Districts Of Jammu and Kashmir

There are 20 districts in Jammu Kashmir UT. Earlier, when Jammu Kashmir was a state, there were 22 districts, but after its re-organisation and bifurcation into two Union Territories in 2019, the number of district in JK UT is now 20. The two districts viz Leh and Kargil constitute the Ladakh Union Territory.

Also Check:100 MCQs On Districts Of Jammu Kashmir

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Districts in Jammu Region.

There are 10 districts in Jammu region of Jammu Kashmir UT. They are listed below:

1. Jammu
2. Doda
3. Kathua
4. Ramban
5. Reasi
6. Kishtwar
7. Poonch
8. Rajouri
9. Udhampur
10. Samba

Districts in Kashmir Region

There are 10 districts in Kashmir region of Jammu Kashmir UT. They are listed below:

1. Anantnag
2. Baramulla
3. Budgam
4. Bandipore
5. Ganderbal
6. Kupwara
7. Kulgam
8. Pulwama
9. Shopian
10. Srinagar

These details about these districts are listed below:

District Srinagar

Srinagar was ruled by the Mauryan empire till around the 14th century and it was emperor Ashoka, who had introduced Buddhism to the valley of Kashmir.

The Kushans believed to have controlled this region during the first century who ruled over this place from their stronghold at Pakistan and Afghanistan. Even King Vikramaditya from Ujjain, ruled over this place before transferring the reigns of control to nomaid tribe named Huns during the 6th century.

One of the most terrified rulers of the city was Mihirkula who belonged to this tribe. After the 14th century, the city came under the Mughal rule and was ruled by the Muslim Kings.

This city was made the capital during the rule of Yusuf Shah Chak who was then tricked to death by Akbar who set up his dominion on the city post the fall of Yusuf Shah Chak.

It was in the year 1707 that the Mughal dominion came to end with the death of their last King, Aurangzeb and then Srinagar came under the reign of the Durrani Empire. This empire was the leader of the Pasthun tribe and they ruled on Srinagar for multiple decades. Raja Sukh Jiwan Mal was a soldier in the Afghan Durrani army who became governor and, later, the king (1754–1762) of Kashmir.

It was in 1814 that the rule of Sikhs was established and Maharaja Ranjit Singh ruled over Kashmir. It was ruled by the Sikhs till the British Raj came into India. Till the year 1947 Srinagar was considered as a princely state in the British India.

Places of Interest In Srinagar

Srinagar is one of several places that have been called the “Venice of the East” or the “Kashmiri Venice”.

The Sher Garhi Palace houses administrative buildings from the J&K government.

Another palace of the Maharajas, the Gulab Bhavan, has now become the Lalit Grand Palace hotel.

The Shankaracharya Temple on the hilltop in the middle of the city, is important Hindu temple in the city.

Chashma Shahi

Chashma Shahi or Chashma i Shahi (translation: the royal spring), also called Chashma Shahi, is one of the Mughal gardens built in 1632 AD around a spring by Ali Mardan Khan, a governor of Mughal emperor Shah Jahan as per the orders of the Emperor, as a gift for his elder son Prince Dara Shikoh.

The garden is located in the Zabarwan Range, near Raj Bhawan (Governor‘s house) overlooking Dal Lake.

In the east of Chashma Shahi the Pari Mahal (Fairy Palace) lies where Dara Sikoh used to learn astrology.

The garden is 108 m long and 38 m wide and is spread over one acre of land. It is the smallest garden among the three Mughal gardens of Srinagar; the Shalimar garden is the largest and the Nishat garden is the second largest. All the three gardens were built at the right bank of the Dal Lake, with Zabarwan mountains (Zabarwan Range) at the backdrop.

The garden presents Mughal architecture as used in different Mughal gardens. The artistically build garden has Iranian influence in its art and architecture and the design is based on the Persian gardens.

It is built around a fresh water spring, which flows through its center in terraces. The main focus of the garden is the spring which flows down in terraces and is divided into three sections: an aqueduct, waterfall, and fountains.

The water of the spring is believed to have some medicinal properties. The former Premier of India, Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru, used to get the water of the spring to Delhi.

Badamwari

Situated on foothills of Koh-e-Maran, the 300 kanals garden was dotted with trees, flowers and cascades providing a soothing experience to the visitors.

Historians maintain there was no record to suggest who laid the garden but they say it existed even before the rule of Sultan Zain-ul-Abidin in the 14th century. A well covered dome in the garden is named after an Afghan ruler, Warris Shah.

