Two months after the devastating terrorist attack in Pahalgam that claimed 26 lives, Jammu and Kashmir has begun a phased reopening of its iconic tourist destinations. On June 17, 16 sites—eight each in the Kashmir Valley and Jammu region—welcomed visitors once again, marking a significant step toward restoring normalcy and reviving the region’s tourism-dependent economy. Among the reopened locations are the scenic Betaab Valley, Verinag, Kokernag, and the Mughal gardens of Achabal, all of which had been closed following the April 22 attack. The reopening was announced by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, who emphasized the administration’s commitment to safety and economic recovery. Tourists and locals alike expressed relief and optimism. A worker at Betaab Valley shared, “The park was shut all this while, and our work also took a hit. I’m happy it is being reopened and tourists will be back.” Visitors from across India have already begun returning, with many praising the improved security and infrastructure. The relaunch coincides with the successful rollout of the Katra-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express, which has boosted connectivity and ticket sales, and is expected to further stimulate tourism in the region
J&K Reopens 16 Tourist Hotspots, Signals Resilience After Pahalgam Tragedy
