The role of historic places in India is signified with 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 from the period they were designated as a heritage site. The authorities who have recognized the importance of these structures have put in efforts to keep them intact and restore their antique value. Kondapalli Fort in the state of Andhra Pradesh is one of the monuments that have become famous for their glorious past and the beauty they exhibit in the interior and exterior.
Location
Kondapalli Fort is in the Krishna district of Andhra Pradesh, near to the city of Vijayawada. In its initial days, the fort served as a recreational facility and a market place. The fort is in a hilly area at the west side of the village, after which it is named.
At present, the fort is in ruins, yet it is still visited by a large number of visitors because it is a legendary structure that narrates a tale of the changing times and people who were in some way associated with this fort. The ruins are located in the hills, and there are a lot of medicinal plants and other trees that continue to provide a serene environment.
History
Believed to be built in the thirteenth century by the rulers of the Reddy Dynasty, the fort was later occupied by the Bahmani Kingdom, Gajapati Kingdom, Vijayanagara Empire, and subsequently of 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 Reddy Dynasty and occupied the territory of Kondavidu. This happened in the year 1454, more than a century later after the fort was built. However, it was just a couple of years later in 1472, when Hamvira fought against his own brother Purushottam in alliance with the Sultan of Bahmany, that he gifted the Kondapalli and Rajahmundry to the Sultan for favoring him in the war.
The fate took a twist four years later in 1476. A revolution that began in the territory of Kondavidu resulted in a famine, and the military troops handed back the fort to Hamvira. Still, it was not the end to the ever increasing hunger for the power of the rulers who were eying new territories and the ones they had previously lost. This scenario happened when Purushottam tried to conquer the Kondapalli and Rajahmundry though he signed a peace treaty with Sultan III of the Bahmany Dynasty after he conquered Rajahmundry. This treaty created rifts between the rulers of Vijayanagar and Bahmany Dynasty and some minor battles followed by the rift. In 1481, Sultan Muhammad died, leaving behind the Kingdom of Bahmany in a chaotic situation. This situation compelled Purushottam to fight against the Sultan’s son and conquer the fort. When Purushottam died in 1947, his son became the emperor of the Kondapalli Fort.
The fort was later conquered by Krishnadevaraya, the ruler of Vijayanagar Empire in June 1515. Later in 1915, another war waged between Krishnadevaraya and Gajapati Prataprudra Deva, and Krishnadevaraya won again this time. Post victory, he married Gajapati Prataparudra Deva’s daughter. The blazes of wars over the fort were far from over. Sultan Quli Qutb of the Qutb Shah Dynasty conquered the fort in 1531. A ruler from the Orissa Kingdom tried to conquer the fort after the death of Prataprudra, but landed up in signing a treaty with Sultan Quli Qutb. When India was ruled by Britain, a pact was signed with the Nizam of Hyderabad State allowing the British to reign the territory. For the first few years, the fort became a business center, and in the later period, it served as a base for training military troops.
Structure
Now what you see is a fort that has been here for many centuries and has now turned into ruins. Despite its depleted structure, the fort still is worth looking at owing to the mystic charm it holds. There are three entrance gates for the fort. The main gate is 12 feet wide and 15 feet high. It is called “Dargah Darwaza” and is made out of a single block of granite. “Golkonda Darwaza” is another entrance point to the fort.
The fort is adjoined with a palace called Tanisha Mahal. Like the fort, this palace is also in ruins now. There is a water reservoir inside the fort, which still stores water and becomes dry during the summers. The authorities looking after the renovation of the fort are planning to make it a perfect tourist destination by connecting the road to the fort with the highway, constructing pathways, restrooms, restaurants, etc.
What to Do
Photographing and exploring the hilly area around the fort are the best things to do during your visit. You can stop at the Kondapalli village to buy toys made of a light Wight wood that grows in the hills itself. There are many depleted structures within the fort that are still worth seeing, owing to their historical significance.
Best Time to Visit
You should visit this fort during the winter season, from the month of September to February. The climate during this period is cool and pleasant. People who are making a visit at any other time of the year can also visit the fort, as it is open all year long.
How to Reach
The fort is at a distance of thirteen miles from Vijayawada. The route that connects Hyderabad and Vijayawada via rail passes through this village. Vijayawada is also connected to all the major cities of India through rail transport and the nearest airport is at a distance of around 10 miles from the city, thus making it easily accessible through all means.
Things to Remember
Vacations are for rejuvenating and pleasing your senses to the core. So, while visiting a place such as Kondapalli Fort, you must be prepared with all the things you need, right from your trekking gear, camera, accessories, sunscreens, warm clothes, and all that you need in order to make your trip comfortable and enjoyable.