Pithoragarh Fort

Pithoragarh Fort, also known as London Fort, is a historic stone fortification located on a hilltop on the outskirts of Pithoragarh town in Uttarakhand. Built by the Gorkhas in 1789 and later taken over by the British in 1815, the fort offers panoramic views of the Soar Valley and surrounding Himalayan peaks. The structure features rooms with tilted maroon roofs that house museum and art collections, along with ramparts providing scenic viewpoints.

Visitors can explore the historic fort ruins situated on a hilltop overlooking Pithoragarh town and the Soar Valley. The fort features stone structures, rooms with tilted maroon roofs housing museum and art collections, and ramparts offering panoramic views. A large banyan tree stands near the main British-era administrative building. The site provides opportunities for photography and sightseeing with views of snow-capped peaks and the valley below.

Built by the Gorkhas in 1789 after they took over the town, the fort served as a strategic military position. The British captured the fort in 1815 during their expansion into the region and renamed it London Fort. The fort has 152 holes designed for long gunfire, reflecting its defensive military architecture. Tradition suggests an earlier fort named Prithvigarh was built during the Chand Rajas period.

The fort represents Gorkha architectural heritage and colonial history in the Kumaon region. It serves as an important landmark showcasing the historical transitions of power in Uttarakhand from the Chand dynasty to Gorkha rule and subsequently British administration.