Arki Fort - Himachal Pradesh

The Arki Fort is situated at Solan district, in the state of Himachal Pradesh, India. The fort is just 52 km from Shimla which was once the capital of the princely state of Bagal. The elegant place at Arki, picturesquely located against a wooded hillside is famous for its Ast Nayika frescoes, executed in the Arki Kalam style.This Fort was built between 1695 - 1700 by Rana Prithvi Singh, a descendent of Sabha Chand. Currently, this fort is a heritage hotel which presents a fusion of Rajput and Mughal architectural styles. The fort displays a Rajasthani influence in its architecture.

Arki Fort carries a great history of blood shed and power struggle. Till 1815 this formation was the strong hold of the Gurkhas from where they led their war against the British. Now turned in to a heritage hotel, the then strong hold of the erstwhile Baghai rulers presents artistic grandeur and historical excellence to its visitors.

A fusion of Rajput and Mughal architectural styles, the fort is greatly influenced by the rajasthani structural designs. A unique style of painting namely the Pahari style, which adorns the walls of the fort, tries to depict the contemporary lifestyle of the hilly people. These paintings display exemplary craftsmanship with a perfect balance of colours.

The fort is a private property of the descendants of the Arki rulers, who dwell in one portion of the fort. Though the fort is not managed properly, its heritage hotel wing upkeeps its royal elegance and princely status. Its elegantly decorated rooms house spectacular paintings of the snow capped peaks and other splendors of the region.

How to reach Arki Fort?

By Air : The closest airport to reach at Arki Fort is the Jubbarhatti Airport, which is located at a distance of 40 kilometer far off from this fort. Visitors from all parts of India can hail here by various domestic flights that are operated here. While for the foreign tourist, they have to first board flight to Delhi International Airport and then board another domestic flight to Jubbarhatti airport in Himachal Pradesh. Once you hail at this state, for further journey to reach at the Arki Fort one can hire taxi which will cost you around Rs. 600 INR.

By Rail : The nearest railway station is Kalka, which is located at a distance of 73 kilometer far off from Arki Fort. There are very few trains or expresses that are operated by the Indian Railways, which well connects to all major cities of Himachal Pradesh and also the country. Once you get off from the trains, you can get taxi or intercity bus services that are available outside the Kalka railway station as well as near by railhead stations. From Kalka railhead station to Arki Fort, it will charge you around Rs. 900 INR that will cost you expensive, but it is good mode of transport to explore the cities of Himachal Pradesh by road. There are intercity bus services which are the cheapest transport but are quite uncomfortable.

By Road : Himachal Pradesh is the most visited holiday destination; therefore, there are various local transportation facilities available to travel by road. State and private buses, taxis, and hired cars or jeeps are also offered for tourist to experience a private and comfortable journey to Arki Fort. There are numerous state buses that run within the state passing through all major cities and small towns of Himachal Pradesh state. From Delhi, regular bus services are provided to Dharampur which is situated at a distance of around 30 kilometer far off from Arki Fort. There are even private taxis that are available from Dharampur city and directly heads to Arki. Traveling by taxi is the most expensive mode of transport which will cost you over Rs. 600 INR, but is quite comfortable to experience a private journey while exploring Himachal Pradesh.

Arki Fort Wallpaper

Arki Fort. Bazaar Entrance

Arki Palace Images

Diwan-e-Khas at Arki Fort

Near the living quarters at Arki Fort

Wall Design in Arki Fort