Poonch, though it is limited in terms of area, yet it has managed to embrace elegance and grandeur in her womb.

Poonch is the smallest district of Jammu. It covers an area of 1,674 square kilometres and is located between 73°58′ to 74º35′ longitude and 33°25′ to 34º01′ latitude. Its neighbouring regions, in its north-eastern sides are Anantnag, Badgam, Pulwama and Baramula. The district of Rajouri lies in its southern side. It is also a bordering region of the state and faces Pakistan in its western side. This region is totally dominated by mountain ranges and thus, this place is hilly and consists of rocky plateaus. These hilly terrains are covered with emerald meadows and the lush, green valleys are beautified with the presence of numerous brooks and water reservoirs. This district is bounded by Actual Line of Control from three frontiers. This line stretches from Sawjian at Mandi to Tarkundi at Balakote. This region is also similar to other parts of the Jammu and Kashmir, in terms of culture and religion. As people from various religions, Hindu and Musilm, being the major religions, dwell here, a great ethnic diversity is witnessed in this soil. People belonging to various Hamlets such as Punjabis, Kashmiris, Rajputs, Gujjars and Bakerwalas reside here. This is the reason, why a varied folklore is seen here, which always depict the legacy and grandeur of the bygone times of this landscape. Poonchi/Pahari and the Gojri are the official languages spoken here. Due to the favourable climatic and geographical conditions, this region is rich in wildlife. The forests of this place are inhabited by leopard, ghioral, musk deer, markhor, brown bear, chakurs, pheasant, snow cock kohlas and partridge.

The history of Poonch dates back to the mythological era, when this region was under the rule of the Kambojas, who had fought against the Kauravas in Mahabharata. During Alexendar invasion, its name was Dravabhisar. This place has also been described in the books written by the famous Chinese traveller, Yuan Chawang. This region also shares a space in Rajtarangini, which was written by Kalhan. During 850 B.C, it was under the rule of Raja Nar, who was initially a horse trader. The 15th century witnessed the invasion of the Mughal Sultanate over this soil. However, after its decline, this region was embraced under the rule of Maharaja Ranjit Singh in 1819. This region was however, administered under the Khalsa Darbar. During 1850, this province became an independent princely state, under the Governance of Raja Moti Singh. Then this land was converted into Jagir, under the rule of Maharaja Hari Singh of Jammu. The period between the18th century and the 19th century, is considered to be the golden period of this region. This province mainly flourished under the rule of Raja Baldev Singh. This region sustained a black period, when this land was divided into two halves, during partition.

Poonch, though small in terms of area, is enriched in nature’s bounties. The lush, emerald shaded valleys, the beautiful mountain ranges, which safeguard the terrain etc. enhance the beauty of this province. This place is also known as the mini Kashmir. There are numerous religious spots, which attract tourists and pilgrims every year. The Gurudwara Nangali Sahib is an important religious shrine for Sikhs and also for other devotees. It is situated on the banks of the Drungali Nallah and is one of the ancient shrines of Sikhs. Mandir Budha Amarnath Ji is also a prominent religious spot for Hindus. This holy asylum is bounded by snow-capped mountains of the Pir Panchal range and is fondled with beautiful brooks, which are Nallah Gagri and Pulsta Nadi. Other major tourist places include Noori Chamb, Girgan Dhok, Poonch Fort, Mandi, Loran, Nandi Shool, Surankote, Dehra Gali etc.