Nigeen Lake

Nigeen Lake (alteratively spelled as Nageen Lake) is a mildly eutrophic lake located in Srinagar.It is sometimes considered a part of the Dal lake and is connected to it via a narrow strait.

It is also connected to the Khushal Sar and Gil Sar lakes via a channel known as Nallah Amir Khan.

The Nigeen lake is surrounded by a large number of willow and poplar trees. Hence, it has come to be referred as a “nageena”, which means “the jewel in the ring”.

Dal Lake

Dal is a lake in Srinagar (Dal Lake is a misnomer as Dal in Kashmiri means lake). The urban lake is named the “Jewel in the crown of Kashmir” or “Srinagar’s Jewel”.

The floating gardens, known as “Raad” in Kashmiri, blossom with lotus flowers during July and August. The wetland is divided by causeways into four basins; Gagribal, Lokut Dal, Bod Dal and Nagin (although Nagin is also considered as
an independent lake). Lokut-dal and Bod-dal each have an island in the centre, known as Rup Lank (or Char Chinari) and Sona Lank respectively.

Hari Parbat Fort

Hari Parbat is also known as Kooh-e-Maran lies on the west of Dal Lake in Srinagar, in the UT of Jammu & Kashmir.

This Mughal structure was built by an Afghan Governor Atta Mohammed Khan in 18th century. A long wall was constructed in 1590 by Emperor Akbar. Surrounded by commendable structures from all religions, this fort sits at the top giving a spectacular view of Dal Lake.

This fort is maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and still stands impressive with old apartments and tall pillars. Hari Parbat provides a top view of Makhdoom Sahib shrine.

Dachigam National Park

Dachigam National Park covers an area of 141 sq km. The name literally stands for ‘ten villages’, which could be in memory of the ten villages that were relocated in order to create the park.

Dachigam was initially established to ensure the supply of clean drinking water to Srinagar city. A protected area since 1910, it was declared as a national park in 1981. The park is best known as the home of the hangul, or Kashmir stag.

Harwan Garden

Harwan Garden, situated in Harwan Village (19 km) from Srinagar is an impressive, large and admired tourist spot. It is the gateway to Dachi Gam Wildlife sanctuary.

Tulip Garden

Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip garden, previously Model Floriculture Center, is a tulip garden in Srinagar. It is the largest tulip garden in Asia spread over an area of about 30 hectares. It is situated on the foothills of Zabarwan Range with an overview of Dal Lake.

The garden was opened in 2007 with the aim to boost floriculture and tourism in Kashmir Valley. Tulip festival is an annual celebration that aims to showcase the range of flowers in the garden as a part of tourism efforts by the Government of Jammu and Kashmir. It is organized during the onset of spring season in Kashmir valley.

Botanical Garden

Botanical Garden was set up in 1969.This garden has a collection of about 150,00 ornamental plants and a huge collection of oak varieties. It also has a rare collection of Kashmiri tropical plants. It has four main divisions: the Plant Introduction Centre, the Research Section, the Recreational Garden and the Botanical Garden.

Pari Mahal

Pari Mahal or The Angels Abode is a seven terraced garden located at the top of Zabarwan mountain range over-looking city of Srinagar and south- west of Dal Lake.

The Pari Mahal was built by Mughal Prince Dara Shikoh in the mid-1600s. It served as a library and an abode for him. Dara Shikoh was said to have lived in this area in the years 1640, 1645, and 1654. It was further used as an observatory, useful for teaching astrology and astronomy.

Also Check: 100 MCQs On Districts Of Jammu Kashmir

District Kupwara

District Kupwara was carved out form erstwhile District Baramulla in the year 1979. The geographical area of the District is 2379 sq kms. The north west part of the District is bound by line of actual control (L.O.C) while the southern portion is bound by the District Baramulla. There are three bad pocket areas, namely, Machil, Keran and Karnah located near L.O.C which remain land locked for more than six months in a year. There are some other areas located at barbed distances and remain cut off from District Headquarter for a considerable time, like Kumkadi, Lashdat, Jumgund, Kethanwali and Budnambal.

Places Of Interest in District Kupwara

Seemab Valley

About 4 Kms from the tourist reception centre Kupwara, the Seemab Valley is located at the entrance of the Lolab Valley.

Lolab Valley

Named after Maharaja LOLO, is known for its lush green forests and pastures. It is traversed by a stream known as Lalkul (Lahwal). It is also known for the Sat Barran (Seven doors) and a cave in the jungles of Madmadav.

