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Introduction
Udhampur is the 5th largest Distt. of the J & K state and is situated in the southern part of the state. It is bound by Anantnag in the north, northeast by Doda, southeast by Kathua and southwest by Jammu. It has five tehsils viz. Udhampur, Ramnagar, Reasi, Chenani and Gool Gulabgarh. Adminstrative headquarters are in Udhampur at a distance of 66 kms from Jammu on the National highway. There are 624 villages, 12 community blocks exist in udhampur viz Gdhampur, Chenani, Panchari, Ghordi, Ramnagar, Majalta, Dudu-Basantgarh, Reasi, pouni,Arnas, Mahore, and Gool, 6 towns viz Udhampur,Reasi,Katra,Ramnagar,Chaenani and Rehamble. Its Altitude varies from 600 to 3000 metres. The temerature rises to 42 degrees in summers and dips to 1.5 in winters. Most of the rainfall takes place in July, August and September. Populated by chivalourous dogras the culture goes back to hoary past. Distt. is rich with mineral deposits like coal,bauxite,magnesite,gypsum and limestone. Famous Mansar lake is also located in this Distt. The most precious possesion of Udhampur is the world famous Hindu shrine of Sri Mata Vaishno Devi located in sacred Trikuta hills.Over 4 million people annually visit the shrine. Udhampur also serves as the headquarters of Northern command of Army.
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Historical Places and Monuments
Babore Temples
A very impressive site of Archaeeological importance in the State. Ruins of 06 temples exist in an area of 1 Km. It is around 50 Kms. from Udhampur Dhar road near Manwal. These bear resemblance to the temples built by Lalitaditya, the ruler of Kashmir in the 8th Century A.D at Wangat in Kashmir. Only the ruins of 03 temples have been identified.
Krimchi Temples
These are in the village of Krimchi in the NorthWest of Udhampur town. These temples resemble in shape and pattern of Baijnath and Lingaraja temple at Bhuvneshwar in Orissa. The images of Ganesh, Shiva, Trimurti and Vishnu.
Sheesh Mahal of Ramnagar
This palace was built by Raja Ram Singh in 1885 in Ramnagar. This palace of mirrors is decorated with profusely painted murals, paintings showing scenes from Ramayan, Mahabharat and battle scenes from Suchet Singh and Ram Singh's life.
Ramnagar Fort
Another historic building near Sheesh Mahal is Ramnagar fort overlooking Mansa Devi Nallah. This is a protected monument taken over by Archeological Survey of India in 1972.
Reasi Fort
It is claimed that this fort in Reasi was either built or associated with greatest Dogra warrior Gen. Zorawar Singh.
Ghora Gali
It is a famous historic place situated aside Gool bazar. Stone carved horses with their riders, mini ponds built of carved stones and many more works of sculptures are the main attractions of this venue.
Tourist Places
Patnitop-Mantalai
This is a trekkers paradise. Situated at a height of 7,000 ft. It is enveloped with rich flora and fauna. Patnitop is on Jammu Srinagar National highway and is well geared to the demand of increasing tourist traffic. It is a famous picnic spot. From Patnitop a gradual trail of 8 Kms. brings you to Sudh Mahadev. From there 8 kms of further trek brings you to the enchanting hilly resort of Mantalai.
Latti
It is 13 Kms from Mantalai and has a bracing climate with wholesome delicious water of gushing spring and magnificent natural beauty.
Sansar
Sanasar is a saucer shaped meadow surrounded with gigantic conifers.
Naka Seoj Dhar
Seoj dhar is a beautiful spot 37 kms. from Latti. From there one can go to Kailash Kund.
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