Rawalakot

History:

Rawalakot is a beautiful landscape scattered among the heavenly suburbs of heightened mountains and holds the title of being the capital city of Pir Panj Range of mountains. It is also known as ‘The Valley of The Pearls’ or ‘Poonch’ and ‘Mini Kashmir.’ Its significant documented history is moderately fertile and goes way back to World War II, where one of the major tribes living in the area ‘the Sudhan tribe’ played an essential part for the British during their rule by contributing almost a 100,000 soldiers for the war. Also, being the headquarters for the Raja of Poonch before the independence of Pakistan, it has been part of a disputed territory ever since until the lying down of the LOC (Line of Control) after the liberation. Rawalakot is closest to nature, making it is one of the most breathtaking and dazzling cities of Azad Kashmir.

Geography:

Located at a significant elevation of 5400 feet, Rawalakot is surrounded by numerous villages such as Tain Patola, Paniola, and many others. It is situated 47 miles away from Kahuta and about 78 miles from the capital city of Pakistan – Islamabad. Visitors can reach Rawalakot via Kahuta and Kotli Satiyaan, but there are a couple of other routes as well. 

Climate:

Observing a generally pleasant but unpredictable environment throughout the year, the environment of Rawalakot is mostly referred to as being a subtropical highland climate as the high altitude plays a vital role. Rawalakot experiences a full variety of all the seasons but provides mildly warm weather (peak can hit about 38 degrees centigrade) during the summers and most of the autumn season. In winters, Rawalakot is a different story because temperature can go as low as less than -1 degrees centigrade. Like many other neighboring areas, rainfall usually takes place mostly during the season of monsoon, and snowfall usually takes place by the end of the year. The climate is also optimum for farming of vegetables, which is extensively done. It’s very suitable for the growth of a particular type of tree known as “Populus,” which is used for designing of sports goods.

People:

According to a 2015 survey Rawalakot is home to 79,000 people living in urban areas. The most common tongue used on regular basis are “Hinduki” and “Kashmiri” Rawalakot is home to the Sudhan Tribe. Sudhan are also referred to as Sudhozai, who originate from the Pashtun land areas however they do insist on their ancestral background to be that of Afghans. The principal settlement areas of this tribe are Poonch, Bagh, Kotli, and Sudhanoti, situated in Azad Kashmir. People are hardworking and energetic as most of the community living in urban areas rely on farming. People in rural areas have adopted modern lifestyle of living with all the necessities available easily.  

Ecology:

Rawalakot is rich ecologically with a wide variety of flora and fauna. Major plantations include Oak, Chir pine, Blue pine, Deodar, Fir, Spruce, and Barmi. Additionally, there is a growth of herbs that are used for medicinal purposes such as Aconite, Kanees, Ratan jot, etc. The wild regions given decent variety of atmosphere, physiography, and vegetation provide territories for an assortment of notable wildlife life species. The most common are Leopard, Rhesus Monkey, Musk Deer, and Himalayan Ibex. 

Places:

Banjosa Lake:

Located in Tehsil Hajira, district Poonch (Azad Kashmir), at about a distance of 10 miles. It is a trendy area for tourism. Banjosa Lake, situated within the valley, is a charming and dazzling lake orbited by the neat looking range of green mountains, creating a mind-blowing view for tourists. Rest houses, hotels, and resorts are constructed extensively for the facilitation of the tourists.

Toli Pir:

When we speak of the immensely attractive and beautiful point in Rawalakot, Toli Pir is the place that comes to mind. Acting as a point of origin of several ridges of mountains. Remnants of an old Shrine known as Maqbara/Mazar in the local language are still present at the highest altitude of Toli Pir. 

Ramkot Fort:

A great and ancient fort overlooking Azad Kashmir just beside the popular Mangla Dam. The Jehlum river is scrumptiously surrounding it from multiple sides, which drains into the dam. It was constructed by ‘Toglu,’ which belonged to a group of Ghakkars.

Pir Chanasi:

A well-known and highly famous area for the shrine of Pir Chanasi (Pir Syed Hussain Shah Bukhair), this is an excellent destination for tourists as well as the locals. Situated on about 9500 ft, an iconic place to glance at the beautiful view of Muzaffarabad and its surrounding area.

Hotels:

Hosting many tourist destinations around and providing an ideal destination for tourists and travelers to stay, relax, munch, and wander around, Rawalakot has a wide variety of guest houses, motels, and luxuries as well as average hotels due to which tourism has increased to a great deal. People often stay in these for fortnights or even longer and visit all the beautiful places that are on the plate! Meanwhile, enjoying the tradition and lifestyle.

Restaurants:

Fast food, Chinese, Thai, any dessert delight, or maybe just a munching of plain but delicious desi food? Rawalakot has it all. Providing a wide range of restaurants, Rawalakot is believed to have a delightful and unique taste in the local foods, which for sure adds up to the tourist excitement. What else is needed after a tiring day of fun-filled tourism around one of the cities known for its beauty in the region? A warm, delicious, and huge meal!

Health:

Consisting sufficiently of both government and private primary and secondary but a very few tertiary care hospitals within the city as well as a BHU's (Basic health unit) and RHC's (rural health center) in surrounding areas, the city provides a good standard of healthcare and the medical needs of the residents as well as the significant amount of tourists that visit all throughout the year. For major medical or surgery-based procedures, the shortest route to the capital city is taken for quality tertiary, and quaternary level of health care as that standard of health care is still of a lesser standard in Rawalakot.

Security:

For immediate rescue service in case of emergency, a vigilant team can be contacted via dialing 1122. Additionally, the police play an active role in maintaining peace and security within the region.

Shopping:

Rawalakot has a downtown region popularly known as Rawalakot Bazaar which comprises of shops selling everything from food supplies to electronic merchandise. Handicraft items that are of great attraction to tourists primarily contain carpets, rugs, woolen shawls, silk and woolen clothing, wood carved items, and paper mashie decoration pieces. Other specialties include dry fruits, honey, apples, mushrooms, medicinal herbs, and ash timber. 

Transportation:

There are no services by Uber or Careem. Hence, the transportation is heavily driven by buses, vans, and local cabs. The local traffic is maintained well and carry their charm.

Important Numbers:

Superintendent Police

+92-(0)-5824-920052

Police Station City

+92-(0)-5824-930008