Reasi Fort

The picturesque state of Jammu and Kashmir is famed for a multitude of reasons that include its charming and quixotic hill resorts and the rambling green valleys adorned by variegated foliage. The state's age-old history is evinced by the ancient forts and palaces that recount the saga of a bygone era. Reasi Fort or Bhimagarh Fort is one such imposing edifice that is a hallmark of the state's history.

Located approximately at a distance of 64-km from Jammu city, Reasi fort near Reasi is perched atop a 150 m high knoll that offers a breathtaking bird's eye view of the surrounding panoramic vistas. The fort was built by the ancestors of Maharaj Rishipal Rana, supposedly the founder of the Resai dynasty. During its inception days, the building was a simple clay structure that served as an emergency shelter during political exigencies.

Reasi Fort is a wondrous testimony of the glorious martial history of Jammu and Kashmir. It is said the the work on the refurbishment of the ancient fort commenced at the initiative and generous patronage of Maharaja Gulab Singh of Jammu in 1817 and culminated years later in 1841. A new, imposing entrance gate and a crenelated stone wall almost a meter wide and towering at a height of 50 meters was built to guard the fort.

The imposing entrance of Resai Fort is constructed of Baluka stones embellished with elaborate Rajasthani sculpting. At the very entrance, visitors are greeted by the figurines of Goddess Mahakali and Lord Hanuman.

The fort is currently under the jurisdiction of the Jammu and Kashmir State Archeology Department and was later renovated by the Vaishno Devi Sthapna Board. Today it is one of Jammu and Kashmir's eminent tourist landmarks that stands tall and transports visitors back into the pages of history.

Last Updated on 8/29/2011