In layman’s language, we understand education is a capacity that helps an individual to lead him/her from ‘darkness to light’ or from ‘ignorance to knowledge’. The word ‘Education’ has been derived from the Latin words ‘Educare’, ‘Educere’ and ‘Educatum’. The word ‘Educare’ means to ‘nourish’ or to ‘bring up’. The word ‘Educere’ means to ‘lead forth’ or to ‘draw out’. The word ‘Educatum’ is composed of two terms, i.e. ‘E’ and ‘Duco’. Here ‘E’ means, a movement from ‘inward’ to ‘outward’ and ‘Duco’ means ‘developing’ or ‘progressing’. When we analyse the above etymological derivations, we can infer that ‘Education’ nourishes or brings up the children for complete development of their personality. ‘Education’ can lead them from ignorance to knowledge. Further, ‘Education’ helps them develop and express their inward abilities. The nature of education is very wide and complex. It is considered as an art as well as science and is a life long process. In education institutions activities and picnics are regarded as indispensable at all levels. Activities and picnics are regarded as the pedagogical methods, which have the primary aim of enriching the learning of the students as well as the functioning of the educational institutions on the whole. These not only add information to the students in terms of lesson plans and academic concepts, but they develop motivation among them and stimulate their mind-sets towards learning. The students participation in activities and picnics is encouraging and they take pleasure in learning. The instructors who are vested with the job duty of formulating activities and organizing picnics must be well qualified and possessing vast exposure in practical field as his role is very important. There is a need to make use of modern, technical, scientific and innovative methods in the formulation of various types of activities and in organizing picnics. Activities are normally related to the academic subjects and concepts that the students are learning. In schools, there are different teachers for different subjects. They make use of books, articles, reports, documents and other reading materials in training students. Apart from these, they are making use of charts, graphs, models, pictures, images, and various types of technologies. Their primary aim is to enable the students to acquire an efficient understanding of the subjects and concepts. The formulation of various types of activities and in organizing picnics, the instructors are encouraging the participation of all students. Picnics are organized in educational institutions, where students are taken to various places, such as, parks, religious places, historical places, museums and so forth. Therefore, activities and picnics are considered essential, which needs to be implemented on regular basis. There is a saying that ‘all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy’. Hence, it is vital for the instructors at all levels of education to encourage the participation of students in various activities as well as organize picnics. The activities and picnics stimulate the mind-sets of the students and motivate them towards learning. The useful learning activities are the ones, where the students are able to absorb the information and are able to enrich their career prospects in an appropriate manner. Therefore, it is indispensable to make improvements in activities and picnics on regular basis. In educational institutions, picnics are organized where students are taken to various places, such as, historical places, parks, religious places, museums and so forth. When the students are taught in history regarding religious places, historical places, and museums, and they make visit to these places, they are able to augment their understanding in terms of the concepts. Hence, what the students have learned in textbooks, they are able to practically observe. In this manner, the teaching and the learning processes get up-graded. There are some students, who take down notes and refer to them, when they are to work on assignments and projects or prepare for the tests and exams. In this manner, the learning processes of the students get enriched. After picnics, the instructors organize the question-answer sessions within the classroom settings. In these sessions, the instructors put forward questions before the students to find out how much they have learned. Therefore, one can understand that instructors and the students are able to lead to up-gradation of the teaching and learning processes. Within the course of time, there is a need to make use of modern, technical, scientific and innovative methods in the formulation of various types of activities and in organizing picnics. These methods are regarded to be meaningful and significant, when the activities are organized. These are related to academics as well as extra-curricular and creative subjects and concepts. Activities are normally related to the academic subjects and concepts that the students are learning. In other words, these are based on the curriculum and instructional strategies. Kashmir, the land of natural resources, Mosques, Shrines, Temples, and Gurdawar’s is popularly known as paradise on earth. The Kulgam district of South Kashmir is one of the places in J&K which has enormous tourism potential to attract local, national and international tourists throughout year. The region boasts beautiful landscapes, stunning scenery, snow-covered mountains, verdant green valleys, natural lakes, and everything else one could admire and cherish for a lifetime. In this article, we share experience based on the recent picnic of SKUAST-K students to Aharbal Waterfall area, district Kulgam . Aharbal Waterfall located in the picturesque district of Kulgam, also known as the “Niagara of Kashmir,”. The word “Aharbal” translates to “a river of snakes,” a name that hints at the mystical allure of this place. It is said that the waterfall got its name due to the serpentine shape of the stream as it descends from the mountains.. Aharbal Waterfall is formed from the Veshaw River which falls from 25 meters down to a narrow rock of granite boulders. River Veshaw is a tributary of River Jhelum. After the drop, the river continues through the valley. The waterfall cascades down a rugged rock face, creating a mesmerizing sight and a soothing sound. Surrounded by lush greenery. Aharbal Waterfalls in Kashmir is a place where nature seems to have painted its most magnificent canvas. Water falls from a height of 25 meters and plunges into a pool below, sending up a fine mist that adds to the magical ambiance of the place. Visitors can feel the cool spray on their faces as they stand in awe of this natural wonder. This waterfall gives a jaw-dropping glimpse.
“Traveling is a beneficial activity that can improve physical and mental health, expose individual to new things and cultures, and enhance creativity and happiness. Travelling can also help one learn about self and the world. It can relieve stress and anxiety, lower the chances of heart disease, and boost our satisfaction.”
