The role of historic places in India is signified by the purpose with which they were built and the legends associated with them. The glory of these monuments and their appeal has been attracting thousands of tourists since the time they were designated as heritage sites. The authorities who have recognized the importance of these structures have made efforts to keep them intact and restore their antique value. Kondapalli Fort, in the state of Andhra Pradesh, is one such monument that has become famous for its glorious past and the beauty it exhibits, both in its interior and exterior.
- Location: Krishna District, Andhra Pradesh, near Vijayawada.
- Built: 13th century by the Reddy Dynasty.
- Area: 18 square kilometers.
- Historical Rulers: Reddy Dynasty, Bahmani Sultanate, Gajapati Kingdom, Vijayanagara Empire, Qutb Shahi Dynasty.
- Key Structures:
- Dargah Darwaza: Main entrance, 12×15 feet, granite.
- Tanisha Mahal: Ruined palace.
- Water Reservoir: Stores water during rains.
- Best Time to Visit: September to February (Winter).
- Activities: Explore ruins, photography, visit Kondapalli village for wooden toys.
- Accessibility: 13 miles from Vijayawada, accessible by rail, road, and air (nearest airport 10 miles away).
Location
Kondapalli Fort is in the Krishna district of Andhra Pradesh, near the city of Vijayawada. In its initial days, the fort served as a recreational facility and a marketplace. The fort is situated in a hilly area on the west side of the village, after which it is named.
At present, the fort is in ruins, yet it continues to be visited by a large number of tourists due to its legendary status and the stories it tells of the changing times and the people associated with it. The ruins are located in the hills, and there are many medicinal plants and other trees that provide a serene environment.
History
Believed to have been built in the 13th century by the rulers of the Reddy Dynasty, the fort was later occupied by the Bahmani Kingdom, the Gajapati Kingdom, the Vijayanagara Empire, and eventually the Qutb Shahi Dynasty. The fort covers an area of roughly 18 square kilometers.
A ruler of the Gajapati Kingdom, Hamvira, overthrew the rulers of the Reddy Dynasty and occupied the territory of Kondavidu in 1454. However, just two years later, in 1472, Hamvira fought against his own brother, Purushottam, in alliance with the Sultan of Bahmani, and he subsequently gifted Kondapalli and Rajahmundry to the Sultan for supporting him in the war.
In 1476, a revolution in the Kondavidu region led to a famine, and the military troops handed the fort back to Hamvira. This, however, was not the end of the ongoing struggles for power. Purushottam tried to conquer Kondapalli and Rajahmundry but signed a peace treaty with Sultan Muhammad III of the Bahmani Dynasty after conquering Rajahmundry. This treaty created a rift between the Vijayanagara Empire and the Bahmani Sultanate, leading to minor battles. In 1481, Sultan Muhammad died, leaving the Bahmani Kingdom in chaos. This led Purushottam to fight against the Sultan’s son and eventually conquer the fort. When Purushottam died in 1497, his son became the ruler of the Kondapalli Fort.
The fort was later conquered by Krishnadevaraya, the ruler of the Vijayanagara Empire, in June 1515. A war later erupted between Krishnadevaraya and Gajapati Prataprudra Deva, which Krishnadevaraya won. Post-victory, he married Gajapati Prataprudra Deva’s daughter. However, the battles for the fort were far from over. Sultan Quli Qutb Shah of the Qutb Shahi Dynasty conquered the fort in 1531. A ruler from the Orissa Kingdom tried to conquer the fort after the death of Prataprudra, but instead, he signed a treaty with Sultan Quli Qutb Shah. During British rule, a pact was signed with the Nizam of Hyderabad State, which allowed the British to control the territory. Initially, the fort became a business center, and later it served as a base for military training.
Structure
What remains today is a fort that has withstood centuries and is now in ruins. Despite its dilapidated state, the fort still captivates visitors with its mystic charm. There are three entrance gates to the fort. The main gate is 12 feet wide and 15 feet high. It is called “Dargah Darwaza” and is made from a single block of granite. Another entrance is called “Golkonda Darwaza.”
The fort is adjoined with a palace called Tanisha Mahal, which, like the fort, is also in ruins. Inside the fort, there is a water reservoir that still stores water during the rainy season but dries up during summer. Authorities in charge of the fort’s restoration are planning to make it a perfect tourist destination by connecting the road to the fort with the highway, constructing pathways, restrooms, restaurants, and other amenities.
What to Do
Photographing and exploring the hilly area around the fort are the best activities during your visit. You can also stop by Kondapalli village to buy toys made of a light wood that grows in the hills. There are many other historical structures within the fort that, although in ruins, are worth seeing for their historical significance.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit the fort is during the winter season, from September to February, when the weather is cool and pleasant. However, the fort is open year-round, and visitors can visit at any time, though the summer months can be quite hot.
How to Reach
Kondapalli Fort is located about 13 miles from Vijayawada. The route connecting Hyderabad and Vijayawada by rail passes through this village. Vijayawada is well connected by rail to most major cities of India, and the nearest airport is about 10 miles from the city, making the fort easily accessible by all means of transport.
Things to Remember
Vacations are for rejuvenating and pleasing your senses to the core. While visiting a place such as Kondapalli Fort, make sure to come prepared with all the necessary items, such as trekking gear, camera accessories, sunscreen, warm clothes, and anything else you might need to make your trip comfortable and enjoyable.
