Sher Garhi Palace

Wonderful landmark in the state capital of Jammu & Kashmir state of India, Sher Garhi Palace is one of the major attractions that describe the past history of entire region. Having been transformed into 'Old Secretariat' the historic palace is still an important address in the state capital. The former rulers of Kashmir, Maharaja of Jammu & Kashmir used this palace as administrative headquarters cum residence of the local kingdom. Several Gogra kings had occupied this palace for centuries until the state of J&K became part of the Indian Union and henceforth this palace was used for democratic state administrative purposes for many decades.

History

It was in the year 1772 that the then Afghan Governor, Jawansher Khan had built the Sher Garhi Palace which literally meant the 'tiger fortress'. It remained one of the major power centers over the centuries as various rulers of this region including the longest ones from the Dogra Dynasty occupying it to rule the area. As location of this palace complex is in the extreme southern Srinagar it is very much close to the Jhelum River at its banks. Its strategic location makes this palace a beautiful one to see and feel the splendidness. With an unfortunate event of fire in the 21st century many important treasures of this palace were burnt.

By the time centuries had passed, Sher Garhi Palace welcomed ample progresses and growths with new buildings being added inside the palace complex. It was in the 19th century that this palace had extended further like it had already been witnessing on the previous occasions. Today, whole Sher Garhi Palace complex is the famous address in the state of J&K known as the 'Old Secretariat'. Many crucial administrative department offices of the state government are located inside the palace complex.

Architecture

Considered an important monument in J&K state, Sher Garhi Palace is the replica of great architecture from the past era. It is one such historic monument in the region whose identity of powerful architecture of the past centuries are well assessed. The buildings inside this palace are true representation of Dogra culture and civilization. Visitors arrive here to feel and study the architectural mastery that had been shown to build this palace several centuries ago. Even though it was damaged on many occasions due to fire et al its beauty is still towering.

Best Time to Visit

Srinagar is famous for its beauty and wonderful weather condition throughout the year. The area literally gets covered through the snow during winters. Interestingly summer is hardly turns hotter in this region. It is therefore best to visit this place during the summertime itself while you can explore this place to maximum extent. In case you are keen to enjoy seeing snowfall then you might explore visiting here during the winters. Don’t forget carrying ample warm clothes to counter the even minus zero temperature which causes chilling cold.

Visitor Information

How to Reach

Air

Srinagar Domestic Airport links this city with the prominent Indian cities by air. Many flights operate from national capital Delhi and nearby airports for Srinagar.

Rail

Jammu Tawi railway station is the nearest railway station at the distance of mere 262 kilometers from the Srinagar city. Travellers willing to visit J&K by the train route may arrive until this station and then continue the onward journey by the local available means through roadways.

Road

National highways link Srinagar city with many other nearby cities where state and interstate buses operate to carry the passengers. Those willing to travel Srinagar by bus may choose to travel by the roadways. They have better options to travel through the luxury buses. Good number of private vehicles is also seen on these roads that lead towards Srinagar city.

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