Historical

Uttarayan Complex is the prestigious place in Santhiniketan blessed by the life of Rabindranath Tagore, It is here the great poet lived for his lifetime. This complex contains several buildings in distinct architectural styles. There is a Prayer Hall, built in 1863 by Maharshi Debendranath Tagore where Brahmo prayers used to be held. The art gallery and museum in this complex is credited with the Nobel Prize medal, a bangle and a watch of the poet. Murals are displayed exceptionally in the gallery of the complex.

Tagore’s Ashram is founded by Maharshi Debendra tagore, father of Rabindranath Tagore, in 1863 located in Santhiniketan. The ashram was dedicated for the spreading of the concept Brahmo Dharma. The ashram presently engaged in activities for the upliftment of socio and economically poor sections of the society. The Ashram is a good picnic spot and placed in the picturesque surroundings.

Chhatimtala was the place where Maharshi Debendranath Tagore, father of famous poet and Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore, meditated daily and devoted himself to world peace. This is famous tourist spot situated at Shantiniketan. Chhatimtala is closely related to Vishva Bharati University as the students who are graduated from here are honored with a branch of Saptaparni tree seen in Chhatimtala. There is a prayer hall of Maharshi Devendranath Tagore, which attracts many visitors is located in this place.

Apart from the Kathi Darwaza, Hari Prabat Fort has a second entrance names Sangin Darwaza. This entrance does not have any inscriptions where Kathi Darwaza has Persian inscriptions at the entrance. These are structural evidence of Mughal invasion in the valley, mainly built by brick or stone masonry.

The two Darwazas, Sangin Darwaza and Kathi Darwaza, and the shrine of Akhun Mulla Shah are worth enough to have a visit. Most of the tourists visit here to have a close look at the architectural style during Mughal period.

The Hari Parbat or the Mughal Fort, located on the banks of the world renowned Dal Lake, has two gates known as Kathi Darwaza and Sangin Darwaza. The Kathi Darwaza, assumed to be the main entrance of the Hari Parbat Fort, is a very simple structure with a domed chamber in the center and two recesses in the sides.

To the West of the Dal Lake, on the mount of famous and natural wonder Hari Parbat, an ancient Mughal Fort known as Hari Parbat Fort is located. This historical fort is assumed to be built during the 18th century by an Afghan Governer, Atta Mohammad Khan. A long stretch of walls is seen around the hill and was constructed in 1590 by the great Mughal Emperor Akbar.

Archaeological department is maintaining this fort and is an attractive historical monument of Srinagar. State Archaeological Department issues the required permission to visit the fort. Other attractions nearby are Lalmandi Square and Sharika Devi Temple.

Archaeologically very important place in Srinagar, Burzahom is in the northwest of beautiful Shalimar Gardens. Lying on the cradle of an ancient lake that is dried up now, Burzahom stands for 'place of birch' in local language and has the legacy of the first Neolithic site to be exposed in Jammu and Kashmir.

This excavation site brought out many valuable ancient artifacts supposed to be old more than 5000 years. The archaeologically important materials collected include arrowheads, animal skeletons, implements, tools and pots from the Neolithic age.

The foundation of historic fort building in the capital of erestwhile Poonch Riyasat, presently the headquarter of truncated Poonch district, was laid by Raja Adbul Razaq Khan in 1713 A.D. The actual construction work was started by his illustrious son Raja Rustam Khan who was a great lover of architecture and after whose name Poonch was earlier known as Rustam Nagar. Originally the Fort was planned as a composite structure for the fortification of the town as well as for housing the Royal Palace.

Alyhough Raja Rustam Khan originally belonged to Rathore clan of Rajasthan, the architectural style of the Fort had distinct Mughal influence although quality of construction had not reached the perfection of better known Mughal architecture.

Located just a km away from Katra, Jahan Kosha-a massive canon which is about 17.5ft long was built by Janardhan Karmakar, a 17th century craftsman from Dhaka. There is a lovely mosque which is believed to have the footprint of the revered prophet Hazrat Mohammad.