The war and infiltration zones have been converted into offbeat tourist destinations, and some of them are now on the world tourism map. This is how the Indian Army helped in restoring peace along the borders.
Syed Showket
For decades, the breathtaking beauty of Kashmir was overshadowed by conflict and unrest. Families hesitated to plan holidays here, businesses struggled, and locals longed for peace and prosperity. But those days are changing. Today, the colorful bazaars of Srinagar buzz with life, and the once-silent border towns of Gurez, Keran, Tangdhar, and Machil echo with the sounds of tourism. Kashmir is no longer just the “Paradise on Earth” of poetry—it is becoming a real, peaceful destination that welcomes record numbers of tourists and carries renewed hope for its people.
The past decade has seen a remarkable turnaround in Kashmir’s tourism sector. In 2022, the Union Territory welcomed 1.88 crore tourists; this increased to 2.11 crore in 2023, including 30,647 foreign visitors—a dramatic 700% rise from 2022. By mid-2024, over 1.08 crore tourists had already visited, pointing to yet another record year. The Kashmir Valley alone received 35 lakh tourists in 2024, a 10.9% increase from the previous year. Srinagar’s Tulip Garden alone drew 8.14 lakh visitors in just 26 days. These figures reflect Kashmir’s resilience and the success of peace-driven policies.
The abrogation of Article 370 in 2019 marked a turning point. Greater integration with India and strengthened security frameworks have reduced militancy, down from 228 incidents in 2018 to just 46 in 2023. This has dramatically increased traveler confidence. Tourism now contributes 7–8% of Jammu and Kashmir’s Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP), generating an annual income of Rs 18,500–21,200 crore and supporting over two million people.
A standout success has been the transformation of previously conflict-ridden zones along the Line of Control (LoC) into thriving tourist destinations. Since 2021, areas like Gurez, Keran, Teetwal, Tangdhar, Machil, and Bangus Valley have become accessible. These regions, once sites of regular infiltration and military tension, have been pacified through successful army operations and infrastructural development.
Gurez, situated 125 km from Srinagar, has become a jewel of border tourism. Enveloped by snow-capped mountains and the Kishanganga River, it now sees thousands of tourists annually. Locals have converted homes into homestays, while the Gurez Festival and niche cultural tourism continue to grow. In Tangdhar and Teetwal, similar changes have occurred. Notably, in 2023, Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated a replica of the ancient Sharda Peeth Temple near Teetwal—maintained by a diverse local committee—symbolizing both religious harmony and renewed peace.
Keran, previously inaccessible due to infiltration threats, is now a peaceful village across the river from Pakistani territory. Locals host visitors, sell crafts, and recount stories of survival and transformation. The Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Department’s 2022 Homestay Guidelines empowered over 100 homestays in border towns, directly benefiting the local economy.
Infrastructure upgrades have played a vital role. Border roads were rebuilt under the Bharat Mala Project, while the Indian Army helped construct sustainable amenities in Machil and Keran. Army Goodwill Schools and the Sadbhavana Programme have ensured educational access in previously neglected areas, fostering long-term stability.
The introduction of the Vande Bharat Express linking Katra and Srinagar, and improved air connectivity—with over 4,300 flights in April–June 2025—have increased accessibility. The upgraded NH44 has reduced travel times and linked more remote towns.
Tourist destinations such as Sonmarg, Pahalgam, Gulmarg, and Betaab Valley—some once infiltration-prone—now host lakhs of visitors. Film shoots have also surged, with 100+ productions in 2023 alone. The Kashmir Film Policy streamlines permissions and has attracted national and international filmmakers.
Sustainable development has been prioritized through policies promoting eco-tourism, solar energy in remote areas, and careful visitor management in fragile zones like Dachigam National Park. The government’s discovery of 75 new tourist spots reflects a conscious effort to diversify and decongest mainstream sites.
Local participation has been central to the transformation. Women like Naseema Bano in Pahalgam run successful homestays. Skill centers, such as those by the Lalit Group, have trained hundreds of youth for the hospitality sector. Artisans across Sopore and Pulwama have revived Kashmir’s handicraft legacy, recording over Rs 7,000 crore turnover in 2024.
Security remains a concern, but innovative surveillance systems, Tourist Police Units, and army-civilian cooperation have minimized risks. Infiltration attempts are now rare, thanks to strategic operations in key zones. This transformation from conflict zones into safe, welcoming spaces stands as a model of peace-building. From the once-tense valleys of Gurez to the flower-strewn slopes of Gulmarg, Kashmir’s rebirth is a testament to resilience and collective effort. Tourists leave not just with memories of beauty, but stories of a land reborn.
The Indian Army has played a pivotal role not just in ensuring security, but also in creating the necessary infrastructure to support tourism in these once-sensitive border areas. From building and maintaining roads in challenging terrains to establishing transit facilities and rest houses, the Army has actively contributed to making these destinations accessible and hospitable. In places like Gurez, Tangdhar, and Machil, Army-supported civic amenities such as medical camps, helipads, and emergency response units have significantly enhanced the safety and comfort of travelers, encouraging more footfall and confidence among tourists venturing into these offbeat yet breathtaking regions.
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