Poonch develops as a hub for spiritual tourism

Poonch, Dec 22 (ANI): Authorities in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch district are developing the region as a popular hub of religious tourism

Having witnessed that people of different faiths are living peacefully in this region, the government of Jammu and Kashmir has proposed Poonch as a hub of religious tourism in the state.

Setting up of tourism development and facilitation centres and tourist circuit houses are some of the initiatives taken by the government.

The government has planned to improve the roads and build bridges at vantage locations so that tourist connectivity to the city is safe and smooth.

The Poonch Development Authority is actively working on many projects to make the city a hub for religious tourism.

For example, an amount of 53 lakh rupees is spent on restructuring Dargah Takia-Sharief, a Muslim shrine frequently visited by thousands of devotees.Also Kalla Sharief, a fort in Poonch is being restored at a cost of 45 million rupees.

A tourist reception centre has been set up in Poonch to help tourists and give them guidance on religious shrines and other places of worship.

"Religious tourism has a lot of potential in Poonch as we have Gurudwara Nangali Sahib, Mandir Buddha, Amar Nathji, Ziarat Chhote Shah Sahib, Takia Sharief and many more places of tourist attraction," said Mohammad Afzal Butt, District Development Commissioner, Poonch.

A well-equipped tourist transit centre has also been set up at Gurudwara Nangali Sahib where Sikh pilgrims and other tourists can spend time after their journey.

Akram, a staunch believer of Dargah Takia-Sharief acknowledged that the government was developing Poonch as a prime tourist centre.

"In the coming days, the building (tourist centre) will be very helpful. Tourists coming from outside the city will not have any problems of accommodation as they would prefer staying here than in hotels," said Akram.

Apart from the religious spots, other attractions in the region are Loran, Mandi and Noori Chammb.

At a distance of 70 kilometres from Poonch is the Girgan Dhok, the valley of seven lakes.

Poonch is also considered to be a trekking destination for tourists who get a panoramic view of the Kashmir valley.

Poonch, popularly known as 'mini Kashmir', is tiny and remote among the various districts in the State.

It is bounded by the Line of Control (LoC) from three sides. The LoC is about 103 kilometres from Tarkundi in Balakote to Sawjian in Mandi Block. By Nadeem (ANI)