| Aharbal | |
| Native Name Lang: | kashmiri |
| Settlement Type: | Hill station |
| Pushpin Map: | India Jammu and Kashmir#India |
| Pushpin Label Position: | right |
| Pushpin Map Caption: | Location in Jammu and Kashmir, India |
| Coordinates: | 33.646°N 74.7807°W |
| Subdivision Type: | Country |
| Subdivision Name: | India |
| Subdivision Type1: | State |
| Subdivision Name1: | Jammu and Kashmir |
| Subdivision Type2: | District |
| Subdivision Name2: | Kulgam |
| Government Type: | Democracy |
| Unit Pref: | Metric |
| Elevation M: | 2266 |
| Population Density Km2: | auto |
| Demographics Type1: | Languages |
| Demographics1 Title1: | Official |
| Demographics1 Info1: | Kashmiri, Urdu, Hindi, Dogri, English[1] [2] |
| Timezone1: | IST |
| Utc Offset1: | +5:30 |
| Postal Code: | 192231 |
Aharbal is a hill station in the south-western part of Kashmir Valley in the Indian union territory of Jammu and Kashmir, south of the summer capital of Srinagar (Sub district: Damhal Hanjipora, District: Kulgam). Aharbal Waterfall is also known as Niagara Waterfall of Kashmir.[3]
Aharbal lies in the Kulgam district's Noorabad area[4] of Jammu and Kashmir. It is located on the Veshu River, a tributary of the Jehlum River, in an alpine valley covered in pine and fir trees within the Pir Panjal mountains. It lies at an altitude of 2266 metres above sea level.
The road route is from Srinagar-Kulgam-Nehama-KB Pora-Aharbal Road.
Aharbal is known for its waterfall, Aharbal Falls, where the Veshu falls noisily 25 metres and 7 metres through a narrow gorge of granite boulders. Aharbal Falls are also referred to as the Niagara Falls of Kashmir, owing to the volume of the water that falls. According to a report, the water volume would be sufficient to generate 100 MW of hydroelectricity. The terraces leading to the falls are fenced, but care must be taken to avoid slipping.[5] [6] [7] [8]
- Aharbal Waterfall is situated in the southwestern part of Kashmir, known for its breathtaking landscapes.- The waterfall is fed by the Veshaw River, which originates from the surrounding mountains.- The cascading water creates a mesmerizing display as it falls over the rocky terrain, forming a series of smaller falls.- Surrounded by dense forests, Aharbal offers a serene and tranquil atmosphere, making it an ideal retreat for nature lovers.- The region around Aharbal is a great trekking destination, providing opportunities for adventure and exploration.- Visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys from various vantage points near the waterfall.- Aharbal is not only a popular tourist attraction but also holds cultural significance, with locals often visiting the site for picnics and outings.- The journey to Aharbal involves navigating through picturesque landscapes, adding to the overall experience of the visit.- The region experiences different seasons, and each season brings its unique charm, from lush greenery in summer to snow-covered landscapes in winter.- Aharbal Waterfall is a hidden gem, away from the bustling crowds, offering a peaceful retreat for those seeking a connection with nature.
The Aharbal Development Authority, a government agency responsible for development in Aharbal, has built tourist infrastructure including huts and a cafeteria, and other lodging and boarding facilities have also been made available. But still development issues are at the hill station like parks are not maintained properly, there is no amusement park like Lidder Amusement Park, littering, proper roads and parking issues.The area is peaceful and the crime rate is very low.[9]
The exact site which is barely 2 km from the famous Aharbal waterfall along the Kunghwatan route, experts believe that the site which is rich in fossil biodiversity and replete with dense fossil samples at specific locations can be as old as 488 to 354 million years. However, the exact date can be ascertained only after radiocarbon dating. Preliminary investigation it was revealed that the fossils fall between the Ordovician and Devonian period. “The different organisms of that period include bryozoans (colonial animals); gastropods, trilobites, ancestors of C scorpions, and ancient relatives of snails etc”. This recently ‘discovered’ fossil site at famous tourist destination Aharbal has been secured by the department of Archives, Archaeology and Museums.[10]
Aharbal falls in Noorabad sub division of District Kulgam and is easily accessible from Srinagar via Shopian [Bab-ul-Islam], only 8 km from the Mughal Road that connects Srinagar and Poonch. The 75 km drive takes less than 3 hours by car or bus via Pulwama and Shopian. An alternate route leads to Aharbal via Kulgam-Nehama-DH pora -Kb pora -Manzgam-Wattoo-Aharabal. It is only 22 km from the District Kulgam the first District one enters the Kashmir valley after crossing the Jawaharlal National Tunnel. The nearest railway station is Anantnag railway station at 44 km in the east.[11] [12]