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Perched on the top of a steep hill in the Sirmaur, Himachal Pradesh district, Jaitak Fort presents an emblematic history and rich architectural heritage of the region. Constructed in 1810 by Gurkha Ranjor Singh Thapa, this fort lies at an altitude of 1,475 metres above mean sea level and offers some stunning views of the surroundings. This ancient fort has been the legacy of bravery and strategic genius of Gurkha warriors who fought against British forces from within these walls.
Location
Photo: Navneet Sharma / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Situated in the Sirmaur district of Himachal Pradesh, Jaitak Fort is located about 25 km away from Nahan, which is the district headquarters. The fort stands on top of a ridge of the Jaitak hills and commands a grand view of the green valleys and the juncture of the Giri-Jalal rivers. This position has given it not only a strategic advantage in battles but also a peaceful retreat amidst nature, away from the noise of city life.
Suggested Read: Explore The Majestic Forts In Himachal Pradesh To Relive The History Again
How To Reach Jaitak Fort
Photo: Biswarup Ganguly / Wikimedia Commons
You can reach the Jaitak Fort, Himachal Pradesh, either by road, rail or air:
By Rail: The nearest railway station to Jaitak Fort is Ambala Cantt. railway station, which is at a distance of 80 km. One has to pre-arrange a taxi/jeep from there to the fort.
By Road: Jaitak Fort is approximately 25 km away from Keylong. Good road connectivity exists between the major cities of Himachal Pradesh and places like Chandigarh.
By Air: Jaitak Fort is approximately 120 km from Chandigarh Airport. Local taxis, privately hired cars, and other means of transport are easily accessible from Nahan to the fort.
Places To Visit Around Jaitak Fort
The surrounding area of the Jaitak Fort is rich in natural beauty and cultural heritage with these important places to visit:
1. Renuka Lake
Photo: Fred Hsu / Wikimedia Commons
About 38 km from Jaitak Fort, Renuka Lake is Himachal Pradesh’s largest natural lake. The form of this natural water body is tongue-shaped and resembles a reclining woman, as believed by the locals, like the goddess Renuka, after whom the lake got its name. This place is ideal for a quiet day amidst lush green forests and rolling hills. Visitors have the option of boating on these serene waters, which give a different view of the surroundings.
Timings: Open 24 hours
Entry Fee: Free
Suggested Read: Hill Stations In Himachal Pradesh Where You Can Get Lost In The Mountains
2. Rani Tal
Photo: Harvinder Chandigarh / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Rani Tal is a small, beautiful lake about 25 km from Jaitak Fort, just on the outskirts of Nahan town. Well-kept gardens and walking paths have made this an equally popular spot for spending free time with the locals and tourists. The very tranquil atmosphere is created with the serene waters of the lake, reflecting green vegetation around it. There is a small island in the middle of the lake, connected by a small bridge to the mainland area, where one can sit and take in the view.
Timings: Open 24 hours
Entry Fee: Free
3. Shri Mahamaya Balasundari Temple
Photo: Debashrita / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Shri Mahamaya Balasundari Temple is located about 35 km from Jaitak Fort and is one of the most holy places since it is dedicated to Goddess Balasundari, the incarnation of Goddess Durga. This ancient temple is around 400 years old and draws thousands of devotees, particularly during the Navratri festival. Its architecture depicts a fine fusion of traditional Himachali and modern types with delicate carvings and a serene atmosphere that gives it a spiritual touch. It is located on a hill; therefore, the view from this location is panoramic, with full views of valleys lying beneath.
Timings: 5 AM – 9 PM
Entry Fee: Free
Suggested Read: The History And Significance Of Popular Himachal Temples
4. Suketi Fossil Park
Photo: Vjdchauhan / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Suketi Fossil Park, located about 45 km from Jaitak Fort, is Asia’s first fossil park. It is located on the site where fossils of prehistoric animals were found. It is unique in attraction for the visitors to view and get a feel of the ancient past of this region. The models of extinct animals like Stegodon, an ancient elephant, and Sivatherium, an ancient giraffe, are moulded from fossils found here and are in life-size versions. Within the park premises lies a museum containing several fossils and informative geology and local history displays.
Timings: 10 AM – 5 PM
Entry Fee: ₹10 for adults, ₹5 for children
Where To Stay
Photo: Amritanshu Ankit / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Travellers can stay in hotels near Jaitak Fort. Nearby places to stay near Jaitak include Valley View, The Sirmour Retreat, Grand View Resort, and StayVista at Cedar Haven. Visitors can enjoy comfortable stays and facilities based on their preferences.
Suggested Read: Top Offbeat Places In Himachal Pradesh For Fresh Mountain Air
Where To Eat
Photo: Sarkar Sayantan / Wikimedia Commons
Travellers can choose from Hotel Heritage Sanyam & Restaurant Ekant dining options, Riders Cafe DOCKYARD, and Lajwaab, each offering a unique and satisfying dining experience. Visitors can enjoy various options, from authentic Himachal cuisines to typical heart meals.
Best Time To Visit
Photo: Kashish Lamba / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
The best time to visit Jaitak Fort is October to September. The weather is relatively warm throughout these months and ranges from 10°C to 20°C, making it ideal for exploration and outdoor sports. The lush green scenery and blue skies provide an exquisite setting for unwinding in the hot springs. It’s also less likely to rain or snow, and the roads are easier to access so that tourists can be sure of a pleasant and comfortable trip.
Suggested Read: Top Things To Do In Himachal Pradesh
Other Things To Consider
Photo: Klára Koszeghyova / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Cost Of The Trip
There is no entry fee to visit Jaitak Fort, but one has to incur expenses for traffic, stay, and food. The overall expenditure depends on the category of selected accommodation and the number of days of stay.
Tips For Travellers
- One must respect the locals and their customs.
- It will be comfortable in comfortable and warm clothes. It gets considerably cold during winter, so one must carry warm clothes to keep them at bay.
- There are innumerable opportunities for Jaitak Fort pictures. This will include clicking historic architecture, scenic landscapes, and local life. Do seek permission before clicking people, especially at religious sites.
Discovering history and admiring stunning architecture are two excellent things at Jaitak Fort. It embodies the very best of Himachal Pradesh’s cultural heritage. Adventure seekers, history fans, and natural world lovers will have a blast visiting Jaitak Fort and the surrounding areas. So, are you prepared to go exploring? To see the enduring splendour of Jaitak Fort, book your tour with TripXL.
Cover Photo: Sikandar Ali / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
