Akhnoor

Akhnoor is a town in Jammu district situated on the banks of the Chenab River at an elevation of about 301 meters. The river forms the main geographical feature of the settlement and influences its layout and surroundings.

Archaeological excavations revealed that the town contained settlements from the Indus Valley civilization, with terracotta figures and artifacts from that ancient period. These findings indicate that the area had human habitation dating back thousands of years.

The town is home to a multilingual community that speaks Dogri, Punjabi, Urdu, and Hindi, with Hinduism as the dominant faith. This linguistic diversity shapes daily interactions and local customs throughout the settlement.

The town is situated about 28 kilometers from Jammu city and connects to neighboring districts via National Highway 144A. Its location near the Pakistani border gives it strategic importance in the region's geography.

The name Akhnoor comes from Mughal Emperor Jahangir, who called it Aankho-ka-Noor after the local air cured his eye infection. This historical naming reveals the surprising origin of the town's name from a personal royal incident.

Location: Jammu district

Elevation above the sea: 301 m

Website: http://akhnoor.nic.in

GPS coordinates: 32.90195,74.73474

Latest update: December 20, 2025 12:50