Bandipore

Town in Jammu and Kashmir, India
the municipality in India

Bandipore is situated on the banks of the Wular, a large fresh water lake that is home to a lot of migratory birds. Inadvertent dumping of the polluted river waters and sewage affluence has led to a pandemic growth of algae in the waters of the Wular which is threatening the lake and its supporting life itself. The main source of pollution to Wular is Jhelum River. The Jhelum River carries all the waste from Srinagar city and other surrounding areas and deposits it in Wular. Despite being the richest wetland of South Asia and the largest freshwater lake in Asia, no steps have been taken to save Wular. Bandipore is also a stepping town to the higher reaches of Razdan, Gurez and Tragbal. The Lolab Valley in Kupwara district is adjacent to the Bandipore. It is just from Bandipore via Aloosa village. Once this road is upgraded it will become a lifeline of the Lolab valley and it will provide an additional route to the Kupwara district. Bandipore was the connecting link between North India and Central Asia via the Silk Road. At Pazalpora village there was a customs and immigration department which is now a forest check post. Due to this fact, Bandipore is also known as the gateway to Central Asia. There are strong links between Skardu, Gurez and Bandipore.

The literacy rate in the main town of Bandipore and adjoining areas is quite high. However, as per the 2011 census, for the whole district which includes rural area, the literacy rate is one of the lowest in Jammu and Kashmir.

Bandipore is the location of the Forest Training and Research Institute in Jammu and Kashmir [established in 1911]. It is 3 km distance from the main town. The Darul Uloom Raheemiyyah (School for Philosophers) is the largest religious institution in Jammu and Kashmir. It is the largest Islamic institution of valley headed by Moulana Mohammad Rahmatullah Mir Qasmi. Bandipore is known for trekking, mountaineering and fishing. Langmarg is one of the beautiful meadows. The famous Arin Nallah is home to one of the most exotic trout (Rainbow Trout, Silver Trout and Gray Trout). A centuries old shrine in the hilly Butho village of Bandipora, has till recently attracted visitors from around the world, because it's rumored that Moses, a prophet revered in Abrahamic religions, is buried inside it near an old tree. This shrine of Hazrat Bibi Sang Arifa, is locally known as Ded Mouj. This widespread rumor is a myth.

For mountaineers, Mount Harmukh remains the main attraction, It is located on the eastern side of the town. Commercial cabs ply on that route till Kudara that is the farthest point where the cabs stop, and from there onwards the terrain becomes hilly and one has to trek to the higher reaches of Mount Harmukh. Sheera Sar [Lake of Spirits] acts as a base camp for all the mountaineering expeditions for Mt Harmukh. To the north lies Gurez, from Bandipore. Commercial cabs ply on this route during summers, however, in winters the route remains closed due to heavy snowfall. The place is surrounded by ranges such as Sirandar, Kudara, Vewan, Mowa and Tresangam, all of which are inhabited by the Gujjars and Bakarwals.

Bandipore is well connected by road to other places in Jammu and Kashmir and India by the Bandipora–Srinagar and Bandipora sopore road.

Bandipora is not connected with railways. The nearest railway station is Sopore railway station located at a distance of 34 kilometres.

The nearest airport is Srinagar Airport located at a distance of 65 kilometres.