Srinagar, Jul 16 (KNO): Once known primarily for cross-border tensions and frequent gun battles, Keran, a picturesque village along the Line of Control (LoC) in north Kashmir's Kupwara district, is emerging as one of Kashmir's fastest growing border tourist destinations, drawing thousands of visitors and creating new livelihood opportunities for residents.
Situated some 120 kilometres from Srinagar, Keran village on the banks of the Kishanganga, also known as the Neelum River, offers visitors a unique opportunity to witness settlements across the LoC in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).
Keran, as per details obtained by the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), witnesses around 3,000 visitors on busy weekends and holidays, with homestays, tent accommodations and eateries witnessing high occupancy as tourists flock to experience the unique border destination.
The tourism boom has significantly improved the local economy, with many families now earning their livelihood through homestays, transport services, restaurants and small businesses catering to visitors.
"We are thankful to the Almighty and security forces who always stood by us and ensured we could earn a livelihood here. Earlier, tourism in this village was beyond imagination. Today, people from different parts of the country are visiting Keran," said Waqar Ahmed, a local resident.
He, however, said the village continues to face infrastructure shortcomings. "The biggest issue is poor mobile connectivity. If reliable network facilities are provided, tourism here will grow even further. Better infrastructure will encourage visitors to stay longer and help local businesses," he said.
Other residents urged the government to improve public facilities, saying that investments in communication services, sanitation, parking spaces and other basic amenities are necessary to sustain the growing tourist inflow.
Tourists described Keran as one of the most memorable destinations in Kashmir. "Kashmir is Paradise on Earth, and it will always remain so. Whether it is Gulmarg, Keran or any other destination, Kashmir has always been our first choice. The beauty and peaceful atmosphere here are simply unmatched," said Saddam, a tourist visiting the village.
Showkat Ahmed, a visitor from Budgam, said he had travelled to Keran for the first time despite living in Kashmir for four decades.
"In my 40 years, this is my first visit to Keran. The initiative to promote border tourism has enabled people to visit villages along the Line of Control that were once known only for conflict. The tents, the crowds and the tourist activity clearly show that people want to witness these places," he said.
"The atmosphere is such that you do not feel as if you are standing in a place that once witnessed gun battles. There is peace, happiness and a huge rush of visitors. That itself sends a strong message," he added.
Social media has further amplified Keran's popularity, with reels and travel videos showcasing panoramic views of the Kishanganga River, lush green mountains and settlements across the Line of Control. The online visibility has encouraged more travellers to include the border village in their Kashmir itinerary.
Residents said Keran's transformation from a conflict affected frontier village into a thriving tourism destination speak volumes about the potential of border tourism in Jammu and Kashmir.
They expressed hope that timely infrastructure upgrades, particularly improved mobile connectivity and better civic amenities, would help sustain the tourism boom and create more economic opportunities for future generations—(KNO)