Finally, Elgandal fort to portray its glory

Karimnagar: The Elgandal Fort located on the banks of Manair river which hitherto remained in a state of utter neglect despite its serenity and elegance will come alive from Wednesday with the introduction of ‘sound and lights’ show.

Thanks to the Telangana State Tourism Development Corporation (TSTDC)’s initiative which made it possible after the laser show project was stuck in a limbo due to non-release of funds by the Central government.

It may be noted here that the then Union Tourism Minister K Chiranjeevi laid foundation stone for the Rs 4.61 crore project in February 2014. Since then the progress of the project competed with that of a snail’s pace.

Against this backdrop, the TSTDC took a special interest to complete the project. Besides the sound and lights facility, the project plan included construction of cafeteria, pathway, gallery, restroom and washrooms.

On the other hand, the script work of the show was done by eminent historian Jaishetty Ramanaiah of Jagtial, who published more than a dozen books on history and bagged a State award in 2014.

According to the octogenarian Jaishetty, Elgandal has a traceable history of over 1,500 years right from the Badami Chalukyas (550 AD – 750 AD) to Nizam rule, in between witnessing the Chalukyas of Vemulawada and Kalyani, Kakatiyas, Musunoori Nayakas, Recherla Padmanayakas, Qutb Shahis and Mughal Empire.

Since the Nizam VI Mir Mehboob Ali Khan shifted district headquarters to Karimnagar town in 1905, Elgandal village remained in a state of neglect despite its rich historical background.
Speaking to The Hans India, Karimnagar tourism officer Ravipati Venkateshwar Rao said: “The stage is set for a 40-minute sound and lights show from Wednesday.

To start with, the show will be in Telugu and based on public demand we will introduce shows in Hindi and English.”

He expressed hope that tourist footfall, which is around 500 in weekends and 200 in other days is likely to increase with the introduction of the show and ramped up facilities in the fort.

Plans are afoot to run special buses for the people to catch the sound and lights shows, he said, further revealing that they have deployed four security personnel for the safety of visitors. The ticket of the show is priced at Rs 50 for adults and Rs 25 for children.

The show timing is 6 pm everyday and based on patronage, another show will be arranged, it’s learnt.

Although climbing of the fort worn down people, the three minarets of Almgir mosque, remnants of cannons, 12 feet deep moat (crocodile-filled trench to prevent enemies entering into the fort), tombs of Muslim saints and temples of Hindu gods are worth seeing.

The scenic view of Manair river and the city of Karimnagar which is 10 kms away from the top of the fort are also captivating.

The 6 pm Wednesday (January 25) inaugural of sound and lights show will witness a host of dignitaries including Ministers A Chandulal, KT Rama Rao and E Rajender, TSTDC chairman Pervaram Ramulu, Managing Director Christiana Z Chongthu and District Collector Sarfaraz Ahmed.