• State: Jammu and Kashmir
• District: Srinagar
• Famous for: stone carving, historical and mythological importance
• Languages: Hindi, English and local language
• Best Season: May to September (summer and springs)
• Altitude: 5000+ feet above the sea level
• Pin code: 193101
• STD code: 0194xxxxxx (may vary)

Parihaspora is populated at Karewa Land, which is 24 km away from Srinagar, capital of J&K. It lies on the road between Srinagar & Baramulla. It is also known as forgotten Buddhist capital. Throughout first interval of Dogra Rule it was known as Pargana “Paraspur”. The remains of Parihaspur Budhist site are currently distributed over 3 karewa, known as Kane Shahs Karewa (main rock structure), Govrardhan Karewa and Budh Karewa.

The Story from Its Past

Parihaspora Budhistic Site was developed and peopled by legendary King Lalitadita (695-731 AD) and later he made it his and Kashmir’s capital. Parihapora is currently known are Kane Shahr, which means ‘city of stones’. The historical ruins are still seen at four locations, which are famous as Dewar Yekhmanpur, Teirgam, Govardhan karewa (Wudur), and Budh karewa. It was noticed by a team of archaeologists that this place is home to many spiritual and mythological structures and castles. At the time when Parishapur was blossoming as a town, Jhelum River (also known as Vitasta) and Sindh River would fulfill at Naid Khai place and beyond Nigli Nallah would be a part of circulation down in Wular Lake (the biggest lake of Asia). This historical town comprise some special places such as Govardhan, Parhas Keshav, Mukta Keshav, Raj Vihar and Mahavrah. The emperor was also the one who made efforts to develop a Citadel of metal rock in Parihapora. However, the remains of this Citadel are not seen. In this town Turkish Reverend of the king, known as Chuknan, had designed a Stupa, carcasses of which still exist.

Devastation of this massive fantastic town has been due to several conflicts between leaders and the last devastation of this town is attributed to Sultan Sikander (1379-1413 AD). However, the framework of Palaces and Wats (temples) has been in existence since the era of Sangram Raj (1003-28 AD). Some researchers say that during Kushan era (79-15 BC) Elegant Bodh Vihar was designed here and 3rd Budh Meeting of Kashmir is considered to have been organised here (79 BC) as obvious from the identities of certain rocks found.

Best Time to Visit

Summers and spring are the best time to visit this holy Buddhist place. Morning and evenings can get cold here because of the altitude. That’s why it’s recommended to have a tour of here in the noon or early in the evening.

How to Reach

It is easy to get to Srinagar by all means of transport. From Srinagar, you can easily find cabs and buses for Parihaspora Budhistic Site.