Bhaderwah Development Authority

Like Gulmarg and Pahalgam, Seoj is also one of the mightly meadows with mesmerizing natural landscape which glorifies Bhadarwah as diamond in its crown. The amazing beauty of the meadow is in its everlasting l youth . It has all variety of natural attraction in its  lap. Here the long stretches of green grass lands stretch into miles and the cool, dancing air touches one’s soul, where one feels really in the Heavens and feels a longing for everlasting pleasure. Total distance of Seoj from Bhadarwah is 10 kms and the journey is taken on horseback. It takes about five hours to reach the place.

The snow Glacier at Soej gives birth to the River Tawi which flows through Dudu Basantgarh and reaches Jammu. It remains snow clad during the winters and is ideal for snow games to be planned in the future .Towards its left lie Devchatra Meadows with a naturally terraced mesmerizing landscapes and towards it right is the holy KAILASH KUND (the Sacred lake for Hindus) where the Devotees have the holy dip during the Annual Kailash Yatra which initially was being celebrated for three days but know has stretched to 1 month due to the huge influx of pilgrims from within and outside the State.

Chinta is a beautifull Valley, a lovely summer destination. This Valley is also popular with tourists in winters when its ski-slopes attract skiing enthusiasts. Chinta Valley is located 25 Kms from Bhadarwah. One can drive upto Chinta Valley and enjoy the scenic view along the way. The Valley is known as Green Bowl surrounded by Black Forests.

Bhalessa lies at 32° 57' 50.50" N 75° 58' 48.88" E.There are most famous mountain peaks/Dhars in Bhalessa like Mehlwar Pass, which rise to a height of 7705 ft.above sea level. The area is endowed with vast wealth of natural beauty and resources. Full with natural endowments, scenic splendor, places of tourist interest, Worship, round the year snowy mountain peaks and challenging tracks allure the adventurers and trekkers.

The area has good potential for tourism including pilgrim and adventure tourism, The Kalgoni Temple, Durga Maa shrine at Tipri khaljugasar deserve special mention here. The area is surrounded by Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh. The form of the land is rugged and mountainous surrounded by the sprawling mountains of Himalayas from north to west. These are named as great Himalayas. Besides there are other lofty ridges and peaks. The nullahas like historical Kalgoni streem merge into river Chenab at Thathri. Nullahs called "Kalguni" is Pavitur in the sense that it is surrounded by historical VasakI Nag temple at the corner of village Kilhotran. The main river in Bhalessa is Kalgoni straching from "Kansozoo" that merge into the chenab after. Besides this there are some other small Streems/ Nullahs such as Beer Sow with its origin from Ludoo Kansar with enormous hight, Kanchu sohow near Makhan Chuchool (local popular name of hindus and muslims) has its origin near Goha Kahagugasar. These rivers flow through gorges and are mainly exploited for generation of Hydel Power.

There is enough potential to hold back the tourist in Bhalessa and areas around for at least a fortnight. Places of pilgrimage . Bhadarwah Development Authority is promoting this area and some majhor projects are in pipe line to boost the tourism industry . Bhalessa presents beautiful picturesque as well as attractive fields on way to Padri Top which could be promoted as a health resort as well as a picnic spot. This is a connection line of Bhalessa and Bhaderwah. An everlasting Glacier, Bal Padri is just 15 Km from Padri Top/ Dhaar/ Khanni Top on foot/ horse back from Bhaderwah side. It is on huge heights and one could find large snow field here even in the month of june . Jaai Valley are lying around Bhalessa.....

Mela Patt' is the one that is celebrated with the most fervour. Tradition has it, that Raja Nagpal of Bhadarwah started this festival some time in the 16th century with the blessings of Lord Nag Vasuki. ``. The fair goes on for three days every year. The fair starts 4 am and ends at sunset. Amidst the beatings of drums and blowing of horns, complimented by the harmonious notes of the flute, an energetic person carries the `Patt' or the silk on his head from the house of Raj Guru or the Royal Priest in a procession led by musicians to the dancing compound.

According to the legend, the Mughal Emperor Akbar had summoned Raja Nagpal at his darbar. Nagpal entered the Darbar hall and took his seat without bowing to the emperor. But before Akbar could take any drastic decision against Nagpal, his ministers tactfully sought Nagpal's appearance at the darbar the next day before the emperor. Raja had a restless night and in a wink of sleep, he saw Nag Vasuki in a dream and got his blessings to attend Akbar's court the next day.

It was decided that Raja would enter the hall through a small window, compelling him to bow automatically. Next day instead of bowing his head, his legs projected from the window. This enraged Akbar, but before the emperor could issue some fatal orders, a hooded serpent appeared in the stately turban of the Raja.

Thinking that Raja was some wizard, he was asked to take off his turban. Before this command could be executed, a dreadful viper with five hoods made its appearance. The emperor's wrath was cooled down. He was impressed by the spiritual powers of Raja. He was accorded his due place and the tribute from him was remitted. He was awarded much wealth from the emperor. Thus, friendship between Nagpal and Akbar was formed. All the wealth Nagpal received from the emperor was dedicated by him to the royal palace.

`Mela Patt' is celebrated every year at the compound of Khakal Mohalla on the occasion of Nag Panchami to commemorate this incident. The celebrations are held seven days after Kailash Yatra and last for three days. ``People belonging to all castes including Hindus and Muslims celebrate the three-day fair with much festivity and joy.