Written by: Muhammad Awais
Posted on: February 24, 2021 | 
| 中文
The Neela Sandh Waterfall (photo credits to Shiraz Hassan)
One of the positive aspects of lockdown, has been the opportunity to discover new places in an attempt to find safe activities. Citizens of Islamabad would be pleasantly surprised to know that many exciting sites lie on the outskirts of their town, worth traveling to and exploring. The Neela Sandh (Blue Puddle) waterfall is one such place, that is increasingly gaining recognition for its untouched beauty and unique location. It is located in Mori Syedan of the Rawalpindi District, some 40 kilometers away from the Capital city, and it takes about an hour to get there.
Neela Sandh is located on Lehtrar Road of the Kotli Sattian area, which is one of the newer tourist destinations established by the government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The local government has placed signs throughout the route, helping newcomers reach the proper destination. Unfortunately, not much history is recorded of the local land or the people who inhabit it, and that may be something that the future tourist plan should include.
The Route to Neela Sandh
The drive to the waterfalls takes one deep into the hills on a beautiful, winding road that is very easy to access. Travelers are surrounded by lush greenery, rolling hills and smaller villages that feel incredibly welcoming and relaxing. There is a quaint sense of calm, crossing through the typical Pothohari landscape away from the traffic of the city. Visitors will know that they are close to the waterfall, when they see a police checkpoint before the main hotel parking. The path to the waterfall is located near the main road, with a proper pathway to aid visitors.
Nestled between two mountains, the small waterfall gushes its cool blue water in the pond below, while families sit by the rocks or swim. There are many large rocks and boulders for people to sit, have a picnic and simply enjoy the surroundings. It is quite a breathtaking view, and one can only hear the relaxing sound of the flowing water. Many new tourists are taken aback by how close this picturesque spot is to Islamabad, and how easily they can access it. After spending some time in the water, our party went upstairs to the hotel for a piping cup of tea and stuffed naan bread.
Tea and Fresh Naan
Swimming is the main activity that takes place here, along with some cliff diving. Life jackets are available for those interested in taking a dip in the water, but people are advised to not take any chances because the pond is 27-50 feet deep. However, local and more seasoned swimmers can be frequently seen jumping off the rocks into the water, which remains equally cold and blue even in the summer months. At the back of the pond is another waterfall, where the water rushes faster. However, many do not go there as it is very difficult to access, as it requires one to cross an uneven and slightly dangerous slope.
Swimmers in the Lake (Photo credits to Independent Pakistan)
Though tourist activity around the waterfall has decreased somewhat due to the pandemic, many still venture here for a day trip or weekend getaway. Though basic tourist facilities like bathrooms, hotels and camping sites have been set up, Neela Sandh remains largely natural and untouched by human development. There is potential to set up more activities around the pond, but that has to be done in a way that does not mar the natural landscape.
The Waterfall and Bridge
It is unclear as to how the local government plans on developing a tourist facility here, and much of the current maintenance work is undertaken by the locals. Those who manage the site lament the lack of safety infrastructures put in place in case of emergency, and strictly enforce the life jacket rule to prevent any accidents. Although Neela Sandh is rightfully gaining more traction because of its scenic views and untapped beauty, the steps taken to promote this place for tourism have to take into account the needs of the locals, and the importance of preserving the waterfall in its pristine beauty by preventing littering in this area.
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