Gingee Fort, Tiruvannamalai - Timings, History, Architecture, Best Time to Visit

About Gingee Fort

At a distance of 2 Km from Gingee Bus Stand, 71 Km from Pondicherry, 85 Km from Kanchipuram, and 93 Km from Vellore, Gingee Fort or Senji Fort is an ancient hill fort situated at the Gingee village in the Villupuram district of Tamilnadu. It is one of the largest surviving forts in Tamilnadu, and among the popular heritage sites near Chennai. The fort complex is characterized by its imposing walls and meticulously crafted defenses. Its fortifications were so formidable that Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the Maratha king, deemed it the 'most impregnable fortress in India,' while the British referred to it as the 'Troy of the East.' A visit to the fort provides an exceptional opportunity to appreciate the architectural excellence and cultural heritage of South India.

History of Gingee Fort

The origins of Gingee Fort are shrouded in some mystery, but most historians believe it became a full-fledged fort in the 13th century. Initially constructed by Ananta Kon around 1190 AD, the Gingee Fort was subsequently reinforced by Krishna Kon. In the 13th century, it underwent modifications to transform it into an impregnable citadel, aimed at safeguarding the town of Gingee, under the direction of Kottailinga Kurumbar King. According to one narrative, the fort was also developed during the 15th and 16th centuries by the Gingee Nayaks, who were vassals of the Vijayanagara Empire and later emerged as independent rulers. The fort served as a strategic stronghold to repel invading forces.

In 1638, Gingee came under the control of the Bijapur Sultanate. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj seized Gingee Fort in 1677, deeming it 'the most impregnable fort in India.' The fort faced a siege by the Mughals in 1691 when it became the administrative center of the Carnatic. During Aurangzeb's military campaign in the Deccan, Rajaram, Shivaji's second son and successor, took refuge in Gingee and continued to resist the Mughals from there. Despite enduring a siege for seven years, the Mughals were unable to capture the fort, which ultimately fell in 1698. It was subsequently handed over to the Carnatic Nawabs, who lost it to the French in 1750, before the British gained control in 1761, despite losing it to Hyder Ali for a brief period. Raja Desingh governed Gingee during the 18th century, but the fort was regrettably abandoned in the 19th century.

Mythology of Gingee Fort

The legend of Gingee Fort centers on Raja Tej Singh also referred to as Raja Desingu, a Rajput prince hailing from Bundelkhand. Following the death of his father, the Nawab of Arcot, a Mughal governor, asserted his claim over Gingee and demanded tribute from Tej Singh, who refused. Despite commanding a smaller army, Tej Singh valiantly defended the fort against the Nawab's superior forces. Ultimately, he lost his life in the conflict, and it is said that his wife chose to self-immolate on his funeral pyre. Raja Desingu is commemorated as a hero who sacrificed his life for the defense of Gingee, and his legacy endures through local ballads, street performances, and even a Tamil biographical film.

Architecture of Gingee Fort

The Gingee Fort complex is situated across three hillocks: Krishnagiri to the north, Rajagiri to the west, and Chakkiliya Durg to the southeast. Collectively, these hills form the fort complex, with each hill featuring its own distinct and self-sufficient citadel. The fortifications extend over 13 kilometers, and the three hills are interconnected by walls that enclose an area of 11 square kilometers. Constructed at an elevation of 800 feet, the fort is safeguarded by a moat that is 80 feet wide. To access the fort, visitors must navigate a lengthy series of steps along a rugged hill path.

Rajagiri

The principal hill, which accommodates the main fort, is known as Rajagiri. Formerly known as Kamalagiri and Anandagiri, it rises to a height of 800 meters and is regarded as the most formidable. Its peak is isolated from external communication and encircled by a deep natural ravine measuring approximately 9 meters in width and 18 meters in depth. To access the citadel, one must traverse this chasm using a small wooden drawbridge. At the summit of Rajagiri hills lies the Kamalakanni Amman temple. The citadel comprises essential structures, including stables, public meeting halls, granaries, mosques, shrines, and pavilions. Notable features include the impressive seven-storey Kalyana Mahal, Ranganathar Temple, a watchtower, and a bell tower. Furthermore, the complex is home to a sacred pond known as Aanaikulam.

