Hari Parbat Fort: An Epitome Of Religious Shrines

Hari Parbat Fort is a Mughal fort that was built during Emperor Akbar’s reign in Jammu and Kashmir. It attracts a lot of visitors due to its religious and historical significance. Many commendable religious structures surround this fort. These holy shrines include Durrani Fort, Gurdwara Guru Nanak Dev Ji, Parvati Temple, and the holy shrines of Akhund Mullah Shah & Khwaja Makhdoon Sahib. This fort offers a spectacular view of Dal Lake and is a reminder of the rich heritage & resilient spirit of the Kashmiri people.

Location

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Hari Parbat Fort is located on the west of Dal Lake in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir. It is built on Sharika Hill which is located at a distance of about 5 km from the city centre.

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How To Reach Hari Parbat Fort

Photo: Owais Khursheed / Wikimedia Commons

Tourists can easily reach the fort in 15-20 minutes from the city centre. Visitors can book local transport like cabs, mazdas, matadors, and private taxis here. Also, local buses and auto-rickshaws run on this route. The fort is 17 km away from Sheikh ul Alam International Airport, 17 km from Srinagar Railway Station, and 6.5 km from Lal Chowk Srinagar.

Places To Visit Near Hari Parbat Fort

Hari Parbat Fort is ideally located near the city centre and many other famous tourist places in Srinagar. Some of the most-visited tourist attractions near the fort are as follows:

1. Shankaracharya Temple

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The Shankaracharya Temple is a very famous Hindu temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva on Gopadari Hill. Located at an altitude of 1100 feet above Srinagar’s ground level, the hill offers a magnificent view of the Dal Lake, houseboats, and other surrounding areas. It is believed that the famous Vedic scholar Adi Shankaracharya attained spiritual enlightenment here. The devotees can offer milk, fruits & flowers to Lord Shiva here.

Distance From Fort: 11.3 km
Timings: 7 AM – 8 PM

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2. Shalimar Bagh

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Shalimar Bagh is a beautiful Mughal garden that is famous for its history, architecture, and gardenscapes. Its outer portion named Diwan-E-Aam is accessible to the public, whereas its central portion named Diwan-E-Khas is accessible only to noblemen or guests of the court. The main highlights of this garden are the Chinar trees and arched niches called Chini Khanas. This garden is very popular among tourists that visit Srinagar from across the world.

Distance From Fort: 10 km
Timings: 10 AM – 5 PM (November-March) & 9 AM – 7 PM (April-October)
Entry Fee: ₹20 per person

3. Char Chinar

Photo: Sneha G Gupta / Wikimedia Commons

Char Chinar is one of the most beautiful islands on the periphery of Dal Lake. It is marked with beautiful chinar trees at the four corners. The island is also known as Silver Island. It is the epitome of impeccable beauty and attracts nature lovers from across the world. Tourists usually stop at this island during their Shikara ride on the beautiful Dal Lake.

Distance From Fort: 9.7 km
Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM
Entry Fee: ₹50 for Adults & ₹25 for Children

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4. Hazratbal Mosque

Photo: Hardikmodi / Wikimedia Commons

Hazratbal Dargah is a holy Muslim shrine, popularly called Dargah Sharif, and is the only domed mosque in Srinagar. It is considered to be Kashmir’s holiest Muslim shrine. This place has a unique relic called Moi-E-Muqaddas (holy hair). This hair is preserved in this shrine very carefully and is put out on display for devotees only on special Islamic occasions. Its architecture is a unique blend of Mughal and Kashmiri styles.

Distance From Fort: 5.1 km
Timings: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM

Where To Stay

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Tourists can find several accommodations near the Hari Parbat Fort, Srinagar. The hotels in Srinagar offer a comfortable stay and great hospitality. Some of the best options to stay near the fort are – Queens Lake House, OYO Marias Hotel, Hotel Samar, Hospitality Home, Hotel Sunlight, The Kanaz, Hotel Aala Residency, and many more.

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Where To Eat

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Srinagar offers an excellent variety of food options for tourists. Some of the best eating joints near the fort are – Kareem’s Restaurant, Nathu Sweets, Bistro Boulevard by Pincer Foods, Lhasa Restaurant, Stream Restaurant, Earthen Oven Restaurant, and many more. These restaurants offer an excellent variety of tasty options that cater to every visitor’s tastebuds.,

Other Factors To Consider

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Keep the following points in mind when planning to visit the Hari Parbat Fort:

Best Time To Visit: The ideal time to visit Srinagar is from March to October, as the weather is very pleasant in these months.
Average Cost Of The Trip: The main cost to visit this fort is the entry fee of ₹30 per person.

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Hari Parbat Fort, also known as Koh-i-Maran, is a masterpiece that boasts the glorious history and rich culture of Kashmir. It is a part of the civilization of Kashmir and an amazing example of amazing architecture and heritage for the upcoming generations. The fort’s western part has religious places of worship for Hindus, Sikhs, and Muslims. Plan an unforgettable getaway to the heavenly abode of Srinagar with TripXL. The visitors can click alluring Hari Parbat Fort pictures to create lifelong memories in addition to witnessing the grandeur of the fort.

Cover Photo: Tauqeer Zahid / Wikimedia Commons

Frequently Asked Questions