Bhuvanagiri Fort located in the heart of the rocky terrains of Telangana is not only a symbol of history but also a mystery that has been a subject of discussion among the travellers. It is believed that the foundation of the fort was laid on a single stone, which is a giant stone and the story goes that this stone was shifted by a hypnotised elephant named Sudarsana. This is one of the many intriguing stories associated with Bhuvanagiri Fort and there are many more stories that have left the people intrigued and eager to explore the fort.
Bhuvanagiri Fort History And Significance
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Bhuvanagiri Fort also called Bhongir Fort was built in the year 1076. It was built by the western Chalukya ruler, Tribhuvanamalla Vikramaditya VI after whom the structure has been named. The fort was built on a hill which made it easy to monitor the surrounding area and hence was a very important military base. For centuries, the Bhuvanagiri Fort has been an important part of the area’s history. It has seen the emergence and decline of different dynasties such as the Kakatiyas, the Bahmanis and the Qutb Shahis. All these rulers made contributions to the architecture of the fort and hence the mixture of styles and cultures is evident in this structure.
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Bhuvanagiri Fort Architecture
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Bhuvanagiri Fort is an architectural wonder which has elements of Hindu and Mughal architecture. The architectural structure of the fort is quite impressive, with large walls, beautiful carvings and well-placed bastions. The fort is about 50 acres in size, and several buildings and trails lead up to the top. The fort’s structure is a blend of the different dynasties that controlled the place. The early structures of the fort were of Chalukyan style, while the later structures, built by Kakatiyas and Qutb Shahis, were of Islamic style. The combination of both styles has made Bhuvanagiri Fort a special place of interest for historians and architecture lovers.
Bhuvanagiri Fort Features
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The Bhuvanagiri Fort, like many other forts in India, has many structures, such as a big gate, massive stone walls and many bastions. This fort’s primary entrance is called the Darwaza, giving an initial impression of how grand this place really is. Remarkable sculptures of old artisans are famous due to some lovely engravings on these walls made centuries ago. Also, these underground chambers with enough room to keep all grains and ammunition for several months deserve special mention when discussing highlights concerning Bhuvanagiri Fort. Another interesting architectural element is the rock-cut cisterns, which ensured a constant water supply for the people in the fort.
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Bhuvanagiri Fort Timings
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Bhuvanagiri Fort Timings for visitors are from 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM every day of the week. One should ideally get to the place early in the morning to have a look at the fort at a mild pace and not in the heat of the day. The best time of the year to visit Bhuvanagiri Fort for hot-weather activities is between December end and March start of the following year.
Bhuvanagiri Fort Entry Fee
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Bhuvanagiri Fort entry fee is INR 10 for adults and INR 5 for children. The entry is free for children below the age of 12, thus making it best to visit with all family members. The fort offers stunning panoramic views, making it an excellent spot for photography and sightseeing.
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Places To See Around Bhuvanagiri Fort
Many tourist attractions surround Bhuvanagiri Fort, promising visitors a rewarding trip. From exploring ancient temples to enjoying scenic views and soaking in the cultural charm of the city, there are plenty of things to see and explore around the fort.
1. Yadagirigutta Temple
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Yadagirigutta Temple is a famous Hindu temple located about 14 km from Bhuvanagiri Fort and is devoted to Lord Narasimha. The temple is built on a hill and from the top of it one can get a magnificent view of the countryside. It attracts pilgrims from far and wide who are in search of divine intervention and blessings from the mighty gods. The temple is designed and built in a mix of South Indian and modern architectural styles. This makes it an interesting cultural and religious site and very interesting for architecture history students.
Entry Ticket Price: Free
Days Needed: Half a day
2. Bhongir Lake
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Bhongir Lake is yet another nearby attraction located near the Bhuvanagiri Fort. Primarily admired for its visuals, this lovely spot is universally adored as it serves as a superb place for having a picnic and nice boat rides. A visitor may stand on the banks and gaze at a serene water body whose surface accurately mirrors the term ‘rest.’
