Agricheck Pulwama untapped jewel with tourism potential
Locals say the area is looking like a winter wonderland currently
Pulwama: Nestled roughly 15 kilometres from Pulwama town, C.B. Nath Agricheck is gaining attention from residents and travellers alike for its scenic beauty and potential as a tourist and picnic destination. Despite its natural allure — including gentle slopes, lush fields, and verdant pockets that come alive after snow — the site remains largely underdeveloped and overlooked by government tourism initiatives.
Locals and visitors calling it a “hidden paradise” say the area’s picturesque landscapes are ideal for weekend outings, family picnics and nature photography — especially during or after snowfall when the fields and hillsides are clothed in white.
“We come here almost every week,” said a young visitor from Pulwama who comes to C.B. Nath Agricheck with friends.
“It’s peaceful, beautiful and perfect for families, but still very few people know about it,” he said.
Many locals emphasise that, with even basic infrastructure — proper parking, restrooms, seating areas and waste management — the spot could draw tourists from Pulwama, Srinagar and beyond. They argue that such amenities would make C.B. Nath Agricheck a safe, accessible picnic site for people of all ages.
“We have the scenery and open spaces, but there’s no place to sit, no garbage bins and no safety measures yet,” a resident of a nearby village told a local video news clip covering the spot.
“If the government pays attention, this place can become another favourite picnic destination in south Kashmir,” he said.
Despite the enthusiasm among locals, official efforts to tap into this potential appear minimal. Unlike other scenic areas in Jammu & Kashmir that have received phased development or promotional support from tourism departments, C.B. Nath Agricheck continues to lack formal recognition, improved roads, directional signage and basic visitor facilities.
Tourism stakeholders in the wider region argue that smaller natural sites like this are key to decentralising tourism growth and supporting local economies — beyond traditional hubs such as Gulmarg, Pahalgam and Sonamarg. However, without targeted policies and investments, places like Agricheck remain informal picnic spots rather than mainstream tourist attractions.
Local youth and small business owners also feel that tourism could generate additional livelihood options. “Today, we mainly earn from farming and daily wage work,” said a local farmer. “If more visitors come here, we can open tea stalls, photography services and small shops — but we need support to get started.”
Residents appealed to the district administration and tourism department to consider developing C.B. Nath Agricheck under eco-tourism or rural tourism schemes, which could provide jobs while preserving the area’s natural charm.
