Arki is a small town in the Solan district of Himachal Pradesh, India. Nestled peacefully in the Shivalik Hills, it was once the capital of the old Baghal kingdom. Known for its rich history, ancient temples, beautiful hills, and the simple Himachali way of life, Arki offers a peaceful escape from busy city life.
But it is not as popular as nearby places like Shimla or Kasauli, Arki has its own unique charm. It is the perfect place for tourists who wish to experience a mix of history, nature and spirituality. If you’re seeking an offbeat destination where you can enjoy peaceful walks in the hills, breathe fresh mountain air, or soak in local traditions, Arki has something special for everyone.
In this guide, we will cover everything you need to know about visiting Arki, from its historical landmarks to adventure opportunities, so you can plan a smooth and enjoyable trip to this hidden gem of Himachal Pradesh. Let’s go out on a thorough exploration of this lovely hill town.
Table of Contents
Overview of Arki
Arki is a serene hill town nestled at an altitude of around 1,600 meters (5,249 feet) in the Shivalik range at the foothills of the Himalayas. Its name, meaning “a sunny place,” truly reflects the town’s pleasant and inviting weather throughout the year.
The town is covered by natural green hills which offer scenic views of mountain ranges and deep valleys along with a tranquil atmosphere. It’s an ideal destination for nature lovers, history enthusiasts, and anyone seeking a quiet escape from the noise of city life.
History and Heritage of Arki
Arki was once the capital of the princely state of Baghal, founded in the 11th century by Rana Ajai Dev of the Parmar Rajput clan from Rajasthan. In 1643, Rana Sabha Chand made Arki the capital and from that time the town began to grow in importance.
For centuries, the rulers of Baghal protected their territory from surrounding powers and managed life in the difficult Himalayan terrain. Their efforts and influence shaped much of what Arki is today.
The town’s most famous landmark is the Arki Fort, built in the late 1600s and later expanded by rulers like Raja Prithvi Singh. The fort served as a royal residence and a government office which was decorated with detailed wall paintings that reflect its rich culture.
In the early 1800s, the fort was taken over by Gurkha forces led by General Amar Singh Thapa. After a few years, it was regained by the Baghal rulers with British help during the Gurkha War of 1815–1816. Today, the Arki Fort proudly represents the town’s royal past.
Top Attractions in Arki
Arki is a small town that has multiple interesting attractions to see. From old forts to peaceful temples and nearby hill stations. Here are some of the best places to visit when you are in Arki and nearby areas –
1. Arki Fort
Arki Fort is a grand structure built in the 17th century that shows a beautiful mix of Rajput and Mughal architecture. The fort has stunning wall paintings and spacious halls that take you back in time. From the top you can enjoy amazing views of the hills and valleys.
2. Chail
Chail is a peaceful hill station located not far from Arki surrounded by thick forests and cool mountain air. Visitors come here to see the famous Chail Palace and walk through quiet nature trails. One of the highlights is the world’s highest cricket ground which makes this place even more special.
3. Kasauli
Kasauli is a nearby hill town known for its clean air, pine trees and vintage charm. It has lovely places like Christ Church, narrow walking paths and scenic spots such as Monkey Point where you can see breathtaking views. It’s the ideal weekend escape from city life because of the pleasant weather all year.
4. Jakholi Devi Temple
This is a beautiful temple dedicated to Goddess Jakholi built in a unique Shikhara style. Surrounded by hills and greenery the temple is peaceful and perfect for those seeking quiet and spiritual moments. Its age-old architecture and natural setting attract both devotees and travelers.
5. Durga Temple
Another important temple in Arki, the Durga Temple is located on a hill. It is devoted to the Goddess Durga and is admired for its peaceful spiritual atmosphere. Visitors come here to pray, meditate or simply sit and enjoy the calm surroundings. The view from the temple is also worth seeing.
