Poonch District

Poonch district is the smallest of the 14 districts of J&K State.It falls between 33degree-25' to 34degree-01'north latitude and 73degree-58' to 74degree-35' east longitude.Poonch is bounded by the the districts of Baramulla and Pulwama of Kashmir Valley in the north-east.
The district comprises three tehsils of Haveli,Mendhar and Surankote.It has 178 villages of which 168 are inhabited,51 Panchayats and a town.A small district with comparatively less population,Poonch district has a rich cultrual heritage and distinct historical background connected with the great Mughals. The caravans of Mughal emperors for Kashmir passed through Poonch district in 17th Century and that route is known as Mughal road. The district has an area of 1.14 Lakh hectares of which 23 percent is cultivable.There are 37,000 land holdings covering an area of 54,000 hectares as per 1980-81(Census). About 3,0000 hectares are irrigated principal crops of the district are maize,paddy and wheat while Maize is the staple food of the people. Poonch district offers a representative of the State in clime,culture and secular outlook. The people speak Gojari and Punchi which according to Grieson, is a sister language of Punjabi dialect Lendhi. Both the languages have rich folk lores Potari and folk songs.
Behramgala:-
Situated at the foothill of 8,600 ft.high Rattan peak on the historic Mughal Road about 45 Kms from Poonch Town. Behramgala is small picturesque spot in a deep gorge.It is small plateau surrounded by mountains and forests.Just near to it is the confluence of Thatta pani and Parnai streams which further adds to its otherwise scenic and natural beauty.
Noori Chamb:-
A famous water fall in the district also connected with the Mughal Emperors is located in the north east of Behram Gala.This water fall is yet another scenic spot which has tremendous tourist potential.The fall of the stream gives rise to dense clouds of water vapours which engulfs the area and spread all over.The emperor Jahangir had developed so much fancy and liking for this fall that he named it Noori Chamb after the name of his beloved queen Noorjahan.
Surankote:- In Rajatarangini,this town was described as Sawernik in the past.Nealy in 1036 A.D.there was a big fort called kote. Combining the name of the town with the fort,it become Sawernik Kote which ultimately changed to its present name of Surankote. It is very charming valley surrounded by snow clad peaks and is known as Pahalgam of Poonch.
Girgen:- It is bewitching valley of seven lakes.This valley is located about 70 Kms. from Poonch town.This area is also important from trekking point of view. Neel Sar,Nandan Sar,Katora Sar are among the fascinating high altitude lakes.Several trekking expeditions used to come in this valley and trek to these lakes.
Poonch Fort::- The foundation of historic fort building in the capital truncated Poonch district,was laid by Raja Abdul Razak Khan in 1713 A.D

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