Sarthal

 SARTHAL VALLEY, KATHUA DISTRICT, JAMMU AND KASHMIR

(Source- kathua.nic.in)

Sarthal Valley is a famous tourist destination place in the Kathua District of Indian Union Territory Jammu and Kashmir. This valley covers by snowfall for about six months a year and is also surrounded by snow-clad mountains. The area links with Himachal Pradesh on the West and Bhaderwah on the North. The area is located around 20 kilometers away from Bani.

(Source- onhisowntrip.com)
 

Sarthal Valley is located at an elevation of around 7000 ft above sea level. Travelers from different parts of the country visit this valley and the site are considered the most beautiful spot in the whole state of Jammu and Kashmir. The common herbaceous floras of this area are Logularia Amplexocaulis, Bergenia Ciliata, Sinopodophyllum Hexandrum, Barbarea Intermedia, Primula denticulata, Gentiana Indica, Anaphaslis Busua, and Potentilla Sterilis. Several rivers originate from the mountains and hills of the Sarthal Valley are Ravi, Sewa, and Ujh rivers, and all these rivers are surrounded by Riverine forests. 

(Source- tripoto.com)

(Source- luxurytrailsofindia.com)

BEST TIME TO VISIT THE SARTHAL VALLEY

Sarthal valley can be visited throughout the year except in specific weeks that are forecasted for heavy snowfall. The general periods that are considered to be the best months to visit the valley are September to early December and late February to April. 

(Source- tripoto.com)

HOW TO REACH THE SARTHAL VALLEY

If you are looking for a flight then you can board a flight for Jammu and if you want to travel by rail then you can board a train to Kathua Railway Station. If you are required to travel by road then local taxis are also available there. But for ease and convenience, it is suggested to book any of them in advance. 

(Source- m.facebook.com)

COUNTRY- India

STATE- Jammu and Kashmir

REGION- Jammu region

DISTRICT- Kathua District

Poonch Fort

 POONCH FORT- With Glorious Past

(Poonch fort)(source- Google)

The ancient fort of the Jammu region Poonch fort is also called Poonch Qila of the Indian Union Territory Jammu and Kashmir. Poonch fort is located in the Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir. Between the years 1760 and 1787, the Poonch fort was built by Raja Rustam Khan. The architecture was very fond of Mughal’s architecture who constructed this huge fort of Poonch district and Raja Moti Singh was very impressed by the design of that architecture so he kept renovating the Poonch Fort for continuous 40 years.

ABOUT POONCH FORT

(Source- Google)

 Poonch fort adds more glory to the ancient city of Jammu and Kashmir. The Poonch Fort is documented and authentic that records a history of the Poonch District. Poonch fort is called the historic monument of Jammu and Kashmir. Poonch fort is sprawling around an area of 7535 square meters. This imposing historical edifice carries stories of periods under the rule of the Dogras, Sikhs, and Muslims within its thick walls. Raja Rustam Khan was the son of Raja Abdul Razaq Khan. The foundation of the Poonch fort was done by Raja Abdul Razaq Khan in 1713 AD. So, after his death, the construction of the Poonch fort was completed by his son Raja Rustam Khan. After several years Raja Moti Singh had hired the European architecture for the renovation of the Poonch fort and the architecture design the Poonch fort in European style. After that, the Poonch fort becomes the tourist destination spot in the Poonch district of Jammu. 

HOW TO REACH POONCH FORT

(Source- Google)

You can reach Poonch fort by Jammu airport or by Jammu railway station. From the airport or railway station, you can take a public transport bus and reach the Jammu bus stand. From the bus stand take the transport bus that will be going to Poonch or you can hire a private cab to reach Poonch fort. The distance from Jammu airport to Poonch fort is about 234 kilometers and the distance from Jammu railway station to Poonch fort is about 236 kilometers. 

Entry fees- None

Timings- From 10 am to 4 pm

Famous for- The different architectural styles and types.

