Azad Kashmir “Heaven
on Earth” and “Switzerland of East”
is known for its mesmerizing sceneries, tranquil waterfalls, flowering meadows,
snow caped mountains and clear pure lakes. Each valley and district of Azad
Jammu Kashmir (AJK) is awe-inspiring and deserves to be appreciated for its
natural beauty. Our visit to Rawalakot was as amazing it was with Muzaffarabad.
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| Kashmir |
About Rawalakot:
Rawalakot is also known as “Pearl Valley” situated in the heart of district Poonch of Azad
Jammu and Kashmir (AJK). It appeared to be Saucer
shaped valley and it altitude is 1615 meters high. It is 76 Kilometers far
form Kohala and is linked to Islamabad via Azad Pattan and Muzafarabad.
Alternate route is to take Guoien Nullah road that is recently constructed between
Rawlakot and Azad Patan, road has immensely reduced time to get Rawalakot. It
usually takes three and half hour drive from Rawalpindi/Islamabad to Rawalakot.
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| Rawalakot |
Rawalakot weather is always fluctuating and seems to be
erratic. Temperature varies from 16C to 24C in summers, there is heavy snowfall
by the end of the November and the whole month of December it usually last
throughout January. If you are rain lover the best time to visit Rawalakot is
to around the month from April to June.
There are small hotels available all over Rawalakot for
stay, they are mostly owned by Government, it would be appropriate to make
reservations for rooms in advance as these accommodations are mostly used by
government officials on their tours.
Rawalakot is also famous for its educational institutes such
as Agriculture University and several colleges and secondary educational
institutes. The tourism is at its peak there several activities ranging form
trekking, hiking, paragliding and water based activities.
How to get Rawalakot:
Rawalakot is accessible through Islamabad/Rawalpindi by a
three and a half hour long drive. You can leave for Kohala around 7.00AM from Islamabad
and reach Azad Pattan than take Guoien Nalla road to finally get Rawalakot.
Places to Visit:
Poonch is the district of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) at
the very heart of which lies Rawalakot, its beauty says it all and is referred
as “Pearl Valley” and “The Valley of Pearl”. The best advice
we can give you is that you have the accurate knowledge of the city when
visiting however navigation around city is not that difficult. Some of the must
see places are Banjosa Lake, Toli Peer, Poonch River, Tata Pani, Bagh and Ghori
Mar.
Banjosa Lake:
Banjosa is a beautiful lake surrounded by lush green
mountains offering spectacular views. A few rest houses are constructed in the
surroundings of this lake. Some tuck shops are also present at the lake but not
properly managed and arranged. Weather is pleasant in summer and occasional
snowfall in winter. The lake is located on Banjosa Road, 19 kilometer away from
Rawalakot City in Tehsil Hajira, District Poonch, (AJK).
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| Banjosa Lake |
Tolipeer:
Tolipeer is the premier mountainous site in the northeastern
region of Rawalakot; it is the point of origin of three different mountain ranges.
The tourist rest house on the way up to Tolipeer is also placed in a picturesque
scene. There are some relics of an old mazar on the uppermost hilltop. Tolipeer
is most accessible during the months of summer; the weather gets really chilly
from end of the year in October and lasts till March. The temperature stats to
decrease around spring and environment gets really healthy to ones who visit
Tolipeer can never ever forgets it.
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| Tolipeer |
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| Tolipeer Guest House |
Poonch River:
The river provides visitors with attractive views of clear water
fronts. The river is quite wide and green land right by the side of the river
is best spot for outdoor picnic. The weather is pleasant in summers but it gets
hot as we move to the month of July while it gets really chilly during winters.
This site is located 35 kilometers form Rawalakot at Hajira Kotli Road. People who
are fond of natural beauty of water is in for treat for the mesmerizing views
of habor.
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| Poonch River |
Hot Spring (Tatta Pani):
On the right side of Poonch river lies Tatta Pani, it is
almost 20 kilometers away from Hajira, you can reach Tatta Pani via
Hajira-Mandol road and alternate road you can take is from Kotli it almost 26
kilometers. Tatta Pani means “Hot Spring” as well due to its recognition for
its “Sulpher Water Springs”. Since
the ancient time people know the miraculous/therapeutic property of this water
and come from all over to take a dip into the Sulphur springs: this water
provides relief from joint pains, fatigue and stress and skin disease. As per
test reports hot spring water has got 37 precious minerals which has got
therapeutic medicinal values. During winter season a large number of people
visit this place daily to have hot water bath for the cure of Skin and
rheumatic ailments.
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| Tatta Pani (Hot Spring) |
Bagh:
The town of Bagh is located 48 kilometers away from Rawalakot,
this town is located on the union of two mini nullahs, i.e. Malwani & Mall,
which flow all the year round. “Haji Peer Pass” is located about 32
kilometers away from Bagh and is linked through metaled road. All necessities
are available is Bagh Bazar, different hotels are available for the visitors to
stay the night.
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| Dirkot Park- Bagh |
Paniola:
About 17 kilometers form Rawalakot and 52 kilometers away
from Kohala is located Paniola, the sites has known for its charming and clam environment,
likewise AJK Tourism Department has constructed many rest houses over here as
well, the views here are out of the world.
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| Paniola |
Koyian:
It is 17 kilometers far away from Rawalakot and it is
surrounded by dense forests, it seems to be the perfect spot for the stay and
tourist rest house has been constructed by Tourism department.
Restaurants:
When visiting Kashmir it is your duty to enjoy there delicacies,
most famous dish of Rawalakot is Tawa
Ghosth. The best places to enjoy meals are Rawalkot International Hotel and Restaurant and Dhara Resturant.
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| Rawalkot International Hotel and Restaurant |
Places to shop:
Rawalakot bazaar is the most visited and one of the busiest
markets. Rawalakot has a downtown area, which consists of shops selling
everything from groceries to electronic goods. Handicrafts, carpets, wood
carvings, mushrooms apples and other fruits are the mostly purchased by
tourists.
Rawalakot is only know for its beauty but also for the lively people that resides within, they are supportive in nature especially women, if until now you have not made your mind to visit, here is something that will push you over the edge.
It is every Pakistani dream to visit Azad Kashmir, it was
mine the same, I was lucky enough to get to be part of such experience but
there still a lot for me and my friends to explore not only in Rawalakot but
other valleys of Azad Kashmir. My thoughts on the way back from every visit to Rawalakot
was nothing but of serenity, it made me realize not matter where I will be I
can always find my way to my paradise.
