CHANDRAGIRI FORT
AT
TIRUPATI
Chandragiri Fort is Under the control of Archaeological Survey Of India, and it is situated in Chandragiri near Tirupati of Chitoor District in Andra pradesh state of India.
Chandragiri Fort was built on huge rock by Vijayanagar Rulers in 1000 AD. Surrounded by eight ruined temples, the fort complex has Raja Mahal, Rani Mahal and other ruined structures. The Archaeological Museum houses in three storied Raja Mahal and displays good collection of artifacts and sculptures relating to Chola and Vijayanagar period.
The Chandragiri Fort is located at Chandragiri which was once upon a time the Capital city of the Vijayanagara Empire and is linked with the Aravidu dynasty. The Chandragiri Fort dates back to 1000 AD. Overtime, more and more improvements were made to it to make it more beautiful and elegant to look.
The fort is strategically located over the top of a small 183m hill. The southern side of the hill is enclosed by strong walls, surrounded by a ditch so as to prevent any intruder from entering into the fort. The remains of the lower fort contain the two Mahals, the lower portion of which is built in stone and the upper in brick. The main building known as the 'Raj (Chandragiri) Mahal' is majestic in appearance and with the modern colorful lighting system introduced, the Mahal is a delight to the eyes and gives a nice view to the eyes during night. The modern town of Chandragiri lies to the east of the hill on which the fort stands.
The Raja Mahal palace is now an Archaeological museum, which houses a great collection of metal and stone sculptures dating back to 2nd BC. The museum can be categorised into Bronze Gallery, stone Gallery, Model Gallery and Yaganti Gallery.
Bronze Gallery host articrafts that wer made out of Pancha loha, a mixture of Copper, brass white lead, silver and golder metals. The gallery hosts a collection of utensils, coins, temple ware, dating back to 10th centure A.D. The highlights of the bronze collection are the bells, harathi plates, idols of Lord Vishnu, Navaneetha Krishna, Sita and Ram, Lord Vishnu with Sridevi and Bhudevi, Veerbadra incarnation of Lord Shiva with four hands. There is also a lion leg which is made out of Bronze.
Sound & LightShow is conducted here:
1st Show (Telugu): Nov-Feb: 6.30 pm to 7.15 pm; Mar-Oct: 7.00 pm to 7.45 pm
2nd Show (English): Nov-Feb: 7.30 pm to 8.15pm; Mar-Oct: 8.00pm to 8.45 pm
Ticket Cost: Adult: Rs.20/- Child: Rs.10/-
By Air
Nearest airport is Tirupati with 57 km.
By Train
Nearest railway station is Chittoor.
By Bus
Buses and private vehicles are available from other cities to Chittoor.
