Baramulla

Baramulla is a city in the Kashmir Valley region of Jammu and Kashmir, India. The city was earlier known as gateway of Kashmir, serving as the major distribution centre for goods arriving in Kashmir valley through the Jhelum valley cart road. It is located within the Kashmir Valley on the foothills of the Pir Panjal Range. Baramulla is a major centre of business and education in northern Kashmir.

The city was earlier known as Varāhamūla. The name is derived from two Sanskrit words, varāha (meaning wild boar) and mūla (meaning root/origin). The city was a major urban settlement and trade centre, before suffering extensive damage during the First Kashmir War.

According to some accounts the city of Baramulla was founded by Raja Bhimsina in 2306 B.C. A number of visitors have travelled to Baramulla, including Xuanzang from China and a British historian named Moorcraft. In 1508 A.D., Akbar, who entered the valley via Pakhil, spent several days at Baramulla. According to Tarikh-e-Hassan, the city was decorated during Akbar's stay. Jahangir stayed at Baramulla during his visit to Kashmir in 1620.

From the beginning, Baramulla has had religious importance. Hindu Teertha and Buddhist Vihars (monasteries) made the city sacred to both Hindus and Buddhists. During the 15th century, it became important to Muslims as well. Syed Janbaz Wali, who visited the valley with his companions in 1421, chose Baramulla as the center of his mission and was later buried there. His shrine attracts pilgrims from throughout the valley.

Pashtun tribesmen from Pakistan (guided and aided by Pakistani army regulars in civilian clothes) launched a campaign to seize the state on 22 October 1947. In Baramulla, the advance slowed. Thousands of Hindus and Sikhs were killed and thousands of young women, girls and boys were kidnapped and taken captive. The Indian army took control of Baramulla on 9 November 1947.

Baramulla is on the Jhelum River, at its highest point. Baramulla tehsil is stretched from Village Khushalpora in the east to village Boniyar in the west. The old town is on the north bank of the river, and the new town is on the south bank. They are connected by five bridges, including a suspension bridge connecting Gulnar Park and Dewan Bagh. Five more bridges are being built or are planned. A bridge will connect the Khanpora and Drangbal areas of the city. The old town is densely populated and smaller than the new town. Government offices, hospitals, the bus station and most other facilities are in the new town. The Baramulla railway station is on the eastern end of the new town, on the river. Beyond the old town, the river divides into two channels at Khadanyar (near police headquarters), forming an island known as Eco Park.

Regular buses and minibuses connect Baramulla with Srinagar, Sopore, Tangmarg, Uri and nearby villages. The main bus stand is located near the town centre, within walking distance of markets and local transport connections. Shared sumos are often faster than buses and are the preferred option for many locals travelling around northern Kashmir.

• 34.220874.38841 Baramulla  NR . Baramulla is connected to the Kashmir Railway network and has its own railway station. Baramulla is the northern terminus. Frequent trains run between Baramulla, Srinagar, Budgam, Anantnag and other towns in the valley. Rail travel is inexpensive, reliable and often one of the most scenic ways to travel through Kashmir. The station lies on the eastern side of town and is connected to the centre by local transport.  (updated Oct 2026)

The town lies on the Srinagar–Uri national highway 1, making road access straightforward. The drive from Srinagar takes around 1–1.5 hours and passes through Pattan and other settlements along the Jhelum Valley. Shared sumos, minibuses and private taxis operate frequently between Srinagar and Baramulla throughout the day. Travellers coming from Gulmarg can reach Baramulla in around an hour by road.

Shared sumos are a common and inexpensive way to reach Baramulla. They operate continuously on the Srinagar–Baramulla, Sopore–Baramulla and Uri–Baramulla routes, usually departing once full. For many visitors, this is the most practical way to travel around the district.

• Uri (India)