Lolab Valley is also historically important as Varnow village, a small settlement in the region, is the birthplace of Allama Anwar Shah Kashmiri. It provides road connectivity to Machil which is known for the water fall, Rangil.

Bungus Valley

One of the relatively unknown areas of Kashmir with vast tourism potential is the valley of Bangus. Lying within the Trans-Himalayan area Bangus is a unique ecological combination comprising a mountain biome, which includes grassland biome with flora at lower altitudes; and Taiga or Coniferous forest.

Sadhna Pass View Point

Sadhna Pass is a mountain pass which connects Karnah tehsil of Kupwara district with the rest of the Indian administrated Kashmir valley. It is located in the vast Shams Bri mountainous range.

The pass is best known for its generation old mythological legend of Blind and Deaf Fairies.

District Baramulla

The city of Baramulla, was founded by Raja Bhimsina in 2306 BC. The city held the position of a gate-way to the valley as it was located on the route to the Valley from Muzaffarabad, now in POK, and Rawalpindi, now in Pakistan. As such, a number of prominent visitors have been to Baramulla. These include the famous Chinese visitor Heiun T’Sang and Moorcraft, the British historian.

Mughal Emperors had special fascination for Baramulla. Being the gateway of the valley, it was a halting station for them during their visits to the Valley. In 1508 AD, Emperor Akbar who entered the Valley via Pakhil spent a few days at Baramulla and according to “Tarikh-e-Hassan” the city during Akbar’s stay, had been decorated like a bride. Jahangir also stayed at Baramulla during his visit to Kashmir in 1620 AD.

In the 15th century, Baramulla became important to Muslims, as the famous Muslim saint Syed Janbaz Wali, who visited the valley along with his companions in 1421 AD, chose Baramulla as the centre of his mission, and after his death he was buried there. His shrine attracts pilgrims from all over the Valley. In 1620 AD, the sixth Sikh Guru Shri Hargobind visited the city. It was the oldest and the most important town in north of princely state of Jammu and Kashmir and the ‘Gateway of Kashmir Valley’ by Rawalpindi-Murree-Muzaffarabad-Baramulla Road until 27 October 1947.

Places Of Interest in District Baramulla

Parihaspora

It is an old town situated near the district of Baramulla. This town was the capital of Kashmir during the Shankervarman regime. It was found in the 8th century AD by the king of Kashmir, Lalityaditya Muktapid.

The most popular feature of this place is the ancient archaeological monuments present at the Parihaspora Pattan and the Pattan Bazaar. Apart from these monuments, the town also houses few remains of a Buddhist Stupa and monastery. A few Vishnu temples, Raj Bhawan, and a Chaitya were also found in an excavation held here in 1914.

Gulmarg

Gulmarg literally means “Meadow of flowers”. One of the main attractions in Gulmarg is the Gulmarg Gondola, the Highest Cable Car in the world.

The 1st phase of the Gondola takes tourists to the height of 8530 ft to Kongdori Station and the second stage of the Gondola goes up to the height of 12293 ft. Tourists can ride up to “Kongdori” to see the frozen lake of “Al- Pathar”. Gulmarg in winter
is a magnificent experience, fully covered in a white blanket of Snow which turns it into a skiers paradise.

Gulmarg has been a resort for the kings like Yousuf Shah Chak and Jahangir who used to visit frequently. The old name of Gulmarg was “Gaurimarg”, the name of Lord Shiva’s wife. Yousuf Shah Chak changed its name to Gulmarg, meaning the place of roses.

During the early part of the 20th century the famous Central Asian explorer Sir Marc Aurel Stein (1862–1943), made his home here in a tent between his expeditions. It was a favourite summer holiday destination for the British stationed in India.

Baba Rishi Ziarat

It is a popular shrine of Baramula, situated near the Alpather Lake at 13 km from Gulmarg and belongs to saint Baba payam-Din. Baba payam-Din was a well-known Muslim saint as well as a courtier of the king of Kashmir, Zain-ul- Abidin. This shrine is that very site where Baba payam-Din died in 1480 after spending his days in prayer and meditation.

Also Check: 100 MCQs On Districts Of Jammu Kashmir

District Bandipora

It is located on the northern banks of Wular – the largest fresh water lake in Asia. Bandipora has a terraced garden similar to that of Nishat Bagh in Srinagar.

In Kashmiri there is a famous phrase about Bandipora or in other words Bandipora is famous for three A’s – A’lim (knowledge), Adab (good habits or literature) and Aab (water).

