Arki Attractions - Tourist Places To Visit In Arki

Constructed by Raja Prithvi Singh in the 18th century, Arki Palace is quite popular for its frescos, which have been done in the Arki Kalam style. Though the palace is decaying now, the mural paintings that display different subjects from Puranas, folklores, Kalidasa, and Kumarasambhava are worth visiting even today. Converted into a heritage hotel, this palace offers alluring views of the snowy mountains of the mighty Himalayan ranges. Moreover, it has numerous sculptures and artefacts, which represent the progressive kingdom of the Baghal period.

Arki Fort is a renowned tourist destination located in the town of Arki in Himachal Pradesh. This fort was built by Rana Prithvi Singh during the period from 1695 to 1700. Gurkhas, who used it as a stronghold to launch many attacks on the British, held it till 1815. The fort exhibits the fusion of Rajput and Mughal architectural styles. There is a collection of Pahari style wall paintings that show the lifestyle of people residing in the hilly areas. A part of the fort has been converted into a heritage hotel.

Situated at an altitude of 1200 m, Diwan-i-Khas, also known as the Audience Hall, is a prominent tourist location in Arki, Solan District. It was built in the year 1830 by Ram Shara Singh, an Arki ruler and a well-known patron of arts.

The Diwan-i-Khas is decorated with murals made in the Kangra, Rajasthani, Arki, Kullu and European styles. The drawings of flowery and small statues of females in the hall exhibit the strong influence of the Guler style. Chinese pictures, Punjabi folk art, raginis, erotic scenes of love, war scenes, animals, birds and stories from the Puranas are the subjects of the mural paintings present in the Diwan-i-Khas. All the pieces of art present in the hall are the perfect testaments of the rich artistic heritage of Arki.

Lutru Mahadev Temple is a popular tourist destination located at a distance of 4 km from Arki, Solan District in Himachal Pradesh. Devoted to the Hindu God Shiva, this temple was built by the king of Baghal in 1621. According to a myth, Lord Shiva appeared in the king's dream and asked him to build the temple.

A prominent site during the Shivratri festival, the temple houses a Shivalingam, the symbol of the deity. Located on top of a hill, the temple is a classic example of Shikhara style architecture. It offers a splendid view of the surroundings as it is situated at a high altitude.

Bhakhalag, a small village, is a major tourist destination located in the Solan District of Himachal Pradesh. It is situated at a distance of 9 km from Arki, this place is quite popular among tourists, as it offers enchanting views of the surroundings.

Shakhni Mahadev Temple is a prominent tourist destination in Arki, Himachal Pradesh. It is one of the three shrines of Arki, along with Jakholi Temple and Luturu Mahadeva Temple. Dedicated to Hindu God Shiva, the architectural design of the temple is influenced by 'Shikhara' style and exhibits unmatched artistic creativity. Nestled on the higher ranges of the mighty Himalayas, it offers an alluring view of the surrounding areas. This temple is frequented by visitors, as it is said that praying here brings good luck.

Durga Temple is a major tourist destination located between Batal Ghati and Arki. Devoted to the Hindu Goddess Durga, a female deity with the combined energies of all the gods, this temple organizes an annual fair during the Navratras, which start in the month of September or October. Designed in the Shikhara style of architecture, this temple is located opposite the Luturu Mahadev Temple. Tourists coming here can also enjoy the mesmerising views of the surrounding areas.

Laxminarayan Temple is a popular tourist destination that was built by Chattar Singh in the years 1664-90 AD in the town of Arki. Built in the 10th century, this shrine is devoted to the Hindu God Vishnu and his wife Lakshmi. The temple was built by Raja Sahil Varman in the Shikhara architectural style and is said to be the biggest and oldest of all the temples in the Chamba region. It has a Bimana, which is a shikhara and a garbgriha having a small antralaya, as well as a structure that looks like a mandapa.

A statue of Narasimhan, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, is also present in the temple. The temple was left untouched by the Muslim rulers who invaded the country in the medieval times. Its wooden roof is built in such a way that it offers a strong protection against snowfall. The temple complex also houses the shrines of RadhaKrishna, Shiva Temple of Chandergupta and Gauri Shankar.

Bhadrakali Temple, also known as Jakholi Devi Temple, is a popular tourist destination located in Arki. The shrine, built in the year 1650, is influenced by the Shikhara style of architecture and boasts of intricate artwork and design. One of the triple temples, this shrine is regarded as one of the prominent ‘Sakthi Peeths’ of Himachal Pradesh. Thronged by devotees all year long, the temple is dedicated to the Hindu Goddess Kali, who is regarded as a ferocious incarnation of Goddess Durga. According to popular belief, a visit to the temple would bring peace to the devotees' hearts and the reigning deity will fulfill all their wishes.

Gangeshwar Mahadev Temple is a prominent tourist destination located in close proximity to the Durga Temple. This shrine has a water spring, which serves as the permanent source of water to the town of Arki.

Kunihar, a valley located in Arki, is a major tourist destination of Solan. Also known as Hatkot and Choti Vilayat, it was christened 'Kunihar' by Rajiv Gandhi, the former Prime Minister of India, as it resembled a garland in shape. The valley was discovered by a Raghubansi Rajput, Abhoj Dev of Jammu, in the year 1154. The valley also offers an opportunity to visit the Shri Devi Temple and Shri Dano Devta Temple, dedicated to Kulja Devi and Dano Devta, respectively. Kunihar Talab, a lake, is another attraction that is situated in the Kunihar Valley.

Just 4.6 km away from Arki, Batal is a village located at the foot of Kunzum La Pass and acts as a resting point for visitors who are heading to Kaza. It offers picturesque views of the Chandra River, Bara Shigri Glacier, and the triangular peaks that are situated in the South. Moreover, this place is also regarded as the base for rock climbing and trekking. Places like Losar, Gramphu, and Chotta Shigri are in close proximity to Batal Village.

The Sair Fair is a popular event that is held every year on the Sakranti of Ashwin, which falls in the month of September. This festival is organised in honour of Banar Devta and includes various cultural activities, such as singing and dancing, during the evenings. The most popular attraction of the Sair Fair is the buffalo fight, where trained buffaloes are pitted against each other by the locals. It attracts thousands of visitors every year, including many prominent personalities.