Poonch, the administrative headquarters of
Poonch District, is 250 km northwest of
Jammu. This historic town, on the banks of
Suran River, is bordered by Line of control (LOC) on three sides and
Pir Panjal Range on the northern side. With its tropical climate and hilly terrain, the land is fertile and is ideal for cultivation.
Fort of Poonch, renowned for its architectural beauty, is the town’s pride. Believed to be built by Raja Adbul Razaq Khan in 1713, the present face of the fort was framed by Raja Moti Singh.
Poonch, a haven for nature lovers, is an ideal place for trekking. From here, the panoramic view of the Kashmir valley is breathtaking. Many temples can be found here, of which
Shri Dashnami Akhara Mandir is the most significant.
Buddha Amarnath, a famous temple devoted to Lord Shiva, is on the northeastern part of the town. On
Raksha Bandhan day, thousands of devotees gather here to worship the deity.
Gurdwara Nangali Sahib, 7 km from Poonch, is a famous religious center. Other attractions nearby are
Loran (35 km), Mandi(20 km) and Noori Chammb (45 km). At a distance of 70 km from Poonch is the
Girgan Dhok – the valley of seven lakes, one of major tourist spots in Jammu and Kashmir.
