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Learn About Places Jammu Kashmir > Doda

Doda

Doda Jammu and Kashmir

Introduction :: 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.

At a Glance
Educational Institutions    1493
Health Institutions         256
Area                                 11691 Sq. Kms.
Population        5.25 Lakhs.
Population Density 45 per sq. Kms
Villages         655
Tehsil            7
Sub-divisions    4
Blocks               14
Live-Stock Population 4.25 lakh
Forests     2.19 lakh hectares
Villages electrified       582
Literacy rate         18.5%
Bank Branches         52
Post Offices         12

Tourist Places :: 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 h
eld 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.

Historical Origin Of District Doda :: This District has a rich history. The district derived its name from its district headquarters Doda. It is said that one of the ancient Rajas of Kishtwar whose dominion extended beyond Doda persuaded one utensil maker Deeda, a migrant from Multan (now in Pakistan), to settle permanently in this territory and set up an utensil factory there. Deeda is said to have settled in a village which later on was called with his name. With the passage of time the name Deeda has changed into Doda, the present name of the town.The entire area of district, including Allaqa Dengbatal (Tehsil Mahore), was initially divided into two independent States of Kishtwar and Bhaderwah.Kishtwar State consisted of some areas of the present District Doda viz., Doda-Siraj excluding present Bhaderwah, Bhallessa and Thathri Tehsils, Marmat Galihan, Raggi, Assar, Batote areas of Doda and Ramban Districts.The Islamic faith entered the region of Doda as a spiritual and moral force, when Hazrat Shah Farid-ud-Din came over to Doda via Dengbattal and Ramban in 1650 A.D. He stayed at Doda for 14 long years and then left for Kishtwar.The principality of Bhaderwah was distributed into 15 tharas or administrative units. The total area of Bhaderwah Jagir (including Bhalessa etc.) was 533 sq. miles which after delimitation of Udhampur district in 1931 was reduced to 213 sq. miles only. From 1112 AD to 1930 AD the Bhaderwah Jagir remained under the control of different Rajas.Its name as private Jagir was changed to Private Domain and in charge jagir was changed to Director Private Domains. On the recommendations of Private Domain Assimilation Committee, the status of Bhaderwah ended in 1930. Consequently Bhaderwah became a Tehsil of Udhampur district in 1931. After the carving out of district Doda from district Udhampur in 1948, Bhaderwah became a Tehsil of District Doda. Consequent upon reorganization of District, Naibat Tahthri and Niabat Bhalessa of Bhaderwah Tehsil also became full fledged Tehsils in 1981.

Geography :: Total area of Distt. Doda is 4500 Sq. Kms.(approx.). Doda District has been carved out from the erstwhile District Udhampur in 1948. The State Govt. on July 2006 trifurcated the district into three districts namely Doda, Ramban and Kishtwar. Lying in the outer Himalayan range in J&K State, the district falls between 32 degree-53’ and 34 degree 21’ north latitude and 75 degree-1' and 76 degree-47' east longitude. On its north is Anantnag District of Kashmir Division, District Kishtwar in the North-East, while south-west and south are bordered by the Districts of Udhampur, Kathua and Chamba area of Himachal Pradesh. On its west is District Ramban.From east and south-east is Leh District There are most famous mountain peaks in District Doda like Marble Pass, Nunkun on the Suru Border which rise to a height of 2300 ft.above sea level. Two other famous peaks are Brahma and Moon Sikle.

Climate :: Due to its varying physical features, the District does not have a uniform climate. The climate is temperate in the places like Kishtwar, Bhadarwah etc. and sub tropical in areas like Ramban. Average rainfall in District Doda has been recorded as 35.08 inches per year which is lowest as compared to other Districts of Jammu Division. Due to low average annual precipitation, the whole of District Doda has been declared as Drought prone.The Climate of Bhadarwah and Kishtwar is totally different to that of Doda. In these areas there is lot of snow fall during the winter season and the summer is as pleasant as Kashmir. These places are worth visiting in the winters for enjoying the Snowfall specially. Due to this feature of Bhadarwah, it is generally called as "MINI KASHMIR"

Culture of District Doda

The District is known, not only for its rich cultural heritage and ethical values but also popular for its age-old traditions of secularism and the spirit of tolerance, which have been since times immemorial, binding the people together. The peaceful co-existence in this vast district has been possible only because of the observance in letter and spirit of these traditions which have since long been guiding the very destinies of the people professing varied faiths.