As can be known from the folklore, the name of Bandipora originated either from Bund of Wular as Bund e pur, from the local Folk-singing Bands as Baand e pur or from the enlosed geographical location as Bandh e pur. Bandipora is bound by mountains on three sides and by Wular Lake in the fourth.

Bandipora is also a stepping town to the higher reaches of Razdan, Gurez and Tragbal. Bandipora was the connecting link between North India and Central Asia via the Silk Road. At Pazalpora village there was a custom and immigration department which is now a forest check post. Due to the fact, Bandipora is also known as Gateway to Central Asia. There are strong links between Skardu, Gurez and Bandipora.

Places Of Interest

Wullar Lake

It is the 2nd largest fresh-water lake of Asia, situated on the foothills of Haramuk Mountain. It is spread in a total area of 200 square km covering almost 24 km in length while its breadth is 10 km. The lake lies between the towns of Sopur and Bandippore, in Sangrama, near Baramula Road.

Main source of water for Wular Lake is River Jhelum. This lake also has a small island in its centre called the ‘Zaina Lank’. This island was constructed by King Zainul-Abi-Din. Wular Lake is also said to be a remnant of Satisar Lake that existed in ancient times.

The lake basin was formed as a result of tectonic activity. The lake is one of Indian wetlands designated as a Ramsar site. The Tulbul Project is a “navigation lock-cum-control structure” at the mouth of Wular Lake.

Nishat Park

This park in Bandipora was constructed in 1954 under the supervision of the then Prime Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Bakhshi Ghulam Mohammad.

Nishat park Bandipora is built in accordance with the Nishat Garden Srinagar and is in the outskirts of main market Bandipora.

Chota Amarnath

One of the sacred places of Hindus is Danishwar,locally also called as Chota Amarnath. It a cave in dense forests of Arin. Pilgrim have to crawl about 60 meters to reach a cave where there are engraved features of Lord Shiva.

People used to go there on the Sharvan Purnima,the date on which Amar Nath Yatra is being performed.

Also Check:100 MCQs On Districts Of Jammu Kashmir

District Ganderbal

It was carved out of Srinagar and given the status of District on Ist April 2007. The Ganderbal town is the district headquarter and has derived its name from a famous spring Ganderbhavan.

In the olden days the territory of Ganderbal has acted as gate way to the central Asia by constituting one of the most important station of the erstwhile silk-route.

In addition Islamic influence on Kashmir found its way through Sindh valley. Hazrat Shahi Hamdan, Rinchan Shah the first ruler of Kashmir and Mirza Hyder Daughlat have entered Kashmir through Ganderbal popularly known as Sindh valley those days because river Sindh traverses’ course of about 100 kms through the district.

District Ganderbal holds some of the scared pilgrimage sites like the Holy Amarnath cave, the serene spring of Kherbhawani. With the presence of tourist resort Sonamarg and Mansbal lake on its fringes, Qamar Sahib and Baba Hyder(RA) Tullamula.

Places Of Interest

Sonamarg

Sonamarg, which means ‘meadow of gold’ has, as its backdrop, snowy mountains against a cerulean sky.

Thajiwas glacier is a major attraction during the summer months. From Sonamarg, trekking routes lead to the Himalayan lakes of Vishansar Lake, Krishansar Lake, Gangabal Lake and Gadsar Lake,Satsar Lake.

Baltal is 15 km east of Sonamarg. This little valley lies at the foot of the Zojila, only a day’s journey away from the sacred cave of Amarnath is a base camp for Amarnath yatra.

Mansbal Lake

Manasbal Lake is located in Ganderbal District in the State of Jammu and Kashmir in India.

The name Manasbal is said to be a derivative of the Lake Manasarovar. Lake is stated to be the deepest lake in India. The large growth of lotus (Nelumbo nucifera) at the periphery of the .

The Mughal garden, called the Jaroka, (meaning bay window) built by Nur Jahan overlooks the lake.

The lake is a good place for bird watching as it is one of the largest natural stamping grounds of Aquatic birds in Kashmir and has the sobriquet of “supreme gem of all Kashmir Lakes”.

Nilagrad

Nilagrad near Sonmarg is where a mountain river, red in colour, meets the mighty Indus River. The Baltic community that stays here believes that the waters have curative powers.

Kheer Bhawani Temple

The Kheer Bhawani Temple, situated in the middle of a natural spring, is often visited by tourists out of curiosity. Devotees offer milk and kheer to the resident deity. Rumour has it that the waters turn black as a warning for any looming calamity.

