Thursday, 28 January 2021

Bhongir Fort Thousand-year-old and Standing

Why visit old forts and other historical places?

To learn history first hand.

But if I am not interested in history, then?

Then you can marvel at the architecture of a bygone era.

And if buildings and architecture don't interest me then?

Then you can simply take a hike up a hill.

That's more like it! I am game.

That was the reaction of most of the members of an Armed Forces Bicycling Club. Aged between nine and sixty nine, thirty individuals together explored the thousand-year-old Bhongir Fort in Telangana. Being from the defence services, all the hikers loved being outdoors. This story takes you around the fort and its ruins. A companion story will narrate the hike per se.

Where is the Fort


Do Hyderabadis know about it?






How Does the Fort Look Like?

























How is the Vegetation on the rocky hill?









For those wanting a quick tour, here is the link to a four-minute video version of this story.

The slopes of the Fort get transformed during the monsoon. You may browse a YouTube video here.

Other Details
Entrance Fee (Jan 2021 prices): Rs 10 per adult and Rs 5 per child
Camera Fee: Rs 50 for DSLRs. No charges for cell phone cameras.
Timings: 9 AM to 5 PM on all days
Guide: No official guide. But local guide available.
Rest Rooms: Available but may not be very clean due to water shortage.
Parking: Outside the main entrance at owner's risk.

Brief History
It was built in the 10th century on an isolated monolithic rock by the Western Chalukya ruler Tribhuvanamalla Vikramaditya VI and was thus named after him as Tribhuvanagiri. This name gradually became Bhuvanagiri and subsequently Bhongir. It has a unique egg-shaped construction with two entry points protected by huge rocks, so the fort was considered practically impregnable by invading armies. The fort is associated with the rule of queen Rudramadevi and her grandson Prataparudra II.

On completion of our hike, we met Vinod Kumar, a local guide who gave us a brief introduction to the Fort. You may browse the video link of his talk below.

Thanks for browsing the story. We end with another PQ- picturesque quote- on ruins.
Hope we have been able to take you on a virtual hike during the pandemic times.
Stay safe and stay connected.

    -   Harsh-the-Ghumakkad with Neeta Bhargava/ 28th Jan 2021

#bhongirfort #telangana #hillforts #hiking #thousandyearold #history #rsisecunderabad #veterans #armedforces #ruins #pqs #picturesquequotes #adventure

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17 comments:

  1. Unknown28 January 2021 at 22:52

    Lovely journey seen through your lens.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Unknown28 January 2021 at 23:05

    Absolutely amazing place,a must visit.
    The journey through the lens makes it all the more interesting.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Jai29 January 2021 at 06:13

    Thank you for this virtual tour Sir.

    I have often tried to call imagine as to what life in one of these forts/palaces of yore would have been like.

    Most of the basic creature comforts that we take so much for granted today (and without which we can't imagine life) would have been beyond the reach of even emperors and kings.

    And yet, these monuments are so charming and intriguing.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Harsh Bhargava29 January 2021 at 10:57

      Thanks so much Jai for your insight. Changing times I guess.

      Delete
  4. CD Sawant29 January 2021 at 06:48

    Lots of historical information. As always Harsh at his best.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Harsh Bhargava29 January 2021 at 10:58

      Thanks General. Our field outing together is long overdue!

      Delete
  5. L M Khanna29 January 2021 at 07:29

    Riveting description Enjoyed every bit of it and all the photos. Great.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Harsh Bhargava29 January 2021 at 11:01

      Thank you Lalit. You are Ghumakkad's regular reader. Much appreciate.

      Delete
  6. Parag Sharma29 January 2021 at 17:25

    Sir, I remember earlier also I mentioned about this unique hill feature and fort. All pilots from Armed Forces trained at AFA, had the view of this fort from top. This was a recognizable feature on ground to orientate and be situationally aware of position. One can also see this fort while travelling in train, from Secunderabad to northwards. And closer to Bhongir is Yadgirigutta , famous for Devdasi temple. Regards Ever Sir. Parag

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Harsh Bhargava29 January 2021 at 21:48

      Yes Parag. You were a Winner of KBG-23! Thanks again for sharing your memories.

      Delete
  7. Ron2 February 2021 at 14:39

    Interesting. Must visit

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Harsh Bhargava4 February 2021 at 22:15

      Thanks much Ron. Do plan a hike. Let me know if you need any help.

      Delete
  8. Trixie Asirvatham4 February 2021 at 14:32

    Majestic. Lonely. Towering. Like many monuments in India, this too could be better preserved.
    The slideshow was a wonderful recap. The sunset and the flora in the environment and lend their charm, while the Picturesque Quotes add depth to your presentation.

    Thanks for sharing!
    Trixie

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Harsh Bhargava4 February 2021 at 22:17

      Thanks Trixie for your time. You have been instrumental in the growth of this blog.

      Delete
  9. Trixie Asirvatham4 February 2021 at 14:32

    Majestic. Lonely. Towering. Like many monuments in India, this too could be better preserved.
    The slideshow was a wonderful recap. The sunset and the flora in the environment and lend their charm, while the Picturesque Quotes add depth to your presentation.

    Thanks for sharing!
    Trixie

    ReplyDelete

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