Quaid-e-Azam Tourist Lodge
Quaid-e-Azam Memorial Hut at the site of Barsala is known as the Quaid-e-Azam tourist lodge and Dak bungalow, located on the banks of the river Jhelum at Muzaffarabad-Kohala Rd (S-2).
It is a great example of ancient wooden architecture as Cedarwood has been used in its construction with great excellence and skill which amazes the viewers.
Azad Kashmir is a tourist hub like other famous tourist sites in Pakistan. It is known as the paradise on the earth in the world for its immense beautiful landscapes and panoramic views spread all over the region Kashmir. And ancient historical sites in Kashmir add value to its tourism.
Why Quaid-e-Azam tourist lodge is famous?
The main and big reason for the fame of this Quaid-e-Azam tourist lodge is that the founder of Pakistan Mr. Muhammad Ali Jinnah and his sister mother of the nation Ms. Fatima Jinnah stayed in this hut on July 26, 1944, for some time. They were returning from their visit to Srinagar, which is un-law-fully occupied by India these days.
It is a beautiful and admirable place in Muzaffarabad, in the feet of lush green mountains and the Jhelum river adds to its beauty with its noise of speedy waves which is flowing near to it.
Characteristics
This lodge is based on three airy and wide rooms with a courtyard and a big green lawn that gives a panoramic view to its visitors. It also has a big hall-like room for gatherings.
The windows and doors of the rooms of this lodge are made of cedarwood and pillars and nets made by the same wood in the verandah further enhance its beauty.
Along with its beautiful location and its wooden architecture people often come here to see beds and chairs that were being used by Jinnah and his sister, while their short stay here.
Its walls are constructed by whitish big blocks in a great manner that gives a royal feel due to its combination with brown-colored wood of cedar in its doors, windows, and verandah.
This place is not only famous among tourists but you can see history students and historians here.
It is well preserved by Tourist Department Azad Kashmir and constructed a small park near it to attract tourists and facilitate them. Each and every corner of the lodge is very Neet and clean and painted giving a fresh feel here.
History
This beautiful lodge was firstly constructed during Dogra rule (Hindu Dynasty) and the prime object to build this hut was for their stay during travel.
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Wall plaque
The then Azad Kashmir's prime minister Sardar Sikandar Hayat Khan unveiled a wall plaque on 14th August 2001 (Pakistan's Independence Day) as a commemorating the Jinnah's visit.
Location
Quaid-e-Azam memorial hut is easily accessible and located on the Kohala-Muzaffarabad road, at a distance of only 5 km from Kohala bridge, and 35 km from Muzaffarabad.
The devastating earthquake of 2005
The historic hut was damaged by a devastating earthquake on 8 October 2005, so the Government of Azad Kashmir took steps to restore the heritage site, and the Archaeology Department and Tourism Department of AJK repaired this tourist point.
Facilities for tourists
Now Government of AJK has built seven rooms to accommodate tourists and visitors along with its old and historic building. Tourists have to book these in advance to stay here from Tourism Department, located in Muzaffarabad city.
Photo gallery
Conclusion
Quaid-e-Azam memorial hut, known as Quaid-e-Azam tourist lodge or Dak bungalow is the most visited place by tourists during their visit to Azad Kashmir due to its easy accessibility and location. It not only provides facilities during travel and tourism for tourists but also provides an opportunity to pay homage to the great leader Mr. Muhammad Ali Jinnah.