Address- Poonch Fort, Poonch 185101, Jammu and Kashmir

Machhedi - Hill Station of Kathua District

 MACHHEDI, KATHUA DISTRICT, JAMMU AND KASHMIR

(Source- dailyexcelsior.com)

Machhedi is a beautiful and attractive Hill Station in Kathua District of Jammu and Kashmir which is located at an elevation of around 5000 ft above sea level. Machhedi is a ridge blanked with a thick plantation of different types of Shrubs, Chir, and Deodar trees. Machhedi experiences temperate climatic conditions. Machhedi receives both types of rainfall winter as well as summer. Winter rainfall is received from the western disturbances and summer rainfall is received from monsoons. The main attractions of this place are pleasant summer and cold winter. The water of Machhedi can be compared with the Cheshma Sahi of Kashmir. Machhedi is around 30 kilometers away from Billawar. Regular bus services are available from Billawar.

(Source- innlivenetwork.wordpress.com)

Chenab Railway Bridge, An Engineering Marvel ( Post 2 )

Continued from post 1…

The state of Jammu and Kashmir has been isolated from the rest of the country by both geographical and political reasons. The Government of India had worked tirelessly in this regard to connect it with the other parts of the country using numerous projects and schemes. Due to a physical disconnect, the State has lacked economic development and progress making it one of the least developed and poor in the country. The USBRL project ( Also referred to as The Golden Joint ) is a massive one that was conceived and later on successfully completed to bring about connectivity between many of the inaccessible regions, villages of the State with other neighbouring regions, thus opening up ease of transport and business via the Indian Railways. Most of these places were till now reached only via waterways and unreliable roadways. 

Major Challenges - 

No transport till the point for which roads had to be constructed 

Rough, rugged, mountainous terrain of the State 

Difficult Himalayan Geology

High wind speed and very low temperature in the region.

Deep gorge of the Chenab river 

Innovations in the Architectural Design -

1. Large span single arch steel bridge

2. Approach viaducts on either side

3. Two - ribbed arch that has been fabricated from large steel trusses

4. Trussle chords are sealed steel boxes that are internally stiffened along with being filled with concrete

5. This will assist in control of wind - induced forces on the bridge

6. No need of internal painting due to the concrete filling 

7. Minimization of the number of bearings to reduce need of maintenance, inspection and it also leads to an improvement in the riding quality 

8. The piers near the arch are as per IRS ( Indian Railway Standards ) and IRC ( Indian Road Congress )

9. Additionally UIC ( , International Union of Railways ), BS ( British Standards ) and Euro Standards have also been Incorporated

10. Involvement of Global experts 

    
    
    

Technical Details regarding the Design Considerations - 

1. Limit state philosophy of design has been decided to be followed as per BS codes

2. Computation of wind load effects as per wind tunnel tests

3. Site specific seismic spectra developed by Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Roorkee

4. Provision of Euro code 8 for ductility detailing of very tall and hollow rectangular RCC piers

5. Provision of long welded rail (LWR) over the bridges and resulting force calculation as per UIC - 774-3R guidelines

6. Blast resistant design used

7. Design checking for fatigue as per BS codes

8. Deformation limits as per comfort criteria of UIC - 776-2R and UIC 776 -3R guidelines

9. Redundancy provided in the structures, for lower level of operation during mishaps and against collapse in extreme cases of one pier failure

The Chenab River Railway Bridge has been a tremendous success for all the minds as well as manpower involved right from its conception, execution to its completion. In spite of innumerable obstacles ranging from the geographical, climatic and technical to the sheer massive volume of the project that needed to be overcome, the fruition was immensely emotional for the teams involved. The inauguration had the workers euphoric with the unfurling of the Indian Flag, chants of Vande Mataram and bursting of crackers. 

The bridge lies in the lap of ethereal natural beauty with beautiful views of the river, mountains and valleys. The cover of clouds with the sun shining through on the gleaming bridge is a sight to behold. A trip across the bridge is surely going to be an unforgettable experience of a lifetime due to various factors ranging from architectural marvel, spell binding views and the feeling of victory of the human spirit that can achieve the impossible with determination and courage.

