🏏 Awantipora’s Wooden Soul – Willow Bats & Scenic Roads 🪵
Continuing our Day 2 journey to Pahalgam, this episode takes us through the historic town of Awantipora and the famous stretch of NH44 lined with Kashmir’s renowned willow cricket bat factories and shops.
Join us as we drive along this scenic route, capturing the unique sight of countless cricket bats stacked high outside workshops [00:20], [00:45]. It’s a fascinating glimpse into a century-old industry that thrives in this part of Kashmir. This video, like the others in the series, is a silent, immersive experience, letting you absorb the sights and atmosphere of the journey without commentary.
In This Video (Day 2, Ep 5 Highlights)
- [00:00] – Driving on the scenic NH44 towards Pahalgam
- [00:20] – Passing the first clusters of Willow Bat shops
- [00:45] – More views of the numerous bat factories and displays
- [01:05] – Scenic countryside views along the highway
- [01:25] – Continuing the journey through the Kashmir Valley
About Awantipora & Kashmir Willow Bats
The stretch of highway around Awantipora, particularly the area including villages like Sangam, Bijbehara, Charsoo, and Hallamulla, is the heartland of India’s cricket bat manufacturing.
- History: The craft dates back to the British era when willow trees (Salix alba caerulea, originally from England) were introduced to Kashmir. A local carpenter, Allah Bakhsh, is credited with replicating a broken British bat, sparking an industry that now involves hundreds of units and employs thousands.
- The Process: Making a Kashmir Willow bat is a meticulous craft. It starts with selecting and seasoning the wood (clefts). Skilled artisans then shape the blade by hand and machine, press the wood to strengthen it, fit the cane handle (often imported), and finally sand and finish the bat.
- Kashmir vs. English Willow: While both come from the same tree species, the growing conditions differ.
- Kashmir Willow: Denser, harder, heavier, darker in color, and more durable. It’s known for its longevity and affordability, making it ideal for beginners, amateur players, and practice. Even legends like Sachin Tendulkar started with a Kashmir Willow bat.
- English Willow: Lighter, softer, whiter, with straighter grains. It offers better ‘ping’ (rebound) and performance, making it the choice for professionals, but it’s more expensive and less durable.
- A Thriving Industry: This region produces millions of bats annually, supplying not just India but exporting globally. The industry received a boost when international players used Kashmir Willow bats in T20 World Cups. Efforts are underway to gain Geographical Indication (GI) tagging to certify authenticity.
Plan Your Own Kashmir Trip
Watching this video is just the beginning. If you’re feeling inspired to plan your own journey to this paradise on Earth, you can find more details about our complete tour itinerary.
- Explore Our Full Kashmir Tour Package: Click Here
- See All Kashmir Vlogs (New Playlist!): Click Here
- Subscribe to TravelWithSurajit: Click Here
Are you a cricket fan? Did you know that so many bats come from this specific region in Kashmir? Leave a comment below!
🎥 Captured By: TravelWithSurajit
🗺️ Route: Srinagar ➝ Pampore ➝ Awantipora ➝ Pahalgam
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