Chandragiri Palaces and Fort
Chandragiri Palaces and Fort
Chandragiri Palaces and Fort
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Vikas Singh
Ghaziabad, India4,307 contributions
Mar 2021
Chandragiri is now famous for the historical fort, and the Raja Mahal within it. The fort encircles eight ruined temples, Rani Mahal and other ruined structures. Two entrances to the fortified city survive even today. Visitors are not allowed to walk till the fort. Seen from a distance the granite rocky mountain gives appearance of moon, which possibly gave the fort its name: Chandra (moon) Giri (mountain)
The Raja Mahal Palace is an example of architecture of Vijayanagar period. It is a three storeyed structure with a durbar hall in the middle. The crowning towers represents the Hindu architectural elements. The palace was constructed using stone, brick, lime mortar and devoid of timber. The palace bears a striking resemblance to the Lotus Palace in Hampi, and houses a small museum run maintained by ASI. It was in this Durbar hall where the pact of granting lands for Fort St. George to the British was signed by Vijayanagar King Sri Rangaraya. The fort later grew into modern day metropolis of Chennai.
Across the road from the King’s Palace are the exposed foundations of a long gone building that local guides claim was the residence of the legendary Tenali Rama, the humorous poet from Krishna Deva Raya’s court.
The Raja Mahal Palace is an example of architecture of Vijayanagar period. It is a three storeyed structure with a durbar hall in the middle. The crowning towers represents the Hindu architectural elements. The palace was constructed using stone, brick, lime mortar and devoid of timber. The palace bears a striking resemblance to the Lotus Palace in Hampi, and houses a small museum run maintained by ASI. It was in this Durbar hall where the pact of granting lands for Fort St. George to the British was signed by Vijayanagar King Sri Rangaraya. The fort later grew into modern day metropolis of Chennai.
Across the road from the King’s Palace are the exposed foundations of a long gone building that local guides claim was the residence of the legendary Tenali Rama, the humorous poet from Krishna Deva Raya’s court.
Written March 18, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MaxSchumann
Baden-Württemberg, Germany2 contributions
Jan 2015 • Friends
Speaking as a cultural historian which I am, I was thrilled by the architectural marvel which Chandragiri Palace actually is. Not so many buildings from the Vijayanagara period still exist, and only very few display an appearance relatively unaltered since then. But I was also disappointed. I am familiar with the discrimination that as a foreigner I have to pay a much higher entrance fee than indians many of which earn more money than I do, in fact. But what really upset me in the Palace Museum was the negligence towards its unique exhibits. Their cultural value are to be rated in the highest international categories. But there is no handout or catalogue, hardly any description, and while taking photographs is prohibited, even without flash, nobody keeps children, their parents, grandparents and all the others from mindlessly touching and rubbing these irrecoverable masterpieces which had so far survived many centuries. Dear Monuments' Authority: What do you think is more detrimental to them!?
Written January 17, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sunlightdappled
National Capital Territory of Delhi, India16 contributions
Mar 2015 • Friends
The fort is small but built against a scenic backdrop. At the moment though it leaves a lot to be desired as tourist attraction. The main palace- the Raja Mahal- is a museum and while some of the exhibits are lovely there are no explanations apart from the exhibit name, and period. The Rani Mahal is being renovated with what looks like white plaster.
Written March 18, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
shweta2015
National Capital Territory of Delhi, India41 contributions
Mar 2015 • Business
The view of hills, especially with their shadow in pond looks nice. The old parts of the fort are actually out of bounds for visitors. So we could only take photos from a distance. The place is well maintained and looks nice in daylight under blue sky. However the 'old' character of some parts of the fort seems to have been taken away with renovations (I am not sure in which era were these done). However, there is an old temple right in front of the fort. And that one is good to visit because you do feel that you are looking at something from an earlier era. They also have a light and sound show. We were not able to watch that. Please note that its closed on Fridays.
Written March 15, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Profvns
Bengaluru, India545 contributions
Jun 2014 • Family
Now I am inside Chandragiri Fort at about a distance of 15 km from Tirupathi city in Andhra Pradesh. This Chandragiri Fort was brought up by Krishnadevaraya of Vijayanagara Empire before his coronation at Penukonda.
But this is not the other Chandragiri Fort in Karnataka which is at a distance of 4kms south east of Kasargod near Payaswini River flowing and merging into the Arabian Sea. That has a history of its own. Let us not go into details about it to avoid confusion.
This Chandragiri Fort is located on the hill top at 183 m high. It is enclosed by wall that protects it from enemy attack. The other feature is that of a trench around the fort meant to be a blockade for the invaders. On entering the fort you will see two mahals namely Rajamahal and Ranimahal, stone built buildings, where you enjoy the carvings that reflect the rich taste of art and architect of historical days. The main building is the 'Rajamahal. It is majestic in appearance though built during 1000 AD, constructed by Immadi Narasimha Yadavaraya. This palace building is at present used as an archaeological museum. The palace presents the Hindu architectural elements, though constructed using stone, brick, lime mortar and without timber.
