Being born and raised in the hills of Jammu, I've always had an affection for the hills and mountains. My home is located in Mahanpur, in the lower Shivaliks of the Kathua District in Jammu & Kashmir.
I have been living away from my state for the last 13 years, working in the corporate sector in different parts of India. I usually visit my hometown only during my leave periods. The last time I visited was in May for my sister’s wedding, and now I've returned to attend my cousin's wedding. After the wedding, I decided to explore my region more thoroughly, and I would need at least two days to take in the beauty of this area. One simply cannot resist capturing the panoramic views of the hills, mountains, and lakes. While I'm already familiar with the area, this time I wanted to delve deeper, as the hilly region of the Kathua District in Jammu & Kashmir has many unexplored spots offering splendid views of the Dhauladhar Mountains and the lofty Shivaliks.
Day 1: I planned to travel around the Ranjit Sagar Reservoir, which covers a significant portion of Basohli. I started from my home towards the Ranjit Sagar Dam site, which is only 20 km away on Dhar Road. The mountains, hills, and lakes have always fascinated me since my childhood, and this region provides a mesmerizing combination of all three natural wonders. Over this 20 km stretch, the beauty of Mother Nature is so overwhelming that I found myself stopping at least five times to capture the views, particularly the lake. The weather was favorable, and the panoramic views were best enjoyed from Dhar Road, which runs along the reservoir in the Shivaliks. My first stop was at Khubbani, which is just 4 km from Mahanpur on Dhar Road towards the Ranjit Sagar Dam. The splendid view of the Behani River, which twisted like an anaconda through the landscape, compelled me to stop my vehicle and capture its serpentine shape."
Exploring the Unexplored.
My 2nd break was at Ambughat. Here I parked my car beside a small water tank and without any care I positioned myself over the tank. Because from here I could extend my gaze quite far onto the other side of the lake upto the Dhauladhar Range. The small Villages on the other side of the lake make you feel like that a small city exists on the hills but you can have this mesmerising view in the night only. Its my favourite place for hang out.
The third stop was at a place called Gainthla. From here, you can see the entire view of one half of the Ranjit Sagar Lake. The best pictures of this beautiful lake can be captured from here as it provides an unobstructed, panoramic view, making it an ideal spot for photography enthusiasts.
After covering a distance of 19 Kms finally I arrived at Ranjit Sagar Dam Site, also known as the Thein Dam, is part of a hydroelectric project constructed by the Government of Punjab on the Ravi River on the Border of two states of India, Jammu and Kashmir and Punjab. 60% of the lake is part of J&K.
Here I parked my car and ordered a cup of tea at a tea stall. I sat on a bench for sometime and drowned myself completely in the beauty of blue water and hills which took me away from my physical existence. I was feeling like that mountains are calling me at a far distance and I must go. I had spent an hour and captured some mesmerising shots of the lake, mountains and the dusk.
Then I moved forward for 2 kms to the other side of the Ranjit Sagar Dam but it was already dark. The time didn't allow me to move forward so from there I decided to turn back to my home.
Day 2 ,
So on next day I planned to cover Basohli and Bani Area. I started at 7 am towards Basohli which is merely 31 Kms but and an hour Journey from my home. I would like to describe more about Basohli because of its historical importance.
Basholi (Basoli) is a town in Kathua district in the state of Jammu and Kashmir. It is situated on the right bank of River Ravi and in the uneven lofty hills of Shivaliks at an altitude of 1876 ft. It was founded by Raja Bhupat Pal sometime in 1635. It was known for magnificent places which are now in ruins and miniatures paintings (Basohli Paintings).
Basohli has become popular for the Ranjit Sagar dam which has made it almost landlocked. Before the construction of Ranjit Sagar dam or Thein dam Basohli was just 32 km from Kathua but now due the dam it is about 72 km from Kathua city.