Also Check:100 MCQs On Districts Of Jammu Kashmir

District Budgam

In the olden days Budgam was a part of the district of Baramulla when Srinagar itself was a constituent of the Anantnag district.

It was then known as Tehsil Sri Pratap. Old records also refer to the area as `Pargana Deesu’. The present Budgam town (the district headquarter) has a long history.

According to the chronicler, Khawaja Azam Dedmari, the area was known as Deedmarbag and was densely populated. The place many believes, owes its name, Budgam (Big Village) as it was densely populated.

Famous warrior,Mehmood Ghazni, made two abortive attempts to invade Kashmir in the 11th century through the Poonch Gali, the boundary of the present district of Budgam in Khag area. In 1814 A.D. Sikh ruler, Ranjit Singh, also made his first attempt from here to capture Kashmir. The famous Chinese traveler, Hien Tsiang,while visiting Poonch, also took this route.

One of the tallest personalities of Kashmir, Sheikh Noor-ud-din, popularly known as Alamdar-e-Kashmir, has traveled much in the present Budgam district and meditated at several places here. His resting place at Chrar-e-Sharief is also situated in the district. A Prominent village, Nasrullah Pora, is named after one of his distinguished disciples, Baba Nasr.

The tehsil of Chadoora has also a rich history. the famous Malik Hyder belonged to this place. Malik was a very influential landlord and a close friend of Emperor Jahangir. The emperor too reposed great trust in him. It is said that after the death of her first husband, Nur Jehan (Jahangir’s wise) was given in Malik’s custody by the Emperor before he finally married her.

Malik also chronicled the history of Kashmir. Jahangir has eloquently praised the beauty of Chadoora and mentioned in his Tuzk-e-Jahangiri, about a tree which would tremble all over if only a branch of it was pulled. The tree, he says was known as Halthal At Chadoora is also situated the grave of Mir Shams-ud-Din Iraqi, a Shiete theologist.

The counsellor of the last native ruler of Kashmir, Yusuf Shah Chak and his son, Yakub Chak’s tutor, Ali Dar also belonged to this area.

Another block of the district, Beerwah, was formerly known as Behroop after a famous spring of the same name. Here is situated a cave about which it is believed that the famous Shivite philospher, Abhinav Gupt, alongwith some of his associates, entered in it sometime between 10th and 11th century A.D and did not return. In 1760 A.D. the Durrani Governor, Badal Khan Khatak, constructed a fortress in Beerwah which was repaired in 1801 A.D by Abdullah Khan. In 1884 A.D the fortress was destroyed in a severe earthquake.

The village of Kanihama, the home of famous Kani Shawl, was an important trade centre during the Dogra rule. The idols of Raja Beerwa’s period, are found in Beerwah tehsil pointing to the Shivite influence on the area.

Places Of Interest

Doodhpathri

The name “Doodpathri” means Valley of Milk. It is said that the famous saint of Kashmir Sheikh ul Aalam Sheikh Noor Din Noorani has prayed here and once when he was in search of water in the meadows, to offer prayers, he pricked the ground with his stick to search for water and milk came out. He asked the milk that you can only be used for drinking and not
performing ablution. Hearing this milk at once changed its state to water and the meadow got its name Doodpathri. The famous

Tosamaidan lies in the west of Doodpathri.

Yusmarg

Located in Badgam district, Meadows of Jesus or Yusmarg is known for its long stretches of green pastures.

It has some of the highest peaks in PirPanjal range including Tattakutti (4,725 m) and Sunset Peak (4,746m).

The majestic river Doodh Ganga also makes this destination more thrilling and challenging. On the other side, the holy shrine of Charar-e-Sharif endows blessing to the entire regions and is reckoned to protect the land from all kinds of mishaps.

Tosamaidan

Tosa Maidan is meadow in khag tehsil of Budgam district of Jammu and Kashmir.

The Mughals used to go to Poonch using this route. It is said that they had constructed a seven-storeyed building – Dam-Dam – here. The Basmai Gali(13,000 ft) is the pass which leads into Tosa Maidan.

Another pass – Poonch Gali – on its right side leads to the valley of Poonch. This pass was deemed to be the safest, easiest, and nearest to reach Punjab in ancient times. From here, a path also leads to Nilnag.

Also Check: 100 MCQs On Districts Of Jammu Kashmir

District Pulwama

The District was formed in 1979 by separation of Tehsils Pulwama, Shopian and Tral of District Anantnag. The district is administratively divided into four Tehsils i.e.Pulwama, Pampore, Awantipora and Tral.

