Keran, Jammu and Kashmir
Village in Jammu and Kashmir, India
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Keran is a tehsil in Kupwara district of Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir, a region disputed between India and Pakistan.[1] It lies on the banks of famous Kishanganga River. Keran block consists four panchayats: Keran, Mandian, Mandian-A, and Kundian-Patroo.[2]
Keran | |
|---|---|
Village | |
Keran in Jammu and Kashmir, as seen from the opposite side of the LOC | |
  Keran Location in Jammu and Kashmir, India  Keran Keran (India) | |
| Coordinates: 34.6505°N 73.9507°E | |
| Country |  India |
| Union Territory |  Jammu and Kashmir |
| District | Kupwara |
| Block | Keran |
| Demonym(s) | Kerani, Keranwala, |
| Language | |
| • Local | Pahari ,Kashmiri ,Gojri |
| Time zone | UTC+5:30 (IST) |
| Postal Index Number | 193224 |
| Website | kupwara |
It's roughly 65 Km from district headquarters Kupwara. The Keran- Kupwara highway is one of the most scenic roads of Kashmir Valley passing through Pharkian/Farkiyan Pass which stands at an altitude of ~ 10,000 ft. On their way to Keran one can find places like Pujibagh, Pathra, Murree.
The Kishanganga river (known by the name Neelum river in Pakistan-administered Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK)) acts as the natural border between the two villages of Keran, known by the same name on both sides. The people on the both sides share similar language, culture and religion and are believed to have some blood ties also as the area was a single unit prior to 1947.
Keran valley is surrounded by dense lush green forests and scenic mountains. The valley is famous for some rare medicinal plants and herbs which are valued very high in pharmaceutical industry. Nature has bestowed it with crystal clear springs scattered all over the valley, making it a perfect destination for those seeking peace, natural beauty and an immersive experience amidst nature.
Following the reaffirmation of the ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan in 2021, the village opened to tourists for the first time, offering a unique view of Pakistan-administered Kashmir. Apart from the Kishanganga view there are some other places like Medh Behak, Bariyan, Sarangali,Chatyaldunga Behak, Rewadi Behak.[3]
History
The village is believed to have been established by Raja Karn in the 10th century.[4] Legend has it that Raja Karn in 10th century wandered in this area in the quest of water from a particular stream for regaining his eyesight on the instructions of some mystic saint. His Wazir found the stream in Shardi (Sharda now in Pakistan-administered Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK)), the Raja had a bath in the stream, after regaining his eyesight he decided to settle in this beautiful valley and thus founded the Keran town. In 1990, the Indian Army relocated the villagers due to frequent firing and shelling by the Pakistan Army. A flood in 1992 destroyed much of the cultivated land. Since the fresh cease-fire accords between the governments of both countries, the valley has experienced relative peace along the border. With the opening of the border tourism in 2012, Keran has become a favoured offbeat destination for tourists. 2023 saw the highest number of tourists visiting the Keran Valley.[5] One of the reasons for this is the introduction of e-permissions for non-resident tourists.[6]