It also adds to the tourism attractions of an already tourist-rich state. 

Images : Wikipedia and www.architecturaldigest.in

Chenab Rail Bridge, An Engineering Marvel ( Post 1 )

 

Having the distinct record of being India's highest Railway bridge, the Chenab Railway Bridge  is nothing short of an engineering marvel that blows one's mind with varied technical details, miscellaneous factors, sheer man power required, coming together of various government departments for coordination, expert and experienced personnel; be it the engineering department, design team, execution workers / agencies and a constant fight against inhospitable terrain, extreme and risky weather conditions in the Himalayas, logistic factors that required massive pre-work of building roads leading up to the point, that include tunnels of 63 km length and 7.5 km of bridges.

Here are a few details regarding the same. 

Cost - ₹ 1,486 Crores 

River - Chenab

State - Jammu and Kashmir

District- Reasi

Region - Bakkal and Kauri

Range - Pir - Panjal

Links - Katra and Banihal

Height - 1178 feet, from the river bed to the formation and 1056 feet from the river surface

Length - 4314 feet / 1415 m that includes  2,130 feet long viaduct on the northern side

Material - 63 mm Thick, Blast - proof Steel

Number of Spans - 17

Designers - DRDO, Konkan Railways, Afcons Infrastructure

Construction Company - Mumbai based Afcons Infrastructure

Number of Workers involved - More than 1300

Number of Engineers involved - 300

Major Institutions Involved include DRDO, Indian Institute of Sciences, Bangalore, IIT - Delhi, IIT - Rourkee, GSI, National Remote Sensing Agency among others 

Railway Zone - Northern Railways 

Number of Villages Connected - 73 

Part Of USBRL - Jammu - Udhampur - Srinagar - Baramulla Railway Line 

USP - Connects the State of Jammu and Kashmir with the rest of the country

Design Life - 120 + years 

Start of the Project - December, 2003

Open to public / Inauguration - 13 August 2022, on the occasion of Azadi ka Amrut Mahotsav

The engineering of the bridge was something that had not been attempted in such a unique Himalayan terrain and posed a huge challenge right from the envisioning stage and then on to its implementation meticulously to the T.

Major Features of the Bridge include -

• 36 m long approach spans

• 469 m main arch spans across the river

• 480 m arch length

• 1.2 m wide central verge

• 14 m wide dual carriage-way

• Can withstand wind speed upto 260 km / hour

• Can withstand an earthquake measuring up to magnitude 8 ( Highest intensity - Zone V )

• Can withstand a blast of up to 40 kg TNT blast 

• Can resist temperatures up to - 20℃ 

• 24 hours online monitoring and warning system managed by the DRDO along with the Indian Railways

• Aerial security 

• An approach road of 26 kms had to be constructed first to reach this point 

• It is 35 m higher than the Eiffel Tower, Paris, France

• Having the longest span in the 5 ft 6 in  / 1,676 mm broad gauge railway network

• Material used include up to 4000mt of reinforced steel, 25,000MT of steel,  46,000m³ of concrete

• Need of Eight million cubic metres of excavation.

• World's largest cable cranes used 

• Footpath and cycle trails 

• Repainting period - 15 years 

• 
  
  

Continued…..Click here for the second part of the post 

Images - Wikipedia and www.architecturaldigest.in

Billawar of Kathua District

 BILLAWAR, KATHUA DISTRICT, JAMMU AND KASHMIR

(Source- mytourmania.com)

Billawar is a Tehsil Head Quarter of Kathua District of Jammu and Kashmir. Billawar is also called Balaur. In 1598-1614 Billawar was established by King Bhopat Pal. It remained the capital of Basohli Rajas. The successors of the Royal Family are called “Billawarias”. There are few ancient monuments in the town. One of these is the most revered temple of Lord Shiva, Mahabilvakeshwar temple which was also called Hari Hara Temple. Billawar Town is located on the banks of Bhinni and Naaz streams. 

