All About Zurimanz Village, Popular As Kashmir's Bangladesh

Zurimanz village, situated on the Wular Lake's shores in Kashmir, has become a popular destination for tourists from India and abroad. This charming village, popular as "Bangladesh" in Jammu and Kashmir, is located about 69 km from Srinagar in the Bandipora district of northern Kashmir. As per reports, it is believed to have been established after the 1971 India-Pakistan war in East Pakistan.

Why Is It Called Bangladesh?

The village reportedly came into existence after the 1971 India-Pakistan war, which led to the formation of Bangladesh. During the conflict between East Pakistan and West Pakistan, a devastating fire erupted in Zurimanz village, destroying the entire village. As East Pakistan transitioned into Bangladesh, the people of Zurimanz also began rebuilding their homes in the village, becoming to be known as Kashmir's Bangladesh.

About The Village

The village is right by Wular Lake's shores, one of South Asia's largest freshwater lakes. The idea to promote Zurimanz as a tourist destination was proposed by two brothers from the village—Firdous Ahmad Bhat and Ghulam Hassan. They reportedly devised a plan and crafted the village's first shikhara, launched on Wular Lake, to attract more tourists, generate employment opportunities for locals and promote sustainable tourism in Zurimanz.

The local government aims to facilitate tourists in experiencing the local culture by developing homestays and other amenities in the village. Moreover, the government plans to host various festivals highlighting the region's culture and traditions.

Earlier this year, a South Indian film crew filmed scenes near Wular Lake. This marked the first movie shot in the area following the implementation of a film policy by the Jammu and Kashmir government in 2021 to re-establish ties with the film industry.

Things To Do

Enjoy leisure activities

The charming village has become increasingly popular with tourists due to its scenic setting. Local and foreign visitors have enjoyed boating, fishing, and birdwatching activities in the past year.

See The Selfie Point

There is also a boardwalk, which offers a beautiful view of Mount Harmukh towering over Wular Lake. Created by the Wular Conservation and Management Authority (WCMA) in the village, this boardwalk, also known as the "selfie point," has become a popular attraction, particularly for selfie enthusiasts and photographers.

Shikara Ride At Wular Lake

Wular Lake is one of South Asia's biggest freshwater lakes. You can enjoy a shikara ride on the lake to enjoy its stunning beauty. It's also a perfect place to enjoy activities like fishing and birdwatching. 

See Mount Harmukh

Mount Harmukh, towering over Wular Lake, offers a serene backdrop. It's a beautiful place for trekking and adventure lovers. But even if you're not into trekking, the view of Mount Harmukh from the village is truly remarkable.

Besides, the increase in tourist visits to the village has opened up numerous job opportunities for the locals who depend on the lake for their livelihoods.

Where To Stay

In response to the increasing interest in Zurimanz, the district administration has set up homestays for visitors, offering them a chance to connect with the local community. These improvements have made Zurimanz a more visitor-friendly and appealing destination, adding to its popularity.

How To Reach

To reach Zurimanz, visitors have a few transportation options. Srinagar International Airport, located approximately 69 km away, is the nearest spot. Sopore railway station is the closest at 18 km for those considering rail travel, but not all commercial trains make stops there. An alternative is Udhampur railway station, approximately situated 242 km away. If you prefer road travel, Zurimanz is accessible by road and is about 307 km from Jammu.