Quick Facts

Quick Facts

Kupwara – Detailed Facts

Location:

• Kupwara is a town and district located in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, India.
• It is situated northwest of Srinagar (about 90 kilometers away) and close to the Line of Control (LoC) with Pakistan.

Geographical Features:

• Elevation: Around 1,577 meters (5,174 feet) above sea level.
• Kupwara district is known for its beautiful valleys, dense forests, and scenic mountains.
• Major rivers: Puhru River and Kahmil River flow through Kupwara.
• It borders Bandipora, Baramulla, and Pakistan-administered Gilgit-Baltistan.

Historical Background:

• Earlier, Kupwara was part of the Baramulla district until it was carved out as a separate district in 1979.
• Historically, Kupwara and surrounding areas were thick forests and later developed into townships.

Economy:

• Agriculture and horticulture are the main economic activities.
• Crops: Rice, maize, and apples are major products.
• Handicrafts, particularly woolen shawls and carpets, are important cottage industries.
• In recent years, tourism has started to grow slowly due to its natural beauty.

Population:

• As per the 2011 Census, the Kupwara district had a population of around 870,354.
• Kupwara town itself has a population of around 21,771.
• The literacy rate is around 64.5%, with male literacy higher than female literacy.

Climate:

• Kupwara experiences a temperate climate.
• Summers are mild and pleasant; winters are cold with heavy snowfall.
• Snowfall typically starts from December and lasts until March.

Languages Spoken:

• Kashmiri, Pahari, Urdu, and Gojri are widely spoken.
• Urdu is commonly used for official communication.

Transport:

• Road connectivity: Kupwara is connected by road to Srinagar and other parts of Kashmir via the Sopore–Kupwara road and Baramulla–Kupwara road.
• Nearest railway station: Sopore or Baramulla railway stations.
• Nearest airport: Srinagar International Airport (around 95 km away).
• Kupwara does not have its own airport or railway station as of now.

Tourism:

• Lolab Valley: Known as the "Land of Love and Beauty," famous for its meadows and pine forests.
• Bangus Valley: An unexplored high-altitude valley rich with green pastures, wildlife, and alpine forests.
• Keran Sector: A picturesque village along the Kishanganga River, now opened for tourism after years of military restrictions.
• Karnah Valley and Teetwal: Remote areas near the LoC with historic importance and breathtaking scenery.
• Machil and Tangdhar: Remote valleys, important for border tourism.

Wildlife:

• Kupwara is home to animals like the Himalayan brown bear, snow leopard, musk deer, and hangul (Kashmiri stag).
• Dachigam National Park is not far from Kupwara district.

Culture and Society:

• Predominantly Muslim population (mainly Sunni Muslims).
• Rich traditions of folk songs, folk dances (like Rouf dance), and Kashmiri festivals.
• Kupwara society remains largely traditional, with a strong rural character.

Education:

• Several government and private schools operate in Kupwara.
• Important institutions include Govt. Degree College Kupwara, Govt. Degree College Handwara, and many higher secondary schools.
• In recent years, education has improved, but higher education facilities still need strengthening.

Security and Strategic Importance:

• Kupwara is strategically important because of its proximity to the LoC.
• It has several army camps and is a crucial location for border security operations.
• Kupwara has witnessed incidents related to cross-border militancy but is gradually returning to peace and development.

Recent Developments:

• The government has initiated various tourism projects to develop places like Keran, Teetwal, and Bangus Valley.
• Kupwara is being promoted as a new tourist destination in Kashmir.
• Better roads and hospitality facilities are being developed to support tourism and local economy growth.

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