(Source- nativeplanet.com)

It is trusted that the Pandavas visited Billawar Town in the last year of their exile and was fascinated by the Bill trees in which Billawar abounds. The famous Lord Shiva Mahabilvakeshwar temple was established where Pandavas had worshipped. The Bill, later on, turned into Billawar. An ancient Hanuman Sculpture was erected on a rock in the Naaz River in Billawar. The Pin Code of Billawar is 184204.

(Source- en.wikipedia.org)

Bhaddu - Kathua District, J & K

 BHADDU, KATHUA DISTRICT, JAMMU AND KASHMIR

(Source- nativeplanet.com)

Bhaddu is a prominent and small town in Billawar Tehsil of Kathua District of Jammu and Kashmir. Bhaddu is considered to be a place of great historical importance. The Bhaddu town comprises 36 villages. It was also once a seat of Imperial Power. Bhaddu Town is located on the bank of the stream Bhinni which is a tributary of the Ujh River. The Descendants of the royal family of the town are called Bhadwal Rajputs.

Sapt Sarober Mandir - Kathua

 SAPT SAROBER MANDIR, KATHUA DISTRICT, JAMMU AND KASHMIR

Sapt Sarober Mandir is located in the Krishna Nagar region of the Kathua District. The Sapt Sarober Temple was erected by the former minister of the state Bhagat Chajju Ram in the year 1969. Choudhary Hari Singh and Choudhary Devidutta had donated their land for the holy temple. 

(Source- nativeplanet.com)

The name of the temple is derived from “Sapt Rishis”, after the popular seven sages. There is a hollowed lake (Sapt Sarober) which is situated nearby the temple complex. The Pathshala (school) is also housed for tourists in the vicinity of the temple. A Dharamshala (rest houses for the tourists) is also being erected near the temple. 

The Sapt Sarober Mandir is accessible from the Kathua District, on the Jammu-Pathankot Highway. The closest railhead to the Sapt Sarober Temple is the Kathua Railway Station.

Duggan Valley - Kathua

 A beautiful and picturesque valley is situated near Bani. Duggan Valley is a gratifying relief from the crowds of the crowded city. Duggan Valley is situated in the Kathua District of the Indian Union Territory Jammu and Kashmir. Boasting attractive and peaceful surroundings, Duggan Valley is a suitable place to spend a whole day. The Duggan valley can easily be retrieved from the town of Bani. It is situated on the path from Bani to Dhaggar. The pin code of Duggan Valley is 184206.

(Duggan Valley)(source- tripadvisor.in)

A Duggan Valley increases across an area of about 5 square kilometers. The Duggan Valley sits at a height of around 7000 ft. above sea level. The Duggan Valley is rich in vegetation and Duggan Valley has Deodar and Chir trees and various shrubs growing all around. Duggan Valley has two freshwater springs flowing on each side of the valley. This makes the valley so beautiful beyond the imagination of the tourists. The best time to visit the Duggan Valley is in summer because the area can be seen at its best. The vegetation and flowers prosper during this time and the climate of this area is also very pleasant and allows travelers to explore the surroundings. 

(Duggan Valley in Tehsil Bani)

(Source- tripadvisor.in)

Various attractions are covering the Duggan Valley. Before visiting the area, it is best to take the help of a guide. The guide helps you to see the best lookout points and also takes the travelers through the Duggan Valley. Duggan Valley is a very popular tourist attraction and many people come to visit the Duggan Valley throughout the year. 

TOURISM IN DUGGAN VALLEY

Nag Temple is the most famous attraction of Duggan Valley. Nag temple is the foremost attraction of the valley and also the beginning point of the Kailash Kund Yatra. Every year the Yatra is organized here. Tourists can enjoy the scenic view inside the valley. Trekking is also an enjoyable activity for travelers. Travelers can hike up the neighboring mountains and get a whole view of the Duggan valley. In starting summers, the fresh springs are marvelous to see here. Visitors can chill out by these springs and also sink their feet in the clean and clear water. 

