Rajouri

Rajouri formed part of the district of Poonch until 1968 when it was given an independent identity for better supervision and development. It is bordered by the Poonch district in the north, Jammu in the south, Udhampur on the east and Kashmir on the west. The region of Rajouri consists of numerous hills and small valleys. Meandering brooks also dot the place. Multi cultures are found in the place such as Pahari, Gojri, Dogra and Kashmiri. The Pahari language is the most commonly spoken language by the people of Rajouri. The northern region experiences temperate type while the southern region experiences semi-tropical type. Hailstorms occur in the northern region while monsoons occur in the sub-tropical region. The remains of the Mughal marvel are found in the place till date. 

                                       Tourist places in Rajauri 

Thanamandi: This place was used by the Mughals for accommodation during their visits to Kashmir from Delhi. The climate of the place is soothing and is believed to restore health. Native wooden products are available here. There is a shrine 6 kilometers from here and is dedicated to Shahdara Shariaf.

Dhandidhar Fort: This is a monument built under the rule of Mughal Emperor Jahangir. It is believed to be 400 years old. This place is within 2 kilometers from Rajouri. 

Usman Memorial: This memorial is constructed Jhangar. It is dedicated to Brigadier Usman. The captured area around Jhangar was freed by him. Later on, he led an army for further approach. He was killed by the enemy on July 3, 1948. The Infantry Unit, Jhangar take care of this place. The heroic deeds of all those who sacrificed their lives arc celebrated on July 3 every year and the day is known as “Jhangar Day”.

Balidan Bhawan: This place is dedicated to all those people who sacrificed their lives during 1947-48. The Pakistani forcefully invaded the area and killed thousands of men and women on the night of Diwali in 1947. The Indian army were finally able to oust the Pakistani army on April 13, 1948.

Shahdara Sharief: This is a shrine dedicated to Baba Ghulam Shah. It is 30 kilometers away from Rajouri and is located in the lap of mountains. The shrine is called as the ‘Shahdara Sharief’ by the local people.

Nao Gazi Ziarat: This is 9 yards long grave of Saint Qutab Shah Wali. It is locally known as the Nao Gazi Ziarat.

Mangla Goddess: This is a similar cave as that of Mata Vaishno Devi. Due to large number of people visiting this religious spot, a restroom has been built. This majestic shrine is dedicated to goddess Mangla. It is situated on the hillock at Bhawani Nowshera. This place is 70 kilometers away from Rajouri. The shrine is very old.

Chingus: This place is 30 kilometers from Rajouri. It is situated on the right bank of Nallah and has an elevation of 2000 feet. It is located on the Jammu-Poonch Highway. Mughal Emperor Jahangir passed away while he was returning from Kashmir and his entrails are buried here.

Samot Sar: It is blue water lake having an oval shape. It has an elevation of 3550 meters. It is present on the northern end of Badjari Marg. Pir Panjal range is visible from here.

 

Chandan Sar: This is bean shaped lake. Icebergs cover the lake till the end of July. It has an elevation of 3800 meters. It has a circumference of 2 kilometers. Reaching the lake involves one day trekking from Ravi Walli marg.

Divya Sar: This is another lake situated within the region. It has a shape like that of an earthen lamp. This shape gives it the name ‘Divya Sar’. It is 1 kilometer in length. The lake is present at an elevation of 3600 meters.

Sukh Sar: It is small lake. It has an elevation of 3000 meters.