The Lolab Valley in north Kashmir’s Kupwara district has been honoured with the Gold for Best Offbeat Destination in India at the prestigious Outlook Traveller Awards 2023.
The announcement was confirmed by the Tourism Department Kashmir, which celebrated the recognition on X, formerly known as Twitter.
The tourism department expressed their joy, stating, “Lolab Valley, Kupwara bags the Best Offbeat Destination award at the prestigious Outlook Traveller Awards 2023!” The Gold for Best Offbeat Destination in India went to Lolab Valley, Jammu & Kashmir, and congratulations were extended to the winners.
Lolab Valley, also known as ‘Wadi-e-Lolab’ or ‘Lolov,’ is emerging as an ideal offbeat destination, characterized by pristine landscapes, apple orchards, and meandering rivers. Its untouched beauty and tranquility make it a hidden gem in India, attracting hundreds of domestic visitors during the summer.
The Silver for Best Offbeat Destination in India was awarded to Anini, Arunachal Pradesh. The remoteness and unspoiled charm of Anini make it a perfect haven for those seeking an off-the-beaten-path experience in India, according to the Outlook Traveller Awards 2023.
The people in north Kashmir’s Kupwara district view this recognition as a significant success and anticipate that it will boost the tourism sector in the Kupwara Valley.
Lolab Valley’s unique beauty, including the iconic entry gate 9 km north of Kupwara, serves as a pathway to an oval-shaped valley floor with stunning beauty and sprawling mountain ranges.
Secretary of Tourism, Syed Abid Rashid, expressed his satisfaction with the acknowledgment, stating, “It’s a wonderful recognition of the efforts of J&K government in promoting offbeat destinations.” He highlighted the government’s strategy to highlight offbeat destinations with substantial tourism potential, aiming to spread tourism growth to untapped destinations across Jammu and Kashmir.
Recognizing offbeat destinations also opens up new opportunities for the local community, allowing them to maximize the gains of tourism sustainably, he added.
Secretary Rashid highlighted the department’s commitment to democratizing the tourism sector and ensuring the equitable distribution of benefits.
Despite Lolab Valley being approximately 100 km from Srinagar, requiring roughly 4 hours of travel by road, the valley’s captivating beauty makes the journey worthwhile for domestic tourists.
Visitors are particularly drawn to exploring the Kalaroos Caves, rumored to hide a direct route to Russia and massive water bodies inside.
