Shahpur Kandi Fort
Located at a distance of 7 kilometers from Pathankot, Shahpurkandi fort is a 16th century monument which is nestled at the foot of the majestic Himalayas. This monument dates back to 1505 A.D. and is named after the great Mughal emperor Shahjahan. Built by a Rajput Chieftain named Jaspal Singh Pathania, this monument is constructed overlooking the gushing river Ravi. With a history that surpasses one's imagination, this fort was originally erected to maintain supremacy and control over Nurpur and Kangra region.
This fort served as the last refuge of Ram Singh Pathania in 1848 AD when he rebelled against the atrocities of Britishers who insulted Rajput dignitaries. After intense battle between the two authorities, the British finally defeated Ram Singh Pathania after bribing the local priest. At present, the fort is the symbol of heroism and valor of the Rajput Chieftain who embraced death with lion’s heart. Though there are many mosques, temples and tombs near Gurdaspur, the Shahpurkandi fort solely remains the major tourist attraction of the city.
This monument was initially a famous historical attraction. However, with rise in the number of tourists visiting the area, this fort has now been converted in to a rest house which offers exclusive facilities for tourists. Connecting Jammu and Kashmir to the rest of India, this fort offers picturesque views of the river Ravi. With the delay in the restoration work, the fort may seem a bit disoriented with only partially preserved ruins. However, the remains of the fort are enough to speak for the glorious times of its history.
Shahpurkandi Fort At a Glance
One trip to Shahpurkandi Fort is enough to imbibe the rich history and tradition of Pathankot. Surrounded by diverse vicinities worth exploring, this place is a complete paradise for globetrotters who are fascinated by its uniqueness. With a touch of authenticity, Shahpurkandi fort is wonderful with all its rich intricate carvings and rigid construction. With prominent landmarks that are closely knit with history, this city is surely worth visiting for its beautiful elegant architecture. This village houses an ancient stone tank in its exterior.
Pathankot has a rich history which is clearly reflected in its delectable cuisine as well. Offering a wide range of flavors, the cuisine at Gurdaspur lets you explore the history of Shahpurkandi fort with fascinating stories that are narrated by its natives. The city is a perfect blend of the old and the new with dhaba facility and restaurants working hand-in-hand.
Best Time to Visit
Pathankot is a city which thrives in warm conditions for most of the year. The summers here are hot and the temperature usually rises as high as 43°C which makes them less favorable for tourists. So, it is best to avoid exploring this place during the months of March, April, May and June. Likewise, this place should also be avoided during the months of December, January and February as the temperature dips to as low as 1°C. The best time to visit Pathankot and its surroundings is during the months of October and November.
Places Near Shahpurkandi Fort
The visit to Shahpurkandi fort is best when coupled with a few tourist destinations in Punjab. Several caves can be found enroute to Shahpurkandi fort which has been glorified in Hindu mythology, Mahabharata. It is believed that the Pandavas had rested in these caves during their exile (Agayatvas). Ashapurni Mandir, Defence Colony Church, Natraj Mandir, Renuka Mandir, The Old Shiv temple, Hanuman Mandir, Baba Shere Khan, Ramleela ground, Shree Shiv Nag Mandir, Kali Mata ka Mandir, and Shani Dev Mandir are some of the prominent religious places which lie in close proximity to the fort. Ranjit Sagar Dam and Madhopur Headworks are some of the interesting places which are worth visiting. Many religious places are easily accessible via public transport from the fort.
How to Reach
By Air
The frequency of flights to Pathankot is not very good as there is no exclusive airport solely for commercial purposes. However, the city has a military airport that operates a few scheduled flights for commercial purposes. Auto rickshaws and taxis are available from the airport to reach Gurdaspur.
By Train
Pathankot Junction is one of the major railway stations in the state of Punjab which is well-connected to all big cities in the North. Auto rickshaws aid in transporting commuters to their desired destination from the railway station.
By Road
Shahpurkandi Fort is easily accessible via road. There are a number of buses which connect Haryana, Punjab, Jammu, Himachal Pradesh and other major cities to Gurdaspur. The city can be reached in less than six hours from Chandigarh through buses. Buses are also the cheapest mode of transportation.
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