Budgam District, Jammu and Kashmir :

Budgam District of Jammu and Kashmir came into existence in 1979, prior to which it was part of Srinagar district. 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 :

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 :

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.

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 :

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 :

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 : 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.

Yousmarg is one of the captivating meadows of Budgam district and is situated 50 kms to the southwest of Srinagar at an elevation of 7,500 ft above sea-level. Yousmarg is a bunch of meadows surrounded by splendid trees in the lap of Pir Panjal mountain range. Nilnag is a beautiful blue-water lake, situated 4 kms downhill from Yousmarg, and connected by a bridle path through dense forests. The place is a wonderful picnic spot where tourists are mesmerised by magnificent natural surroundings.

Leisure Tourism : 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 :  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.