Banjosa Lake

Introduction:

Banjosa Lake is artificial situated in the exceptionally beautiful place of Pooch District of Azad Jammu & Kashmir, Pakistan. Located at a height of around 1981 meters above sea level, the lake is located in a richly forested and hilly region and attracts a number of trekking tourists.

The lake is often calm with the water is very clear making its background to mirror the environment surrounding it. ItFunctions especially as a vacation destination during summer since its climate is relatively cooler than that of the lower lying parts of the country. Sometimes, during winter it snows and the environment becomes Winter Olympics type of environment.

The facilities for tourism development of Banjosa Lake are also available and include facilities for rest house, picnicking, and boating. It is nearly 12 miles or about 20 kilometers from the nearest town called Rawalakot and can be approached through a fascinating road. Its serenity and the scenic view makes it suitable for that quiet andpeaceful retreat, photo shoots and other outdoor activities.

History:

The Banjosa Lake is an artificial lake situated in the Dezne capital of Poonch District of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan; however, the development history of this lake can be associated with the natural resources and tourism sector development of the region.

It was constructed as a source of tourism introduction in the Rawalakot region because of its natural beauty of pine trees and mountains. Although not many sources provide the specific time it was built, was constructed during early decades when local authorities sought to undertake any work on infrastructure and attraction sites of Azad Kashmir to popularize it as tourist destination. The surrounding of Banjosa Lake was selected due to the easy accessibility of the place and its relaxed atmosphere, which is perfect for a rest.

In the future it has transformed into a major attraction for the people living in the area and for the visitors. Various authorities have attempted to place other facilities that could improve leisure such as the walking trail, the rest houses, and the picnic area all around the lake. To this conducive climatic condition, it was supplemented with recreational places around such as Toli Pir and Poonch River.

The lake has also made contribution to the promotion of the regions environment by supporting eco-melanized which depict conserved scenary. That is not so today’s Banjosa Lake serves as tourists’ destination and it also provide information about geographical history of the area.

It is an artificial lake located in the Poonch District of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan and is having a splendid view of back drop Banjosa Reservoir. : This lake lies at an altitude of about 1981 meters above the sea level and experiences temperate climate, little or no noise pollution, high level of water clarity and low level of human interference.

Key Features:

1) Surroundings: It is nearly enclosed with a pinetum and high green so that the appearance of the country in the vicinity of the lake is rather quite and picturesque.

2) Climate: Banjosa Lake is also coolest in summer and therefore many visitors favor it, especially those from the hot deserts regions or hot city. Majority of the time the cold months are during the winter season that introduces the snowing making the whole place to look beautiful.

3) Tourist Facilities:

This way the boating services allowed the guests to deal with the shocks of the water surface.

It also has benches where families and lovers may sit down, eat or picnic and hike for those bug bird watching freaks.

Location:

•           Distance from Rawalakot: If taken distance the above defined structures are situated if nearly about 20 kilometers (12miles). Nevertheless, it becomes well motorable by car after one might have made a round through some natural bends of the surrounding mountains. It is fairly easily accessible by road through fascinatingїх motorists through winding hills’ track of 20km(12miles). Having evolved as through some roundabout mountainuous road some of these forests are even motorable. A drive through winding and turning up steep lanes is a common sight and when measured in distance each is placed at strategic points of the town and is roughly 20 kilometers (12miles). But it is also possible to get there by car after some drive following certain natural turns on the nearby mountains. This park is most easily located and can be accessed on the road through the hills track approximately 20Km(12mls). Subsequently, through several of the complicated mountain loops, it is mobile car reachable. It is well situated especially when you use the meandering, winding tarmac road through the mountains; when calculated in distance it is roughly 20 Kilometers (12miles). It is also well motorable by car, especially after having driven round some natural curves of the surrounding mountains. It is well accessible by road through enjoyable drives through winding hills’ track is about 20 kilometers (12 miles) long. However, after crossing some long winding mountain track it can be easily accessed by car. They are sited in such a way that one only has to move round and round up steep inclining roads when measured practically they cover almost twenty kilometres that is twelve miles. It can be reached by car after driving through some natural curves on the surrounding mountains. One can conveniently access this park by road through an exciting ride through winding hills’ track; 20 km (12 miles).
• Scenic and Cultural Heritage:

       But the scenic area around Banjosa Lake which was not originally established with any historical           story, is the cultural zone of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, because travelers can interact with the               food of AJK while enjoying the natural beauty of the place.

       In conclusion; it can me said that importance of Banjosa Lake is anew and associated with tourism         and development of the region rather than with any archaeological importance. It is a measure               towards the right utilization of natural resource for the improvement of locals lives.

        This is the reason that the places around the Banjosa Lake are a major attraction for the tourists              because of the natural scenic beauty without much rush. Situated in the charming hills of Azad               Jammu and Kashmir, the area remains a perfect place for tourists who like nature.

Key Features of the Surroundings:

          Pine Forests:The lake surrounded with mighty pines with dense tree tops give it a fresh and                   serene environment.

            Hills and Mountains:Meandering hills and green mountains embrace the lake with amazing                  views and short hiking invigorating possibilities.

           Floral Beauty:This area is scenic during spring and summer when the wild flowers provide a                natural decoration of the region. It is also an excellent sight for the eyes seeing the beautiful                   leaves during autumn or fall season.

         Nearby Attractions:

•  Toli Pir: A tourist attraction that is found about an hour’s drive from the lake where visitors can have great view of the surrounding.
• Rawalakot Town: Located at 20 km of distance it provides a convenient starting point in              exploration of the area.
•  Poonch River: Gives extra chances of finely spending time in nature and not only.

   Snowy Winters:

Around winter, the view surrounding Banjosa Lake offers the beauty of snowfall and the mountains are covered with green trees, and snow all around.

Activities in the Surroundings:

•   Picnics: There are many perfect places as well for family reunions and picnics.
•   Photography: Practical for photographers in particular since its scenicy area adds to the                attraction of the site.
•   Hiking and Trekking: Trekking difficulties of moderate nature are possible through trails              around the lake and the hills of the region.
•   Boating: A quiet event on and over the water with the beautiful backdrop of woods.

The area around Banjosa Lake is also intriguing as well as much more important in enhancing the beauty and the attraction for visitors as it provides them complete nature beauty with pleasure and thrilling activities.

Main idea:

The purpose of the detailed description of Banjosa Lake is to provide the understanding of the tourism prospects of this man made object in Poonch District of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan, including the governmental outlooks on the ecologically friendly recreation site, the picturesque nature views, and the ecotourism potential. The lake and its surroundings offer: Natural Beauty: Covered by broad-leaved pine in summer, green rolling mountains, a wide range of colorful flowers in the summer and snowy country in winter.
 Tourist Appeal: Tea garden, boating, outing, trekking,.main areas of interest : Toli Pir, Poonch River.
Cultural and Economic Value: It has a significance in tourist activity, and supports the actual population, as well as representing the traditions of the region.
  Symbol of Harmony: A combination of an active approach and key natural resource management with aims to support the tourism industry.

It is a relatively recent structure which was intended to become an attraction point of tourism and at the same time create an ambiance of a natural, scenic haven where visitors are welcomed, and can unwind.: