Pulwama district General information
Pulwama is a district in Jammu and Kashmir.Pulwama is famous all over the world for the saffron cultivation which is mainly grown in the Karewa lands of Pampore, Kakapora and Pulwama blocks.The district is also called RICE BOWL of Kashmir for maximum production of rice grains in the J & K state.
The district Pulwama is reported to be one of the pretty spots on the earth, because of its congenial climate, innumerable springs, streams, water falls, fragrant flowers delicious fruits and other natural sceneries.
Besides Pulwama is famous all over the world for the saffron cultivation which is mainly grown in the Karewa lands of Pampore, Kakapora and Pulwama blocks.The district is also called RICE BOWL of Kashmir for maximum production of rice grains in the J & K state.
The district is centrally located in the valley of Kashmir and is a resting place for Adventure Tourists since it is full of clean water Streams, Lakes, Magnificent Trees and Mighty Mountains where the air is cool and water sweet.
Pulwama being a part of the beautiful valley is bounded by SRINAGAR in the North by BUDGAM and POONCH Districts the west and by ANANTNAG Districts in the South and East. The District was formed in 1979 by separation of Tehsils Pulwama, Shopian and Tral of District Anantnag. The total area of the district is 1398 Sq. Kmtrs., as per Census 1981, the district consists of 554 villages including 18 un-inhabitated . The district is administratively divided into four Tehsils I.e. Pulwama, Pampore, Shopian and Tral which have further been grouped into six community block viz Pulwama, Shopian, Keller, Kakapora, Tral and Pampore for development purposes. The Administrative center of the district is situated at Pulwama which is about 31 Kms from the Srinagar.
The district is famous for Archeological monuments especially those left by Raja Avantivarman & Lalta Ditya religious shrines like that of Khan-Kahi Faiz Panah of Shah Hamdan(R.A) at Tral and temple of Jawala Mukhi at Khrew. Mughal Road, the famous Shahrah is also a communication path of the district with other parts of the country.
PLACES OF INTEREST
AHARBAL WATERFALL: 35 Kmr. From Shopian AHARBAL is famous for an impressive water fall formed by river Vishav. The fall has a height of 24.4 meters. The water fall is bewitchingly beautiful surrounded by Fir forests at the scenic spot.
Kungwattan: A charming and enchanting meadow, which is eight kms away from Aharbal. Though there is no motorable road to the meadow however ponies can be hired to reach to the lap of nature.
Nagberan: Situated about 2 kms from the town of Tral. Nagberan is place of scenic beauty visited by the lovers of nature.
Shikargah: Developed as an attractive tourist spot is situated about 3 kms from Tral. Maharaja Hari Singh used to visit the place for wild life watching.
Hurpora: About 12 kms from Shopian, commands a beautiful scenic view. The place is situated on the historical Mughal road and is accessible by car or a bus.
Tarsar and Marsar: There are two legendry lakes in the District, Tarsar and Marsar. Situated in the high mountains about 3 and 5 kms, from Nagberan. . These two lakes have a close association with the Folk of Kashmir
Aripal Nagh: Situated about 11 Kms from Tral town & is famous for its natural Water Spring (Nagh) oozing out from the the corner of Wastoor-Wan ( small hill). The water is abundant used for irrigation & drinking water supply to the entire Tral area.
The Avantishwar Temple: The Awantishwar temple at Jawbrari at Awantipora is the significant monuments present in the district. The temple was built by Raja Awanti Varma in the 9th Century A.D when he chose it as his capital..The temple is dedicated to Vishnu and Shiva as is clearly seen from the idol..
The Payer Temple: Payer temple is situated about 3kms in the south of Pulwama district . The temple is known after the village, Payer, which it is situated. some travelers call it Payech temple. The belief is that the temple is carved out of a single stone.
Asar Sharief Pinjoora: The shrine is the most revered religious place in the district situated 12 kms from Pulwama . The shrine houses the holy relic of Prophet Mohammed (Peace Be Upon Him) which is displayed on special occasions associated with the life of the Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him).
The Shrine of Shah Hamdan: Situated in Tral town, the shrine is believed to have been built by SYED ALI HAMDANI. People in large numbers throng the shrine on annual festival associated with the saint.
Jama Masjid Shopian: The mosque is said to have been built during the Mughal period. Shopian was an important stopover on the Mughal road across the Pir Panjal used by the Mughals to visit Kashmir. The other important muslim shrines are situated at Awantipora and Pampore. There are the shrines of Syed Hussan Mantaqui, Mir Mohammed Hamdani and Namat Ullah Shog Baba Sahab.
The Shrine of SYED HASSAN MANTAQUI: The shrine is situated on the national highway near Awantipora & is considered a very sacred place. Lot of people traveling across the shrine deposit coins & currency notes in the Shrine as a mark of respect & gaiety.
MUGHAL ROAD: A great deal of significance lies in the form of MUGHAL ROAD, a highway of great historical importance across the Peer Panchal ranges. The Mughal Emperors after whom the road is named, used to visit the Valley via this route through the apple town of SHOPIAN. A sarai( resting place) at SHADIMARAG is still witness to the grandeur of Mughal carvans passing through this road.