It’s more than meets the eye

After reaching the steep rocky hills that reach a height of more than 680 metres, you'll see ruins of a wall that are strengthened by bastions. These three hills, interconnected through lower spurs, form the home of the stronghold. The fort is a fascinating structure shaped like a shell, made up of 15 small forts, each with its own unique gateway. The outer wall, complete with bastions, connects all the gateways of the smaller forts. Additionally, the fort boasts two impressive buildings—a gymnasium and a barracks—that add to its allure and historical significance.

The fort's current structure is an intriguing blend of architectural styles, starting with the improvised form built by the Vijayanagara kings and later modified by the Marathas, the British, and the Nizams. Its origin traces back to the 7th century, under Vikramaditya VI, which later saw a struggle for its control by the Vijayanagara Empire to the Qutb Shahi dynasty of Golconda and Hyderabad. On the edge of the cliff, there is a small pavilion on a high cliff atop the fort, which offers a breathtaking view of the town and the surrounding areas. It is said that the Maratha general, Morari Rao, used to play chess here.

At the summit of the hill, you'll find a cluster of ancient wells and temples within the fort. The diverse array of temples includes the majestic Lakshmi Narasimha Temple, the serene Nageswara Swami Temple, the enchanting Hanuman Temple, the mystical Jyothimma Temple, and the revered Ramaswamy Temple. As if that wasn't enough, there's even a Dargah within the fort's walls, adding to the rich tapestry of spiritual heritage.

Venture to the citadel of the fort, perched on the westernmost circle of hillocks, and be rewarded with a breathtaking panoramic vista of the town below. The sunset from this vantage point is nothing short of spectacular, painting the sky with a myriad of colours and casting the entire landscape in a mesmerizing glow. To reach this captivating fortress, follow the well-laid paved path that winds its way from the base of the hillock to the summit.

Inside, you'll stumble upon remnants of a granary and gunpowder magazine, ingeniously carved reservoirs that capture the monsoon's bounty, and a remarkable collection of 108 wells, all contributing to the fort's resilience over time. This sophisticated water conservation system showcases ancient architects' advanced understanding of sustainability.