Udhampur :: Udhampur Jammu and Kashmir, Udhampur Jammu and Kashmir India

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Udhampur

Udhampur Jammu and Kashmir

General Information :: The town Udhampur, Headquarter of district, is named after Raja Udham Singh, the eldest son of Maharaja Gulab Singh, the founder of Dogra rule in Jammu and Kashmir. The town is said to have been built in place of dense forest where Udham Singh occasionally went on hunting trips till he developed great love for the spot and chose it as site for township.The District Udhampur lies between 32 degree-34 minute to 39 degree-30 minute North Latitude and 74 degree-16 minute to 75 degree-38-minutes East Longitude. The altitude of District Udhampur varies from 600 meters to 3,000 meters Above Mean Sea Level (AMSL). The District Udhampur is situated in the South-Eastern part of Jammu & Kashmir State and is bounded in the West by Rajouri District, in the North by Anantnag District, in the North-East by Doda District, in the South-East by Kathua District and in the South-West by Jammu District.The District Udhampur has a varied topography. It is inter-woven with Shivalik ranges of hills. There are, however, very few inhabited areas above the height of 1,112 meters or so which experience snow fall and severe cold in the winter.

Geographical Area :: 4,550Sq Kms
Forest Area :: 2,343Sq Kms
Population :: 7,38,965persons
Literacy Rate :: 54.16%age
Number of Tehsils :: 5
Number of CD Blocks :: 12
Number of Villages :: 645
Number of Villages Electrified ::581
Number of Villages having Safe drinking water facility :: 616
Post & Telegraph Offices :: 200
No of Primary Schools :: 944
No of Middle Schools :: 187
No of High/Higher Secondary Schools :: 98
No of Colleges     :: 2
No of Hospitals :: 7
No of Dispensaries :: 71
No of PHC's :: 90
No of Bank Branches :: 57

Population
District Population :: District Udhampur is the fifth most populous district of the Jammu & Kashmir State having 7.34% of total population of the state. As per the 2001 census, the District Udhampur had population of 7.38 lakh persons against the 5.82 lakh persons in the 1991. The Decadal Growth Rate of the District reported in 1991-2001 is +26.95% against the +28.32% in 1981-1991. District Udhampur is at the 11th position in terms of Population Density. The population density of the district is 162 person per Sq Kms as compared to the 128 Sq Kms in 1991.

Sex Ratio :: Out of total population of 7.38 lakhs, the total male population is about 3.94 lakh i.e. 53.45% of total population as compared to 3.44 lakh female. The Sex ratio of the District is 871 females per 1000 males in the District Udhampur as per 2001 census, against the 900 females per 1000 males for the whole State.

Literacy Rate :: The Literacy rate for the District Udhampur is 54.16% as per the 2001 census against the 54.46% of the State. The rank of district is Seven by Literacy. Literacy rate among female is 39.89% against the state average of 41.82%.

Forest
The District Udhampur is rich in forest wealth. The total forest area of the district has been increased from 42.75% to 51.49% Over last ten years. The total forest area of the district in 2000-2001 is about 2,343 Sq. Kms as compared to 1945 Sq. Kms in 1990-1991. The main species of timber available are Deodar, Kail, Fir, Chir at higher altitude and Santha, Kher and other thorny bushes in the lower slopes. The major out-turn of forest are Timber, Firewood, resin, Anardana, Guchhian (a kind of Mushroom), Banafasha (a wild Flower used in Medicines), Dhoop, Kathas etc.

Climate
Due to latitudinal variation from 600 meters to 3,000 meters above sea level there is wide variation in temperature in different parts of the district. The temperature rises sometimes as high as 42 degree Celsius and seldom goes below 1.5 degree Celsius in low altitude areas. May, June and July are the hottest Summer months when the mercury raised sometimes to 42 degree Celsius. December, January and February are the coldest months when the temperature in some areas comes down to 1.5 degree Celsius.Mostly rainfall takes place during July, August and September in Summer and in January and February in Winter.

Rivers & Lakes

Chenab River :: District Udhampur is drained by major rivers namely, the Chenab, the Ans, the Tawi and the Ujh. But due to mountainous & undulating topography, not much utilization of water is possible. The district is prone to drought and only small area of land has been brought under irrigation. Apart from the rivers there are number of lakes and other sources of natural Water in the District. In the South-East part of the District there lies a famous Mansar Lake which provides drinking water and is also an interesting picnic spot.

