India, Jammu - Frontal Thrust off road trail, Dergarh & Bhupnergarh section

I have named this trail as, Frontal Thrust ORT, as this area, is an important secton of the frontal area, of the Indian tectonic plate and the local geological features are formed as a result of the significant tectonic activity in this area. The trail features riding through sand filled, seasonal river basins, up hill slopes and through the dry patches of the arid hills. This typical area is called " Kandi" by the local and is sort of restricted to this region of the state. The area also is home to some of the last surviving vulture population, in the wild. The trial, goes through and to, three historically important fortification sites in the region, known as Mahorgarh, Bhupnergarh and Dergarh. The access to these hill top Rajput settlements, is steep and narrow. These three areas, were fortified in the 17th century and were used as safe sancturies, by the then Mughal prince. Some of the fortification walls and the bastions are still present , including the main 'Darwaza' or doorway to the fortifications. The fortification extended to 2-4 kms and housed water reservoirs and living quarters or 'Havelis', at least one of them can be still seen, as a ruin. The present village life hasn't changed much and offers an insight into the, gone by days. The approach to the trail is from Jammu and is about an hours drive / ride from Jammu ( 55 kms ). The route follows- Jammu to Mansar morh ( turn left, to take the road to Mansar lake) to Chilla dunga (turn left after the bridge to go on Shahbalore road). Chilla dunga is the starting of the Frontal Thrust-ORT (off roading trail).