Bhimgarh Fort, Jammu - Timings, History, Best Time to Visit

At a distance of 24 km from Katra, and 72 km from Jammu, Bhimgarh Fort is a historical fort situated at Reasi town of Jammu & Kashmir. Also known as Reasi Fort, it is one of the best places of heritage in Kashmir, and among the top places to visit near Mata Vaishno Devi.

Perched atop a 150m high hillock, the Bhimgarh Fort was constructed with clay by Rajput king Bhimdev Rasyal of Reasi in the 8th century. Later, one of the heirs of Raja Rishipal Rana, reconstructed the fort using stone. The Bhim Garh Fort was used by the royal family members for taking shelter during emergencies. The fort was later renovated by Gulab Singh of Jammu and Kashmir in 1817. A new entry gate and a stone wall were built all around, thereby making it less vulnerable to attacks. After the death of Maharaja Gulab Singh, his heirs Maharaja Ranbir Singh and Maharaja Pratap Singh used Bhimgarh Fort as a treasury and armory. During Maharaja Hari Singh's rule, an English minister ordered that the armory be destroyed and shifted the treasury to Jammu.

Until 1988, this beautiful fort was in sturdy condition but later it was handed over to the Jammu and Kashmir State Archaeology Department in 1989 on the orders of the state government. In 1990, the fort was renovated by the Vaishno Devi Shrine Board. The surrounding areas were given a facelift with the construction of gardens and pathways. The fort stands out as an important landmark in the town despite the devastating earthquakes and lack of maintenance.

Stands over the waters of the Anji River, Bhimgarh Fort is an amalgamation of Rajasthani and Mughal architecture. The entrance gate is made entirely from Baluka stones. The front wall has loopholes along with a statue of the Goddess Mahakali and God Hanuman. The fort complex consists of a temple, a pond, rooms of different sizes, an armory, and a treasury.

Timings: 10 AM - 5 PM

Entry: Rs. 100 for Person