Chandragiri Fort

Chandragiri Fort is in Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh In India. It is located at a height of 183 metres.

This fort was built on a massive rock in 1000 AD by the Yadavarays who ruled it for around three centuries. It was built in the form of fortifications and bastions. It provides a testimony of the outstanding architectural expertise during the reign of the Vijayanagar Empire. The exquisite stucco work, natural light and ventilation is the hallmark of this fort.

It has now become an important monument which is comprised of mostly historical buildings of several centuries built by several kings. When this region came under the rule of the Vijaynagara Kings in 1376, they transferred their capital at Chandragiri from Penukonda. Both the natural defences of Chandragiri, which is ringed by hills, and the proximity to the Venkateshvara shrine at Tirumala, 11 km (7 miles) to the north-east, were responsible for the decision to locate here.

Chandragiri flourished under their reign. They fortified it further and built a number of beautiful temples and buildings.

After the fall the Vijayanagara Empire, it came under the control of the Aravidu dynasty.

The collection of the royal family is displayed in the Raja Mahal.

There is a Hanuman Temple dominating the entrance of the fort and thereafter there are bastions leading up to the Mahals. These bastions are made from granite and mortar and have beautiful carved pillars showing humans and lions.

The fort hosts a daily sound and light show twice a day.