The district is famous for Archaeological monuments especially for those left by Raja Avantivarman & Lalta Ditya religious shrines like that of Khan-Kahi Faiz Panah of Shah Hamdan(R.A) at Tral and temple of Jawala Mukhi at Khrew.

There are important shrines and temples in the District to name a few Khankha Tral built by Mir Syed Ali Hamdani, the great saint and scholar of Iran, besides the town Awantipora present the remnant of the building and sculptures of the time of the king of Awantivarman.

Tehsil Pampore have acquired in the district a distinction for cultivation of Saffron “Crocus-Sativus”.

According to the revenue records the original name of Pulwama was Panwangam which comprised 4 villages namely Malikpora, Dangerapora, Chatpora and Dalipora.

Panwangam become to be called as “Pulgam” which was with the passage of time changed to the present name of Pulwama.

Awantipora was the capital during the reign of Avantivarman . The archaeological movements at Awantipora, Jawlerari Kakapora and other places signify the rich history of the District.

Awantiverman (854-83 A.P) was great patron of Art sculpture. Besides Awanti Swami temple, he built another one, about a kilometer away, at Jawlerari. There temples according to history were circled by artificial lakes. After the death of the king. It is said that his son, Shanker Varma ascended the throne and retained Awantipora as his capital.

Places Of Interest

Shikargah

in Tral area of Pulwama and is an attractive tourist spot. It is also an abode for wildlife. Maharaja Hari Singh (1925-1947) also used to visit the place for wild life hunting. Shikargah is situated at the junction of the Wasturwan Mountain and Kherwon surrounded by forests.

Tarsar and Marsar Lakes

The Tarsar and Marsar lakes are the two most significant lakes of Pulwama District.

The Tarsar and Marsar lakes are situated 3km and 5km away, respectively, from the village of Nagberan. These two lakes are also closely associated with the folklore of Kashmir.

Also Check: 100 MCQs On Districts Of Jammu Kashmir

District Shopian

Shopian or Shupiyan in Kashmir situated on the historical road commonly known as Mughal Road. In March, 2007, the district was carved out of Pulwama.

The geologist Frederic Drew stated that Shopian derived its name from a distortion of word Shah-Payan, i.e. “Royal Stay”. However, the local people hold the view that Shopian was earlier named as “Shin-Van” meaning “snow forest”.

The Shias have a different view, believing it was earlier inhabited by Shias so it is “Shin-Van” that is “The Forest of Shias”. Shopian is situated on the ancient imperial route, commonly known as Mughal Road, which connects Lahore and Srinagar. Shopian was one out of six Wazarat Headquarters in Kashmir from 1872-1892 A.D.

Places Of Interest

Peer Ki Gali

The Pir Panjal Pass, also called Peer Ki Gali (or Peer Gali), is a mountain pass and a tourist destination, located in the Pir Panjal Range in Jammu and Kashmir.

It connects the Kashmir Valley to the Rajouri and Poonch districts via the ‘Mughal Road’. It is the highest point on the Mughal road at 3,490 m (11,450 ft).

Mughal Road

The Mughal Road was originally known as Namak Road (Salt Route) before Kashmir was surmounted by Mughal. It was famous by this name because salt was exported to Kashmir from the Western Punjab through this circuit.

It came to be known as the Mughal Road because the prominent Mughal Emperors like Akbar, Jahangir, Shahjahan and Aurangzeb along with their caravans travelled through this route/road to the Paradise of Kashmir.

The decision to construct the Mughal Road from Bufliaz Poonch to Shopian was taken in 1978 by the then Chief Minister Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah to afford an alternate route to Kashmir Valley, to establish direct link with Rajouri – Poonch and to make the most of scenic spots of Pir Panchal region as a tourist attraction.

The construction of Mughal road was included in Prime Minister’s Reconstruction Programme in 2005.

The Aliabad Sarai is still intact where Royal Mughal Caravan after crossing Pir Panchal would halt for few days, relaxing and enjoying the rich nature of the area.

Noorichum waterfall, Bheramgala, Dhera-ki- Gali, Thanamandi and Chingus can be also developed as tourist resorts which are equally important for heritage.

Hirpora Wildlife Sanctuary

It is located in Shopian district of It spreads over an area of 341 km2. It is bounded to the north by Lake Gumsar.