Entry Ticket Price: Free
Days Needed: Half a day
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3. Kolanupaka Jain Temple
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Located about 20 km away from Bhuvanagiri Fort, Kolanupaka Jain Temple is a religious shrine built for three gods, namely Lord Rishabhanatha, Lord Neminatha and Lord Mahavira Lord. Famous for its beautiful architecture and detailed sculptures, the temple represents the history of Jainism in Telangana. The temple has well-designed pillars and ceilings and has many historical items that give people an idea of Jain art and religion. It was constructed about 2000 years ago and yet it stands tall and strong to this day.
Entry Ticket Price: Free
Days Needed: Half a day
4. Warangal Fort
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Warangal Fort is another architectural marvel of the Kakatiya dynasty, which is situated approximately 90 km away from Bhuvanagiri Fort. The area of the fort is vast and includes royal gates, beautiful sculptures on the stones, and a magnificent temple of Shiva. Historically, it is a great place of interest and a symbol of the region’s great architectural and historical period. This famous fort was constructed in the 13th century by the Kakateya King Ganapati Deva. The Warangal Fort is very famous for its grace and finicky carved arches and pillars.
Entry Ticket Price: INR 20 for Indian nationals and INR 100 for foreign tourists
Days Needed: One day
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5. Ramalingeswara Temple
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Located at a distance of about 25 km from Bhuvanagiri Fort, Ramalingeswara Temple is an old temple of Lord Shiva. With more than 500 years of history, an underground stream originates beneath the Shiva Linga in the temple and flows continuously throughout the year. The water collected into a pond near the temple. River Musi, which flows through Hyderabad, originates from this place. It is most well known for its architecture and religious importance. The temple is laden with brilliant carvings and sculptures. It has a huge central worship hall and a beautiful park that is great for prayer and contemplation. It is a place of worship located in the middle of a very busy city and provides a quiet place for devotees and tourists.
Entry Ticket Price: Free
Days Needed: Half a day
How To Reach
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By Air
The closest airport to Bhuvanagiri Fort is Hyderabad’s Rajiv Gandhi International Airport. It is about 85 km away from the fort town. After arriving at the airport, you can easily hire a taxi or board a bus to get to the fort.
By Train
Bhuvanagiri has its own railway station, Bhuvanagiri Railway Station, which is connected to many cities in India. To get to the fort, one has to take a taxi or an auto rickshaw from the station, as the fort is approximately 5 km away.
By Road
Bhuvanagiri is easily accessible by road transport with buses plying from Hyderabad and other neighbouring states. One can also take a car to the fort which is approximately 50 km from Hyderabad through NH 163.
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Bhuvanagiri Fort is an interesting place to visit and it gives a historical and architectural tour of India. If you are a history lover, an architect, or just a traveller who wants to have a beautiful view, then Bhuvanagiri Fort is for you. So, get ready and plan a trip to Hyderabad. Get lost in the beauty of this beautiful fort with the surreal backdrop of the beautiful state of Telangana.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Bhuvanagiri Fort
Can I stay inside the Bhuvanagiri Fort at night?
No, the temple is closed off for tourists at 4:30 pm. This is done to prevent any mishaps from happening at night.
Can I take my pet dog inside the Bhuvanagiri Fort?
No, typically, pets are to be kept outside the fort. This is done to prevent littering and accidental bites to any other tourist who is spending time on their vacation.
How long is the tour around the Bhuvanagiri Fort?
A guided tour of the Bhuvanagiri Fort takes about 1 hour to 90 minutes, depending on your pace. You can take the guide as per your needs and requirements.
Are there eateries in or around the Bhuvanagiri Fort?
Yes, there are some small but great restaurants around the fort like Devi Family Restaurant and the Chef Food Factory.
Can I book the tickets to the Bhuvanagiri Fort online?
No, you can’t buy the ticket to the Bhuvanagiri Fort online but you can get the ticket over the counter at the fort itself.
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