India, June 15 -- Weeks after nearly 50 tourist destinations in Jammu and Kashmir were closed due to security reasons in view of the April 22 Pahalgam attack, they will now be reopened in a phased manner starting June 17, Jammu and Kashmir lieutenant governor Manoj Sinha said on Saturday.

He added that the eight destinations will be reopened in the first phase including Betaab Valley, parks near Pahalgam market, Verinag, Kokernag, and Achabal gardens in Anantnag district, and Badamwari Park, Duck Park near Nigeen and Taqdeer Park near Hazratbal in Srinagar district.

"Sarthal and Dhaggar in Kathua, Devipindi, Siyad Baba and Sula Park in Reasi, Guldanda and Jai valley in Doda, and Pancheri in Udhampur -- all in Jammu region -- are also be...