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Andhra Pradesh

Gooty Fort

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map

January

13.3 - 34.5 °C

February

14.9 - 37.7 °C

March

18.0 - 40.8 °C

April

21.2 - 42.2 °C

May

21.7 - 42.3 °C

June

22.5 - 39.4 °C

July

22.2 - 37.0 °C

August

22.2 - 36.2 °C

September

21.4 - 36.2 °C

October

19.5 - 35.1 °C

November

15.5 - 33.5 °C

December

13.3 - 32.5 °C


Major Airports :

Kempegowda International Airport (BLR), Bengaluru

Nearest Railway Station :

Anantapur Railway Station (ATP)

Major Airports :

Kempegowda International Airport (BLR), Bengaluru

A fortress that withstood conquests

Gooty, or Gutti as the locals refer to it, is unlike any fort you might encounter on your way to Anantapur. It's a citadel with a surprise inside. Often referred to as Ravadurg, it is a fort complex with 15 small forts inside. The fort is also enlisted as one of the centrally protected monuments of national importance. But don't be fooled by the ruins you see before you. Gooty Fort is an architectural marvel ahead of its time, which saw many kings try to conquer it. The kingdoms rose and fell, but Gooty Fort still stands strong, holding its ground atop the hills of Gooty. Maybe that’s why an inscription of Bukkaraya mentions this place as ‘King of Forts’.

It’s more than meets the eye

After reaching the steep rocky hills that reach a height of more than 680 metres, you'll see ruins of a wall that are strengthened by bastions. These three hills, interconnected through lower spurs, form the home of the stronghold. The fort is a fascinating structure shaped like a shell, made up of 15 small forts, each with its own unique gateway. The outer wall, complete with bastions, connects all the gateways of the smaller forts. Additionally, the fort boasts two impressive buildings—a gymnasium and a barracks—that add to its allure and historical significance.

The fort's current structure is an intriguing blend of architectural styles, starting with the improvised form built by the Vijayanagara kings and later modified by the Marathas, the British, and the Nizams. Its origin traces back to the 7th century, under Vikramaditya VI, which later saw a struggle for its control by the Vijayanagara Empire to the Qutb Shahi dynasty of Golconda and Hyderabad. On the edge of the cliff, there is a small pavilion on a high cliff atop the fort, which offers a breathtaking view of the town and the surrounding areas. It is said that the Maratha general, Morari Rao, used to play chess here.

At the summit of the hill, you'll find a cluster of ancient wells and temples within the fort. The diverse array of temples includes the majestic Lakshmi Narasimha Temple, the serene Nageswara Swami Temple, the enchanting Hanuman Temple, the mystical Jyothimma Temple, and the revered Ramaswamy Temple. As if that wasn't enough, there's even a Dargah within the fort's walls, adding to the rich tapestry of spiritual heritage.

Venture to the citadel of the fort, perched on the westernmost circle of hillocks, and be rewarded with a breathtaking panoramic vista of the town below. The sunset from this vantage point is nothing short of spectacular, painting the sky with a myriad of colours and casting the entire landscape in a mesmerizing glow. To reach this captivating fortress, follow the well-laid paved path that winds its way from the base of the hillock to the summit.

Inside, you'll stumble upon remnants of a granary and gunpowder magazine, ingeniously carved reservoirs that capture the monsoon's bounty, and a remarkable collection of 108 wells, all contributing to the fort's resilience over time. This sophisticated water conservation system showcases ancient architects' advanced understanding of sustainability.


Gooty-Fort
Timings

Opening time - 09:00 AM

Closing time - 06:00 PM

What more to explore

A treasure trove of tourist attractions awaits eager travellers who want to explore around the fort. The fort's influence extends to its surroundings, where the Bugga Ramalingeswara Swamy Temple stands as a fine example of the Vijayanagara Empire's architectural legacy. Explore the Mounagiri Hanuman Temple and the natural wonder of Belum Caves to spend some time with spirituality in the lap of nature. Explore the nearby town of Gooty, with its bustling markets and vibrant culture, or embark on a pilgrimage to the sacred shrine of Ahobilam, just a stone's throw away. Nature enthusiasts will find solace in the verdant beauty of Nallamala Forests, home to a diverse array of flora and fauna.

Nobody can comprehend the architectural marvel that Goody Fort is just by looking at the ruins. It’s much more than meets the eye and has stood the test of time. Gooty awaits, ready to unfold its secrets and leave you spellbound. We hope to see you there. 

Best time to visit

The best time to visit Gooty Fort is from November to February.