Field guides / Azad Jammu and Kashmir / Muzaffarabad & Leepa / Saraa-e-Akbari (Black Fort), Muzaffarabad
Field guide · Heritage
Muzaffarabad
Muzaffarabad District · Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan
Saraa-e-Akbari (Black Fort), Muzaffarabad
A Mughal sarai above the Neelum in Muzaffarabad, built by Ali Mardan Khan and now called the Black Fort.
The Saraa-e-Akbari, today called the Black Fort, is a Mughal sarai above the river junction on the west side of Muzaffarabad, at about 699 m. It was built by Ali Mardan Khan, governor of Kashmir, on the order of Shah Jahan, like the sarais along the Pir Panjal route.
Why go
- ✦A Mughal sarai above the Neelum
- ✦Built by Ali Mardan Khan
- ✦Six bastions of brick and stone
- ✦Steps down to the river
About
The sarai covers about 38 kanals, walled in red brick, stone and lime, with six bastions, two of them flanking the entrance on the west, and steps down to the Neelum. It served as a military post and a prison. After 1947 it was an army training centre, and it is still in government use, so it can only be seen from outside.
How to Reach
On the west side of Muzaffarabad above the river; in government use, so view it from outside.
Responsible Travel
Treat the site as protected heritage: do not scratch, climb or remove material, and follow caretaker instructions.
Planning tip
Best Time to Visit, March to November.
Getting there, On the west side of Muzaffarabad above the river; in government use, so view it from outside.
Allow, Under an hour.
What to Do
Nearby
Straight-line distance from Saraa-e-Akbari (Black Fort), Muzaffarabad, within 5 km.