HOW TO REACH DUGGAN VALLEY

Duggan valley is situated in the Kathua District which is close to Bani Town. Buses and taxis are the mode of transportation which is available from Kathua and Bani to Duggan Valley. 

BY ROAD

 It is best to reach by road to Duggan Valley. The road can conveniently be reached from Bani and Kathua. Bani and Kathua are attached to the major cities of Jammu and Kashmir. Travelers can take buses utilized by the Jammu and Kashmir State Road Transport Corporation of Jammu and Srinagar. Cars and taxis can also be rented to get to Duggan valley.

BY TRAIN

The closest Railway Station from Duggan Valley is the Jammu Tawi Railway Station of Jammu city. Jammu city is attached to all the main cities of India.  Travelers can take taxis and buses from Jammu city to reach Kathua and Bani and then reach further to Duggan Valley.

BY AIR

The nearest airport to Duggan Valley is the Sawari Airport of Jammu. Jammu city is approx 94 kilometers away from Bani town. Taxis and buses are easily available at the regular period from Jammu city to Bani. Travelers can take local transport or taxis from Bani to Duggan Valley.

BEST TIME TO VISIT DUGGAN VALLEY

The Duggan Valley features a beautiful climate every year. The winters are very cold and travelers can see a lot of snowfall in the winter season. There is a lovely and moderate temperature in the summer season. Duggan valley is an outstanding destination place for the holidays of the summer season. The best time to visit the Duggan Valley is in summers like from March to June.

Dhoula Wali Mata Religious Center - Katua

 DHOULA WALI MATA OF KATHUA DISTRICT IN JAMMU AND KASHMIR

(Dhoula wali mata temple)

(Source- nativeplanet.com)

Dhoula Wali Mata temple is a religious site. Dhoula Wali Mata Temple is situated at an elevation of around 6000 ft. in the Kathua District. Dhoula Wali Mata Temple is located at a distance of around 10 kilometers away from the Jodiya Di Mata Temple. Dhoula Wali Mata temple is easily accessible by trekking. Pilgrims can trek this beautiful spot Dhoula Wali Mata Temple from Katli (Billawar). Banhore (Mahanpur), and Bhoond (Basohli). 

(Dhoula wali mata religious center)

(Source- higglu.com)

According to the Legends, a Shepherd once had a dream of Mata coming to Madhi Dhar. He went to the place where the goddess appeared and gave Darshan to him in the form of a little girl. Since then he started going regularly to Madhi Dhar for worshipping the goddess. Once there was a heavy snowfall, the Shepherd who was a regular worshiper ran to Madhi Dhar to worship the goddess. After realizing the difficulty of the Shepherd the goddess decided to go to the place where Dhouli Wali Mata is located now. The Shepherd erected the temple at that site dedicated to the goddess. A large number of devotees come and offer their prayers. Most people visit the Dhoula Wali Mata Temple during the festival of Navratras, a nine-day Hindu festival that is celebrated twice a year in the months of April and October. 

(Source- tripadvisor.com)

Bus services are also available for the devotees. They can take regular buses from Jammu, Udhampur, Pathankot, and Kathua for Billawar, Mahanpur, Basohli, and Bhoond. Sarais are also available for travelers at the temple.

Gurudwara Singh Sabha - Kathua

 GURUDWARA SINGH SABHA, KATHUA DISTRICT, JAMMU AND KASHMIR

(Gurudwara Shree Guru Singh Sabha)

(Source- tripadvisor.in)

Gurudwara Singh Sabha is a religious center, especially for the Sikh people. Gurudwara Singh Sabha is located in the center of the Kathua District and is mainly 2 kilometers away from the New Bus Stand. The site is commonly known by the name of the Gurudwara and the site is called Gurudwara Chowk. Inside this place, the office of the Gurudwara Parbandhak Committee can be found.

