Poonch jagir Travel Guide
Discover the cultural and natural attractions of Poonch Jagir, a beautiful part of Kashmir, with this comprehensive travel guide. Explore the best places to visit, things to do, where to stay, and more.
- Introduction to Poonch Jagir
- List of Places to Visit in Poonch Jagir
- Hiking/Biking Routes of Poonch Jagir
- Best Things to Do in Poonch Jagir: Activities and Tours
- Week-Long Itinerary for Poonch Jagir
- Food and Drink Scene of Poonch Jagir
- Where to Stay in Poonch Jagir: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- What to Buy in Poonch Jagir: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Local Culture and Customs of Poonch Jagir
- Best Time to Visit Poonch Jagir
- Do’s and Don’ts of Poonch Jagir
- Safety and Health
- Getting to Poonch Jagir: Transportation Options and Logistics
- How to Get Around in Poonch Jagir
- Where to Go Next from Poonch Jagir: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Conclusion
Introduction to Poonch Jagir
Poonch Jagir is a beautiful town situated in the Poonch district in Jammu and Kashmir, India. It is located close to the Line of Control that separates India and Pakistan. The town is known for its rich cultural heritage, scenic beauty, and pleasant weather. It is a popular tourist destination and attracts visitors throughout the year.
List of Places to Visit in Poonch Jagir
When visiting Poonch Jagir, make sure to check out these top attractions:
Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
- Poonch Fort: A historical fort built by Raja Sir Anayatullah Khan in the early 19th century. The fort is known for its beautiful architecture and offers a stunning view of the town.
- Shahdra Sharief Shrine: A revered shrine of Sufi saint Baba Ghulam Shah Badshah. The shrine is visited by people from all over Jammu and Kashmir and offers a peaceful and spiritual experience.
- Poonch Museum: A museum showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the town. The museum displays artifacts and relics of the Poonch region’s history, which includes weapons, manuscripts, and paintings.
Natural Attractions of Poonch Jagir: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
- Noori Chamb Waterfall: A beautiful waterfall located in the Surankote area of Poonch district. The waterfall offers a mesmerizing view and a great place for outdoor activities like picnics and trekking.
- Chandak Wildlife Sanctuary: A natural sanctuary famous for a variety of flora and fauna, including leopards, barking deer, and sambar. It is a popular place for wildlife enthusiasts and provides a serene atmosphere for nature lovers.
- Behramgala Picnic Spot: A popular picnic spot located in the Poonch valley. The spot is surrounded by beautiful mountains, and the scenic beauty offers a perfect setting for a picnic.
Hiking/Biking Routes of Poonch Jagir
Poonch Jagir is an ideal place for adventure enthusiasts. Here are some of the best hiking and biking trails in the area:
- Pir Panjal Trek: A hiking trail that takes visitors through beautiful mountain ridges and valleys. It is a moderate to difficult level trek that offers stunning views and an adrenaline rush.
- Surankote to Chandimarh: A biking route that takes riders through the beautiful countryside and forests of Poonch. It is a challenging trail that requires a good level of physical fitness and technical skills.
Best Things to Do in Poonch Jagir: Activities and Tours
When in Poonch Jagir, make sure to try out some of these activities and tours:
- Explore the Local Markets: Poonch Jagir is known for its vibrant marketplaces which offer a range of local Kashmiri handicrafts, fabrics, and spices.
- Attend the Urs at Shahdra Sharief Shrine: The Urs is an annual festival that takes place at the Shahdra Sharief Shrine. It is a religious event that attracts devotees and tourists from all over the region.
- Experience the Local Cuisine: The town has a unique food scene influenced by Kashmiri and Pakistani cuisine. Some local specialties include Rogan Josh, Yakhni, and Gushtaba.
