Bahu Fort

4.2 / 5 Hills Valleys, Rivers Lakes,

About Bahu Fort

Far From City: 2 kms from city center
Cost: About Bahu Fort Weather: Time Required:2-3 hrs Open Time:5:00 AM - 10:00 PM Cost:Adult: INR 10,Child: INR 5

History of Bahu Fort According to ancient records, the Bahu Fort has a connection with both, Bahu Lochan and Raja Jambu Lochan, who were the sons of King Agnigarbha II of the Suryavanshi dynasty. The eldest of the 18 sons of King Agnigarbha II, Bahu Lochan, has been accredited for the development of the city of Jammu as well as the Bahu Fort, giving a reason to name the fort so. However, the fort was eventually rebuilt in 1585 in the same location by Autar Singh, King Kapoor Dev's grandson. The grand fort has been reconstructed, renovated, restored and repaired by many rulers from different dynasties from time to time. However, the current and final version of Bahu fort was built by Maharaja Gulab Singh in the very recent 19th century with minor changes made by Maharaja Ranbir Singh during his rule. Architecture of Bahu Fort Located on a high plateau land on the banks of the Tawi River and surrounded by blankets of green, the Bahu Fort stands 325 meters tall as a sign of power and prowess. The Mughal architecture of the fort is truly admirable and compels you to stop and stare at its artistic appeal. The interior architecture mainly revolves around ostentatious arches and intricate floral design carvings. The structure of the fort was initially built with bricks and limestone, but after all the rebuilding is currently made of high-quality sandstone. The entrance of the fort is magnanimous, so intimidating and massive that it can allow an elephant to stroll inside without any difficulty of fitting in. The Bahu Fort is equipped with a royal stable, an enormous lake for boating, and a cable car system. The thick and sturdy walls of the fort are connected by eight octagonal towers that are hollowed with an enclosed space for the use of house guards who need to keep an eye out for any potential threats to the kingdom. The fort also houses a beautiful 15 feet deep pond which lies adjacent to a pyramidal structure, which was mainly used to store arms and ammunitions. An underground prison chamber is also built under the fort to hold the enemy troops or captured spies. Like all other forts, the Bahu Fort was also created for protection against enemies and other potential threats; and hence it is equipped with a secret passageway in the event of an emergency or the need for a quick escape. Bagh-e-Bahu A lush green manicured garden called Bagh-e-Bahu envelopes the fort in its scenic wrap. The terraced garden is full of beautiful fountains, dense tall trees and colorful flowers. Butterflies fluttering from flower to flower and dragon flies dancing away; the Bagh-e-Bahu is a perfect spot for a family picnic or get-together with friends. The garden is decorated with aesthetic stone sculptures that fit in perfectly with the green background. An artificial waterfall glistens in the sun and murmurs calming vibrations in the ears of the onlooker. Bagh-e-Bahu makes for the perfect front of such a majestic and royal edifice such as the Bahu Fort. Mahakali Temple The temple is dedicated to Jammu's presiding deity, Goddess Maha Kali. Raised on a 3.9 feet high platform, it is built entirely in white marble at the centre of which rests Goddess Maha Kali's idol in pure black stone. The area of the temple can only accommodate a few devotees at a time, and so hundreds of devotees stand in beelines to await their turn to be able to soak themselves entirely in the light and nurture of the great goddess. Previously, the goddess was offered animal sacrifice. However, now the priest sprinkles holy water on the sheep or goat of slaughter and then sets it free, as a symbolic rendition of the sacrifice. This ritual is called 'Shilly Charana'. Many devotees firmly believe that it is the deity residing in the Bahu Fort that protects the city of Jammu from Pakistani air attacks. The Maha Kali temple is always surrounded by Rhesus Monkeys, which are an active constituent of Jammu city's wildlife. As playful as they seem, they will snatch any camera, phone and especially snack that they might see you carrying. So be sure to tuck away any such perceivable playthings when around these monkeys. They are not harmful otherwise. Bahu Mela The festival of Navratri is celebrated in a colourful and joy-filled manner, twice a year- March/April and September/October, inside this very fort. It is an auspicious and fun-filled festival for the locals, and it attracts a lot of pilgrims.

How to Reach Bahu Fort The Jammu Tawi Railway station is closest to the Bahu Fort at a distance of 4.1 km, which is only 13 mins by road. Situated just 5 km away from the city centre, city buses, autos and taxis ply to and from the fort very frequently and are very economic modes of transport to this attraction.

Top Tourist Places in Jammu Mubarak Mandi Palace Mansar Lake Raghunath Temple Raghunath Bazaar Shivkhori Dogra Art Museum All Tourist Places in Jammu

Tips Don't play around with monkeys. They can create a problem for you.