Chandragiri fort near Tirupati

I knew about this fort but was not aware that it was near Tirupati. While driving from Kalyani dam to Tirupati, I saw a board mentioning about “sound and light show” in Chandragiri fort. I asked Chaya to get more information about the fort. The pictures looked nice and the fort was only a short detour from the route to Tirupati. Without any hesitation, I changed the destination in the map to Chandragiri fort!!

Raja Mahal as seen from the first floor of Rani Mahal

we were welcomed by the simple entrance at the fort. After paying the entrance fees, we entered into the complex. The information board at the entrance provided a quick overview of the history of the fort.

History of the fort

Chandragiri fort is believed to have been built in 1000 AD by Immadi Narasimha Yadavaraya, a Karvetinagara chieftain of Narayanavaram. Vijayanagar rulers of the Saluva dynasty improved this fort considerably. After the battle of Talikota in 1565, when the capital shifted from Hampi to Penukonda in 1567, this became the third capital of declining Vijaynagar empire in 1592.It surrendered to Hyderali in 1782 and was in the control of Mysore till the treaty of Sreerangapatnam in 1792. It then came under the control of British.

Raja and Rani Mahal

The main structures at the base of the fort is Raja Mahal and Rani Mahal. Raja Mahal is an imposing three storey structure. The entire construction is made of stone and brick in mortar and well plastered. There is no use of timber anywhere. Central durbar occupies the two storeys. A classic example of late Vinayanagar architecture.

The historic event of donation of site for the construction of Fort Saint George at Madras (now Chennai) by Damerla Venkatadri in 1639 AD was ratified Sriranga III in this fort. It is said that Sri Krishna Devaraya was kept restricted in this fort till his coronation. Lot of events has taken place!!

Statues of Vijaynagar rulers in Raja Mahal

Raja Mahal today is a museum with nice collection of the items that were found in Chandragiri. This should not be missed at all. The headless sculptures in front of Raja Mahal shows the vandalism that took place.

Rani Mahal is a smaller structure similar to Raja Mahal. The ground floor looks like a stable and the first floor has quarters. During our visit, a pre (or post!!) wedding photoshoot was happening in front of Rani Mahal!! (See the colours on the right side. The couple are behind the pillar)

Upper parts of the fort

I could see the imposing fort walls on the hill it looked very impressive. I searched for the path to enter into the upper areas of the fort but the entry was prohibited. Anyway, it was evening time and it was not possible to climb up. It would be a nice activity to hike up to the top of the fort.

I was told that the “Sound and Light show” instruments were damaged due to lighting last year. It was not yet restored.

An abandoned temple

There is a dilapidated temple on the other side of the fort. ASI seems to have made some effort to restore the temple.

In general, it is a nice place to visit if you are visiting Tirupati. It is about 15km drive from Tirupati. You would need an hour or two to see the fort.