Week-Long Itinerary for Poonch Jagir
Here’s a week-long itinerary to help plan your visit to Poonch Jagir:
| Day | Activities |
|---|---|
| 1 | Visit Poonch Fort and explore the town’s marketplaces |
| 2 | Trek to Noori Chamb Waterfall and have a picnic |
| 3 | Visit the Shahdra Sharief Shrine and attend the Urs festival (if it falls on this day) |
| 4 | Explore the Poonch Museum and learn about the town’s history |
| 5-6 | Trek the Pir Panjal or go on a biking adventure |
| 7 | Relax at Behramgala Picnic Spot and enjoy the scenic beauty |
Food and Drink Scene of Poonch Jagir
No visit to Poonch Jagir would be complete without trying out these local dishes and beverages:
Must-Try Dishes
- Rogan Josh: A signature Kashmiri dish made with lamb or goat and a blend of aromatic spices.
- Yakhni: A yogurt-based gravy dish that is typically served with rice.
- Gushtaba: A dish made from minced meatballs cooked in yogurt gravy.
Local Beverages
- Kahwa: A traditional Kashmiri green tea infused with saffron and cardamom. It is a popular drink locally and is perfect for warming up on a chilly day.
- Noon Chai: A salty pink tea made with milk, baking soda, and brewed tea leaves. It is usually served with bread or biscuits.
Where to Stay in Poonch Jagir: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
Poonch Jagir has a range of accommodation options to suit all budgets. Some of the top picks include:
- Hotel Regency: A budget hotel located in the heart of the town.
- Poonch Palace: A heritage property offering a luxurious stay experience.
- Hotel Trinetra: A mid-range hotel with decent facilities and services.
What to Buy in Poonch Jagir: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
Some of the best souvenirs and local products to bring back from Poonch Jagir include:
- Kashmiri Shawls: The town is known for its beautiful shawls made from Pashmina wool.
- Kashmiri Spices: The aromatic spices from the region are a must-try for food enthusiasts.
- Hookahs: Hookahs or water pipes are a popular item in the town, and you can find a range of designs and styles in the local markets.
Local Culture and Customs of Poonch Jagir
Poonch Jagir has a rich cultural heritage influenced by its proximity to Pakistan. The town has a mix of Kashmiri and Pakistani customs and traditions. Visitors should respect local customs and dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites.
Best Time to Visit Poonch Jagir
The best time to visit Poonch Jagir is from March to June and from September to November. During this time, the weather is pleasant, and visitors can enjoy outdoor activities without the harsh winter or monsoon weather.
Do’s and Don’ts of Poonch Jagir
Do:
- Respect local customs and traditions
- Dress modestly when visiting religious sites
- Try out local dishes and beverages
Don’t:
- Take photographs of sensitive areas like military installations
- Drink tap water, only drink bottled water
- Travel alone at night in remote areas
Safety and Health
Safety in Poonch Jagir
Poonch Jagir is a safe place to visit. However, visitors should be cautious when traveling to remote areas and avoid taking photographs of sensitive areas like military installations.
Health in Poonch Jagir
Visitors should take precautions against mosquito bites as the region is prone to mosquito-borne diseases like dengue fever and malaria. It is also advisable to seek medical advice regarding any vaccinations needed before your trip.
Getting to Poonch Jagir: Transportation Options and Logistics
Airports Near Poonch Jagir
The nearest airport to Poonch Jagir is Jammu Airport, which is about 233 km away.
Bus Stations Near Poonch Jagir
Poonch Jagir has a bus station with connections to nearby cities like Jammu and Srinagar.
Other Options
Visitors can also travel by train to Jammu Tawi Railway Station, which is the nearest railway station to Poonch Jagir.
How to Get Around in Poonch Jagir
Poonch Jagir is a small town, and most places are within walking distance. Visitors can also hire taxis or auto-rickshaws to get around.
Where to Go Next from Poonch Jagir: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
Some nearby destinations and excursions to visit after Poonch Jagir include:
- Patnitop: A scenic hill station located about 87 km from Poonch Jagir.
- Jammu: A city with rich cultural heritage, located about 200 km from Poonch Jagir.
- Srinagar: The capital city of Jammu and Kashmir, known for its picturesque views and serene landscapes, located about 380 km from Poonch Jagir.
Conclusion
Poonch Jagir is a hidden gem in Kashmir, offering a combination of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and peaceful surroundings. With this comprehensive guide, visitors can plan an unforgettable trip to the town, explore its best attractions, try out local cuisine, and learn about its rich history and culture.