Geology :: The Geology and Mining department have reported existence of some mineral deposits in and around Udhampur District. These are coal, bauxite, magnesite, gyps and lime-stone etc. Coal and bauxite deposits occur in Jangalgali and Sukhalgati areas, Magnesite deposits are located at Katra-Panthal area while Gulabgarh area is rich in good quality gypsum. Palaeozi clay are found in Lain Thakkursui, Tikri, Sundrani and around Kud.

Tourism in District

Pilgrimage
Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrines :: Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine is one of the oldest shrine of India, located at a height of 5300 feet on the holy Trikuta Hills of the Shivalik Hill Range. The Town Katra is 50 Kms away from Jammu and 35 Kms from District HQ Udhampur. In early 80's the number of pilgrims was just more than 10 lakhs annually but their number increased steeply after the historic reforms initiated with taking over the shrines by the statutory independent Board under the Chairmanship of the then Governor, Sh Jagmohan, on August 30, 1986. These reforms were carried forward with equal zeal by the successive Governors.The Bhawan, the Sacred Sanctum of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Ji is about 13 Kms away from the Base Camp Katra and is linked with a hilly track. Mostly the journeys are made during night, so the entire route has ample illumination. Number of basic facilities such as Drinking Water, Toilets, Medical Dispensaries etc are made available throughout the track. Apart from these facilities the entire track contains number of shops providing the refreshments and other local products.The Goddess Vaishno Devi's abode is in 100 feet long cave with a narrow opening. The holy cold and crystal clear water washes the lotus feet of the Mata's "Pindian". There are three natural pindies representing Maha Sarswati, Maha Lakshmi, Maha Kali which represent creative, preservative, and destructive aspects of the Super Power. It is an ancient shrine whose reference is found in the Vedas and ancient scriptures.

Excursion
Mansar Lake :: The lake of Mansar is situated 40 Kms in the South of Udhampur town on the Udhampur Samba Road.   The Mansar lake is also linked with Jammu City by a 62 Kms road. Apart from the picnic spot, Mansar lake has the religious importance too. On the Eastern Bank of the Lake there is a shrine of Sheshnag, a mythological snake with six heads. The shrine comprises a big boulder on which are placed a number of iron chains perhaps representing the small serpents waiting on the tutelary deity of the Sheshnag. Two ancient temples of Umapati Mahadev & Narsimha as also a temple of Durga are situated in the vicinity of the Mansar lake. People take a holy dip in the water of the lake on festive occasions. Certain communities of Hindus perform Mundan ceremony (First hair cut) of their male children here.With all religions belief and heritage behind the Mansar Lake is also picking up its fame among the tourists with all its flora & fauna. The lake has cemented path all around with required illumination, with projected view decks to enjoy flickering of seasonal birds, tortoise and fishes of different species. There is a wild life Sanctuary housing jungle life like Spotted Deer, Neelgai etc. besides other water birds such as Cranes, Ducks etc. One can also witness the traditional and typical distinct life style of Gujjar & Backarwals wearing ethnic costumes, living in open Kullhas around on the hills of Mansar Lake.

Heritage Babore Temples :: Babore is one of the most impressive sites of archaeological importance in the District Udhampur. Now a protected monument, there exited several temples of ancient time. Ruins of six temples in an area of one Kilometer have been found.The village Babore is situated about 25 Kms from Udhampur on the Udhampur-Dhar Road near Manwal village. The temples are the stone structures which has resemblance to one, which the Great Kashmir ruler Lalitaditya built at Wangal at the foot of Harmukh mountain in Kashmir in the 8th century A.D.The remains of Babore temples throw lights to how impressive art and architecture was prevalent even in that time. These ruins are the structures of great solidity and considerable beauty. Some of the stones, monolithic beams, pillars used in their construction are over a dozen feet long and their sculptures and carving are splendid and impressive. Temples must be a part of great pilgrimage of by gone ages which lost either importance or damaged in some calamity.Ruins of only three have been identified, two of these are still used by the villagers of the neighborhood for worship. These are temples of Devi and Shiva. The Archaeological Department, Government of India, is presently looking after these ancient monuments and trying to bring these to their original grandeur.

