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The 18th century fort tops the Sharika Hill, which is
clearly visible, rising to the west of Dal
Lake. The fort was constructed by Atta Mohammed Khan from 1776 but
the surrounding wall is much older, it was built between 1592 and 1598
during the rule of Akbar.
The
Old Wall And Fort Decors
The wall stretches for 5-km and is 10 metres high and has two gates, the
Kathi and Sangin Darwaza. The Kathi is the main entrance with Persian
commemorative inscriptions surrounding it. The Sangin, however, is more
ornate with sculptured windows on either side.
Visits to the fort, now used as an arsenal, are only possible with
written permission from the director of tourism so for most visitors the
fort will remain just a pleasant backdrop. The fort contains a temple
revered for its image of the Goddess Sharika.
Shrine Of Guru Chatti Padshahi
Outside the fort's southern gate there is a shrine to the sixth Sikh
guru. It's known as the Chatti Padshahi. The hill, which rises 122 metres
from the valley floor, is surrounded by orchards of almond trees where
many Kashmiris come for picnics in the spring and summer.