Kari-Van Diver – The Unambiguous Paradise in Lolab Valley 

Pani Tere Chashmon Ka Tarapta Huwa Simaab, Murghan-E-Sahar Teri Fazaon Mein Hain Betaab, Ae Wadi-e-Lolab!

Kashmir is among the most beautiful tourist destinations in North India. But in Kashmir’s North side Kupwara there is undoubtedly the most beautiful place to visit, known as Karivan which is just 30km away from the main city Kupwara. The place has incredible natural beauty. The place is surrounded by countless Kairue, deodar and green vegetation that is why it has become a household name in the entire Valley of Lolab. The destination is the land of many splendors and surprises. Its scenic beauty, its bracing climate and soothing atmosphere, calmness and quietness provide a healing touch to the people with rundown health and aching hearts. The cool waters, the gentle breeze blowing through its meadows and forests , the gushing cascades, the babbling brooke and Karivan offers a delicious treat to the people who visit it. Tourists locals who are visiting this place at the very first sight succumb to the temptation of these idyllic scenes. Karivan the paradise on earth has exquisite beauty, the elegant peace and fragrance can be felt in the atmosphere. The major attraction while experiencing this place is DASTAR PAL (turban shaped mountain) which is at the upper side of Karivan. Tourists from the district and outside came in large numbers to celebrate the scenic beauty.This year positivity is that some foreign tourists made their visits which is the healthy sign.They feel optimistic and charmed watching kids, men and women up and down through the dense forests on uneven grassy areas  at Karivan.
A holiday in the midst of the valley is enough to create memories on its own, when people of the valley and outside used to visit in the afternoon along with their families to have the hot sip of tea, coffee and Shakes etc. The children are engaged in playing the games like cricket, volleyball etc.During the Eid festivals people thronged to this spot along with their families to enjoy the cherishing beauties of the valley. On the Eid occasion we witness a large number of vendors, mobile shopkeepers,pony wallas, ice cream sellers, fruit sellers, beverages and juice shops setting up their tents and erecting umbrellas to offer every kind of facility to the visitors. This year on Eid ul Fitr days the Forest department has made the satisfactory arrangements for the general public at Karivan. The paths, gardens, seating for the visitors, dustbins etc were smoothly arranged for reducing any inconvenience to the visitors. The locals also hailed the arrangements made by Forest Department.
At the entrance of Karivan a beautiful couplet inscribed on the big stone says: “Az Zara Hum Bhi Dekhle, Karvaan Ki Shokhiyan; Atraaf Sai Aate Hai, Jo Sab Mardo Zan Bazookiya”
Due to the impeccable natural beauty Karivan Diver is called the Paradise in Lolab Valley. Despite occasional unknown disturbances this marvellous Valley is a treat to the eye. The another important thing which needs to be mentioned about the Karivans peculiarity is that A wooden hut is established earlier in the middle of forests known as (ZULFI HUT) a saint whom people of the adjacent areas loves to visit him who was a physically challenged and there used to work a man from the nearby who feeds him as well as fulfills his daily based needs. So Karivan still remains one of the most beautiful tourist destinations in the Lolab Valley. The people of Lolab Valley, especially the people of Diver Anderbugh at large, have a wonderfully welcoming aura which immediately makes you feel safe and welcomed as you enter this valley. Lolab valley has everything to offer to nature lovers from snow capped mountains, to gushing streams, to lakes and lush green gardens, etc. In Lolab Valley Karivan Diver is the most soothing place to stay and enjoy a nice home cooked lunch and then we are off exploring the other beautiful places like Chandigham, Warnow, Doorus etc. The God has been generous to this verdant valley which has many fresh water springs, deep ponds, and many tributaries from the surrounding deodar rich hills. Popularly known as the Paradise on Earth Kashmir is famous for its scenic splendor, snow-capped mountains and hospitable people as well. But paradise is not limited to these remarkably beautiful places. One relatively unknown area of Kashmir with vast tourism potential is Karivan Diver which is still unexplored. The real magic is in the enchanted tiny hamlets of Kashmir where tourists breathe a degree of renovating warmth as it is untouched by the evil efforts of population burst and pollution.
Over the years, this valley has remained unexplored but now it is coming up as one of the most exotic places in Kashmir. During the summer season many schools, colleges of various districts visit the Karivan tourist place and spending,enjoy the vast and spacious, greenery land, cool breeze etc. The children across the valley during Summer season used to play different games during the entire day. This place has enough tourism potential which needs to be explored like establishing more and more tourist huts, construction of public paths, parks, reparation of drains for judicious use of crystal clear waters. The single cable system needs to be upgraded in order to cater more and more tourists. The solar panel lighting system should be installed inside and outside of the park. Investment should be made to establish restaurants for the visitors coming from the different sides. The Lolab Valley has enough tourism potential which needs to be promoted in order to create the avenues, jobs for the educated youth of the valley.
The Lolab Valley literally means Land Of Love And Beauty. This is the remote area but one of the most beautiful valleys in Kashmir in northern Kupwara district. It is an oval-shaped valley. It is surrounded with lush green mountains and peaks. Local people of the valley are humble and cooperative. They will help you in each and everything. Some of the beautiful places to visit in Lolab are:Lalpora, Sogam, Sonannar, Warnow, Chandigham, Dorusa, Kalaroos, and above all Karivan Diver Anderbough.

Lalpora is a historical place with some medical mosques and temples. The village Sonannar was considered as the village of Ulemas and intellectuals. The important thing of this village is that before a decade a mulberry tree was uprooted somewhere by the divine force and then planted through the branch side, which still exists there and bears the mulberries as well. So there are many places in the valley that soothes the soul. The Lolab is truly mesmerizing with lush green meadows. Among all the places the Karivan is the most desired spot where every one wishes to stay, enjoy and spend hours inhaling the fresh oxygen.Here are some lines about Karivan Dever.
Ye Maana Hai Yeh Deed Sae Sabb Ki Magar Phir Bhi
Haseen Dunya Kae Nakshe Kaisa Nazar Aata Hai Dever Bhi
Certainly this alluring place is a must visit place. What can I say about its beauty and its people!! Its beauty can only be felt and seen once this place is explored. The residents of Lolab Valley, especially the people of Diver Anderbough are very helpful by nature. And once they know you are a tourist in their hamlet, they would go out of their way to extend their warm hospitality. The natural beauty and picturesque locations have made it a favoured destination for tourists across the state.

– The writer, a teacher by profession, teaches at BHS Diver and has Diploma in Information Technology (DIT) through Regional Centre Rangreth Srinagar. He can be reached at farhaanqysar@gmail.com