After reaching Basohli I wanted to visit Basohli Bridge and without any delay I reached at the location. Basohli is now connected with Punjab and Himachal with this stunning cable-stayed bridge. Strategically important and first of the kind in North India and Jammu and Kashmir, the 592-meter long Basohli Bridge over River Ravi is fourth such in the country.
Bridge is strategically very important for the quick induction of the Army during emergency. Named Atal Sethu, the bridge will also reduce the distance between Pathankot and Basohli by more than 35 km, saving both time and fuel.
After visiting the Atal Setu, I decided to go Purthu also known as the Mini Goa of Basohli name given by the local people because of its open green fields on the banks of the Ranjit Sagar Resorvoir. But before proceeded towards Purthu I thought to visit my cousin's place and had lunch over there.
And then after 4 pm I drove towards Purthu which is just 4-5 Kms from Basohli town on old Kathua Road. Few years ago I had already visited this place and then it forced me to visit again. And now in 2017 I wanted to relive the tranquility of the Ranjit Sagar Lake.
After reaching there I parked my Car in the open green fields and this location was the perfect to shoot my new Baleno. The sun was about to set and I was waiting for the dusk view. What can be more beautiful than this mesmerising view- lake, hills, the dusk and the cattle grazing along the banks.
This is the best place I have ever found in my region. The colour of the water is turquoise and the site is best in the summers to relieve heat. You can also take a dip in the shallow waters of the Resorvoir.
Earlier Basohli was famous for its miniatures and paintings but now it's going to be famous for its scenic beauty. J&K govt is now focusing on this area and developing water sports and other things to attract the tourists. I am a local guy of this region so I want Tourists, Riders, Travellers to explore the beauty of Jammu Region. Like Kashmir and Ladakh, Jammu has also beautiful places to explore which are still unexplored.
WHEN TO GO:
The entire year is the best time time to explore this hilly region of District Kathua except the extreme cold regions where temperature remains in minus during winters but one can easily enjoy the scenic beauty of Basohli.
GETTING THERE:
By Air: The nearest Airports are Amritsar and Jammu. From Amritsar Basohli is 130 Kms you can take a bus to Pathankot which takes 2 hours and then take a bus from Pathankot Bus Stand for Dunera( Punjab) on Dalhousie road.
From here you can take auto to Basohli which is just 10 Kms from Dunera.
From Jammu Basohli is around 150 Kms Regular Buses runs for Basohli via Kathua to Mahanpur, Ranjit Sagar Dam and Basohli.
Ranjit Sagar Dam is just 25 Kms from Pathankot and you can reach there by a local bus for Dhar from Pathankot Bus Stand.
BY Train: For Basohli the nearest Railway Stations are Pathankot Cantt which is 45 Kms and Kathua Railway station which is 72 Kms.
From Pathankot you can take bus as I mentioned above and from Kathua regular buses runs for Basohli via Ranjit Sagar dam and Mahanpur till 5:30 pm.
The same routes covered by road.
GETTING AROUND:
Yes there are many beautiful places in the surrounding of Basohli. This time due to lack of time I couldn't explore the mountains of Basohli.
Dalhousie (Himachal Pradesh) is only 45 Kms from Basohli. The distance has been reduced by Atal Setu. Those who visited Dalhousie can also visit Basohli on their way back to Pathankot.
Bani:- Bani is merely 85 Kms from Bani on the banks of Sewa River. It's a hill station.
Sarthal:- An Unexplored Valley in Bani Tehsil of Jammu.Sarthal Valley which is 35 kms from Bani towards Bhaderwah town which is also known as the Mini Kashmir.
DHAGGAR: An Unexplored Paradise in Bani Tehsil of Jammu. Dhaggar in Bani Tehsil is one of the most beautiful mountain village of Kathua District. One can reach and explore the beauty of this paradise thru hiking only. It could be a new trekking destination in the future.
In my next trip I will explore all the above mentioned places which are still unexplored.
