Watlab: A Tranquil Window into Rural Kashmir

Far from Kashmir’s busy tourist trails lies a place where time slows, the air feels fresher, and every view looks like a painting—Watlab.

Enveloped between the towering Pir Panjal range and the gently flowing Jhelum River, Watlab lets tourists soak in the vibe of the peaceful meadows and thriving orchards. A journey to this tranquil village has much more to offer than just scenic beauty—it ensures an immersive experience into the more soulful and quieter side of Kashmir.

Table of Contents

• Watlab’s Allure: Meadows, Mountains, and the Mesmerising Jhelum
• How to Spend Your Day in Watlab?
  • The Shrine of Sufi Saint Shukuruddin
  • A Visit to The Local Markets
  • The Wular Lake
  • Witnessing the Rich Ecosystem
• Wrapping Up

Watlab’s Allure: Meadows, Mountains, and the Mesmerising Jhelum

The charming village of Watlab, located by the Sopore-Bandipora road in Baramulla district, has a distinct appeal from crowded spots like Anantnag, Kupwara, and Sonamarg. If you’re planning to book a car rental in Srinagar, the journey to Watlab, which is at a distance of 57 km, will take merely two hours.

On reaching Watlab, you’ll be greeted by the snow-covered mountains belonging to the Pir Panjal range. Adding to the beauty of the landscape are sprawling meadows, apple orchards (a nod to Sopore’s reputation as "the apple town of Asia"), and trees native to the area, such as Deodar, Chinar, and Walnut.

Furthermore, the village is located at the highest point on the Jhelum River that boats can reach. If you arrive in the early morning, you might spot fishermen casting their nets against a soft, golden sunrise—a scene so peaceful it feels like it belongs in another century.

Just a short distance away lies the mesmerising Wular Lake, while the village’s paddy fields add a patchwork of green to the scenery.

How to Spend Your Day in Watlab?

While this village has one of the most picturesque and serene landscapes of Kashmir, it also offers several significant tourist spots and activities that can lift the spirits of any traveller. If you’ve already hired a cab provided by one of the reliable Srinagar taxi services, it can take you to such locations on the same or the next day.

Here’s a round-up of what you shouldn’t miss when you’re at Watlab:

The Shrine of Sufi Saint Shukuruddin

Nestled in the heart of Watlab is the revered shrine of the Sufi Saint Shukuruddin, also known as Topandaz-e-Kashmir. The teachings of the Saint fostered brotherhood and harmony amongst all, which is why the shrine attracts devotees belonging to varying religions.

The shrine presents a stunning spectacle, flanked by snow-capped mountains and situated by the Wular Lake, making it an ideal spot for photography. Around the shrine, you’ll find a community kitchen (langar khana) and guest quarters—hospitality woven into the very fabric of the place.

Located about 17 km northeast of Sopore, it can take around an hour to reach from Watlab, if you choose to go for reliable Srinagar taxi services.

A Visit to The Local Markets

If shopping is something you don’t want to miss on your travels, Watlab won’t disappoint, as the local markets in the village offer a variety of items to explore. These include handwoven carpets, traditional shawls, and intricate items prepared using papier-mache.

Walking through these markets full of such colourful items can lift the mood instantly, and you may also want to take back a slice of Kashmir for your loved ones.

The Wular Lake

This lake is among the most popular attractions in the village, situated 6 km away from Watlab, which is a drive of merely 17 minutes if you book a car rental in Srinagar. The lake was created due to tectonic activity, fed by the waters from the Madhumati and Arin streams, as well as the Jhelum River.

In fact, the name of the lake, “Wular”, originates from a Kashmiri term for “fissure” or “gap” that’s believed to be behind its formation. With a backdrop of scenic mountains and lush green banks, the lake offers majestic views and the ultimate tranquil vibe for its visitors.

Witnessing the Rich Ecosystem

Watlab is also a haven for biodiversity—it is one of the 80 wetlands that have been deemed Ramsar sites. Several species of birds can be spotted across the village, while the Wular Lake is home to a variety of freshwater fish, contributing around 60% of Kashmir’s freshwater fish yield.

The avian species that tourists can be lucky to spot include the Barn swallow, Eurasian Sparrow, Himalayan Monal, and Indian Roller. As for freshwater fish, the Wular Lake houses varieties such as the Sattar snow trout, the Chush Snow Trout, Rosy Barb, and Mosquitofish.

Wrapping Up 

From the vibrant local markets to the tranquil lakesides, Watlab presents the charm of the rural areas of Kashmir at its best. If you wish to explore this offbeat village with utmost convenience, Savaari Car Rentals can be the perfect partner for a dependable and comfortable chauffeur-driven ride.

No matter whether you’re venturing through valleys or visiting nearby spots, Savaari ensures every journey is seamless, helping you discover the hidden treasures of Kashmir without any hassles.