Introduction & Places To Visit In Rawalakot

Rawalkot (Poonch) Introduction

Rawalakot (Urdu: راولا کوٹ ) is the capital of Poonch district in Azad Kashmir, Pakistan. It is located in the Pir Panjal Range

2005 Kashmir earthquake

On Saturday, 8 October 2005[5] a 7.6 magnitude earthquake killed 73,338 people and left up to three million homeless in Pakistan, including Azad Kashmir. The city of Rawalakot, the capital of the Poonch, suffered significant damage from the 2005 Kashmir earthquake; although most of the buildings were left standing, many of them were rendered uninhabitable, and some of the population was left homeless. Most of the buildings have been reconstructed.

Transport

Travel routes

Construction of the Ghazi-e-Millat road (also known as Guoien Nala road) between Rawalakot and Azad Pattan has considerably reduced travel time, it is main road which is connecting Islamabad/Rawalpindi to Rawalakot city.

Road links

The road passing through Pakgali-Paniola connects Rawalakot to Bagh, Rawalpindi and Muzaffarabad. The alternative road that passes through Mohri Farman Shah, Shuja Abad is the shortest possible road link that connects Rawalakot city with Bagh. Murree, Islamabad and Rawalpindi are situated in a southward direction from Rawalakot. The town has another road link with Kotli.

Rawalakot Airport is non-operational and it has been closed since 1998.

Places To Visit In Rawalakot

Banjosa lake

Banjosa is a beautiful lake and situated at a distance of 19 km from Rawalakot city. This lake is surrounded by green mountains, and adjusted areas are the attractive spot for most of the tourists. Visitors can do boating, hiking, and enjoy the pleasant weather in every season.

Toli Pir

Toli Pir is 40km from Rawalakot city and located approximately 8800 ft above sea level. It is another beautiful spot where tourists can enjoy scenic views and hilltop. It is also the highest mountain of the Azad Kashmir. Tourists are advised to make a trip during the summer season as there is heavy snowfall in winters. Activities like paragliding, hiking, or trekking are beautiful things in these areas.

Poonch River

It is located at a distance of 35-40km from Rawalakot district with an elevation of 886m above sea level. The most interesting fact about Poonch river is that it is situated half inside the Indian region and the other half in the Pakistan region. Many beautiful spots like Kotli, tata pani comes along the Poonch river and present an exquisite view for visitors.

Tatta Pani

Tatta Pani, an area famous for its unique hot water springs, which oozing out and then fall into the pouch river. This is how its name came as, in Punjabi, Tatta means “hot.” Some people also visit this place and take a dip of the bath into water. They believe that this water has some medicinal value, which gives relief to diseases like joint pain, fatigue, and skin diseases. However, for tourists, there are many enjoyable activities.

Dream Valley Resort

Dream valley resort is located at a distance of 128Kms from Islamabad. It has a lot of facilities and sports activities for local and international tourists. Being situated on the water dam, it is a peaceful and relaxing place for tourists. The facilities include boating, restaurants, huts, water park, and boating.

Nergola waterfall

Nergola waterfall is located at a distance of 120 KM from Islamabad. Tourists can enjoy this place by having an uphill walk, can do a BBQ near the scenic waterfall with beautiful weather and environment.

Koyian

Koyian is a dense and thick area cover with forests. It is 17KMs ahead from Rawalakot, but a beautiful and lovely place to visit. The AJK tourism department is working for more facilities and guest houses in this place. Tourists can enjoy hiking, mountaineering, and camping in this area.

Jandali

Jandali is located at a distance of 83KM from Islamabad. This area was highly affected by the 2005 earthquake, but still, this is a beautiful and attractive destination for tourists. An eye-catching part of the Azad Kashmir and captivates tourists from all around the world.

Rawalakot Perks

The elevation of the Rawalakot is 1,638 m from sea level and 120 Km away from Rawalpindi. It is connected with twin cities through Goyain Nala and also linked with Sudhnuti.

Rawalakot Lakes

The Banjosa lake is the most famous in Rawalakot, while Nergola waterfall is also a famous tourist destination. The Banjosa lake is the captivating beauty of the Azad Kashmir and gives a delightful experience to every visitor.

How is the weather of Rawalakot?

The weather of the Rawalakot is mild to warm during spring and autumn, cold to snowy in winters and humid and a little bit hot during summers. In summers, the temperature can rise to 38 °C while it can drop in winter up to -1 °C.

Hotels in Rawalakot

Cheap hotels in Rawalakot is readily available. Some of the famous and comfortable hotels are Rawalakot International Hotel & Restaurant, Gulf Palace Hotel, Pearl International Hotel & Restaurant, Green Valley Hotel, Tourism Hotel, Cottage Rawalakot Guest House, 10, Swiss Cottage Guest House.

Best time to Visit Rawalakot

The best time to exploring this tourist destination is from May to Oct. If you are a snow lover and want to experience tough cold weather, then make a trip from Dec to Feb. Otherwise, July to September is also good to enjoy monsoon weather.

How to reach Rawalakot?

Being located at a distance of 80Km from Islamabad. It is easily reachable by traveling in your transport or can also take public transport from Islamabad/Rawalpindi.