District Poonch

District Poonch

From the end of the 17th century up to 1837 A.D Poonch was ruled by different Muslim Rajas of Loran. It then fell in to the hands of Raja Falz Talab Khan of Rajori. In 1846, this area was handed over to Maharaja Ghulab Singh under the Treaty of Amritsar. Before this transfer, Poonch was considered a district of Lahore. Maharaja Ghulab Singh handed over Poonch and some other areas to his nephews, Jawahar Singh and Moti Singh, with the condition that they would not make any administrative change without the consent of the Maharaja of Kashmir.

Poonch was annexed and converted Into Jagir by Maharaja Han Singh in 1935-36 by the deposing Raja of Poonch the Dogras always found it difficult to establish their rule in Poonch. In 1947 when Pakistan came into being, the people of Poonch started an armed struggle against the Dogra and Indian forces and got the area liberated which now administratively stands divided into three districts namely Poonch Sudhnutti and Bagh

• Rawalakot
• Kot Muttay Khan
• Chape-ni-Dahar(Gulshan-eShuhda)
• Banjosa
• Koian
• Ghori Maar & Tolipir
• Hot springs (Tatta Pani)

Rawalakot

Rawalakot the district headquarters is situated in the heart of district Poonch. The altitude of this beautiful saucer-shaped valley is 1615 meters. Situated at a distance of 76 kilometers from Kohalla and 110 kms from Rawalpindi. It Is linked with Rawalpindi, Islamabad via Azad pattan and Dhalkot and with Muzaffarabad via Kohalla by black top roads.

The construction of Guoien Nullah road between Rawalakot and Azad pattan has reduced the distance and journey time considerably During summer the place becomes full of green grass and beautiful flowers including many varieties of roses. Rawalakot offers very pleasant climate during the summer. In Rawalakot, some good hotels and private guest houses provide comfortable accommodation. Here the tourism industry is growing with the increasing collaboration of public-private efforts.The central location of Rawalakot in AJ&K, its pleasant climate and easy access from other regions makes it a favorite tourist destination. The improvement of transportation arid telecommunication sectors have further contributed to its potential for tourism.

Kot Muttay Khan

It is situated on the main Rawalakot -Mang road near Topa, The site is located at a high altitude and allows visitors to enjoy cool and comfortable atmosphere during summer. One can have a nice over view of the adjoining valleys from this point.

Chape-ni-Dahar(Gulshan-eShuhda)

The place is located on the outskirts of Rawalakot (4 kms) on the main Rawalakot-Banjosa road. The site offers comfortable climate arid tranquil atmosphere during the summer. It also possesses historical archaeological importance as an abandoned old temple exists here. The renovation and preservation of the said temple can increase the interest of the visiting researchers and tourist.

Banjosa

It is situated 20 kilometers from Rawalakot, at an altitude of 1981 meters. Its scenic beauty and impressive surrounding is compelling and attracts tourists to reach here to enjoy the nature amidst the captivating beauty of Banjosa, the artificial lake reflects the dense forest standing along the surroundings of the resting calm waters of Banjosa Lake. The nearby worth-seeing areas of Banjosa are Jandall, Hussain Kot (the native town of the great freedom fighter Captain Hussnain Khari) and Devi Gali which cannot be simply by passed for a pleasure trip. The distance parting these destinations from Banjosa are 3 kms, 4kms and 12 kms respectively.

These places portray rich inherent natural beauty encompassing all others while awaiting visitors for a comfortable stay. There are of a few private rest houses on the way to Banjosa from Rawalakot also Ghorimar is situated 20 kms from Khaigala awaiting ones arrival to explore the fascinating beauty over-looking the sub-valley of Rawalakot and Bagh Accommodation on reasonable rates is available here in Tourism, PWD and Pearl Development Authority’s rest houses.

Koian
From Rawalakot 17 kilometers ahead this place is surrounded by dense forests, which makes It charming and pleasant A Tourist Lodge has been constructed by AJ&K Tourism Department for the tourists. The place enables the tourist to have an easy access to Banjosa which is 5 kms ahead.

Ghori Maar & Tolipir
Ghori Maar is situated at a distance of 30 kilometers ahead of Rawalakot. A fair weather road via Khaigala leads to this place. On reaching Ghori Mar, one can explore the fascinating beauty over-looking the sub valleys of Rawalakot & Bagh. AJ&K Tourism Department provides accommodation facilities to visitors.

The road from Ghori Maar leads to Tolipir a place that offers calm atmosphere with vast green meadows stretching over a big area a big area. The place holds the potential to mesmerize visitors.

Hot springs (Tatta Pani)
Tatta Pani is situated on the right bank of the river Poonch, at a distance of 29 kilometers from Hajeera and is connected with two fair weather roads i.e. via Hajeera-Mandol & Balouch-Pakhonar road. It can also be reached from Kotli, the district headquarter of Kotli district, by covering a distance of 26 kilometers. Tatta Pan is famous for is sulphur water springs. During winter season a large number of people visit this place daily to have hot water bath for the cure of skin & rheumatic ailments.

AJ&K Tourism Dept. has constructed Tourist Lodge arid bathrooms for the convenience of the visitors here. Transport services for Tatta Pan are available in good number from all important points of the Poonch, Mirpur & Kotii districts of Azad Kashmir.