The Arki fort is situated in the Arki town of Himachal Pradesh. This fort is decorated by the wall paintings in pahari pattern showing the Kasauli and Shimla views. Visiting this fort can be the bewitching experience. The roof of this fort has an impressive flowery design. The walls of this fort have the scenes of the battles and events derived from Puranas. These marvels demonstrate craftsmanship having the perfect combination of colors including the Mughal as well as the Rajput styles of architecture that have the influence of the Rajasthani designs.
This fort is being functioning as the heritage hotel.

History

This fort was built by Prithvi Singh Rana between the period from 1695 to 1700, who was the successor of Sabha Chand. Later on in 1806 this fort was overwhelmed by the Gurkhas. Rana Jagat Singh, who was the king of Baghal remained as refugee in Nalagarh. Amar Sing the General of Gurkhas resides in this frot from 1806 - 1815 in order to expand his rule in Himachal Pradesah till Kangra. Arki remained as the capital of the Baghal that was the princely state of hills that was originated by Rana Ajai Dev(Panwar Rajput). Around 1643 this state was originated and Rana Sabha Chand declared Arki as its capital in 1650.

During the period of Arki as the capital of the Baghal state, it expressed good measure of disorder around this area. Gurkhas possessed stronghold over Arki during 'Gurkha Wars' that ended in 1815-1816. After that in 1850 the Raja Kishen Chand decorated this fort with the finewall paintings in pahari style. Arki is the place that is packed with the prehistoric scenes and venerated by fine art.

Architecture

This fort envelope the Mughal as well as the Rajput styles of architecture. The wall paintingsthat are designed in pahari style describe the living style of the people that lives in pahari areas. Certain part of this fort has been developed as the Heritage hotel.

How to Reach

By Rail

The nearest railway station that is available is the Kalka railway station that is about 73 km from this fort. The fare of Taxi from Arki to Kalka is about Rs.900.00. The railhead of kalka is being connected by the other cities of this state.

By Air

The nearest airport available is the Jubbarhatti Airport that is about 40 km from Arki. The fare of Taxi is about Rs.600 from this fort to this airport. One can choose other option of Chandigarh that is about 90km distance from Arki. The taxi charge from this fort to Chandigarh is about Rs.900. The airport of Chandigarh is in connection with Delhi as well as other major cities.

By Bus

Buses from Delhi to Dharampur are regular. Dharampur is abou 30 km away from Arki. Dharampur to Arki taxi services are available costing about Rs 600/-.

Nearby Places to Visit

Bhadrakali Temple

Bhadrakali Temple of Arki was built in the year 1650 that envelopes outstanding carvings and astonishing structures. It is being considered in the list of triple temples that has been built in the architectural style of Shikhara.

The other name of this temple is Jakholi Devi Temple that has been dedicated to the deity named Kali who is being considered as the brutal manifestation of Devi Durga. This Bhadrakali temple is being considered as the Sakhtipeeths in the Himachal Pradesh state. It is the popular myth that the Goddess Kali fulfills all prays and the wishes of the devotee people and one who visit this temple will be provided by the heavenly heart.

Luturu Mahadev Temple

Luturu Mahadeve Temple is an astonishing piece of structural design that has been erected on the higher haughty peaks. This temple expresses a standing indication that shows the endless strength of Rajputs. This temple is being surrounded by intolerant crags and unfriendly topography forces that shows about the stress that was taken by the local people for taking their material to the top.

There are many vertical climbs as well as stony surroundings that makes it very hard for the devotees to reach the shrine but the enthusiasm of the devotees gives them power to overwhelm all the difficulties and hindrances. There is the myth that this temple was built by the king of Bhagal as lord Shiva asked him to build it in his dream. The construction of this temple was completed in 1621 that shows the superb example of the architectural style of Shikhara. Due to the location of this temple at high altitude it can be seen easily from every area of the town.

Shakhni Mahadev Temple

This is another temple in the form of caves that is the main point of attraction for the visitors as well as the devotees. Out of the three shrines it is one of them other than Luturu Mahadeva and Jakholi Temple.

This temple hovering at the elevated ranges of Himalayas volunteers a relaxing and soothing environment for the devotees. It displays stunning creative fineness as well as the architectural style of Shikhara that has been appreciated by the visitors and the local people. It is the myth of the devotees and the people that who got the darshan of Shiva will be blessed by the good fortune and this is the reason that the visitors visit this temple in good quantity.

Weather and Best Time to Visit

The atmosphere in the area of Arki remains pleasant through out the year.

The summer season ranges from March - June and the atmosphere remains pleasant in this hilly area. The temperature in this season ranges from 24°C - 30°C. This season is being liked by almost all the visitors for the purpose of sightseeing.

Winters season ranges from the months of December - February and the atmosphere remains chilled during this period. The temperature remains between 4°C to 8°C that also experiences snow falls also.

Monsoons season ranges from the months of July - August and the Post Monsoon season ranges from the months of September - November that is a little bit sultry. This season is the flowering season of this area and this area looks beautiful and awesome during this period.

The Arki fort can be visited all the year round but one must avoid the humid rainy season.

Accomodation

People visiting Arki can reside in Heritage hotel of Akri Fort. Certain other alternatives are-

Snow King Retreat

Fagu Top,
Dist. Shimla

Photo Gallery