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About Akhnoor Fort, Jammu
Opening Hours: Open daily 9 AM-8 PM
Prime Day & Hours: Monday to Friday 8 AM - 12 PM
Suggested Duration: 2-3 hours
Tickets: Free entry
Nearest Railway Station: Jammu Tawi Railway Station, approx 32 km away.
Nearest Airport: Jammu Airport (IXJ), approx. 26.6 km away.
Nearest Bus Stop: Jammu General Bus Stand, approx 30 km away.
A must-see historical attraction in Jammu is Akhnoor Fort, which is perched on a cliff beside the Chenab River. This fort was built between 1762 and 1802 and is located on the ruins of Manda, an old town. Although it only has two floors, the thick walls, watchtowers, and bastions inside are typical of Indian military design.
As part of the Kashmir tour packages, you can explore Raja Alam Singh's palace inside the fort, where intricately carved arches and wall paintings beautifully represent the past. Visit the neighboring Jia Pota Gha, where Maharaja Gulab Singh was crowned by Maharaja Ranjit Singh in 1822. Additionally, you can travel to the continuing excavation site, where artifacts from the Harappan civilization and the Kushana kingdom have been discovered. If you are interested in history and photography, you can go up the fort walls to admire breathtaking vistas of the Chenab River.
Akhnoor Fort, Jammu Highlights
• Visit the Akhnoor Fort, a two-story structure constructed in 1762 with powerful bastions, watchtowers, and beautiful arches.
• Explore the spot where Maharaja Gulab Singh was crowned, which marked the start of Dogra rule in Jammu and Kashmir.
• Enter Raja Alam Singh's palace and see finely painted archways that display centuries-old craftsmanship.
• Discover ruins from the early historic, Harappan, and Kushan eras that have been preserved through continuous excavations.
How To Reach Akhnoor Fort, Jammu
By Road: Akhnoor Fort is about 29 kilometres from the Jammu city centre. Thus, it will take you about 50 minutes via Akhnoor Road to NH 144A in Munshichak, whether you drive a car or take a taxi, or bike.
Best Time To Visit Akhnoor Fort, Jammu
Peak Season (October to March)
- Weather Insights: Mild weather with temperatures between 10°C to 25°C, and clear skies.
- Things to Do: Explore the fort, visit nearby temples, and enjoy riverside views.
Shoulder Season (April to June)
- Weather Insights: Warmer temperatures ranging between 25°C- 35°C
- Things to Do: Early morning fort visits, sunset views, river photography.
Low Season (July to September)
- Weather Insights: Monsoon months with temperatures around 25°C to 30°C.
- Things to Do: Enjoy lush greenery around the fort for quiet visits.
Best Time of Day: Visit in the morning for cooler weather and fewer crowds.
Best Day of the Week: Visit during Weekdays to avoid the weekend rush.
Akhnoor Fort, Jammu Other Essential Information
Why visit?
- It is important for learning about old Indian history that Akhnoor Fort is built on land that has evidence of the Harappan, early historic, and Kushana periods.
- Digging at the fort continues to reveal old artefacts such as pots, jars, and goblets that help you learn about life in the Harappan and Kushana periods.
- Raja Alam Singh finished the fort that Mian Tez Singh had started, showing the strong past of two royal generations.
- Due to its historical and cultural value, the fort was made a national monument in 1982 and is now secured by the ASI.
Know Before You Go
- Wear footwear that is easy on your feet, as steps and paths inside the fort aren't levelled.
- Avoid the heat and the crowds by going in the morning.
- Bring water, sunglasses, and a hat in the warmer months.
- Avoid damaging or writing on walls to show respect for the area's history.
- Help keep the historical spot in good shape by not leaving trash behind.
- Bring necessities like snacks or wipes because there aren't many facilities.
Explore the Grand Palace Courtyard
Walking into the castle area, you can see the big courtyard. If you look closely at the walls, you can see that some of the arches still have old murals on them. These drawings represent the style and stories from the past. Additionally, you can see that the house was built with both style and safety in mind.
Climb the Watchtowers
You can go up the two-storey watchtowers that are put at each corner of the fort. From the top, you can see how the fort is laid out. You can also see where guards used to stand and watch over the river and the land next to it. This fortress was made to keep out enemies, as shown by the towers.
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Explore the River Gate
Attempt to enter the fort from the side that faces the river. This secret entrance helped kings move without being seen when they needed to. From this spot, you can also see how close the Chenab River is and why this spot was important for trade and defence. It also lets you see the cliff below clearly.
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Akhnoor Fort FAQs
Why is Akhnoor Fort famous?
Akhnoor Fort is famous for its historical significance and deep origins in the Harappan culture. With its strong fort walls and beautiful views of the Chenab River, it is 22 km from Jammu city and a big draw for history and architecture buffs.
Who is the king of Akhnoor fort?
Maharaja Ranjeet Singh is the King of the Akhnoor Fort. On June 17, 1822, he crowned Gulab Singh the Raja of Jammu at Jia Pota, which is close to the fort. In history, this event was the start of Dogra rule in the area, which makes Gulab Singh an important person.
Why was Akhnoor Fort built?
Akhnoor Fort was constructed as a fortress to defend the residents against invaders. It was safe from attacks because it had high walls and was strategically placed near the Chenab River. During the time of ancient and Dogra rule in the Jammu area, the fort was also a major military and governing hub.
Who built the fort of Akhnoor?
In 1762 AD, Mian Tez Singh built the initial two floors of the Akhnoor fort. In 1802 AD, Raja Alum Singh finished the rest of the building. Together, they made the fort a strong and important part of the history of the Jammu area.
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