Quaid-e-Azam Tourist Lodge Barsalla (Kohala)

Historical tourist lodge Barsalla is located at a distance of 100 kilometer from Islamabad and 40 kilometers from Murree. On the way to Muzaffarabad via Muree Kohala, it is only 3 kilo meters for from Kohala Bridge that is entry point in AJK.The historical importance of this lodge which was built in Dograa’s rule, is that, in 1944 Quaid-e-Azam, founder of Pakistan stayed here when he was returning from Siri Nagar.That particular chair is still present in this lodge on which Quaid was seated.Dograas rulers used to stay here while traveling between Rawalpindi and Siri nagar. AJK government  has repaired it and now it has seven rooms for tourists. In summer season cool breeze  from river Jahlem gives a pleasant touch.This historical resort is a memorable place for tourists.

Travel Guide

Tourists/Visitors from all parts of the State & Pakistan can visit Muzaffarabad without any restriction. However, they are advised to keep their identity with them.

Famous Places in District Muzaffarabad

In district Muzaffarabad, many important places such as Pir Chanasi, Ghari Dopatta, Halmat, Taobat, Kel, Sharda, Dowarian, Keran, Athmaqam, Kundal Shahi/Kutton ,Hattian, Chinar, Chakothi and Chikar. These Places are like Paradise on Earth.

Roads

• Muzaffarabad is connected with other districts of AJK and Pakistan by road and by air. The airport at Muzaffarabad is capable of taking only small planes. Total road network is as follows:
• The two main road links to rest of Pakistan are 

            (1) Muzaffarabad-Kohala (34 km), Murree-Islamabad highway (53 km) and
            (2) Muzaffarabad-Grahi Habibullah-Mansehra (57 km), Abbottabad-Islamabad    
                  Highway(112 km).

•  If you follow Muzaffarabad-Kohala rout in own transport you need 40-50 minutes to reach Murree. Then 2 hours to reach Kohala Bridge and 30 minutes to reach Muzaffarabad. Approximately its 3 and half hours on you own car.
• Neelum and Jhelum valleys are connected with Muzaffarabad through wide roads. However, both Roads are damaged to frequent land-slides, especially during the rainy season.

People Of Muzaffarabad

Many prominent tribes make the society of Muzaffarabad. These are Abbasi, Gujar, Rajput, Mughal, Awan and Kashmiri, each residing in specific locality in the district. People have simple eating habits. The locally grown wheat, maize and rice are mostly consumed by the people of Muzaffarabad. Similarly, common dress, both formal and informal, consists of shalwar-kameez ,baggy trousers, long shirt and waist coat. Kashmiri jewellery is also popular among women in Muzaffarabad.

Earthquake 2005

The city was the site of the epicentre of the 2005 Kashmir earthquake, which occurred on October 8, 2005 and had a magnitude of 7.6. The disaster destroyed 50% of the buildings in the city (including most of the official buildings) and is estimated to have killed up to 80,000 people in the Azad Kashmir.

Population

According to the 1998 Census, the population of the district was 725,000, and according to a 1999 projection, the population had risen to almost 741,000.  and according to 2009 census the population of the district had risen to almost 832,000