Pithoragarh Fort is located in Pithoragarh, the easternmost district of the state of Uttarakhand. It is situated at an altitude of about 1650 meters above sea level, as written on the plaque outside the fort. Pithoragarh Fort, also known by many other names like London Fort, Baulki Fort (bowl-shaped fort), and Gorkha Killa is one of the top places to visit in the Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand. This small fort offers a majestic top view of Pithoragarh nestled in the hills of Kali Kumaon. Pithoragarh is also known as Mini Kashmir of Uttarakhand.
Pithoragarh Fort, Uttarakhand
Pithoragarh Fort is spread over an area of about 6.5 nali or 1300 square meters. Nali is a unit to measure the area of land and is mainly used in Uttarakhand. 1 nali (drain land) =200.6 sq.m.
It mainly consists of open plains with walls about 6-7 feet high, which are protected from attacks by enemies. The length of the walls is about 88.5 meters. There are also 152 holes in the thick walls so that guns can be fired at them without being noticed by the enemies.
A memorial plaque is also located inside the fort which states that 1005 soldiers from Pithoragarh participated in the First World War and 32 of them lost their lives. Several rooms with sloping maroon roofs are also present in the fort complex, which houses the museum and art collection.
Pithoragarh Fort History
Pithoragarh Fort is said to have been built by Piru alias Prithvi Gusain, who ruled the region during the Chand period in the year 1789. The city was ruled by the Chand dynasty and was named Pathoragarh after the ruler Pithora Chand. Also, the fort was named Pithoragarh Fort after the city of Pithoragarh.
In 1815, the region of Kumaon was occupied by the British and they changed the name of the fort from Boulaki Fort to London Fort under the leadership of E.Gardner. For more than 130 years, since 1881, the fort was used as a working office for the Tehsil but is now being converted to its original form to attract tourists.
Apart from history buffs and architecture enthusiasts, the quaint town with its serene and idyllic landscape offers an attractive destination for nature lovers. The fort is also no less on this front. For photographers, Chhota Kashmir is indeed a paradise that offers an all-in-one package. Architectural masterpiece standing on a hilltop offering panoramic views of the mighty Himalayas
Constant efforts are made to save this fort from ruin and to add new facilities like a museum to promote tourism and to declare it as a national heritage.
Things to Do At Pithoragarh Fort
- Explore the World War I plaque that serves as a memorial to the war heroes of Pithoragarh.
- Enjoy a bird’s eye view of the entire city nestled in the Tire Valley.
- Enjoy the breathtaking view of the hills of Kali Kumaon.
- Feel the breath of fresh air coming from Kali River.
Traveler Tips
- The area is quite vast and covers rolling hilly roads. So be careful while traveling. Wear comfortable shoes.
- Carry a water bottle with you to keep yourself hydrated.
- The fort houses the Gurkha headquarters and tehsils. So, don’t trespass on those properties.
- Most of the historic part is in ruins, so tread carefully.
- Plan well in advance, need time to explore the place.
- Don’t forget to visit the nearby attractions as there are a lot of sightseeing activities here.
Best Time to Visit Pithoragarh Fort
- The city of Pithoragarh, situated in a beautiful valley, has a pleasant climate throughout the year.
- However, spring and autumn are the most beautiful times of the year to visit the city.
- Monsoon is not so good here and hence it is best to avoid it.
- The ideal time to visit this place is April-May and October to December. April and October are the best times of the year.
How To Reach
By Air:- The nearest Airport to the Pithoragarh Fort is the Naini Saini Airport, at a driving distance of 7 km and can be accessed within 20 minutes. But Flight is not frequent here. So The Second nearest airport to Pithoragarh is located in Pantnagar (almost 241.6 km away in the Nainital district). Buses and cabs are available from the airport to this place.
By Train:- The nearest Railway Station to the Pithoragarh Fort is the Tanakpur Railway Station, which is located at a distance of 145.5 km from the fort. Cars and taxi services can be used to reach the fort.
By Road:- Pithoragarh district is well connected with the other parts of the state through roads. Buses are the best mode of transport from nearby areas in Uttarakhand.
NOTE:- In this article, we cover all the important details regarding Pithoragarh Fort, Uttarakhand like the best time to visit, and Activities you can do in this place, Still If you have any other queries you can visit the gov official website of Uttarakhand Tourism. And If you want to know the best places to visit in Uttarakhand then visit our website uttarakhandeyes.com.