6. Baba Balak Nath Temple
This hilltop temple is devoted to Baba Balak Nath, a well-known saint in the region. Throughout the year, a lot of people come to the temple to feel its spiritual energy and ask for blessings. It is surrounded by trees and hills, making it peaceful and ideal for a short trek.
7. Luturu Mahadev Temple
Just 4 kilometers from Arki this colorful pink and white temple is more than 400 years old and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It has a unique three-storey design which sits on a hill offering a quiet and peaceful place away from the town. The temple’s location and unique look make it worth the short trip.
8. Kali Ka Tibba
About 45 km from Arki near Chail, this hilltop temple is devoted to Goddess Kali. It offers stunning views of the valleys and mountains. The temple is a peaceful place and looks especially beautiful at sunrise or sunset.
Hotels in Arki
Arki offers a mix of stay options for every kind of traveler from budget-friendly rooms to peaceful resorts with lovely mountain views. These are a certain popular places to stay –
- Hotel Arki Palace
- Shivalik Heights Resort
- The Pinewood Resort
- Himachali Cottage
Restaurants in Arki
Though Arki is a small town, it has some great places offering local Himachali dishes as well as North Indian food. Here are a few popular ones –
- The Himalayan Café
- Nihari Restaurant
- Café Shivalik
- Sarovar Restaurant
Hospitals and Medical Facilities in Arki
Arki has basic healthcare services to handle common illnesses and emergencies.For major treatments or emergencies, it’s better to go to Solan or Shimla, which have bigger hospitals. Some main healthcare options include –
- Government Hospital Arki
- Dr. Bhatia’s Clinic
- Kalyan Hospital (Solan)
Nearby Major Hospitals –
- Indira Gandhi Medical College, Shimla
- Kasauli Medical Centre, Solan
Schools in Arki
Arki has a few good schools that serve the local community offering education up to senior secondary level. For college and higher studies, students usually go to nearby cities.
- Government Senior Secondary School Arki
- Little Angels School Arki
Climate and Best Time to Visit Arki
Arki has a pleasant and peaceful climate throughout the year which makes it a nice place to visit almost anytime. The best time to escape the heat is during the cool and beautiful summer months from March to June. From July to September, the monsoon turns the hills into lush greenery, but it’s wise to travel with caution as the rains may sometimes cause landslides. The winter months from November to February are cold and sometimes snowy, which makes the place look very beautiful. Since you’ll be the one enjoying the weather, select the time of year that works best for you.
Best time to visit: March to June and September to November.
How to Reach Arki
Arki is nicely accessible to Himachal Pradesh’s major towns and other states –
- By Air – The nearest airport is Shimla Airport (Jubarhatti), about 40 km away. However, the airport has limited connectivity. For better options, Chandigarh International Airport (approximately 100 km away) is more reliable.
- By Train – The closest railhead is at Kalka (70 km), which is well-connected with Delhi and Chandigarh. There are buses and taxis from Kalka to Arki.
- By Road – Arki is accessible via a network of well-maintained roads. Regular buses and taxis operate from Shimla, Solan, and Chandigarh. The journey to Arki through beautiful mountain roads is an adventure as a whole itself.
Nearby Destinations
Despite being a serene haven, Arki is an excellent place to explore the area because of its many nearby attractions –
- Shimla (40 km)
- Solan (38 km)
- Kasauli (65 km)
- Subathu (30 km)
Conclusion
Arki is a peaceful and beautiful hill station with a rich history and many interesting places to explore. Its pleasant climate and nearby attractions make it an ideal spot for travelers looking for a quiet and relaxing getaway. Whether you want to unwind in nature, explore historic forts, or enjoy local culture and temples, Arki offers a refreshing and memorable experience. This hidden gem in Himachal Pradesh is perfect for anyone seeking a peaceful escape away from crowded tourist spots to give you a chance to connect with nature and history in a calm and friendly environment.
Also Read – Top 10 Restaurants in Himachal Pradesh