Also Check: 100 MCQs On Districts Of Jammu Kashmir

District Kulgam

Tazkira Sadat-i-Simanania, compiled by 13th-century scholar and poet Swaleh Reshi, gives the name of place as “Shampora”. Syed Hussain Simnani later renamed it “Kulgam” (kul for ‘clan’ and gam for ‘village’ in Sanskrit).

Simnani is said to have invited Hazrat Amir Kabir Mir Hamdani to Kashmir with poets including Sheikh Noor-ud-din Noorani and Lal Ded.

The area had been a hunting place for Mughal emperors and Dogra rulers, especially for Shah Jehan, who laid the Chinarbagh and Maharaja Hari Singh, who discovered the virgin potential of sanctuary at Kutbal.

The District is the birthplace of Sheikh Noor-ud-din Noorani, the founder of the Rishi order, and of the forefathers of Allama Iqbal and Jawaharlal Nehru.

Kulgam is known for a religious saint Syed Simnan who came from a place called Simnan in Iran. His ‘aastan’ is a draw from the population in and around Kulgam.

Shaikh Nur-ud-din also known as Nund Rishi, was a Kashmiri saint who belonged to the Rishi order and is also called Alamdar-e-Kashmir was also born in a village called Kaimuh of the Kulgam distinct in AD 1377. Kulgam is known as the rice bowl of the valley .

Kulgam was in the news regarding the recent excavation of a new archaeological site in a nearby village called Kutbal which has yielded signs of having been home to a first-century civilization as some artifacts belonging to the period of Kushana kings appeared in Kulgam district.

The old Kulgam is situated on the banks of “Kaval”. The topography of Kulgam is. The lower portion is situated on the banks of Kaval, offshoot of river Vashiv. Kulgam is famous being the first seat of missionaries of Islam.

Salar Sanz father of Sheikh Noor-ud-Din wali embraced Islam and was renamed Salar ud-din and was married to Sadder, a daughter of Kota Rajas of Daderkot. It was due to the efforts of Sayeed Simnani this marriage took place.

Places Of Interest In District Kulgam

Aharbal Waterfall

It is also known as “Niagara Falls of Kashmir. It gets water from Veshaw river.

Kousarnag

The Kousarnag lake is a high-altitude oligotropic lake situated in the Pir Panchal range at a heigh of 4000 metres above sea level to the south of Shopian.

It is about 5 KMs long and 3 KMs wide and is the source of river Vishav.

Panchpathri

Situated close to Sheikh ul Aalam (RA) Astaan (Shrine) at Chimmer is Panchanpathri ( pathri meaning valley).

Houen Heng

A piece of tragic history lies buried under Kulgam’s snow covered Houen Heng (Dog’s Horn) peak .

On 7th February 1966 a Fokker F 27 IA aircraft veered 12 miles off its course, crashing straight into the mountain, claiming all 37 lives on board. Time stands still here as the debris, well preserved to this day, beckon visitors to hear their tale.

Vasak Nag Kund

Vasak Nag is a cold water spring of special significance. The Waltengo Nar villagers believe it is the outcome of a pact between the Sufi Saint Syed Noor Shah Baghdadi (RA) and a Hindu seer that the spring flows merely for 6 months before disappearing back into the earth mysteriously.

It is welcomed with much fanfare around the 15th of April when it emerges and bid farewell when it disappears around the 15th of September, each year.

Also Check: 100 MCQs On Districts Of Jammu Kashmir

District Anantnag

Anantnag claims the largest number of streams (Nallas) like Sandran, Brengi, Arpath and Lidder. The most important among these is Lidder which takes of from Sheshnag lake and irrigate maximum area of the district.

The name of Anantnag according to a well known archaeologist, Sir A.Stein from the great spring Ananta Naga issuing at the southern end of the town.

This is also corroborated by almost all local historians including Kalhana according to whom the town has taken the name of this great spring of Cesha or Ananta Naga “land of countless springs”.

The spring is mentioned in the Neelmat Purana as a sacred place for the Hindus and Koshur Encyclopedia testifies it.

The district as well as its headquarter town are also called Islamabad. The name of Islamabad was assigned to the town by one Islam Khan who was the Governor of Kashmir during the Mughal rule in 1663 A.D., but the change in its nomenclature proved temporary and during the reign of Gulab Singh the town as well as district again resumed the old name.

Before the advent of Muslim rule in 1320 A.D., Kashmir was divided into three divisions, viz; Maraz in the south, Yamraj in the centre and Kamraj in the north of the Valley.

Old chronicles reveal that the division was the culmination of the rift Marhan and Kaman, the two brothers, over the crown of their father.

