Baramulla

 Baramulla (Kashmiri,Punjabi translation: Boar's Place) known as Varahamula in antiquity, is a city in the Baramulla district in Jammu and Kashmir state in northern India. Baramulla is the third largest city of Jammu & Kashmir state (2001 census) after Srinagar (894940 people) and Jammu (369959 people). The old town is connected by five bridges with the new town and five more bridges are in the pipeline. The commonly used language is Kashmiri, followed by Gujari, Hindi, and Punjabi.

The name Baramulla, meaning "Boar's Place is derived from two Sanskrit words Varaha (Boar) and Mula. According to Hindu teaching, the valley of Kashmir was once a lake called "Satisaras," the lake of Parvati. The ancient Hindu texts state that the lake was occupied by a demon, Jalodbhava, until Lord Vishnu, assumed the form of a boar and struck the mountain at Baramulla (ancient Varahamula) boring an opening in it for the water to flow out.As such, the town is located on the banks of river Jehlum at the highest point of the river. The river forms a delta just in the outskirts of the town.

As of 2001 India census,Baramulla has a population of 71896. Males constitute 55% of the population and females 45%. Baramulla has an average literacy rate of 65%, [citation needed] higher than the national average of 59.5%; with 63% of the males and 37% of the females literate. 11% of the population is under 6 years of age.The Baramulla District is the largest district in the entire Kashmir valley both with reference to the population and area.[citation needed] The district is spread over an area of 4588 km². The Baramulla District  is bounded by Kupwara in the north and west, Budgam and Poonch in the south, Bandipore District in the North East and Neelum District (Azad Kashmir) in the North.The district is divided into 8 tehsils, and 12 CD Blocks.The eight tehsils of Baramulla are Uri, Boniyar, Baramulla, Rohama, Tangmarg, Pattan, Sopore and Wagoora (Kreri). The twelve blocks of the district are Uri, Boniyar, Baramulla, Wagoora, Pattan, Rafiabad, Rohama, Tangmarg, Sopore, Zaingeer, Kunzer and Singhpora.Baramulla is comprising of old town (Approx.population=45,000) and the new town(Greater Baramulla Approx. Population=57,000)are connected with five bridges including a suspension bridge connecting Gulnar park with Dewan Bagh. A new bridge is in the pipeline which will connect Khanpora and Drangbal areas of the town. There are other towns in the district like Sopore (Population=58000 (2001 census)),Pattan,Uri,and Tangmarg. Baramulla and Sopore towns enjoy the status of Municipal Councils and other as Municipal Committees.

Kashmiri is the predominant language spoken in the district. Shina is the dominant language in Gurez Valley in Gurez Tehsil which is situated in the northwest on the border with Skardu District, Pakistan. Pashto is also spoken in a few villages in the far north located on the Line of Control. Hindi ,Punjabi and Gujari  mainly by sikh adherdents.

 Attractions

The town of Baramulla is located in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir. This town is located in the Baramulla district, and is a major tourist destination in northern India. There are many places that you can visit during your trip to the town of Baramulla. Tourists travel to the town of Baramulla in droves due to its proximity to the capital city of Srinagar.

You can visit Gulmarg from Baramulla, as this region is very famous among tourists in the district. Gulmarg is one of the few Indian hill stations to have a skiing ground, and this is the prime attraction in the town. You can go skiing in Gulmarg and you can even try your hand at playing golf. The town is located at an altitude of 2650 metres. Golfing is a popular activity here during the summer, and skiing is widely practiced here during winter.

The region is also called as ‘the Valley of Flowers’ and has many beautiful flowers during the spring season. You can indulge in other activities like hiking and even horse riding during your trip to Gulmarg, in Baramulla. Trekking enthusiasts will also love the place, as a three day trek can be taken from Gulmarg to Tosa Maidan.


Other must visit destinations are


                                           

 Wular lake

 
Manasbal Lake

Parihaspora Pattan













Zeyarat Baba Reshi


Zeyarat Dastigeer Sahib


Zeyarat Ahim Sharief


Zeyarat Tujjar Sharief


Imambara Goom


 
  Gurudware Chatti Padshahi

How to reach Baramulla

 The region of Baramulla can be easily reached though buses, flights and trains. Due to its proximity to the capital city of Srinagar, you can visit Baramulla easily by opting for transport to Srinagar, and options to Baramulla from there.

  By Train

 

The nearest rail head is at Jammu and this railway station is one of the major ones in the state. It has regular trains from cities like Jalandhar, Nagpur, Kanpur, Bhopal, Agra, New Delhi, Ludhiana, Lucknow and Kolkata. Train fares to the railway station in Jammu will range around Rs 450 from the railway station in Nagpur. Train fares are comparatively lesser and this mode of transport is more comfortable, but tickets will have to be booked very early in advance.


By Bus

Buses to the town of Baramulla can be taken from the neighbouring regions of Srinagar, Kargil and Jammu. Buses to Baramulla will be available frequently, as the town has a well established bus stand. However to cover a wide variety of routes, you can take buses to Srinagar from where buses will head to Baramulla. Buses from places like Srinagar to Baramulla will charge fares that range around Rs 50 or so. Local state buses will charge even lesser fares