Are you looking for a place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and experience some history and adventure? If yes, then Bhongir is the perfect destination for you. Bhongir is a town in the Yadadri Bhuvanagiri district of Telangana, about 50 km from Hyderabad. It is famous for its majestic fort, which stands on a huge monolithic rock and offers a panoramic view of the surroundings.
The fort also hosts some thrilling adventure activities, such as rappelling, rock climbing, and trekking, that will test your nerves and skills. In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about Bhongir, its history, its fort, its adventure activities, and how to plan a weekend trip to this amazing place.
History of Bhongir
Bhongir has a rich and fascinating history that dates back to the 10th century CE. The town was originally called Tribhuvanagiri, after the Chalukya ruler Tribhuvanamalla Vikramaditya VI, who built the fort in the 12th century CE. The fort was later conquered by the Kakatiya dynasty, and became a stronghold of the famous queen Rudramadevi and her grandson Prataparudra.
The fort witnessed many battles and sieges, and changed hands several times among the Bahmani sultanate, the Qutb Shahi dynasty, the Mughals, and the Nizams. The town got its present name Bhongir from the Qutb Shahi ruler Bhagyanagar, who renamed it as Bhuvanagiri. The British later anglicized it as Bhongir.
The fort is also associated with some legends and myths. One of them is that there is a secret underground tunnel that connects the fort with the Golconda fort, which is about 60 km away. Another legend is that there is a hidden treasure of diamonds and pearls in the fort, which is guarded by a huge snake. There is also a belief that the fort is haunted by the spirits of the soldiers who died in the battles.
Bhongir Fort
The Bhongir fort is the main attraction of the town, and a must-visit for anyone who loves history and architecture. The fort is built on a massive rock that rises about 500 feet above the ground, and covers an area of 40 acres. The fort has two entry points, one from the east and one from the west. The east gate is the main entrance, and has a moat and a drawbridge. The west gate is smaller and has a bastion.
The fort has several structures and features that showcase its glory and grandeur. Some of them are:
The citadel: The citadel is the highest and the most prominent part of the fort, and can be reached by a steep and narrow staircase. The citadel has a small temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, and a water tank. The citadel also offers a breathtaking view of the town and the countryside.
The ramparts: The ramparts are the walls that surround the fort, and have several watchtowers and cannons. The ramparts also have some inscriptions and carvings that depict the history and culture of the fort.
The armory: The armory is a collection of weapons and tools that were used by the soldiers and the rulers of the fort. The armory includes swords, daggers, spears, shields, bows, arrows, and guns. The armory also has some instruments and devices that were used for communication and surveillance.
The prison cells: The prison cells are the dark and dingy chambers that were used to imprison and torture the enemies and the rebels. The prison cells have some iron chains and hooks that were used to inflict pain and suffering on the prisoners.
Adventure Activities in Bhongir Fort
If you are an adventure enthusiast, then Bhongir fort is the place for you. The fort offers some exhilarating and challenging adventure activities that will make your adrenaline rush and your heart race. Some of the adventure activities that you can enjoy in Bhongir fort are:
Rappelling:
Rappelling is the activity of descending from a high point using a rope and a harness. Rappelling in Bhongir fort is one of the most popular and thrilling activities, as you get to rappel down from the top of the rock, which is about 300 feet high. You will feel the wind in your hair and the thrill in your veins as you slide down the rock face. Rappelling in Bhongir fort is conducted by professional and certified instructors, who will guide you and ensure your safety. You will also get to wear helmets, gloves, and shoes to protect yourself from any injuries. Rappelling in Bhongir fort is suitable for anyone above the age of 10, and does not require any prior experience or training. The cost of rappelling in Bhongir fort is about Rs. 500 per person, and the duration is about 30 minutes.
Rock climbing:
Rock climbing is the activity of ascending a rock face using your hands and feet. Rock climbing in Bhongir fort is another exciting and challenging activity, as you get to climb up the rock, which has several cracks and crevices. You will feel the strength in your muscles and the determination in your mind as you overcome the obstacles and reach the top. Rock climbing in Bhongir fort is also conducted by professional and certified instructors, who will teach you the techniques and skills of rock climbing. You will also get to use ropes, harnesses, and carabiners to secure yourself and prevent any falls. Rock climbing in Bhongir fort is suitable for anyone above the age of 10, and does not require any prior experience or training. The cost of rock climbing in Bhongir fort is about Rs. 500 per person, and the duration is about 30 minutes.
Trekking:
Trekking is the activity of walking and hiking on natural trails. Trekking in Bhongir fort is a fun and relaxing activity, as you get to explore the fort and its surroundings. You will get to see the flora and fauna of the region, and enjoy the scenic beauty and the fresh air. Trekking in Bhongir fort is also a great way to learn more about the history and culture of the fort, as you will get to see the inscriptions, carvings, and monuments that adorn the fort. Trekking in Bhongir fort is suitable for anyone of any age, and does not require any special equipment or skill. The cost of trekking in Bhongir fort is about Rs. 100 per person, and the duration is about 2 hours.
Travel Guide to Bhongir Fort
If you are planning to visit Bhongir fort, then here are some useful tips and information that will help you make the most of your trip.
How to reach:
Bhongir fort is easily accessible from Hyderabad and other nearby places. You can reach Bhongir fort by road, rail, or air. By road, you can take a bus, a taxi, or a self-drive car from Hyderabad, which will take about an hour to reach Bhongir. By rail, you can take a train from Hyderabad to Bhongir, which will take about 40 minutes to reach Bhongir. By air, you can take a flight from Hyderabad to Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, which is about 70 km from Bhongir, and then take a cab or a bus to Bhongir.
When to visit:
Bhongir fort is open throughout the year, but the best time to visit is from October to March, when the weather is pleasant and cool. The fort is open from 10 am to 5 pm, and the entry fee is Rs. 10 per person. You can also visit the fort during the night, when it is illuminated with colorful lights, and enjoy a spectacular view of the fort and the town.
Where to stay and eat:
Bhongir fort does not have any accommodation or food facilities within the premises, but you can find some decent and affordable options nearby. Some of the hotels and resorts that you can stay in are Hotel Sri Sai Krishna Residency, Hotel Sri Lakshmi Deluxe, and Haritha Lake View Resort. Some of the restaurants and cafes that you can eat in are Hotel Sri Sai Annapurna, Hotel Sri Balaji, and Cafe Coffee Day.
Bhongir fort is a historical and adventurous destination in Telangana that offers a unique and memorable experience to its visitors. Whether you are a history buff, an adventure lover, or a nature lover, you will find something to suit your taste and interest in Bhongir fort.
So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and head to Bhongir fort for a weekend of fun and excitement. And don’t forget to share your experience and photos with us on Tripoto, the largest travel community in India. Happy travelling!
