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The Poonch Fort is a spectacular historical structure depicting the richness of Jammu’s history and architectural splendour. This fort was constructed in the early 1700s and has stood the ravage of time. Thus, it attracts many tourists, especially historians. Poonch Fort, though majestically designed and surrounded by very striking views and beautiful sceneries, gives a good view of the past as history has it and must be visited by any traveller willing to tour the area of Jammu. On your next trip to Jammu, including a visit down to the Poonch Fort enables you to immerse yourself in the rich cultural history and heritage of the district.
About Poonch Fort Jammu
Photo: Trougnouf (Benoit Brummer) / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Poonch Fort was reportedly built in the 18th century by King Raja Abdul Razak Khan. Over the centuries, this fort has been used as a palace for royalty and as a military defence structure, which is greatly known throughout the region’s history. Poonch Fort is an architectural marvel, uniquely blending Mughal and Dogra architectural styles. Its walls are very thick in metres, and the material used in its concentration was sophisticated. Poonch Fort has witnessed numerous battles and sieges, contributing to its storied past. These events have shaped the fort and added to its historical significance. Several temples are inside the fort complex, among which Moti Mahal is a renowned tourist attraction and religious one.
Location
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Poonch Fort is situated in the Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir, located in the northwestern part of India. The fort is located in the heart of Poonch town, which lies approximately 235 kilometres northwest of Jammu city.
How To Reach Pooch Fort
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Poonch Fort is easily accessible from all the nearby cities in Jammu, so ensure that you are aware of the viable routes for a comfortable travel experience.
By Road: Regular bus services operate from Jammu, Srinagar, and other nearby towns to Poonch.
By Air: Jammu Airport is the nearest airport to Poonch Fort and it is connected to all the nearby cities. From the airport, you can hire a taxi to take you to the fort.
By Train: The nearest railhead from the Poonch Fort is the Jammu Tawi Railway Station, located around 240 km away. You’d need to hire a taxi from the station to reach the fort.
Things To Do At Poonch Fort
With a history as rich as that of Poonch Fort, you have a lot to explore and a lot of mysteries to unveil, the next time you visit the fort.
1. Explore The Panoramic Views
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Get a stunning panoramic view of the entire place when you visit the Fort. Don’t miss this opportunity to explore the surrounding nature and engage in nature photography. Thanks to the elevated position of the fort, you get to witness the views of the Pir Panjal Range at a distance as well. The views of the surrounding valleys and the snow-capped peaks further add to the overall fun and experience of exploring the fort.
2. Explore Museums and Artefacts
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The fort houses a small museum displaying artefacts, coins, and statues from various periods, providing a deeper insight into the region’s history. Stepping into the museum is one of the best ways to familiarise yourself with the background and the prevailing history of this fort. Some of the weapons, manuscripts and artwork on display inside this museum date back to the period of the fort’s construction, making it a fascinating thing to witness and learn about.
3. Learn About The Historical Significance
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Poonch Fort has been mentioned in several historical texts and records, highlighting its importance throughout history. It is also known for its strategic location. Having a local guide with you during the exploration is one of the best ways to explore the fort. Getting to witness the blend of Mughal, Sikh, and Dogra styles is truly enchanting. Also, don’t miss out on exploring the different sections of the fort, including the Diwan-e-Aam and the Diwan-e-Khas.
4. Attend Cultural Events
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The fort, at times, serves as a venue for cultural programmes and fairs, which brings out the cultural flavour of the region, and therefore, it is a lively place. Although not frequent, now and then, there are events hosted in and around the fort showcasing traditional music, dance, and performances, highlighting the heritage of Poonch and the surrounding area.
5. Explore The Fort’s Gardens
Photo: Kiran Sasidharan / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Once you are done exploring the fort complex, step out to explore the surrounding garden area too. These beautifully maintained gardens offer a peaceful retreat from the daily chaos of city life. You can take a stroll along the gardens, and click some of the Poonch Fort pictures from the exterior as well. The garden also enables you to unwind and relax after walking around the fort for a long time.
Places To Visit Around Poonch Fort
Once you finish exploring the Poonch Fort, there are a few popular tourist attractions around the fort that are worth checking out as well.
1. Noori Chamb Waterfall
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Also known as the Noori Chamb waterfall, this is a popular tourist attraction around Poonch Fort. Surrounded by dense forests, the beauty of this cascading stream of water is beyond anyone’s comprehension. The water flows down against the rocks, adding to the experience further. You can set up a picnic experience or you can click pictures.
Distance From Poonch Fort: 45 km
Timings: 24*7
2. Mandi
Photo: Ajaz Tantray / Wikimedia Commons
Mandi is a nearby village in Jammu that truly justifies the meaning of leading a slow life in the mountains. The locals are warm and welcoming and there are numerous temples like the Swami Budha Amarnath Temple, which you must visit. Overall, visiting Mandi allows you to slow down and embrace the beauty of nature around you.
Distance From Poonch Fort: 20 km
Timings: 24*7
3. Surankote Valley
Photo: Hamza Bin Asim / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Located a short drive from Poonch Fort, Surankote Valley is the perfect getaway destination if you are looking for a way to unwind and relax amidst the lush green valleys. The views that you get from the hillside are a treat to the eyes. It’s a perfect spot for trekking, camping, and nature walks. The valley is also home to several small villages, where you can experience the local culture and hospitality.
Distance From Poonch Fort: 27.4 km
Timings: 24*7
Where To Stay
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Due to its remote location, Poonch has very limited options when it comes to hotels and guest houses. There are camping sites available too, adding to the adventure. The good thing about exploring Poonch is that accommodations cater to the interests of every traveller’s budget. Some of the best choices are Hotel Mountaineers Inn, The Riverfront Luxury Cottages, Hotel Sain Inn and Bentes Lodge.
Where To Eat
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Several restaurants are there near Poonch Fort, and you can enjoy your food in any of them. You can try local Kashmiri cuisine or indulge in a multi-cuisine affair at several restaurants and eateries around. A few of the best options include Simran Food Point, Bismillah Hotel, Kashmir Flavours Restaurant Poonch, Asian Hotel and Restaurant and Mountain View Restaurant.
Best Time To Visit
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Jammu experiences pleasant weather pretty much throughout the year, except for the peak winter months. So, if you are planning a visit to Poonch Fort, consider visiting during the summer and spring months, from April to October. During this period, the average temperature ranges from 15°C to 30°C. The summer months, without too much cold or risks of rainfall, are thus ideal for exploring the fort and the surrounding sightseeing spots.
Tips For Travellers
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The next time you plan a trip to explore Poonch Fort, ensure that you keep a check on a few pointers for a smooth exploration.
- Poonch Fort involves a lot of walking around, so wear comfortable shoes and a hat to shield yourself from the sun.
- There aren’t many stalls for snacks around, so carrying food and water for emergencies is always recommended.
- To immerse yourself in the history of Poonch Fort, hire a local guide for better exploration.
- Poonch Fort and its surroundings offer stunning photography opportunities, so make the most out of that.
- There are limited ATMs in Poonch town, so carry cash with you ahead of time.
Poonch Fort is one of the most underrated and less-explored forts in India. With an enriching history and unique architecture, the fort unveils stories of the past that will fascinate you and leave you in awe. So, the next time you are planning your vacation with TripXL, ensure that you include Poonch Fort in your itinerary for a well-rounded trip around Jammu.
Cover Photo: Rahul Sapra / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
