Rediscovering Bhongir Fort 

This fort is not unknown to us. We have seen it many times on our way to Warangal, and during our many trips to Yadagiri gutta, recently renamed Yadadri. Bhongir fort stands high up on a huge 500 feet high rock/hill spread over 40 acres of land as a mute witness to the world of humanity moving back and forth on a highway, which in itself has seen many changes. From being a route that had its ups and downs literally, it became a well maintained highway that takes travellers from Hyderabad to Warangal in less than three hours on an ideal day. Until recently the fort was almost abandoned and unpleasant elements had made it their home, and hence, was deemed unsafe – not many visited Bhongir fort, which is otherwise only less than 48 km from Hyderabad.

It was a rainy day and the destination wasn’t much far from Hyderabad. Despite the careful slowed down driving, one reached Bhongir Fort fast enough. The fort looked even more beautiful from far as the fog covered the top most part of it like a halo. But, there aren’t many facilities near the gate and all one found were corn cobs being freshly roasted as refreshments. One needs to keep enough supply of food and water before climbing up. The entry ticket prices are minimal and are up for a slight revision soon (around Rs 10)

While one wondered if it was safe to climb up the hill during rain and looked up - it was as if the fort that had always stood still without seeking any attention until now, was finally beckoning with a promise to reveal the centuries-old stories that it has embedded within itself. There are wide steps carved into the rock till a certain distance that are quite comfortable. And once you reach half way it gives way to the original fort steps, and a little care is needed. Comfortable shoes that support active climbing are recommended. It is approximately 3 km of distance (up and down). It is an exerting climb, however the serenity of the hill that slowly envelops and shatters the inner turmoil is the perfect antidote to busy city life, and worth the exercise.

The oval structured fort made of monolithic rock with an impregnable moat encircling it, underground chamber, trap doors, stables, ponds and wells has various other attractions and legends associated with it. Above all this 12th century fort - The fort of Bhuvanagiri or Bhongir - built by Chalukya ruler, Tribhuvanamalla Vikramaditya, is associated with many strong rulers – one such Goud ruler, Sardar Sarvai Panappa, a commoner who made a living by collecting toddy, had apparently built an army on his own and held the fort for long before waging a war with the Golconda Nawab and losing his life in the ensuing fight. He is a legend of sorts in these parts, and his statue is aptly displayed at the entrance. The fort is also associated with Kakatiya rulers, Rudrama Devi and Prataparudrudu and the Bahmani Sultans.

The adventure at the fort was followed by a spiritual sojourn with the darshan of Yadagiri Narasimha Swamy at the newly constructed makeshift temple (Bala Devalayam). The main temple at Yadagiri Gutta (11km from Bhongir Fort) is undergoing renovation (which will only be completed after two years). Telangana Tourism run – Haritha restaurant is where you can have lunch; the simple Telangana fare with tomato pappu, bendakaya koora, dosakaya pachadi, pachi pulusu, miriyala chaaru, sambar, pulka and steaming hot rice that we had was delicious and just right for the monsoon weather. The restaurant serves alacarte menu on weekdays and to cater to the rush during weekends, it has buffet on the menu on Saturday and Sunday. The restaurant is within the Haritha Hotel that has A/c and non A/c rooms and dormitory beds for tourists. The A/c room is available at Rs 1500 on weekdays and Rs 2100 on weekends.