Naldurg Fort

Naldurg Fort is situated in the town of Naldurg in Osmanabad district. It is considered to be one of the strongest ancient forts in India. A feat of ancient military engineering, the fort attracts thousands of tourists from all over India.

The historic fort is named after King Nal Raja. It is believed that the fort may have been built during the Kalyani Chalukyan period. The fort’s medieval style of architecture has influences of both Indian and Islamic designs. In the 14th century the fort fell into the hands of the Bahamanis.  During this period, its defenses were strengthened by additional stone fortifications. Later, the fort was taken over by Adil Shahi kings of Bijapur, who further increased and strengthened the fort’s defenses.

One of the main highlights of Naldurg Fort is that it encloses a knoll of basalt rock which juts out into the valley of the small Bori River. Along the rest of the cliff on three sides run fortifications. The fort has around 115 bastions. All the bastions have different style and dimensions. During olden days, these bastions housed different cannons. A bastion called Naldurg is one of the most incredible pieces of architecture on this fort. Another bastion called Upalya or Upali Buruj, situated in the fort’s center is probably the highest point of the fort and served as a watch tower.

There are quite a few important buildings and structural remains inside the fort. The most attractive of these structures is the impressively ornamented Pani Mahal. Other structures include the Rani Mahal, Taylor’s House, Rang Mahal, a mosque, an armory, a court building and an elephants stable. Another unmissable architectural feature of this fort is massive dam built over the Bori River. Constructed by the Adil Shahis in 1613, the dam is about 90 feet high, 275 meters long and 31 meters wide. The river water flows over the dam and forms a beautiful lake at the bottom. There is a room inside the Pani Mahal, from which one can view the magnificent waterfall.

You must visit Naldurg Fort to witness its sheer architectural grandeur. The dam and its waterfall look even more spectacular during monsoon. Several migratory birds are spotted near the lake, making it an ideal spot for birdwatching. There aren’t any eateries or restaurants near the fort; hence you must carry your own packed for and sufficient water.