Ever heard the name Lal Draman? I am sure you might not have!
Covered in lofty deodar and fir trees, this meadow is located in Jammu & Kashmir at a distance of 25 kms from Doda town further north. Away from the prying eyes of the tourists, this gem remains hidden owing to its lack of road connectivity BUT not for long!
Why?
Because Doda administration along with the Directorate of Tourism Jammu are collaborating on establishing road access to Lal Draman which was initiated last week.
The inauguration of Bijerni Lal Draman Road which will be a symbol of improved accessibility, will assist in the recognition of Lal Draman meadow as a tourist destination.
In fact, in order to promote this lesser known, rather a hidden gem, the Doda administration launched a two-day Youth Conclave and Lal Draman Summer Festival. This event which was hosted last week drew inquisitive visitors who were eager to experience the gorgeous meadow. This event was hosted by Doda administration along with the Directorate of Tourism Jammu and the Jammu Kashmir Academy of Art Culture & Languages.
According to DC Doda Vishesh Mahajan, the intent of this event was to encourage the youth to promote local offbeat places, culture, food and heritage that will draw visitors and eventually help in the growth of the local economy and also foster a sense of community responsibility.
What Did the Event Offer?
Apart from the vibrant cultural program that featured local artists, there were numerous activities that were made available to the public to give them a glimpse of the region’s local culture and traditions. The activities that were available were:
• Trekking
• Zorbing
• Zip-lining
• Marathon races
• Local cuisine sampling
• Horseback riding
• Art and craft exhibitions
The initiation of the Lal Draman Summer Festival has played a significant role in bringing the Lal Draman meadow into the spotlight for tourists to visit this offbeat place.
Even though recognition of these offbeat places is essential to promote local economic growth, but the influx of excess tourists also maligns the local culture to a certain extent. So, it is imperative to maintain a healthy balance of tourist flow to these once-inaccessible places.
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