Akhnoor , Jammu and Kashmir

Akhnoor , Jammu and Kashmir

History of Akhnoor can be traced back to ancient times and forms an important chapter in the rich and glorious culture of the state of Jammu and Kashmir in the Indian subcontinent. Akhnoor is a beautiful town situated at a distance of 32 kilometers from Jammu and Kashmir. It is in the northwestern part of Jammu that the River Chenab meets the plain of Akhnoor. According to the census of 2001, Akhnoor had a population of 10,770. In fact Akhnoor is a city, which has undergone a metamorphoses ever since militancy erupted in Kashmir. The city of Akhnoor today is also considered as a cultural crossover region.

The city of Akhnoor finds a special mention in the modern history of Kashmir. This land of composite cultures also narrates fabled love story of two betrothed lovers Sohni and Mahiwal. Along the banks of the River Chenab here in this historic town, one can also find the majestic ruins of the Indus Valley Civilization. It is really nice to be in this place as the region commands a panoramic view.

This beautiful city is also regarded as a very fascinating tourist spot. The most popular tourist attraction in this region is the Amar Mahal Palace, which is a magnificent palace, built of red sandstone and is fixed among the most spectacular and panoramic surroundings of Jammu. Not only this, it also offers a stunning view of the Shivalik range in the north and Tawi River in the south. It is universally believed to be the residential palace of Raja Amar Singh once upon a time but now the Kashmir Government has converted it into a museum. The museum also has golden throne made of pre gold weighing up to 120 kilograms.

Nowadays reaching the exquisite town of Akhnoor has become very expedient. The national and state highway network links this town to other parts of Jammu and Kashmir and many important cities in India. All sorts of hired transports are available and all comes with the most experienced drivers. Although this small town doesn`t have a airport of its own, there is an airport situated at Jammu and from there one can easily avail regular buses and taxis.

Akhnoor being on the border of India and Pakistan in the Upper Shivalik region of Kashmir valley with its high mountains and valleys and mighty river Chandrabhaga is often plundered by terrorist attacks and mass killing has been a common phenomenon in the region for the last ten years. The game of political blame or the futile tears of the international community might have taken this place into the newspaper but they have failed to safeguard the people of this magnificent piece of the earth. Inspite of all this Akhnoor still remains to be heaven for the nature-lovers.