The part of the valley which lies between Pir Panjal and Srinagar now called the Anantnag was given to Marhan and named after him as Maraj. While Srinagar is no longer known as Yamraj, the area to its north and south are still called Kamraz and Maraz respectively.

Lawrence in his book “The Valley of Kashmir” states that these divisions were later on divided into thirty four sub-divisions which after 1871 were again reduced to five Zilas or districts.

Places Of Interest In District Anantnag

Verinag

Verinag is spring of great importance and beauty with deep blue water.

Jehangir built a pleasure garden and a summer house. An octagonal pavement has been raised around the spring by the Emperor Jehangir. The Emperor was infatuated with the beauty of Verinag to the extent that while breathing his last at Chengas village near Rajouri he wished to be buried at Verinag.

And after the completion of the construction design of the spring and the nearby garden he has written that the traveler who has travelled through the earth can hardly give any example of another place of such a beauty.

Achabal

Achabal gushes out of the Sonsanwar Hill and was at once enlisted by the Emperor Jehangir in the service of beauty and pleasure.

It is said that the Brengi Nallah which disappears at Dewalgam in the fissures of limestone is the real source of the Achabal Spring. The fountains that have been laid through the water channels add to the charm of this Mughal garden.

Kokernag

A famous spring called “Kokernag” gushes out from the foot of the nearby hill covered with evergreen pine trees. This beautiful garden has been developed during the rule of Bakhshi Ghulam Mohammad.

Asia’s biggest trout rearing farm is situated on the western side of this garden.

Pahalgam

Pahalgam is one of the famous health resorts of Jammu and Kashmir State. The Lidder Nallah flows through it.

It is also an important transit camp on the way to holy Amar Nath Ji Cave.

Shri Amarnath Ji

Anantnag District is famous for the Amarnathji cave situated at Mount Amarnath .

The world famous shrine of Amarnathji is situated about 48 Kms. from Pahalgam . The cave is an ice cave, it contains a certain amount of ice stalagmites.

The ice pillar present inside the cave is also called ice lingham, the phallic symbol of Lord Shiva. Two smaller ice stalagmite represent Parvati, his wife, and Ganesha, his son.

The Hindu pilgrims also believe, that the height of the lingham increases and decreases with the phases of the moon.

In the month of Shravan, on the full moon in August, thousands of Hindus go on a pilgrimage up to the cave. At this time the lingam reaches its biggest size.

The temples of Mattan, Martand, Anantnag and Bijbehara which fall enroute are also worth seeing.

Legend has it that Shiva recounted to Parvati the secret of creation in the Amarnathji cave. Pilgrims trek to Amarnathji, in the month of Shravan (July –August.

According to an ancient tale, there was once a Muslim shepherd named Buta Malik who was given a sack of coal by a sadhu. Upon reaching home he discovered that the sack, in fact, contained gold.

Overjoyed and overcome, Buta Malik rushed back to look for the sadhu and thank him, but on the spot of their meeting he discovered a cave, and eventually this became a place of pilgrimage for all believers.

Ziarat Hazrat Zain-ud-Din Wali

Village Aishmuqam is very well known in every part of Kashmir on account of the historical shrine of Sheikh Zain-ud-din who lived in the 15th century A.D. and was one of the principal disciples of Sheikh Nur-ud-din.

Ziarat Baba Hyder Reshi (Reshi Maloo)

The tomb of Baba Hyder Reshi popularly known as Harda Reshi or Reshi Molu, the saint at whose anniversary local people of the area abstain from flesh eating for one week. It is Situated in Mohalla Reshi Sahib in Anantnag Town.

Masjid Baba Dawood Khaki

Masjid Khaki is one of the oldest mosques in the town and is situated in Reshi Bazar of mohalla Kakhi Sahiban in Anantnag town.

It is more than 600 years old and is named after Hazarat Sheikh Baba Dawood Khaki the chief disciple of Hazarat Sheikh Hamaza Makhdoom.

Martand Sun Temple

The ruins of the Hindu temple of Martand or, as it is commonly called, the Pandu-Koru, or the house of the Pandus and Korus.

It is usually called the House of the Pandus by the Brahmins , and by the people “Martand”, or the sun temple, to which the temple was dedicated. The period of its foundation can be determined within the limits of one century, or between A.D 370 and 500, The colonnade is recorded in the Rajatarangini as the work of the famous king Laltaditya, who reigned from A.D.693 to 729. Fergusson gives the date of Martand as A.D.750.

Also Check: 100 MCQs On Districts Of Jammu Kashmir

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