The museum consists of the artifacts and weapons used by the kings and solders of those days in 16th and 17th century. In the ‘Durbar Hall’ of the museum the statues of Sri Krishnadevaraya and his consort attract your attention. There are idols of several Gods and Goddesses, Navagrahas worshipped in the past. The archaeological remains excavated at Yaganti of Kurnool District are also exhibited here. It is closed on Friday in every week.
Ranimahal or Queen's Palace is comparable to the Rajamahal or Kings palace in style and method of execution. This place was meant for the queen or harem. The modern attraction which you must enjoy here is the SOUND and LIGHT show.
Chandragiri town is a tourist friendly place colonized by foreign the tourist throughout the year. There are frequent bus service from Tirupathi and Chittoor. It is connected to Tirupathi at 12 km and other neighbouring States. The railway station and airport in Tirupathi are closely situated and connected with other famous cities and States in India. There are famous and luxury hotels and resorts of every category, ranging from budget class to luxury class, to accommodate thousands of local as well as foreign tourists every year. The food and accommodation is not an issue in this town.
You will surely enjoy the beauty of these historical monuments well maintained by the authorities. Thanks to them and good luck to you.
But this is not the other Chandragiri Fort in Karnataka which is at a distance of 4kms south east of Kasargod near Payaswini River flowing and merging into the Arabian Sea. That has a history of its own. Let us not go into details about it to avoid confusion.
This Chandragiri Fort is located on the hill top at 183 m high. It is enclosed by wall that protects it from enemy attack. The other feature is that of a trench around the fort meant to be a blockade for the invaders. On entering the fort you will see two mahals namely Rajamahal and Ranimahal, stone built buildings, where you enjoy the carvings that reflect the rich taste of art and architect of historical days. The main building is the 'Rajamahal. It is majestic in appearance though built during 1000 AD, constructed by Immadi Narasimha Yadavaraya. This palace building is at present used as an archaeological museum. The palace presents the Hindu architectural elements, though constructed using stone, brick, lime mortar and without timber.
The museum consists of the artifacts and weapons used by the kings and solders of those days in 16th and 17th century. In the ‘Durbar Hall’ of the museum the statues of Sri Krishnadevaraya and his consort attract your attention. There are idols of several Gods and Goddesses, Navagrahas worshipped in the past. The archaeological remains excavated at Yaganti of Kurnool District are also exhibited here. It is closed on Friday in every week.
Ranimahal or Queen's Palace is comparable to the Rajamahal or Kings palace in style and method of execution. This place was meant for the queen or harem. The modern attraction which you must enjoy here is the SOUND and LIGHT show.
Chandragiri town is a tourist friendly place colonized by foreign the tourist throughout the year. There are frequent bus service from Tirupathi and Chittoor. It is connected to Tirupathi at 12 km and other neighbouring States. The railway station and airport in Tirupathi are closely situated and connected with other famous cities and States in India. There are famous and luxury hotels and resorts of every category, ranging from budget class to luxury class, to accommodate thousands of local as well as foreign tourists every year. The food and accommodation is not an issue in this town.
You will surely enjoy the beauty of these historical monuments well maintained by the authorities. Thanks to them and good luck to you.
Written July 29, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rathnam J
120 contributions
Jan 2015 • Family
Gudi Malu is one of the ancient Temple situated around 4 kms from Renigunta and under Survey of India as a monument. The temple is built by Sri Parusuram in 2/3 century.Very historic temple/ Those who are visiting Tirupati do make it a point to visit this place and you will enjoy it.
Written January 20, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Abhiroop B
Bengaluru, India6 contributions
Oct 2017
I have been to Chandragiri fort multiple times, though this review is based on the recent trip. It is one of the earliest places where Sound & Light Show has been introduced. It is worth spending 2 hours here. One could go at around 5 PM and spend some 30 mins before the show starts. The show is really good. Tickets are available at the venue it self. Be there before time on weekends as it gets crowded. Show is available in both Telugu and English
Written June 19, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SathishTG
Coimbatore, India317 contributions
Jun 2014 • Family
The chandragiri fort is located just 20 kms from tirupathi town. The palace is one good example of the ancient architecture. The museum in the main palace halls has good amount of artifacts, especially the stone statues and carvings in the 3rd floor of the main palace. The best time to visit is the evenings as you can avoid day time heat as well can be there for the light and sound show in the evenings.