The lower fort encompasses several significant sites, such as Arcot Gate, Pondicherry Gate, the prison located atop Pondicherry Gate, Royal Battery, Venkataramanaswami Temple, Pattabhi Ramaswami Temple, Sadatulla Khan's mosque, and the Chettikulam and Chakrakulam tanks. It also includes the platform where Raja Desingh met his demise in battle, a large stone statue of Hanuman, and a well designated for prisoners, where those sentenced to death were abandoned to perish from starvation. Additionally, a site museum established by the Archaeological Survey of India is located at the fort's entrance, showcasing sculptures from various historical periods and the numerous dynasties that have governed Gingee.

Krishnagiri

The second notable hillock featuring a prominent citadel is referred to as Krishnagiri. Situated to the north of the Tiruvannamalai road, this fort is smaller in both size and elevation when compared to Rajagiri Fort. A staircase hewn from granite stones ascends to its summit. Although the strategic and military significance of this fort is somewhat diminished, it boasts several remarkable structures from a later era. Additionally, it is commonly called the English Mountain, likely due to the British inhabitants who occupied the fort for a period.

Chakkiliya Durg

The third fort for is called Chakkiliya Durg or Chamar Tikri meaning the fort of the Chamars. This is the least important fort and was occupied by the Chamars. There is nothing much left of Chandrayan Durg and Chakkilli Durg. Their flanks are now completely covered with thorny shrubs and stone pieces.

Gingee Fort Timings

Monday: 9 AM - 5 PM (Entry to climb the hill stops at 3 PM)
Tuesday: 9 AM - 5 PM (Entry to climb the hill stops at 3 PM)
Wednesday: 9 AM - 5 PM (Entry to climb the hill stops at 3 PM)
Thursday: 9 AM - 5 PM (Entry to climb the hill stops at 3 PM)
Friday: 9 AM - 5 PM (Entry to climb the hill stops at 3 PM)
Saturday: 9 AM - 5 PM (Entry to climb the hill stops at 3 PM)
Sunday: 9 AM - 5 PM (Entry to climb the hill stops at 3 PM)

Gingee Fort Entry Fee

Entry Fee for Indians is Rs. 30 & for Foreigners is Rs. 300

Tips for Visiting Gingee Fort

1. Anticipate a climb of moderate difficulty that consists of approximately 1000 steps.
2. Bring sunscreen and don a hat or cap for sun protection.
3. Ensure you have sufficient water and snacks, as there are no dining options available until Tindivanam.
4. Opt for comfortable footwear, as the ascent may be demanding.

Best Time to Visit Gingee Fort

The best time to visit Gingee Fort is during the cooler months, specifically from November to February, when the climate is suitable for trekking and exploring the site. The monsoon season, which lasts from June to September, may bring intermittent rainfall, potentially rendering the paths slippery. The summer months can be excessively hot, with temperatures exceeding 40°C, making the ascent to the fort quite challenging; therefore, it is advisable to refrain from visiting during this time. Additionally, it is recommended to start your visit early in the day to avoid the heat of the afternoon. Besides, it is not allowed to climb after 3 PM due to the approximately three-hour duration required for the ascent and descent.

How to Reach Gingee Fort

About 135 km from Gingee, Chennai International Airport serves as the closest airport, offering a range of domestic and international flights. Travelers can utilize buses or taxis from the airport to access Gingee Fort. The nearest railway station is Villupuram, situated 36 kilometers away, which provides regular train services from various cities in Tamil Nadu. From Villupuram, visitors can hire a cab or take a bus to reach the fort. Additionally, travelers can opt for road transport via buses, auto-rickshaws, or taxis from nearby locations such as Villupuram, Pondicherry, Chennai, Tiruvannamalai, Kanchipuram, and Vellore to arrive at Gingee Fort. One has to pass through a long flight of 1000 steps along the rocky hill track to reach the top of the fort.