Poonch - The City of Saints and Captivating Natural Beauty

Entry Point To The City - Poonch Bridge

When we talk about Jammu and Kashmir state of India, we often talk about the beautiful landscapes of Kashmir, shrine of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi and the high passes of Ladakh. The three divisions of the state: Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh are further divided into 22 districts. One of these 22 districts is the district of Poonch. Often known by the name "City of Saints" the place is blessed with abundance of natural beauty.

Amazing Landscapes Of Poonch

One of the remotest districts of the state, it is around 250 kilometers from the city of Jammu and as of now there is no rail or air connectivity. Nearest railway station is the Jammu Tawi railway station and the nearest airport is the Satwari airport in Jammu. However you won't complain about it because it is connected to Jammu by one of the most picturesque and well maintained highways in India.

Jammu - Poonch Highway

If you love the long drives, you are definitely going to enjoy this journey through the beautiful hills and dense forests with amazing weather.

During 8-9 hours of drive, you will pass through beautiful towns of Akhnoor, Sunderbani (my hometown), Nowshera and the district of Rajouri including the picturesque town of Surankote and beautiful village of Bhimber Gali .

The Rajouri district is surrounded by beautiful Peer Panjal range. You will be accompanied by a fresh water stream flowing alongside the road adding beauty and freshness to the place. 

Beautiful landscape on the way

Jammu and Kashmir is also known for it's delicious food. On the way you can find many eating joints. You can stop to have the famous Rajma-Chawal or greet yourself with a cup of tea along with mouth watering Paneer Pakoras.

You will also witness beautiful water falls and natural drinking water sources on the way. People often can be seen refilling their water bottles with chilling mountain water.

Don't forget to carry your camera if you are a passionate photographer. You might end up with one of your best shots here. I had a chance last year to visit Poonch and two of its most famous shrines.

 Buddha Amarnath Temple:

Buddha Amarnath Temple

Buddha Amarnath Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one of the oldest shrines in the City of Saints. The temple is situated in a picturesque location in the Rajpura village in Tehsil Mandi of Poonch district. It is around 25 kilometers North East of Poonch city. The place is connected by road to Poonch town and transportation is easily available.

In the lap of beautiful Peer Panchal range the temple is  situated at the foothill and is accompanied by a fresh stream of River Pulsata. The river is believed to be named after rishi Pulsata - Grandfather of Ravana. Pilgrims often take bath in the holy river before entering the temple. 

The temple has four gates, one in each direction. This signifies that the temple is open for every one. Free langar (food) is available for the pilgrims 

River Pulsata 

The shrine is older than the famous Amarnathji shrine in Kashmir. The Shivling here is made up of white stone. Devotees visit the shrine throughout the year to get blessings of Lord Shiva. 

Chari Mubarak Yatra is associated with the shrine and is conducted every year. Also on the day of Raksha Bandan, a "Mela Swami Buddha Amarnath Ji" festival is celebrated.

Gurudwara Nangali Sahib:

Gurudwara Nangali Sahib

Another shrine which has a rich history and is the oldest Sikh shrines in the state of Jammu and Kashmir and in Northern India , Gurudwara Nangali Sahib is situated around four kilometers from the town of Poonch and is well connected by road.

Situated at a picturesque location surrounded by beautiful hills creating stunning landscapes and accompanied by Drungali stream, the place is a visited by thousands of devotees every year.  The Gurudwara complex also has a 24 hour free langar (free food service) and a 70 guest rooms for the pilgrims alongside the main Gurudwara building.

Smaad Thakur Bhai Mela Singh Sahib

The Gurudwara has a rich history associated with it. It was constructed by Thakur Bhai Mela Singh Ji , the fourth descendant of Saint Bhai Pheru Singh Ji in 1803. The complex was hit hard and major portion of it was destroyed in 1947. It was then reconstructed \ renovated later by Mahant Bachitter Singh Ji, a great religious intellectual of his time. He also build an ashram for orphans in Digiana, Jammu to provide them skill training in various trades so that they can earn their livelihood.

Every year on the occasion of Baisakhi (A popular Sikh festival), a big function is organized for the devotees who come from all over India to mark the beginning of Sikh new year.

If you are nature lover or if you fond of rich history or if you love the fresh water streams running alongside the stunning hills, do plan a visit to "The City of Saints" . It will be one of the most thrilling road trips you will have. I will keep adding new places to explore here as and when I get the chance to visit the place again

Time to Visit:

You can visit Poonch anytime of the year. If you love the snowed mountains and the chilling breeze, do plan it in the winters (December - March) and if you want to go away from the scorching heat of summers and take a break in the lap of nature, the place will welcome you with fresh and pleasant weather.

Visit my journey with photography at my NatGeo profile:

National Geographic Profile - Neeraj Sharma

Posting few of my captures of The City of Saints through my lens: