Arki Fort

Arki was the capital of the small Baghal state, and its fort was built in the second half of the 18th century by Rana Prithvi Singh, on a ridge between the Sutlej and the Ghambar. Its best-known feature is the Diwan Khana, whose walls carry frescoes of the late 18th and 19th centuries — court scenes, processions, hunting, and episodes from the epics — regarded as a distinct 'Arki' branch of Pahari mural painting. Part of the fort is lived in by the family and part is a heritage hotel; the painted rooms can usually be seen on request.

1. Arki is about 40 km from Solan and 50 km from Shimla, on a side road off the Shimla–Bilaspur route.
2. Buses run from Shimla, Solan and Nalagarh to Arki town; the fort is in the town.
3. Nearest airport is Shimla (Jubbarhatti); Kalka is the nearest broad-gauge railhead.

March to June and September to November for pleasant weather.

• The painted rooms are within a private residence — ask the caretaker or hotel to show them, and do not use flash.
• The fort has seen restoration needs over the years; some sections may be closed.
• Arki is off the main tourist routes; transport is less frequent, so plan the return trip.

Individual pages for these are added as they are reviewed.