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 2266metres above sea level.
The road route is from Srinagar-Kulgam-Nihama-KB Pora-Aharbal Road.
Aharbal Falls
Present view of Aharbal Falls
Aharbal is noted for the waterfall known as Aharbal Falls, where the Veshu River drops about 25metres and then 7metres through a narrow granite gorge. The falls are sometimes referred to as the "Niagara Falls of Kashmir" owing to the water volume. According to reports,[specify] the water flow could be sufficient to generate 100MW of hydroelectricity. The terraces near the falls are fenced, but caution is still required to avoid slipping.[5][6][7][8]
The waterfall is located in the southwestern part of Kashmir and is fed by the Veshaw River, which originates from the surrounding mountains. The site is surrounded by coniferous forests and alpine landscapes. The area is also known for trekking routes and viewpoints that provide access to panoramic views of the Pir Panjal range and nearby valleys. Aharbal has developed into a local tourist destination and picnic spot, with seasonal variations attracting visitors throughout the year.[9]
Aharbal Development Authority
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.[10]
Oldest fossil site in Jammu and Kashmir
The site, located about 2 km from the Aharbal waterfall along the Kunghwatan route, is believed by experts to be rich in fossil biodiversity, with dense fossil samples at specific locations. The site is estimated to be between 488 and 354 million years old, although the exact age can be confirmed only after radiocarbon dating.
Preliminary investigations suggest that the fossils belong to the Ordovician to Devonian periods. Organisms from that era include bryozoans (colonial animals), gastropods, trilobites, early ancestors of scorpions, and ancient relatives of snails.
This recently discovered fossil site near the tourist destination of Aharbal has been secured by the Department of Archives, Archaeology and Museums.[11]
Access
Aharbal falls in Noorabad sub division of District Kulgam and is easily accessible from Srinagar via Shopian [Bab-ul-Islam], only 8km from the Mughal Road that connects Srinagar and Poonch. The 75km 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 22km 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 44km in the east.[12][13]
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