Poonch-A Mixture of Culture & Beauty

Poonch is a beautiful town and a municipal council in the Indian administered state of Jammu and Kashmir. It has many historical events witnessed and also has been ruled by outsiders and locals at different junctures till it became a part of independent India. Literature in languages of Poonch is rich in folk songs. Most of the Punchi folk songs make women as their central theme. Family feuds, battles, love, marriage ceremonies, social rituals, social evils and superstitions are also have been given attention. Chann, Kainchi, Sepaiah and Maiah are some of the popular folk songs. Folk songs also speak of the bravery and heroism of the peoples of Poonch. 

Photo Credit: Muzaffar Bukhari

How to Reach:

By Road
Poonch is connected to both of the Jammu city and Srinagar city, you can easily get cabs from there. J&K state roadways are available from Jammu city and Sringar towards Poonch, it takes only 8 hours to reach Poonch from Srinagar. The closest airport is jammu as well as srinagar airport, one have to hire cabs or buses from the respective airport to reach poonch.

By Air
The closest airport is Jammu as well as Srinagar airport, one have to hire cabs or buses from the respective airport to reach Poonch. 

By Train
The nearest railway station is Jammu Tawi from there you can easily get cabs or buses to reach Poonch.

Tourist Attractions near Poonch

Nangali Sahib Gurudwara
Gurudwara Nangali Sahib is located on a hill and on the banks of Drungali Nallah at a distance of 7 km from Poonch. It is considered as one of the oldest Sikh shrines in Northern India for Sikh community. The Gurudwara is visited by thousands of devotees  throughout the year.

Poonch Fort
The Poonch fort is a major attraction of Poonch city and its history dates back to 16th century A. D. The Poonch Qila was built by Raja Rustum Khan in 1713 AD. The construction of this fort took place many years with the effort of Raja Rustam Khan, who was a lover of architecture. The architecture of the fort is influenced by the Mughal architectural style.  

Noor-e-Chamb Waterfall
Noor-e-Chamb waterfall is at a height of 8,600 feet,  one of the major attractions of this place. There is a bridge in front of the waterfall, which is used by tourists to see the waterfall. There is a trail that leads to the mouth of the waterfall.  This trail  also takes visitors to an old temple. The name of this water fall was derived from the name of Mughal queen Noor Jahan. The water fall is situated close to the  Behram Galla.

Mandi
Mandi is a village located on the confluence of two streams namely Gagri and Pulsta. The place is situated in a valley, which is narrow and surrounded with steep hills. The village is located at a distance of 20 km from Poonch town. The temple of Mandir Swami Budha Amar Nath Ji is located here.

Best Time to Visit:
October and November are considered as the ideal time to visit Poonch