Town Kulgam is situated at a distance of about 70 kms from Srinagar and about 17 kms from Islamabad. The famous Shrine of Hazrat Mir Syed Hussain, who as a preacher had come to this area from Central Asia ‘Simnan’ in 14th century, is located in the main Kulgam town. Quimoh, the birth place of most towering figure of Kashmir and the founder of Reshi cult, Sheikh Noor-ud-Noorani, is situated in Kulgam.
Ahrabal Water fall on Veshev Nallah is in the extreme south-west of district Kulgam. Another tourist resort, Kongwattan, is located a few kilometers ahead of Ahrabal.
Almost whole of the district Kulgam has a network of Zamindari Kuls thereby attributing it the name Kul-Gam (villages of Streams). Nallah Veshav which drains most of the northern face of Pir Panjal and is the main left bank tributary of river Jehlum traverses through district Kulgam.
About 89 percent of population lives in rural areas and agriculture is the mainstay of 80 percent population. Nature has gifted this whole area with a climate suited for agriculture in its lower belts and fruit culture in the upper areas. On account of fertile lands with better yield and productivity, Kulgam is considered as ‘Rice – Bowl’ of Kashmir. Upper areas of Kulgam are known for the production of quality apple.
Rice Seed Multiplication Farm spread over a large area has been established at village Khudwani in the district and is working under the aegis of Agriculture University. Live stock and sheep rearing is a subsidiary occupation of the rural population, particularly in the upper areas of this district.
To fix the geographical boundaries between districts of Kulgam and Islamabad, various suggestions were put forth by a cross section of people before a Committee. The matter was discussed with the District administration for knowing their view point and the Committee visited different areas of these districts for making an on the spot assessment.
