Shopian
This district of Shopian is located on the southern side of the valley. It is also known as the apple town of Kashmir. It is situated at a distance of 53 km from the summer capital Srinagar. It is located at an elevation of 2057 meters above sea level. The Shopian district has another importance because of a linkage road known as Mughal Road in Shopian, that connects Lahore and Srinagar.
The census of 2011 shows that the area has a total population of 16,360. And the literacy rate of the town is 78.6%.
The climate remains sunny during summers but the winter gets harsh with the cold temperature and it receives heavy snowfall. In the spring season, the flowers bloom and the trees grow new leaves. Autumn is also the harvesting season for the locals, as the majority of people are dependent on agriculture.
The main attraction of this place is Peer ki Gali which is situated on the top of Mughal road. Peer ki Gali attracts many tourists and visitors all over the world. Locals also visit here to enjoy picnics and photoshoots here. There is also a wildlife sanctuary known as Hirapora Wildlife Sanctuary that is home to many endangered species like Musk deer, Leopard, Tibetan wolf, Himalayan wolf bear, and Markhor. This wildlife sanctuary is located in the Dabjan forest. A famous spring is present in the middle of this forest.
The main economy of the district depends on agriculture, as the district is known as the Apple Town of the valley. There are numerous apple orchards in this valley and people here mainly depend on fruit exports.
How to reach:-
From the Srinagar International Airport, it will take you 1 hour and 45 minutes that is a distance of 53 km.
If traveling from Jammu, this route will take you 7 hours and 15 minutes by road.