Hari Parbat is a mountain that is not only home to the famous Hari Parbat Fort built during the 1700s but also boasts various Hindu and Muslim shrines and even a Gurudwara!
And did I mention that this park was only open to the public in 2014? Now visitors can enjoy picnics and take in the amazing views of the surrounding mountains and water bodies.
The fort, which is currently used by the Central Reserve Police Force, is also under the maintenance of the Indian Archaeological Survey of India. You can explore the fort’s rich history and see the various temples and shrines, including the revered Sharika Temple, dedicated to the goddess Jagadamba Sharika Bhagwati, which is highly significant for the Kashmiri Pandits.
But wait, there’s more! Hari Parbat also houses two Islamic holy sites dedicated to the Kashmiri saint of the 1500s, Hamza Makhdoom, and the renowned Sufi saint of the 1600s, Shah Badakhshi. And if that’s not enough, the Gurudwara Chatti Patshahi is said to have been a brief residence of the sixth Sikh guru, Guru Har Gobind.
To top it all off, Hari Parbat offers the best view of the shrine of Makhdoom Sahib, and you can’t miss the Kathi Darwaza, the main fort entrance built-in stone and wood. But how do you get there, you ask? Well, you can take a 15-20 minute drive from the city centre of Srinagar, book local transport like cabs, matadors, and Mazdas, or take one of the few available buses.
And for those wanting a bit of exercise, you can take the stairs to the Shikara Devi Temple or opt for the cable cars instead.
So, what are you waiting for? Come to Hari Parbat and experience the beauty and history, Don’t forget to carry your identification, wear comfortable shoes, and maybe pack a picnic basket.