Cultual Programmes Being Held At Rural Mela :: The District is having mixed culture and the people are Pehari Speaking. Because of its connectivity with Jammu, Srinagar, Himachal Pradesh and Ladakh, the people are generally speaking Kashmiri, Ladakhi, Dogri,and some Pehari languages like Bhadarwahi, Kishtwari and Serazi. The people are also credited to have unity in diversity. For example, besides regional languages, there are about one dozen languages being spoken in different areas. These are Kashmiri, Dogri, Bhaderwahi, Kishtwari, Siraji, Pogli, Khashali, Gojri, Paddri and Panjabi etc.According to Dr. G.A.Fierson the word "Pahari" applies to the groups of languages spoken in the sub-himalayan hills extending from Bhaderwah to the eastern parts of the Nepal. The Bhaderwah group includes three dialects, viz Bhaderwahi, Bhalesvi and Padri. Bhaderwahi language is abundantly rich in words, phrases and idioms.

Approach :: District Headquarter Doda is located about 175 Kms. from Jammu and about 200 Kms. from Srinagar. The District is having mountaneous terrains. There are two National Highways connecting the District. These National Highways are NH-1A and NH-1 B. The general approach to the whole of the District is through road transport i.e. Taxi, Delux Buses etc. Visitors coming from other parts of the country can also utilize the Flight or Train services upto Jammu / Srinagar. From Jammu / Srinagar, road transport services are easily available to reach District Head Quarter Doda and to other Tourist Spots of District Doda. One can have the view of River Chenab while approaching to Doda, Bhadarwah etc.

Special / Unique About The District :: The District is endowed with wast wealth of natural beauty and resources. Full with natural endownments, scenic splendour, places of tourist interest, Worship, round the year snow claded mountain peaks and challenging tracks allure the adventurers and trekkers not only from India but also from abroad.The District has good potential for tourism including pilgrim and adventure tourism owing to its captivating scenic splendour, pilgrim centres and lofty mountain peaks. Monuments of archeological importance in the district include a fort at Bhadarwah.

Bhadarwah Town :: Kishtwar State consisted of some areas of the present District Doda viz., Doda-Siraj excluding present Bhaderwah, Bhallessa and Thathri Tehsils, Marmat Galihan, Raggi, Assar, Batote areas of Doda and Ramban Districts.The Islamic faith entered the region of Doda as a spiritual and moral force, when Hazrat Shah Farid-ud-Din came over to Doda via Dengbattal and Ramban in 1650 A.D. He stayed at Doda for 14 long years and then left for Kishtwar.The principality of Bhaderwah was distributed into 15 tharas or administrative units. The total area of Bhaderwah Jagir (including Bhalessa etc.) was 533 sq. miles which after delimitation of Udhampur district in 1931 was reduced to 213 sq. miles only. From 1112 AD to 1930 AD the Bhaderwah Jagir remained under the control of different Rajas.Its name as private Jagir was changed to Private Domain and in charge jagir was changed to Director Private Domains. On the recommendations of Private Domain Assimilation Committee, the status of Bhaderwah ended in 1930. Consequently Bhaderwah became a Tehsil of Udhampur district in 1931. After the carving out of district Doda from district Udhampur in 1948, Bhaderwah became a Tehsil of District Doda. Consequent upon reorganization of District, Naibat Tahthri and Niabat Bhalessa of Bhaderwah Tehsil also became full fledged Tehsils in 1981.

Relgious Places of District Doda

Kailash Kund :: Is another famous pilgrimage of the area which is considered an important Hindu pilgrimage. Mela Pat symbolises victory of local Raja over Emperor Akbar. Local folk and talent is displayed at this festival.

Gupt Ganga and Vasukinag ::The other two pilgrimages, which are held around the same period, revolve around historically important and religiously significant temple of Gupt Ganga and Vasukinag. The Gupt Ganga temple is said to be connected with Pandavas. It is said that during Agyatvas, Pandavas spent a few days here in the land of snakes. A big foot print can be seen on one of the rocks of this temple and it is attributed to be that of "Bhim Sen". The temple of Vasukinag, has single stone piece idol of lord Vasukinag, belonging to 11th century. These fairs/festivals/yatras and celebrations hold a bright promise for good pilgrim tourism.

Reushra :: Is a majestic peak having a height of 11,000 feet. One one side is situated the sleepy valley of Jai and humming valley of Chinta while on other side is the hitherto unexplored region of Chiralla. Reushira peak is beset with ancient temple of Goddess Durga. Thousands of devotees visit the temple to offer prayers, especially during Navratras.