Chandragiri a place well known for its various ancient structures was formed in 1000 AD by the Yadavarayas who have been the ruler of this place for almost three centuries. They built the place in the form of barricades and rampart. This place is in the southern part of India and was ruled over by the Kings of Vijaynagar in 1367 Ad. The Vijaynagar kings declaredChandragiri as its capital. The earlier capital of theirs was Penukonda. The decision to declare Chandragiri as its capital was the two unique natural architectural phenomenon one being the hills that lined around it and the other is having the Venkateshvara shrine in its vicinity in Trimula that is just 11 km or 7 miles in the north-east.Chandragiri located in Andhra Pradeshin southern India was beautified during this era and thus has numerous and mesmerizing temples and buildings. The Aravidu dynasty was the one who then ruled this place when the Vijayanagar Empire saw their downfall.

The most enchanting, fascinating and alluring are the Raja Mahal and Rani Mahal in the Chandragiri fort.

History

The Chandragiri fort that was built in 1000 AD because of its marvelous location as it barricades and ramparts Chandragiri was under the reign of Yadavarayas for a period of almost three centuries. It then was governed by Vijayanagara rulers in 1367. The place got its further fame in 1568 AD and was a pride for the future Vijayanagara kings who further planned and converted this already enchanting place with beautiful buildings and temples. During the period of Vijayanagara this place also experienced the composition of kavyas. In 1792 during the Mysore rule this place was obscured. Before the Mysore rule in 1646 this fort was invaded in the Golkanda territory. In the present time one can only get the glimpse of crumbled house of god of saivite and vaishnavite. The Raja Mahal and the Rani Mahal are also in the state of tumbling down.

Architecture

The mahal and the fort give the savor of Indian Art and Architecture that one can experience on the statues and sculptures.

King's Palace: King's palace or Raja Mahal was a three storeyed palace decked and capped with Hindu architectural elements is the finest pattern of Indo-Saracen architecture. The material used in fabricating the palace are stone, brick, lime mortar but without the use of timber. The tower in the middle that shelters the durbar hall is upto the two storey's. In 1640 Sri Rangaraya allowed this site as the site for fort St. George to the British. The gigantic pillars rise above the floor and the walls share the beauty of fine coating and have been immensely decorated.

Queen's Palace: Queen's palace or Rani Mahal shares a similar pattern and architecture as that of the King's Palace. The ground floor was firm and the first floor comprised of rooms with leveled top was festooned and ornated with sikhara. As per the prevalent saying the place belonged to the Queen or harem. Though the historical belief that this structure belonged tothe commanders.

How to Reach

By Air

For the international visitors to this place the nearest international airport is Chennai, Bangalore or Hyderabad. These airports then connect to Tirupati. For the domestic visitors flights are available directly to Tirupati.

By Rail

The nearest railway station to reach this fort is Tirupati which is well connected through rails all over the India.

By Road

If one likes to travel by road there are various options like hiring a taxi from Tirupati to Chandragiri. Taking the government or private buses that move to and fro between Tirupati and Chandragiri is another option. The very economical road transport available from the town bus-stand is a three wheeler or a rickshaw.

Things to Do

Archeological museum

The Raja Mahal that was a three storeyed building and a piece of art of Indo-Sarcen architecture of Vijayanagar era is now an archeological museum.

Special Events

Sound &LightShow

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/

Weather and Best Time to Visit

The favorable period to visit Chandragiri Fort is from September to January. Chittoor is not a place to visit during summers as the temperature in summer goes upto 400 C and does not gives its visitors who are not used to such weather conditions a good enjoyable time. This area experiences a moderate rainfall and is scattered over few months. The winters are pleasant in this part.

The summers are awful as the temperature fluctuates between 320C minimum and 410C maximum. The humidity is nearly 75%. The heat waves are common in summers.

If one is a rain lover then this period of rainfall from June to September is also favorable time as the place experiences modest rainfall. The rains give relief to the scorching summer heat and the weather improves entering the winter season. The temperature during these months varies about 320C.

Accomodation

Being very close to Tirupati one can plan the stay at Tirupati and can then shuttle to Chandragiri fort and Chanderi town.

Fort Kences( located very close to the railway station )

Renigunta Road,
Tirupati 517501

Hotel Sindhuri Park( Very close to the Railway station )

14-2-118 / 119, TP Area
OppGovindarajaSwamy temple Pushkarini
Tirupati - 517501

Hotel Bliss( Very close to the railway station and bus stand )

Near Ramanuja Circle
Renigunta road
Tirupati - 517501

Hotel Bhimas Residency( Very close to the railway station )

Near Railway Overbridge
Renigunta Road
Tirupati 517501

Timings and Tickets

Timings: 10.00 a.m - 5.00 p.m

Open on all days except Fridays

Entry charges are: Rs 100/adult

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