Rai invites adventure tourism enthusiasts to explore Jammu’s virgin tourist destinations

Director Tourism Jammu, Vivekananda Rai addressing media persons in Jammu on Friday.
Director Tourism Jammu, Vivekananda Rai addressing media persons in Jammu on Friday.

Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Nov 3: The Directorate of Tourism, Jammu today invited the adventure tourism enthusiasts to explore the virgin and unexplored tourist destinations of Jammu region.
Addressing media persons here, Director Tourism Jammu, Vivekananda Rai, Director Tourism, Jammu, unveiled a wide range of adventure tourism opportunities in Jammu.
He emphasized the proactive efforts of the tourism department to enrich adventure tourism offerings. He said that department has conducted extensive consultations with experts, resulting in a comprehensive feasibility report aimed at expanding adventure activities with minimal investment.

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“The goal is to create employment opportunities and engage the youth in thriving tourism sector,” he said.
Joint Director Tourism, Sunaina Sharma Mehta, revealed that in collaboration with the Indian Kayaking & Canoeing Association (IKCA) and Jammu Adventure Sports Association (JASA), they’ve conducted water surveys across all districts of Jammu Division.
She said these surveys have identified specific locations for various activities. For example, she said, Aitham, Dhanwa, Billo ki Paudi, and Mokhri are perfect for paragliding while as Kattal – Battal, offer shikara rides, flatwater rafting, kayaking, and more.
Surinsar and Mansar Lake in Samba provide opportunities for flatwater kayaking, family rafting, and paddle boat rides. Doda offers commercial whitewater rafting tours, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboard rentals, she said.
Mehta said that the Bhagliar dam backwaters in Ramban present the chance for canoe sprint, flatwater kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and jet boat tours. She also named a few other adventure tourist destinations in other districts of Jammu region that are eagerly waiting for the adventure tourism enthusiasts.
Mehta shared that reconnaissance activities have been completed for hosting international paragliders on a FAM tour and paragliding event in Jammu, and they eagerly await recommendations from these paragliders.
“Paddle boating at Gatha has also received a positive response”, said Sunaina Sharma Mehta, the Joint Director Tourism, Jammu.
She added that the Directorate has been further planning to conduct a paragliding professional training course in Arunachal Pradesh.
Additionally, she said, 38 new trekking routes have been identified to enhance adventure tourism offerings in the region.
Abdul Jabbar, Deputy Director Tourism (P&A) and Sugandi Banotra, AD Tourism Jammu, were also present in the press conference.