Billawar, formerly Vallapura, is a fast developing town situated in
Kathua District of
Jammu and Kashmir. One of the
taluks of the district, Billawar is believed to have been founded by Raja Bhopat Pal.
Lying on the banks of Naaz and Bhinni Nallahs, it was the erstwhile capital of the Basholi Rajas. The descendants of the royal family are known as 'Billawarias'.
According to myth, the Pandavas spent a short time here during the last year of their Agyant Baas (exile). Billawar Shiva Temple, a highly revered shrine, is located here.
The town is rich in bilva trees, hence the name Billawar. An ancient Hanuman statue, built on a rock near the Naaz River, is also feast the eye.
Regular buses connect Billawar with Kathua, Hiranagar,
Basholi, Bhaderwah and Marmoth.