Aharbal waterfall is well connected. From Srinagar, it is around 70 to 75 km which takes 2 hours. It is a breathtaking natural wonder that captivates visitors with its sheer beauty situated 15 km from Shopian. Visitors can embark on a scenic drive through picturesque valleys and charming villages, soaking in the beauty of the Kashmiri landscape. As we traverse the scenic landscapes, the majestic peaks of the Pir Panjal range accompany us like silent guardians. Aharbal offers more than just its stunning waterfall. Visitors can indulge in a variety of activities, making the most of their trip to this natural paradise. For those with a spirit of adventure, Aharbal offers more than just a waterfall. The surrounding area is a paradise for trekkers and nature enthusiasts. Trekking trails meander through dense forests of pine and fir, opening up to panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. One of the most popular treks is the hike to Kungwattan, a serene meadow located a few kilometers from the waterfall. The trail takes us through a forest alive with the chirping of birds and the rustling of leaves, offering a chance to immerse yourself in the tranquility of nature. For those looking to unwind and rejuvenate, Aharbal provides the perfect setting for a picnic by the falls. Families and friends gather on the grassy banks, spreading out their colorful mats and baskets of food. The sound of laughter mingles with the roar of the waterfall as people enjoy moments of togetherness in this natural paradise. The nearby rivers are teeming with trout, offering anglers a chance to reel in their catch of the day. One can enjoy fishing if interested in it, but need to take a permit from “The Fisheries Department” stationed at Aharbal. Capture the beauty of Aharbal through your lens, immortalizing its splendor in photographs and taking the memories to home. Waterfalls with lush green surroundings and in the backdrop Pir Panjal range give visitor spectacular pictures. Aside from the main attraction of the waterfall itself, Aharbal boasts several other points of interest that are worth visiting. If one love trekking then one must visit the famous lake trek of Kashmir Kausar Nag lake. The base of this trek is the Aharbal waterfalls. This is located in the Kulgam district and nestled in the lap of the Pir Panjal mountain range. The Lake is at an elevation of approximately 3,962 meters (12,999 feet) above sea level, this breathtaking lake is renowned for its tranquil beauty and pristine surroundings. Houen Heng mountain one of the prominent peak lies (4200 m above sea level) in Kulgam district. Panchan Pather, is an oval-shaped meadow surrounded by small and big mountains on all sides with thin vegetation cover. At the entrance of the meadow on the left side, there is a sacred place attributed to Sheikh Nuruddin (RA). It is said that he worshipped in this piece of land for some time. Kutmarg, Nuss Pather, Panchan Pather, Lalpora- Sanyadi, Pajmal, Burzi Pathri, Kalkinsar, Chopan Pathri etc are known places worth visit in the area. There are some mountain peaks in Kulgam which are considered very important for mountaineering like Bramshakri (4500 m), Huen Heng (3900 m) and Sondir Top (3700 m) have great significance. Bramshakri is the highest mountain peak of district Kulgam. Many trekking routes from several places steer to Huen Heng. The hikers of the Jammu division climb this mountain either from Mohu valley or Gulab Garh. The whole of Kashmir valley and some parts of the Jammu division are visible from the summit. It separates two regions of J&K. On one side of this mountain falls Kashmir valley. On the other side, there are two pristine sub valleys- Mahu and Gulab Garh. It is well known for its tragic history as on 7th February 1966 a Fokker F 27 IA aircraft veered 12 miles off its course, crashing straight into the mountain, claiming all 37 lives on board. People recount a civil society campaign to recover the corpses from their snowy graves, led by a local businessman who lost his son in the crash. Time stands still here as the debries, well preserved to this day, beckon visitors to hear their tale. Among these hidden treasures is the enchanting Kungwattan Meadows, nestled amidst the picturesque landscape near Aharbal. Surrounded by towering pine forests, the journey to this tranquil spot offers a peaceful retreat and abundant opportunities for capturing breathtaking photographs. Mughal Road also referred to as Peer Ki Gali Pass, spans 85 kilometers, linking Shopian to Bafliaz. This scenic route presents travelers with captivating vistas of the Aharbal Valley. Flowing through the charming hill station of Aharbal in the Aharbal Valley of Kashmir, the Veshaw River holds significant cultural importance due to ancient Hindu narratives. Originating from the Pir Panjal ranges, Veshaw is a stunningly beautiful watercourse that eventually joins the mighty river Jhelum. Students as well as staff on tour revealed that for those looking to extend their stay and immerse themselves in the beauty of Aharbal. There are not very many good staying options available. There are only J&K Tourism resorts available to stay in, and there are no luxury hotels available in the area right now. Also for eating, there are not many options available at Aharbal waterfalls. The beauty of Aharbal varies with the seasons, each offers a unique experience. While the waterfall is a year-round attraction, the best time to visit is during the summer months from April to October. Aharbal Waterfall is a hidden paradise waiting to be discovered. Whether you’re an adventure seeker, nature lover, or simply seeking tranquillity, Aharbal has something to offer everyone. It is concluded that traveling is a beneficial activity that can improve physical and mental health, expose individual to new things and cultures, and enhance creativity and happiness. Travelling can also help one learn about self and the world. It can relieve stress and anxiety, lower the chances of heart disease, and boost our satisfaction.
(The authors write regularly on Islamic topics exclusively for the opinion pages of “Kashmir Horizon”. The views, opinions and conclusions expressed in this article are those of the author and aren’t necessarily in accord with the views of “Kashmir Horizon”.)
