DODA DISTRICT
(Doda District Map)(source- Google)
Doda district is in the eastern part of the Jammu Division in the Indian Union Territory Jammu and Kashmir. Doda district is situated at 33.13 degrees North 75.57 degrees East. The Doda district boundaries do not touch with the LOC or international borders. The Doda district shares its border with Kishtwar, Anantnag, Udhampur, Ramban, and the Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh. The whole Doda District is hilly. Kashmiri is the language that is majorly spoken by the people of the Doda district. The Kashmiri language is spoken as the mother language of the Doda district. The second largest group speaks the Pahadi language. The main ones are Bhadarwahi and Siraji. Hindi, Dogri, and Gojri languages are spoken by the other people of the district.
Doda district abounds in scenic spots with snow-clad peaks, the largest forest area, virgin trekking, and majestic Chenab River passing through it. The Doda district provides a variety of health resorts, tourist spots, and fascinating trekking routes despite the vast potential. Tourism in Doda has massive potential. The lush, the pristine Jamia Masjids and Ziyarats, verdant meadows of Lal Draman and Dal Draman with their deodar and fir forests, the Kailash Yatra and Vasukinag Temple, and Gupt Ganga fascinate pilgrim tourists by the droves. Doda district is one of the real treats for adventure enthusiasts with its several camping, trekking, and hiking zones of enchanting scenic beauty. The best season to stay in the Doda district is from September to April. In the Doda district, there are many guest houses, hotels and huts, and Bhaderwah town which suits everyone’s budget. Paying guesthouses and homestays are also available for tourists.
Doda is a place of various tourist of attractions. The list of scenic spots in the Doda district is- Bhaderwah, Kailash Kund, Bhaderwah fort, Khellani, Chinta Valley, Guldanda-Sonbain Glacier, Chandi Mata Mandir Chinote, Vaskui Nag Temple, Gupt Ganga, Kailash Yatra, Machail Yatra. Other interesting places to visit in the Doda district are- Ziyarat Bangla Nallah, Jamia Masjid, Jantron Dhar, Khanthi Dhar, Reushara, Chatergalla Pass, Marmat, Bhal Padri, Thathri, Nalthi, Dal Draman, and Bhalessa: A Land of Legendary People.
The art and craftwork of the Doda district are very famous. The handmade craftwork like Shawls, woolen blankets, Gaba is famous artwork of this region. The Bina work of Paddy and Wheat grass is also a very famous and rare kind of craft. The centuries-old Bakerwals silver jewelry is also famous among tourists and outsiders which is made by local jewelers.
Doda District is also called the land of festivals and fairs. The annual Yatras and the other fairs and festivals which are celebrated in the Doda region are- Kud dance, Mela Pat, Sobar Dhar Mela, and Pahari folk music and songs. Bisou or Baisakhi, Kanchowth: A festival of Hindu married Women, Khanthi Dhar Mela and Jantron Dhar Mela are celebrated every 17th July. Doda district is famous for its natural beauty and its dense Pine forests. Doda district is also popular for growing Rajma in rural areas organically which are in high demand.
