CHANDRAGIRI FORT tells you the story about rulers of Sacred Land of Tirupati

When someone visits Tirupati only one thing comes in mind “Tirupati Balaji Temple”.

But to know who ruled this sacred land you gotta visit “Chandragiri Fort” (located in Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh) which is believed to have been built in 11th century AD by Immadi Narasimha Yadavaraya later improved by Vijayanagar rulers.

Most famous Vijayanagar king of Tuluva dynasty King Sri Krishna Dev Ray spent long time here as a prince before he was crowned (once upon a time I used to watch Tenali Rama on TV and became a fan of this great king for his love for art-culture, his intelligence and the way he protected his kingdom).

Not more than 15km from Vishnu Nivasam (from where you buy ticket for Tirupati Balaji Darshan) the Fort is located. Chandragiri Fort is a protected monument as declared by Archeological Survey of India. It is comprised of Raja Mahal and Rani Mahal and few ruined temples. Entry time 9am to 5pm. Friday is a holiday.

On the way to Chandragiri Fort saw few small temples (entry closed during our visit) which surround the fort and simple stone gates. Got our tickets from the ticket counter.

Saw two guards sitting on the chairs near the entrance shouting “HRRRRR” and few monkeys ran towards opposite direction!

History of Chandragiri Fort and Raja Mahal

Spotted many monkeys in the campus! And our son loved chasing them 🙂

Stone statue – Rani Mahal on the back

As you walk towards the museum/Raja Mahal you will see small stone arts on both sides. Also some headless statues (became headless probably due to vandalism or during shifting or due to natural reasons) . Two canons at the entry of the museum welcomes you.

Majestic Raja Mahal

Little nature enthusiast 🙂

Chandragiri Fort is believed to be the place where King Sri Krishna Dev Ray met his future brave queen Chinna Devi.

Entrance of Raja Mahal/Archeological Museum of Chandragiri Fort

Raja Mahal is now converted into Archeological Museum showcasing historical materials belonging to 16th to 17th century AD. The museum is a three storied building and is built of stone and brick in mortar and no timber is used. At first you see stone statues of historical period. Then durbar hall.

There is a place called “Echo Point” where whatever sound you make it comes back. You can see canon shots, worshipping materials (arti thali etc.), Shiva linga, photographs of old art forms (probably cave arts) belonging to ancient time, Statue of Vijayanagar king Krishna Dev Ray and his two wives, old coins of this region, miniature version of the fort and model map of the complex.

Alwar/Guard of God Vishnu

View from 1st floor of Raja Mahal

The hill is very beautiful. People believe that Lord Vishnu himself is taking rest in the form of stone. And truly you can imagine head, body and leg if you see the stone formation

Beautiful stairs compelled us to sit and take a family photo 🙂

In between Raja Mahal and Rani Mahal (on northern side of Raja Mahal)there is a pond which was a water resource when ancient rulers stayed here.

Pond of Chandragiri Fort

Towards Rani Mahal you will see big old trees and feel close to nature as you hear chirping of the birds and of course monkeys running here and there!

Distant View of Rani Mahal

Rani Mahal

Ground floor of Rani Mahal is open like a stable and the rooms in the upstairs are believed to be for the commanders of the fort (then why is it called Rani Mahal? Probably to synchronize with Raja Mahal? No staff of the fort could answer me)

After seeing Raja Mahal and Rani Mahal I asked the guards regarding location of fort. They said these are all here to see. I was thinking “then how come this place is called Chandragiri Fort when there is no fort?”

Later when I looked opposite to Rani Mahal I found out some stairs and a warning sign “Entry Restricted”. Fort is not open to the public!

View of Chandragiri on the way back

Sound and light show was not open to the public yet during our trip.

As a curious soul and history addict I loved my visit to Chandragiri Fort. And if I had a time machine I would have gone to the time of Sri Krishna Dev Ray!