The first time I saw Namakkal Fort was while driving to Chettinad (See my posts here and here). Perched on a hill in the heart of the town, it immediately caught my attention. I decided to explore it the next time I passed through Namakkal.
Recently, we had the opportunity to visit this historic fort during a trip. A short detour from our route led us to this fort.
Parking Confusion
Unfortunately, I hadn’t researched the parking situation properly. Upon entering the town, I parked at a paid lot next to the hill, assuming it was the correct spot. However, we soon realized that the fort’s entry point was on the opposite side of the hill. This resulted in an unplanned walk of nearly a kilometer to reach the start of the trek.
To save time and effort, the best place to park your vehicle is the parking lot near the Farmers’ Market.
Climbing the Fort
Finding the starting point of the trek wasn’t straightforward, as there were no signs directing visitors to the fort. With help from friendly locals, we reached the base, where a board provided information about the site. It read:
The fort is built on the summit of a rounded mass of white gneiss. The fort can be approached from the South-west, on which side narrow steps have been hewn in the rock. It can also be entered through a secret gate on the north. The walls are made of well-cut blocks, while mortar has been used at the courses. The construction of the fortress is ascribed by some to Ramachandra Naik, a Poligar of Sendamangalam, and by others to Lakshminarasayya, an officer under the Mysore Raja. It was captured by the English in 1768, only to be lost again to Hyder Ali a few months later. Besides the Fort, a Hindu temple and a Muhammadan flagstaff stand on the top of the rock.
The climb itself was straightforward, with well-laid steps and railings making the ascent easy. Thankfully, the weather was cloudy, which made the climb more enjoyable. As we ascended, we were treated to stunning panoramic views of Namakkal town below.
Exploring the Top
At the summit, we discovered a mix of ruined structures and a temple, all set against a serene backdrop. A small pond at the top added a touch of charm to the setting.
We spent a good amount of time soaking in the views, exploring the ruins, and enjoying the peaceful atmosphere before descending.
Summary
Namakkal Fort is a delightful place to visit if you’re passing through the town. Plan to spend at least an hour here, with the climb taking about 10-15 minutes each way. Attached to the fort are the two temples of Sri Ranganathar Temple and Sri Namarsimshaswamy temple. Please note that temples in Tamil Nadu closes in the afternoon.
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