OFFBEAT DESTINATIONS
While the J&K government is trying to develop offbeat destinations in Jammu and Kashmir, the central government should come out with some special scheme for their development.
Recently the J & K government said that there is no exclusive central scheme for developing offbeat destinations highlights a critical policy gap.
While iconic tourist spots like Gulmarg and Pahalgam continue to attract investment and attention, hidden gems such as Gurez Valley, Bangus, and Lolab remain underdeveloped despite their immense potential for sustainable tourism in Kashmir valley.
Gurez’s recognition as India’s “Best Off-beat Destination (Gold)” is a testament to its breathtaking beauty and ecological richness.
Yet, the absence of a dedicated national framework or funding mechanism for offbeat tourism means that such regions rely primarily on limited local budgets and fragmented initiatives.
The ongoing project for Gurez under the Capex Budget is a positive step, but broader policy support is essential to replicate similar models across J&K to develop offbeat tourist destinations.
Offbeat destinations not only diversify the tourism economy but also reduce the environmental pressure on overcrowded hotspots especially in Kashmir valley.
