Poonch is also known as Punch. Punch is a town which serves as administrative headqurters in Poonch District in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir. According to the Mahabharata evidence, and the evidence from 7th Chinese traveler Xuanzang, the districts of Poonch along with Rajauri and Abhisara had been under the influence of the Republican Kambojas during epic times. The average elevation of Punch is 981 meters and Pir Panjal range of mountains separates Poonch valley from Kashmir valley. For a long time there was only one road connection between the two valleys was from Jammu but now with the completion of Mughal Road connecting Bufliaz in Poonch to Shopian in Kashmir there will be a direct connectivity between the two. The four tehsils of the district comprises Haveli, Mendhar Surankote and Mandi.

Poonch History

In 1596, the Mughal emperor Jahangir made Raja Siraj-Ud-Din Rathore the new ruler of Punch who was the descendant of Rao Jodha and Rao Suraj Singh. Siraj-Ud-Din and his successor Raja Shahbaz Khan Rathore, Raja Abdul Razak Rathore, Raja Rustam Rathore and Raja Bahadur Rathore ruled this area up to 1798 AD. In 1819, this area was captured by Maharaja Ranjit Singh and it remained under the control of Sikh Empire until 1850. The era from 1850 to 1947 is considered as the Golden Period of the history of Poonch. The province of Poonch got the status of a state from British Raj in 1901 AD during the reign of Raja Baldev Singh. 

The reign of Raja Moti Singh, Baldev Singh, Sukhdev Singh, Jagatdev Singh and Raja Shiv Rattan Dev Singh witnessed all round development of Poonch state. During that period, historic Poonch fort was renovated and redesigned. For instance, Town Hall and Court building were constructed on the line of Mubarak Mandi of Jammu, Fountain garden Poonch was established on the pattern of Shalimar Garden of Kashmir, Baghi Khanna, Bagh Deodi the gateway of city and number of other buildings were also constructed. Palaces of rulers were namely called Baldev Mahal, Moti Mahal and Sheesh Mahal reflected the aesthetic of the rulers. A number of temples, mosques and gurdwaras also emerged during these years.

Poonch Climate

The climate of Poonch is a bit cooler than rest of the areas of Duggardesh plains and the summers are short and pleasant while sometimes they may be irritating. The summer temperature generally does not cross 31 degrees. Winters are cool and chilly characterized with rainfall due to western disturbances. Snowfall is not so common but may occur in cool months like that of December. Rainfall is averagely 669 millimeters in the wettest months.

Poonch Tourism

One of the most important features of the culture of district Poonch is that people belonging to all the major religions constitute it which makes district Poonch a model of the world as for multicultural aspect is concerned. Due to the presence of different religions, different sacred places also exist in the district and are famous for the pilgrimage. Abundant of majestic snow-capped mountains, dotted with lovely lakes and meandering streams and added with nature's choicest gifts of fruit, flower, forests and age-old historical monuments, Poonch district is perfect destination for vacation. A tourist would love and remember it for a long time. Various tourist points of Poonch are.

Tourist places in Poonch
Noori Chamb
Girgan Dhok
Poonch Fort
Mandi
Loran
Nandi Shool
Surankote
Behramgala
Dehra Gali
Gurudwara Nangali Sahib
Mandir Budha Amar Nath ji
Ramkund Mandir
Shri Dashnami Akhara Mandir
Ziarat Chhote Shah Sahib
Ziarat Pir Fazal Shah Sahib
Ziarat Sain Illahi Bakash Sahib
Ziarat Sain Miran Sahib
Trekking