Rawalakot

Rawalakot, is a township in Dist. Poonch, Azad Jammu and Kashmir. It is located in the Pir Panjal Range. Its other name is Pearl Valley because the excess of almond blossoms in the valley gives an impression of scattered pearls when seen from a mountain in summers. Rawalakot has one of the highest literacy and graduation rates in South Asia.

Rawalakot’s weather is quite erratic. However, the climate of Rawalakot can be divided into four seasons, namely spring, summer, autumn and winter. Rawalakot has mild to warm temperatures during the spring and autumn, humid temperatures during summer and cold to snowy during the winter. The temperature can rise as high as 38 °C  during the mid-summer months and drop below -1 °C during the winter months. Snowfall occurs in December and January, while most rainfall occurs during the monsoon season stretching from July to September.

Farming for corn, rice and wheat is conducted in and around Rawalakot. Extensive vegetable farming including tomatoes, potatoes, spinach and various others is done as well.

The largest industry for Rawalakot is the harvesting of Poplar trees, which are exported to Pakistan for manufacture of sports goods.

Government employment is a major sector for employment, however, a large section of the population is dependent upon remittances from overseas workers who send money to their relatives in Azad Jammu & Kashmir.

Banjosa and Toli pir two popular tourism destination in this area. Lodges, government-owned and private guest houses, and hotels are available in different parts of Rawalakot. Attractions include: mountain-based adventure tourism, rock climbing, mountaineering, trekking, summer camping and hiking, water-based adventure tourism, and paragliding. A Temple is located about two kilometer away from city Rawalakot near the upper block Faculty of Veterinary & Animal Sciences, the University of Poonch. Standing near the temple presents a charming sight of Rawalakot city also the beautiful view of The University of Poonch.

 

GALLERY