Written April 24, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Amit Tiwary
Gurugram (Gurgaon), India723 contributions
Jan 2013 • Family
Raja and Rani mahal palace are example of Indo-Sarcen architecture during Vijayanagar period. The fort is strategically located over the top of a small hill. The southern side of the hill is enclosed by strong walls, surrounded by a ditch/pond so as to prevent any intruder from entering into the fort. The remains of the lower fort contain the two Mahals; raja and rani mahal
What to see:
-Raja Mahal (now a museum)
Collection of items inside raja mahal spread across 2-3 floors (swords, spears, knives, manuscripts)
Rare collection of navgraha (9 planets) idols
-Rani Mahal
-There is a small pond in front of Raja Mahal. You may like to spend some time there and do boating. The water was really very dirty and green in color.
- Sound & Light show is conducted in English at around 7:30PM is very informative and beautiful to watch
- There are few sites before the entrance to Raja Mahal. You may like to see them.
How to reach:
Chandragiri fort is located just 12 kms from Tirupathi. Regular buses ply from tirupathi bus stand with a frequency of 15 mins. Travel time is approx 25 mins. Once you get down in chandragri, take an auto to chandragiri fort. The fort is around 1.5-2 kms from stand, and the autos charge Rs 40-50 for one side journey.
Note: Trek/visit to top of the hill/fort is blocked after several incidents(snatching, teasing, etc by locals and shepherds) were reported. Please adhere to this and do not venture. Though, there are alternate routes to visit the top of fort/hill; but venture only if you are group of boys.
What to see:
-Raja Mahal (now a museum)
Collection of items inside raja mahal spread across 2-3 floors (swords, spears, knives, manuscripts)
Rare collection of navgraha (9 planets) idols
-Rani Mahal
-There is a small pond in front of Raja Mahal. You may like to spend some time there and do boating. The water was really very dirty and green in color.
- Sound & Light show is conducted in English at around 7:30PM is very informative and beautiful to watch
- There are few sites before the entrance to Raja Mahal. You may like to see them.
How to reach:
Chandragiri fort is located just 12 kms from Tirupathi. Regular buses ply from tirupathi bus stand with a frequency of 15 mins. Travel time is approx 25 mins. Once you get down in chandragri, take an auto to chandragiri fort. The fort is around 1.5-2 kms from stand, and the autos charge Rs 40-50 for one side journey.
Note: Trek/visit to top of the hill/fort is blocked after several incidents(snatching, teasing, etc by locals and shepherds) were reported. Please adhere to this and do not venture. Though, there are alternate routes to visit the top of fort/hill; but venture only if you are group of boys.
Written November 6, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
318Satish
Rego Park, NY113 contributions
Mar 2017 • Solo
Visit this place only if you are a history buff and have an extra day at Tirupati. It was the capital of what was left of the Vijaynagar Empire after the catastrophic Battle of Tallikota and therefore reminds you of a sad part of Indian History.
The fort itself is a vast place about the size of the town, what you visit is the Chandragiri Palace (not the grandest or largest palace that you may have seen). A Rs. 15 ticket will get you entrance to the vicinity of the palace and an additional Rs. 5 will get you entrance into the palace, which has been converted into a museum. Without the museum there is not much to see, so you are advised to buy the entire package - the museum by the way closes at 5 PM. There is a pond nearby. Boat rides are available for a fee, and may be worth only of you have kids with you. The Rani Mahal or queens palace, nearby is now razed except for the facade. The museum itself contains 15th and 16th century stone sculptures, temple items, weaponry and articles of everyday use. There are a number of ruins of temples nearby. There is supposed to be a light show in the evening, which I personally felt was not worth watching.
An autorickshaw ride from Tirupati Bus Station to Chandragiri Fort will cost Rs. 400 round trip. The auto may wait for about 2 hours, which is enough to see the place. Unless you have a private vehicle or familiar with the Public Transport System, you are advised to make arrangements for the return trip. The place seemed desolate. Cabs and rickshaws may not be available.
The fort itself is a vast place about the size of the town, what you visit is the Chandragiri Palace (not the grandest or largest palace that you may have seen). A Rs. 15 ticket will get you entrance to the vicinity of the palace and an additional Rs. 5 will get you entrance into the palace, which has been converted into a museum. Without the museum there is not much to see, so you are advised to buy the entire package - the museum by the way closes at 5 PM. There is a pond nearby. Boat rides are available for a fee, and may be worth only of you have kids with you. The Rani Mahal or queens palace, nearby is now razed except for the facade. The museum itself contains 15th and 16th century stone sculptures, temple items, weaponry and articles of everyday use. There are a number of ruins of temples nearby. There is supposed to be a light show in the evening, which I personally felt was not worth watching.
An autorickshaw ride from Tirupati Bus Station to Chandragiri Fort will cost Rs. 400 round trip. The auto may wait for about 2 hours, which is enough to see the place. Unless you have a private vehicle or familiar with the Public Transport System, you are advised to make arrangements for the return trip. The place seemed desolate. Cabs and rickshaws may not be available.
Written April 5, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Written November 21, 2017
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