08/07/2025
*Reshwari in Handwara gains popularity as serene eco-tourism destination*
*Attracts visitors with crystal stream, trout delights; locals urge authorities to improve infrastructure*
Waris Fayaz
Handwara, Jul 07 : With temperatures soaring across the valley, an increasing number of people are flocking to Reshwari in north Kashmir’s Handwara, a hidden gem now emerging as a popular getaway.
The spot, around 30 kilometres from Handwara town, is drawing large crowds for its crystal-clear waters, cold breezes and lush deodar forests lining the banks of Nallah Mawer — many come to beat the heat with a quick dip in the stream, while others prefer fishing or simply enjoying the serene natural beauty.
“The water here is unbelievably fresh, and the surroundings are equally calming. You don’t feel like leaving," Bilal Ahmad, a resident of Sopore, who visited the spot with his friends over the weekend, told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO).
“We usually go to Gulmarg or Pahalgam, but this is something different. It’s raw, peaceful and close to nature," he added.
Besides its scenic charm, Reshwari is also becoming known for its trout fish, which thrive in the cold waters of Nallah Mawer. Locals have established private trout farms, allowing visitors to relish fresh fish or carry some back home.
“The hospitality here is unmatched. I would recommend this place over some of the crowded tourist spots we usually go to", Hinna, a visitor from Srinagar, said.
For those en route to Bangus Valley via the Mawer route, Reshwari serves as a perfect pit-stop, offering homestay options as well as government rest houses equipped with all basic amenities.
The Forest Department has established a well-maintained rest house in Reshwari, located right by the riverbank. Visitors say it offers a perfect setting for spending peaceful evenings with family and friends.
"We had no idea such beauty existed in Kashmir’s interiors,” said a member of a family from Delhi, sipping on traditional Kashmiri Nun Chai. “Everyone talks about Gulmarg or Pahalgam, but Reshwari is a hidden paradise".
Locals say tourist footfall has increased significantly over the last few years, providing a boost to the local economy. However, they also appealed to the administration to develop better infrastructure and improve road connectivity, set up public toilets, waste management systems, and parking spaces to make the experience smoother for tourists.
“If the government promotes it well and ensures basic facilities, this place can become one of the top eco-tourism spots in north Kashmir,” locals said—(KNO)
