The Exotically Rustic Bhongir Fort in Andhra Pradesh

Bhongir Fort, Andhra Pradesh
Bhongir Fort: Surviving the Ravages of Time
Bhongir Fort, Andhra Pradesh
Bhongir Fort: Surviving the Ravages of Time

Location: Bhongir, Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh

Most of the architectural glories of India’s past have lost their charm while suffering the ravages of time. What remains today is merely a vestige of a magnificent piece of architecture. The Bhongir fort in the state of Andhra Pradesh is one such structure. Located in the Nalgonda district in Hyderabad, this fort was once a massive impregnable structure but all that remains today is a silent ruin. The western Chalukya ruler, Tribhuvanamalla Vikramaditya VI, got the fort erected and thus, the fort was named after him.

The history of the Bhongir fort can be traced back to the 10th century. Initially named as Tribhuvanagiri, it was first renamed as Bhuvanagiri and finally as the Bhongir Fort. Spreading across an area of 50 acres, this magnificent structure was built at a height of 500 feet on the top of an enormous rock formation.  It has an unusual egg-shape with two main entry points that were covered with huge rocks for a tighter security. Encircled by a moat, the fort houses an underground chamber which was believed to be directly connected to the Golconda fort.

Owing to the height that it was built upon, the Bhongir fort offers a stupendous panoramic view of the neighboring area. The fine coroborration of an armory, several stables, trap doors and other areas of purpose makes for an interesting viewing for the visitors. Apart from the fort, there is a Hanuman temple and a number of ponds that can be seen at the hill-top. Special trekking tours are carried out to the fort in order to promote adventure activities in the state. Despite of its deformed structure, the Bhongir fort is regarded as a popular tourist spot in Andhra and offers a thrilling climbing experience to look out for!

Timings: 9 am- 5 pm