Trekking
Patnitop to Seojdhar :: Patnitop at a height of 7000ft approximately, enveloped by dense forests rich in flora and fauna is a trekker's paradise. Patnitop is situated on Jammu-Srinagar National Highway. From Patnitop gradual trail for about 8 Kms bring one to the charming natural site of Sudhmahadev well known for its archeological importance and great pilgrimage center. The place is connected with many Shiva legends. Gouri Kund is also worth seeing place with a small pond. It is an enjoyable trek of 10-12 Kms from Patnitop. About 8 Kms further gradual trek steep in beginning brings one to another enchanting hilly resort Mantalai.Mantalai to Latti is a gradual trek of 13 Kms through pine scented forests. Latti to Kirchi is a trek of 18 Kms through Deodar forests having springs and small rivers in entire track. One can enjoy splendid and unspoiled scenery. Tawi river flows through Jakhed and is full of different species of fishes.Kirchi to Naka Seoj Dhar is an enjoyable trek of 19 Kms. The trek is gradual for first 10 Kms and ascend for another 6 Kms From Naka One treks to Kailash Kund. Kailash Kund is at the height of 13067 Fts and is the source of Neeru river. From Kailash Kund at a distance of 1 Kms is a Kali Kund, the source of river Tawi.. The Kali Kund is at the height of 12145 fts. Further 2 Kms away from Kali Kund is the Surni Kund the source of river Ujh.

Cultural Heritage

Folk Dances :: The Dugger culture is scattered in the hilly area. The folk dance of the district Udhampur are Kudd, Fumenie, Surma etc. The Kudd and Phumanian are performed by the peoples residing in the Mountainous region of the District Udhampur. These dances are performed both by men and women on the special occassion like marriages, local fairs & festivals.

Kud :: It is basically a ritual dance performed in honour of Lok Devatas. This dance style is performed mostly during nights. It is spontaneous dance and people of all ages and sexes participate in this folk dance form. Instruments used during this dance are Narshingha, chhaina, flute, drums etc. It is the rhythm of music which controls the movement of participants. This dance continues for the whole night. Number of participants ranges from 20 to 30 members

Fumenie :: This dance style is performed by the ladies on the eve of groom's departure to in-laws house. Both the songs are sung by a group of females consisting 15-20 members. This traditional dance form depicts the feelings and emotions of women folk.

Heren :: It is a traditional theatre form performed during Lohri festival by 10-15 members. This style is mostly performed in hilly regions of Jammu.

Dogri Language :: The major languages spoken in the district Hindi, Urdu, Kashmiri, Dogri. Apart from these languages other main dialects spoken in the district are Pehari, Goujri etc. The Dogri one of the modern language spoken in the Jammu region of the Jammu & Kashmir State. The Dogri language belongs to the Aryan languages. Many word of the Dogri language are derived from the Hindi & Sanskrit words. In fact the language is written in the Devnagari Script.

Hill station

Patnitop :: Patnitop is located in Udhampur (on the National Highway), Jammu & Kashmir, India at an altitude of 2,024 metres across which the Jammu-Srinagar Highway passes. The orignal name of Patnitop is "Patan Da Talab" which means "Pond of the Princess", but over the years its name changed from "Patan Da Talab" to Patnitop. It is a beautiful place having picnic spots, peaceful walks and mountainscape views of the Chenab basin. This place is generally covered with snow in winters, thus drawing tourist attraction. One can enjoy Snow skiing and Paragliding. Paragliding is carried at Dawariyai on the Patnitop-Sanasar road. The area often addressed as the "Billoo Di Powri" point, made by carving the rocks and there are about 400 steps on the stairs.

Trekking :: Patnitop is famous for trekking. Summer is the season when all trekking routes are open while some are open in winter too.

Location
Altitude
2,024 mts.
112-kms. From Jammu, J&K (India)

Best time to visit :: Although Patnitop is an 'anytime' place, the best time for a visit are summer, during May-June, and autumn, September-October. If seeking snowboard joys, December to March is the time to be here.

How to Get There

By Road :: From Jammu, Katra, Udhampur. By car it takes about 3 and a half hours to reach Patnitop.

Festivals :: Lohri festival heralds the onset of spring. The whole of Jammu region wears a festive look on this day. Every year, on the first day of "Vaishakh", the people of Jammu like the rest of northern India- celebrate Baisakhi.