Bahu Fort

Bahu Fort is a historic fort located on a rocky plateau on the left bank of the Tawi River in Jammu, Jammu and Kashmir. Believed to have been originally built by Raja Bahulochan about 3,000 years ago and later renovated by Dogra rulers, it is the oldest fort in Jammu. The fort encloses the revered Bawe Wali Mata Temple and is surrounded by the terraced Bagh-e-Bahu garden.

Visitors can expect a restored historic fort with thick stone walls and ramparts offering panoramic views of the Tawi River and Jammu city. Inside the fort complex is the white-marble Mahakali Temple (Bawe Wali Mata Temple) with devotees and pilgrims. Surrounding the fort is the terraced Bagh-e-Bahu garden with lawns, fountains and walkways, and an underground aquarium nearby. The site combines heritage architecture, religious activity and landscaped gardens.

Believed to have been originally built around 3,000 years ago by Raja Bahulochan, brother of Raja Jambu Lochan. The fort was later renovated and extended by Dogra rulers in the 19th century. It is considered the oldest fort in Jammu and served as a royal residence and defensive structure overlooking the Tawi River.

The fort encloses the Bawe Wali Mata Temple dedicated to Goddess Mahakali, highly revered by locals and regarded as the presiding deity of Jammu. The temple attracts large numbers of pilgrims, especially on Tuesdays and Sundays and during Navratri, and is central to the cultural and religious identity of Jammu.