Udhampur

Encompassing a total land area of 4550 sq km, Udhampur has a total population of 7, 38, 965 (census 2001). there are around 645 villages which come under the district of Udhampur and the number of primary schools in the place counts for 944. The literacy rate of Udhampur is 54.16%.

Agriculture being the prime occupation of the people of Udhampur, a large portion of the land is used for growing rice, maize, mustrad and wheat. Besides Dogri, Kashmiri, Hindi and Urdu, the inhabitants of Udhampur also interact with each other in Goujri and Pehari.

Known as the fifth largest district of the state of Jammu & Kashmir, Udhampur flaunts a range of historically enriched and scenically beautiful tourist locations. Among the religious sites of Udhampur Vaishno Devi Temple ranks high on the tourists map. This shrine has such such a popularity that people from faraway places come to visit th place tolerating the effects of chilly weather and high altitude. Also, the names of Sheesh Mahal at Ramnagar, temples of Krimchi and temples of Babore are worth of mention.

There are many heritage locations within the premises of Udhampur that attracts huge number of visitors round the year. The fort of Ramnagar which is a property of the Archaeological Survey of India showcases the grandeur of the ancient rulers of Udhampur. The Sheesh Mahal located in Ramnagar is yet another enchanting heritage edifice which is famous for its interiors that are extensively adorned with mirrors having the paintings of Mahabharata, battles of Ram singh, Suchet Singh and Ramayana. The Reasi fort of Udhampur bears the majestic evidences of Gen. Zorawar singh who had a great influence on the historical past of the place.

On the cultural front Udhampur flaunts a pulsating array of folk arts. The dances of the region are heren, fumenieand kud. Whereas the local songs of Udhampur include karak, bhar, bhakh and gwatri.

Brimming with a fine socio-cultural and strong economic prospect, Udhampur holds an important position in the list of districts of Jammu & Kashmir.