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Hari Parbat: Sentinel of Srinagar

Explore Hari Parbat in Srinagar: A historic fort, stunning views, and spiritual shrines converge on this iconic hill overlooking Dal Lake.

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Hari Parbat, also known as Koh-i-Maran, is a prominent hill overlooking Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir [3]. It's crowned by the Hari Parbat Fort, a historical structure with Mughal and Afghan influences, and is a site of spiritual significance for multiple religions [3, 6]. The hill offers panoramic views of the city and Dal Lake [7, 8].

A brief summary to Hari Parbat

  • Srinagar, Nohata, Jammu and Kashmir, 190003, IN
  • Tuesday 9:30 am-4:30 pm
  • Wednesday 9:30 am-5:30 pm
  • Thursday 9:30 am-5:30 pm
  • Friday 9:30 am-5:30 pm
  • Saturday 9:30 am-5:30 pm
  • Sunday 9:30 am-5:30 pm

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes as there is some walking and potentially uneven surfaces to navigate.
  • Dress modestly when visiting the religious sites on the hill to respect local customs.
  • Visit during the weekends or sunset hours for prime views and a vibrant atmosphere [7].
  • Check the weather forecast before your visit, especially during monsoon or winter months [7].
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Getting There

  • Car

    Hari Parbat is approximately 5 km from Lal Chowk in Srinagar [4, 7, 11]. The journey takes about 15 minutes via Kathi Darwaza Road [7]. Taxis are readily available, but can be relatively expensive [11]. Parking near the entrance may be limited. Expect to pay around ₹200-₹400 for a short taxi ride from Lal Chowk [10].

  • Public Transport

    Local buses and shared cabs (Matadors/Mazdas) operate from various parts of Srinagar to Kathi Darwaza, the main entrance of Hari Parbat [7, 11]. Bus fares are economical, typically costing around ₹10-₹20 for a single trip within the city [10, 13, 15, 16]. Be prepared for a potentially crowded ride. From the bus stop, it's a short walk to the fort entrance.

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Discover more about Hari Parbat

Hari Parbat, rising above Srinagar, is more than just a hill; it's a repository of history, faith, and breathtaking views [3, 6]. Also known as Koh-i-Maran, it holds a strategic position overlooking the city and the famous Dal Lake [3, 8]. Legend says the hill was formed when Goddess Parvati, in the form of a bird, dropped a pebble to defeat the demon Jalodbhava, who terrorized the valley [2, 3, 7, 9]. The pebble grew into the hill, trapping the demon underneath. This legend makes Hari Parbat sacred to Kashmiri Pandits, with the Sharika Devi Temple dedicated to the goddess located on the western slope [2, 3, 9]. The first fortifications were initiated by Mughal Emperor Akbar in 1590, who built an outer wall as part of his vision for a new capital [3, 5, 9]. However, the project was never completed [3, 9]. The present fort was constructed in 1808 during the Durrani Empire by Governor Atta Mohammed Khan [2, 3, 4, 7]. The fort's architecture showcases a blend of Afghan design and local Kashmiri artistry [2]. Its strategic location made it a vital defensive stronghold, offering commanding views of the city and surrounding areas [2]. Today, Hari Parbat is a popular tourist attraction, drawing visitors with its historical fort, religious shrines, and panoramic views [2, 6]. The hill is also home to the Makhdoom Sahib Shrine, a revered Sufi shrine, and Gurdwara Chatti Patshahi, marking it as a symbol of Kashmir's diverse religious and cultural heritage [2, 3, 6, 7]. Visitors can access the fort through the Kathi Darwaza, the main entrance, adorned with Persian inscriptions [2].

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