Introduction

Known as Gateway of Jammu & Kashmir State, Kathua district lies in South-East of the State. It is located 32.17' to 32.55' north latitude and 75.32' to 75.76' east longitude. Spread over an area of 2651 sq.Kms constituting 1.9 per cent of the total area of the State, the district has a population of over 4.92 lakh as per 1991 estimates. The sex ratio as per 1981 census was 917 females per 1000 males and density of population 1.86 persons per Sq.kms as per 1991 estimates. The district has literacy percentage of 31.90. For administrative, the district has been divided into four tehsils namely Kathua,Hiranagar,Basholi and Billawar. District broadly comprises three distinct zones. These can be described as border, kandi and hilly areas.The two main rivers of the district areRaviandUjhwhicharemajorcontributors to the prestigious Ravi-Tawi Irrigation Complex. As regards the main ethnic groups,hindus constitutes 91% of the district while Muslims form 7% and Sikh2% of the population.The most important minerals in the district are cement grade lime stone in Basholi.Dogri is the main language spoken by the people of the district. There are a number of Monuments in the district like towering forts and magnificent places at kathua, Lakhanpur, Jasmergarh (Hiranagar),Jasrota,Ramkote,Bhadu and Basholi.

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At a Glance

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Historical Placesand Monuments

Jasrota

Was founded by Raja Jas Dev of Jammu in 1019 A.D.Jasrotias ruled this state upto 1834 A.D., when it was given to Raja Hira Singh.

Billawar

Tehsil headquarter town of the district is belived to be capital. In earlier times Billawar is known as Vallapura, the hilly state finds mention in the Rajatarangni as capital of the state till 1630 A.D.

Mankote

Was fonded by Raja Manak Dev, a contemporary of Raja Narsingh Dev of Jammu(1272-1314 A.D.). It was renamed by Raja Suchet Singh (1822-43) as Ramkote.

Lakhanpur

Raja Sangram Singh,founded Lakhanpur state.Lakhanapur is known as the gateway of Jammu & Kashmir.

Bhadu

A prominent town of Billawar tehsil. Bhadu town is situated on Bhini nallah, a tributary of Ujh river.

Tirikote

Near Jasrota and Jandi near Hiranagar were also important states/principalities in the district.

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Tourist Places

Some of the important tourist potential areas and religious places in the district are

Billawar

A tehsil headquarter was fonded by Raja Bhopat Pal in 1598-1614. Mahabilvakeshwar temple one of the most revered Shiva temples of the area. It is about 60 ft.high.The temples contains images of Brahma,Vishnu, 5-headed Shiva,Ganesha and Bhairavo.

Basholi

A small town is situated on the right bank of river Ravi at an altitude of 2170 ft.founded by Raja Bhupat Paul in 1653. It was known for magnificant places which are now in ruins and miniature paintings.

Sarthal

It is a beutiful meadow,situated at a height of 7000 ft.which remains covered with snow for nearly six months.It is a part of an exciting trekking route. It is located 20 Kms. from Bani.

Bani

Located at a height of 4200 ft.in the lap of lofty montains. It has a good climate and immense natural beauty. It is situated 88 Kms. from Basholi town and is linked by the road. It is also base camp of trekkers who go to different routs to Bhaderwah, Machhedi etc.

Banjal

is a beautiful pass located at an altitude of 4500 ft.It is 55 Kms.from Basholi. During March to May the area becomes colourful with lot of flowers blooming. Banjal is also known as "Garden of Natural Flowers". A P.W.D Rest House and Dak Bungalow are also available there.

Ujh

It is fast developing beautiful picnic spot near the Ujh barrage,hardly 24 Kms from kathua. The old fort of Jasrota has been cleaned up and renovated. A bird sanctuary is being developed on the bank of Ujh river.

Dhar Mahanpur

is a new emerging tourist resort.It is 27 Kms.from Basholi.

Sukarala Mata

The most famous shirne dedicated to mother goddess is Sukrala Devi shirne at a distance of 9.60 Kms from Billawar. The holy shirne is the abode of goddess Mal Devi,the re-incarnation of Sharda Devi. The holy shirne have been built by Madho Singh an exiled prince of Chamba. Regular bus services ply directly from Jammu,Kathua,Udhampur and Billawar. Numbers of Sarais of PWD,State Tourism and Shirne Management are there.

Chamunda Devi

Chamunda Devi temple is located near th main chowk in Basholi Town. The goddess is worshipped here in the shape of natural rock.

Peer Fazal Shah

The Ziarat of holy Peer is loacted in Parlibund,Kathua.It is 13 Kms.from Kathua. A bath in the spring near the shirne is considered to cure skin diseases.

Trekking Routes

There are numerous thrilling trekking routes mostly in and around Bani area which pass through virgin mountain areas of beauty. Some of these routes are

(a) Bani-Sarthal-Bhaderwah Trek - It is 53 Kms Trek.

(b) Bani-Khajar-Bani - It is 3 hours trek.

(c) Bani-Sundroon-Bani - It is soft trek upto Sundroon 12 Kms.away.