at scenic locations.
Additionally, in collaboration with the Indian Kayaking & Canoeing Association (IKCA) and Jammu Adventure Sports Association (JASA), the Directorate of Tourism, Jammu, has conducted water surveys across all districts of the Jammu Division. These surveys have led to recommendations for specific locations for various adventure activities. As per the directorate, the notable locations and activities include Paragliding at Aitham, Dhanwa, Billo ki Paudi, and Mokhri; Water-based activities at Jammu (Kattal – Battal) including shikara rides, flatwater rafting, kayaking, and more. Besides, Surinsar and Mansar Lake (Samba) offer similar adventure water sports and also, whitewater adventures can be done at Doda (Prem Nagar – Doda).
Additionally, the directorate of tourism has put focus on Ramban’s Bhagliar dam backwaters, Shiv Mandir – Karara/Kundal, Sanasar Lake, Reasi (Chenab), Baradari and Serli Pond (Katra), Udhampur (Dalsar Lake), Poonch (Buffliaz town to Poonch), and the Rajouri region (Tawi from Rajouri to Hidayatpura) which provide various adventurous experiences.
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