Kathua District

Known as Gateway of Jammu & Kashmir State, Kathua district lies in South-East of the State. It is located 32.17' to 32.55' north latitude and 75.32' to 75.76' east longitude. Spread over an area of 2651 sq.Kms constituting 1.9 per cent of the total area of the State, the district has a population of over 4.92 lakh as per 1991 estimates. The sex ratio as per 1981 census was 917 females per 1000 males and density of population 1.86 persons per Sq.kms as per 1991 estimates. The district has literacy percentage of 31.90. For administrative, the district has been divided into four tehsils namely Kathua,Hiranagar, Basholi and Billawar. District broadly comprises three distinct zones. These can be described as border, kandi and hilly areas.The two main rivers of the district are Raviand Ujhwhicharemajorcontributors to the prestigious Ravi-Tawi Irrigation Complex.  There are a number of Monuments in the district like towering forts and magnificent places at kathua, Lakhanpur, Jasmergarh (Hiranagar),Jasrota,Ramkote,Bhadu and Basholi.
Tourist Places
Sarthal:- It is a beutiful meadow,situated at a height of 7000 ft.which remains covered with snow for nearly six months.It is a part of an exciting trekking route. It is located 20 Kms. from Bani.
Bani:- Located at a height of 4200 ft.in the lap of lofty montains. It has a good climate and immense natural beauty. It is situated 88 Kms. from Basholi town and is linked by the road. It is also base camp of trekkers who go to different routs to Bhaderwah, Machhedi etc.
Banjal:- Is a beautiful pass located at an altitude of 4500 ft.It is 55 Kms.from Basholi. During March to May the area becomes colourful with lot of flowers blooming. Banjal is also known as "Garden of Natural Flowers". A P.W.D Rest House and Dak Bungalow are also available there.
Trekking Routes
There are numerous thrilling trekking routes mostly in and around Bani area which pass through virgin mountain areas of beauty. Some of these routes are
(a) Bani-Sarthal-Bhaderwah Trek - It is 53 Kms Trek.
(b) Bani-Khajar-Bani - It is 3 hours trek.
(c) Bani-Sundroon-Bani - It is soft trek upto Sundroon 12 Kms.away.

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