(Gurudwara Singh Sabha)

(Source- nativeplanet.com)

In the vicinity of the Gurudwara, there is also a Sikh Missionary College. The famous festivals of Sikhs like Prakash Utsav and Gurupurab are celebrated here with great zeal and enthusiasm. Car festival and Nagar Kirtan and other important events are commemorated in the Gurudwara. 

(Inner view of Gurudwara Shree Guru Singh Sabha) (source- worldgurudwaras.com)

(Night view of Gurudwara Singh Sabha)

(Source- Facebook.com)

ADDRESS-  Gurudwara Singh Sabha Kathua, Gurudwara Chowk Main, Kathua, Jammu and Kashmir.

PIN CODE- 184101

Mahabilvakeshwar Temple - Kathua

 MAHABILVAKESHWAR TEMPLE, KATHUA DISTRICT, JAMMU AND KASHMIR

(Source- m.facebook.com)

Mahabilvakeshwar temple is committed to the Hindu God of Destruction- Lord Shiva. Mahabilvakeshwar temple is one of the most famous Hindu temples in the Kathua District of Jammu and Kashmir. Formerly this temple is known as the Hari Hara Temple. This temple is situated in the heart of Billawar Town so this temple has derived its name Mahabivakeshwar from the place that is covered by the various bael trees. The devotees offer bael leaves to Lord Shiva because it is trusted that Lord Shiva is highly pleased when bael leaves which are commonly known as Bael-Patri in local parlance are offered to him.

(Idols inside the temple)(Source- kashmirhills.com)

The temple spire is around 60 ft high and is ascended on a square-shaped sanctum. The temple has various other idols of Hindu Gods like Ganesha, Bhairava, Brahma, and Vishnu and along with the five-headed sculpture of Shiva. According to the famous folklore, it is said that the Pandavas used this site as their worship place during their period of exile. Several devotees come here to visit this pious site to offer their prayers to Lord Shiva.

(Source- mapio.net)

It is also said that this temple is very much related to the family of Maharaja Hari Singh because the former said that there is a casualty in this royal family, a brick falls from the temple which has a spot of blood on that brick.

Narsingh Ji Temple -Kathua

 NARSINGH JI TEMPLE, KATHUA, JAMMU AND KASHMIR

(Narsingh Ji Temple)(source- justdial.com)

Narsingh Ji Temple is an ancient temple. The presiding deity of this temple is Lord Narsingh or Narshima, which is a form of Hindu God of Preservation, Lord Vishnu. Narsingh Ji Temple is a 1600-year temple which is located in the town of Ghagwal in the district of Kathua. 

(Foremost view of Narsingh Ji Temple)

(Source- justdial.com)

The Narsingh Ji Temple represents three idols namely, Narsingh Roop, Narsingh Avatar, Annpurana. Narsingh Ji Temple is the temple of Ghagwal where these three idols can only be spotted together. A large water pond can be spotted by the visitors in propinquity to this temple.

(Inner beauty of Narsingh Ji temple)

(Source- justdial.com)

Travelers can also see in the complex a Jinda Samadhi of Baba Nar Hari Dass Ji Maharaji in this Narsingh Ji Temple. Another thing the pilgrims can spot is a Maha Mandleshwar Gaddi which is popularly known as Shri Amarnath Jammu and Kashmir Nagar Khalsa at this religious center.

(Narsingh Ji temple, Kathua)

(Source- justdial.com)

At this site, the meal of all time (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) are provided daily for more than 200 people. This religious site is thronged during the occasion of Ratha Khara, Makarsakranti, and Janamasthmi. During the special occasions, a fair is held in which people from the hilly areas come and sell their woolen items which include blankets, and handicrafts.

(Inner view of temple)

(Source- Facebook.com)

People can find this Narsingh Ji Temple in Jammu city by the official address: Kathua Ho, Kathua-184101