Doda

About Doda | General Information | Places To See

Doda district is the third largest in terms of area after Leh and Kargil.The district falls between 32 degree-53' and 34degree-21' north latitude and 75degree-1' and 76degree-47' east longitude. Spread over in area of 11,691 Sq.Kms the district has a population of 5.25 lakhs (1991-census). The sex ratio was 904 females per 1,000 males and the density of population 36 per Sq.Kms.The literacy percentage ae per 1981 census was 18.5 percent.The district has been divided into four Sub- Divisions viz Doda,Ramban,Bhaderwah and Kishtwar.It has seven tehsils viz Doda, Bhaderwah, Kishtwar,Ramban,Banihal,Thathri and Gandoh. The no.of Panchayats is 132. 

The altitude varies from 8,000 ft.to 15,000 ft.The average rainfall is 35 inches per annum which is lowest as compared to other distt.of the division. The Chenab,main river flowing through the distt.is commercially very vital for transportation of timber from forests and power generation.Chenab river has a hydel potential of about 15,000 Mws.Prestigious hydel projects of Salal and Dul Hasti are on this river.The district is known for its rich mineral Deposits. Lead,mica ,gypsum, manganese, marble ,graphite copper etc are found here. The distict is pre-dominantly rural and has agricultural and pastoral economy. The distt.has good potential for tourism including piligrim and adventure. Monuments of archeological importance in the distt. include a fort at Bhadarwah,Bhandharkot fort in Kishtwar and Ghajpat Qila at Ramban. Kashmiri, Dogri, Bhadarwahi, Kishtwari,Siraji, Pogli,Paddri, Punjabi etc are the languages being spoken here in different areas. 

Doda abounds in scenic spots.With large forest area,snowclad peaks,virgin trekking routes and majestic Chenab river passing through it,the district offers a variety of toyrist spots,health resorts and enthralling trekking routes which are given below:

Kishtwar
The present name,related with 'KISHAT RISHI' who stayed here,is the modified version of earlier name of Kishaswar.Located about 232 kms.from Jammu at a height of 5,360 ft. The place has rich wild life like snow-deer,leopard,Neel gai and Muskdeer. There are high altitude mountains ranging between 20,000ft.to 21,000 ft. like Nun Kun,Burmah and Barnag. Important shrines are located in the area which are Ziarat Zain-Shah-Sahib, Farid-ud-Din sahib,Athra Buja Devi temple and Chandi Mata temple.

Bhaderwah
Popularly called Chota-Kashmir,has bewithcing natural beauty which enthralls any visitor. Bhaderwah valley is predominantly a mountainous torrid town situated 80 Kms.from Batote. The festive mood in the district begins with the melting of snow in April and the sprouting of greenery all round. Kailash Yatra is another famous pilgrimage of the area which is considered an important Hindu pilgrimage. Bhaderwah offers to the tourist a variety of beautiful landscape,colourful local fairs ,important festival mood and unique mosaic culture,extremely and pleasant summer temp.ranges from 18 degrees to 32 degrees.

Chinta Valley
Is a picturesque valley located at a height of 6,500 ft.has thick coniferous forest on all sides and Chinta river flowing through it. Many scenic spots are situated around this place.

Khani Top
Is situated 25 Kms from Bhaderwah.Trekkers find it a convenient launching site for expedition to Ashapati peak on the border with Himachal Pardesh.

Seoj Meadow
If Gulmarg and Pahalgam are jewels of "Paradise" on earth,Seoj Meadow is diamond in the crown of Bhaderwah,pride of Jammu region.

Patnitop
Is the most popular tourist spot of Jammu region.Patnitop is the highest point of Jammu-Srinagar National highway which resembles Gulmarg.Its lushgreen meadows and pine trees catch every one's attention.In winter it is covered with a white carpet of snow and its slopes have been successfully experimented for skiing.

Sanasar
Is another famous tourist resort of Jammu situated nearly 30 Kms.from Patnitop.Recently a golf course has been laid on its meadow.

Sarthal
Situated 18 Kms.from Kishtwar has a famous temple of Athara Bhuja in a cave. The fire dance or walking on fire which is held in July and August is unique in itself to witness.

Machail
Is a two-day journey from Atholi via Gulabgarh with a night halt at Chashoti. The famous Machail Yatra starts Bhaderwah and ends at Machail where the famous shrine of Chandi Mata is located. Trekkers can continue their journey ahead of Machail with a night halt at Rujwass for Zanskar, Paddam and Kargil.