Pallandri

Administration

Pallandri is divided into Two tehsils: Pallandri, Mong, Pallandri is the district headquarters Sudhanoti. It was the first capital of Azad Kashmir and is about 94 Kilometers away from Islamabad, the capital of Pakistan It is at an elevation of 1372 meters and is at a distance of 97 Kilometers from Rawalpindi via Azad Pattan. The district is connected to Rawalakot by a 64-Kilometers metaled road. There is PWD Rest House located at the hilltop, giving a wonderful view of the picturesque landscape and green mountains all round. All the basic facilities of life are available here.

The district is bounded by Poonch District in the north, Kotli in the south, and Punjab in the west. The total area of the district is 569 square Kilometres.

Historical Places and Tourist Attractions

Pallandri presents a ravishing scenery and alluring view to the visitors. The valley consists of numberless evergreen pine and cedar trees, transparent spring, musical water-falls and sky-high mountains. Weather of this regime of the country is pleasant throughout the year. The salubrious and cool breezes below in the summer and one forgets the extremity of hot of the plain areas. In winter, one may witness the snow-fall on the suburban mountains.

DC House

One of the most known important and historical building in Pallandri is The DC House It was built in 1915 by Maraja Poonch, the then ruler of the Poonch State in Pallandri, he chose to put it on the very top of the town so he could see the Million Dollar view. It is built entirely out of stone so during the 2005 earthquake it wasn't harmed in any way whatsoever. It was known as Rani ka bangla/dak bangla the Maraja and his wife/Rani used to stay here while on their way from Poonch to Rawalpindi. After the independence of Pakistan in 1947, this Poonch state was also divided into two parts, one of them is in the J&K (Indian held Kashmir) and the second part in the Azad Jammu and Kasmir (AJK) It was then converted into the DC house were the DC started to live and since that day, It was known as The DC house. Amjad Pervaiz Ali Khan who was DC has added to the stone structure and know a beautiful structure a proof that history has got style. Another Historical place at Pallandri is a waterpiont named as Rani ki bavlee.

Pallandri Bawli

There is the Pallandri Bawli. It is known as rani ki bawli. Bawli in the outskirts of Pallandri is a fountain which was constructed as an inn by the Dogra Raj about a century ago for the travellers to have water for themselves and animals along with a stay on the route from Poonch/Hajira to Rawalpindi.

Dhar Dharach (Dhar Tower)

One of the most beautiful visiting point around 7 km from Pallandri. From this place you can see Rawalpindi, Kotli, and Pallandri cities.

Historical Temple

There is a very beautiful village about 6 km away from Pallandri named Islampura. In this village there is temple (Mandir) which was constructed by Hindus many centuries ago.

Baral Fort

A fort established around start of 19th century by the Dogra Raj of Kashmir. It is first and last of its kind in this area. It is not very known but people of this area know it very well. It had been used as a school later after partition between India and Pakistan. It is situated around 3000 feet from sea level and is located at a ventage point. This fort had been witness to lots of atrocities committed by the rulers(Dogra Raj) and later the brutal killing of the Dogra by the locals. The locals of this area are very brave and warlike. This fort is just around 150 Kilometers from the Federal Capital of Pakistan that is Islamabad. It is close within the district capital Pallandri from which it is just 30 Kilometers away in the south of Pallandri city. You may drive very easily upto this fort and enjoy the scenic view and the majestic feeling. This fort overlooks neighbouring areas; Goth and Panthal on the South East, Oara and Chankiara in East and North East, Baral on North, Bhorla in the West and South West. There are other very important and historical sites in this area, like TUPP, Baral Jamia Mosque, Freedom Monument etc

Yaadgar-e-Shuhadah

Located in Mong this monument reminds of the heinous events of 1832 when the local people of Mong rebelled against the Sikh rule of Ranjeet Singh. At the time, Ghulab Singh was a General in his army and was responsible for suppressing any descent. In 1832 there was a rebellion in and around Mong by the local people and Ghulab Singh was sent to deal with it. M L Kapur in his book ‘The History of Jammu & Kashmir’ mentions, "to quell the rebellion in Poonch and Chibbhal territory Ghulab Singh returning from Peshawar and after some desultory warfare, the rebels were completely routed. Many of them were captured, and treated with vengeance; their hands and feet were severed by axes, while skins of Sardar Mali Khan and Sardar Sabaz Ali Khan, two of the close accomplices of Shams-ud-Din, were peeled off their bodies, and their heads were hung on gallows in a crossing as a warning to others. Hands were ultimately laid on the chief rebel as well, and his head was cut off." The rebels were hung on this very tree featured here and skinned alive. The practice of skinning alive rebels continued for some time.

Nagaishwar

Located at an elevation of 2006 meters ASL, Nagaishwar is a remarkable place due to its scenic charm, colorful landscape, healthy climate and calm atmosphere. About 07 Kilometer from Pallandri near Goraah Village on Pallandri Trarkhal road, a road branches off towards Ziarat, Danna and Nagaishwar. The area has got good number of tourist spots; therefore, Tourism Department is developing the tourist resort for accommodation purpose as well as recreational park.

Azad Pattan

The Azad Pattan old and new bridges side by side. In year 1992 there was a great flood in River Jhelum. The bridge which was inaugurated few months before the floods was washed away in the floods. See the missing span on the pier on the left of the new bridge. The main link between Pakistan and Azad Kashmir therefore collapsed. You can imagine the water level in the river which could have flowed at that time. The water table might not have moved hundred of tons heavy span but the current of the river did that. Pakistan Army established the missing span by a Bailey Bridge which was not removed till 2009. Even after the completion of new bridge which is not only higher but larger than the old one, Pakistan Army waited for the time to remove its bridge as there could have any other calamity.

Cadet College Pallandri

Cadet College Pallandri is situated in beautiful natural surroundings about 100 km from Islamabad. Its climatic conditions resemble those of Abbottabad. From Islamabad/Rawalpindi, the road passes through Sihala, Kahuta and Azad Pattan. After crossing the bridge on the River Jehlum, the road climbs to the height of about 5000 feet. The College Complex is situated on the south eastern flank of Pallandri town.

Notable People