Quick Answer
Parihaspora (also Parihaspur) is an archaeological site near Pattan in Baramulla district, about 22 km north-west of Srinagar on a plateau above the Jhelum. It was the capital built by Lalitaditya Muktapida, the 8th-century Karkota king, and the chronicler Kalhana records his palace and temples here, including one to Vishnu. Today only huge carved stone blocks and foundations remain, with the base of a large stupa; locals call it Kani Shahar, "city of stones". Entry is free, and it is a short detour on the Srinagar-Gulmarg or Srinagar-Baramulla road.
Lalitaditya is remembered as Kashmir's most powerful early king, and Parihaspora was meant to show it: a planned city of palaces, temples and Buddhist monuments. What remains is a wide, grassy plateau scattered with enormous dressed blocks, platforms and column bases, quiet enough that you may have it to yourself.
What you can see
- The stupa base: the platform of a large Buddhist stupa, one of the biggest structures on the site.
- Temple and monastery footings: foundations and carved blocks of the temples Kalhana describes, still in place.
- The Govardhana monument: fenced by the J&K archaeology department in 2025.
- The view: across the Jhelum floodplain towards the Pir Panjal.
How to reach Parihaspora
| From | Distance | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Srinagar | About 22 km, 45 minutes to 1 hour | Towards Pattan on the Baramulla road |
| Gulmarg | About 1 to 1.5 hours | Via Tangmarg and Magam or Pattan |
Approximate.
There is no public transport to the site itself. A cab from Srinagar can add it to a Gulmarg or Baramulla day; allow 45 minutes to walk the ruins. Wear shoes with grip: the ground is uneven and the blocks are not for climbing.
Best time to visit
April to October, ideally in the morning or late afternoon light. The plateau is exposed, so carry water and a hat in summer. In winter it is often muddy or under snow.
Pair it with
Stop at Parihaspora on the way to or from Gulmarg, or build a heritage day with Burzahom, Awantipora and Martand. See the culture and heritage guide for more.
Plan a heritage day
Send your dates. We add Parihaspora to your Gulmarg or Srinagar cab.
Further reading from Kashmir Pulse
- Pari Mahal Srinagar: The Hilltop Ruins Most Visitors Drive Past Without Stopping
Pari Mahal is a 17th-century terraced monument on the Zabarwan hillside above Dal Lake, built by Dara Shikoh as a library and observatory....
- Naranag, Kashmir: The 8th-Century Temple Ruins Most Tourists Walk Past
Naranag is an 8th-century Karkota temple complex at 2,400m near Kangan - mostly unvisited, genuinely remarkable, and the base camp for the...
- Awantipora Ruins: Twin 9th-Century Temples on the Jhelum Highway
A guide to the Awantipora ruins - two 9th-century Hindu temple complexes on the Srinagar-Jammu highway, among the finest pre-Islamic...
- Martand Sun Temple: Kashmir's Ancient Ruins Near Anantnag
A guide to the Martand Sun Temple - the finest 8th-century stone ruins in Kashmir, near Anantnag. Architecture, history, how to visit, and...
Frequently Asked Questions
Who built Parihaspora?
King Lalitaditya Muktapida of the Karkota dynasty, in the 8th century, as his capital.
Where is Parihaspora?
Near Pattan in Baramulla district, about 22 km north-west of Srinagar.
What does Kani Shahar mean?
"City of stones", the local name for the ruins.
Is there an entry fee at Parihaspora?
No. The site is open and free to visit.
Can I visit Parihaspora on the way to Gulmarg?
Yes. It is a short detour and adds about an hour to the day.
Written by Via Kashmir Editorial Team
Last checked November 2026
Via Kashmir is a Srinagar-based travel company built around one goal: giving travellers the best possible Kashmir experience. Our team puts together the best-priced hotels, cabs, Kashmir tour packages, and adventure packages with real sports activities, drawing on daily, on-the-ground knowledge of Kashmir's roads, weather, and seasons. Every guide on this site is written and checked by our local Srinagar team.