Jammu & Kashmir Forts

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Kashmir’s exquisite beauty at its backdrop the forts & palaces make an interesting visit for the tourists. Some such forts include:
1. Bahu Fort having the temple of Mahakali, the Bawe-Wali Mata
2. Dhandidhar Fort,
3. Bhimgarh Fort aka Reasi Fort
4. Hiranagar Fort,
5. Ramnagar Fort, and
6. Hari Parbhat Fort
7. Leh Palace

Some Salient Tourist Spots
Every fort has something different to tell. Some have a temple within, with Goddess Mahakali and Lord Hanuman’s idols welcoming everyone at the entrance. Also a temple housed on the fourth floor! There are many other attractions scattered around.

For your reading pleasure, we have compiled a small list of fascinating tourist spots.

The Goddess with 18 Hands!
Considered sacred to the Kashmiri Pandits, the presiding deity Mata Jagdamba Sharika Bhagwati an avatar of Shakti or Durga Mata, at Shakira Hills is much respected by all. The Hari Parbat Fort stands atop this very Shakira Hill.

Building to watch at Sunrise & Sunset
Hill stations normally have specific points for watching the sun rise & set. Probably the most unique palace housing many government offices, the Rani Charak Mahal, made up of red bricks and mortar, looks stunning at sun’s arrival and departure.

A Temple at the Fourth Floor!
The Leh Palace, though in a dilapidated condition, houses the Dukhar temple dedicated to Goddess Tara on the fourth floor!

Sheesh Mahal with Ramayana & Mahabharata scenes!
An 1885 construction by Raja Ram Singh has ornate murals depicting battle scenes and portraits of former kings who ruled earlier. All this and more can be seen inside the Ramnagar Fort. This includes the ‘Samadhi of Maharani’, who committed Sati after the death of King Suchet Singh.

Blend of European, Mughal and Rajasthani architecture!
The Dogra rulers’ former residence the Mubarak Mandi comprises of several buildings now occupied by government offices. The Complex is famous for its stunning architecture that is a blend of Mughal, European and Rajasthani architectural styles.

The Dogra Art Gallery has preserved the original handwritten manuscripts of Sikandernama & Shahnama and other miniatures from the traditional Hill Schools of Art.