Chandragiri Fort is a very ancient fort at Chandragiri near  Tirupati in Andhra Pradesh, India. This fort has a history of a millennium to its credit. The fort is mainly associated with Vijayanagara Kings.

Chandragiri Upper Fort, Near Tirupathi.

The Yadava Naidu kings built Chandragiri in the 11th century. The Raja Mahal Palace is situated inside the fort. It is a fine example of the Indo-Saracen style of architecture, which was patronized during the Vijayanagara period.  The palace was built using brick, stone, and lime mortar.

In 1367, after three centuries of construction, this magnificent fort came into the hands of Vijayanagara rulers. When Golconda sultans attacked the capital city of Penukonda, Vijayanagara Emperor Rayas shifted the capital to this fort in Chandragiri city. Chandragiri fort and the surrounding city were the fourth capital of the Vijayanagara Empire.

The heydays of the fort were during the reign of  Vijayanagara emperor, Saluva Narasimha Rayalu. The most prominent Vijayanagara emperor, Srikrishna Devaraya, was confined to this fort, when he was the prince, till his coronation.

Chandragiri was annexed to Golkonda in 1646. After that, it came under Mysore Sultans. After 1792, this fort went into oblivion.

Raja Mahal Palace Archaeological Museum Inside the Fort

The Raja Mahal Palace is now converted into an archaeological museum. It has a huge collection of stone and metal sculptures, dating back, to the 2nd B.C.

The bronze gallery has an extensive collection of coins, utensils, etc, dating back to the 10th century A.D. Idols of Hindu gods and goddess-like Vishnu, Raman, Seetha, etc, are found in this gallery, along with other temple wares like bells, plates used for taking Aarti (Hindu religious ritual of worship).

The Museum also has a good collection of ancient armories like dragons, knives, swords, heat shields, etc, used during old days.

The stone gallery has many sculptures related to Hinduism, like Lord Shiva’s marriage to Parvathi, Lord Vishnu in the seated posture, etc.

The model gallery has a collection of ancient coins and tools used during the Vijayanagara period.

There is a laser light show. Chandragiri Fort sound and light show are in the evenings.

How Do I Go to Chandragiri Fort in Andhra Pradesh?

Chandragiri Fort in Andhra Pradesh is near Tirupathi, the famous temple town. Chandragiri Fort to Tirupati distance is around 15 kilometers. There are regular government bus services to the fort from the Tirupathi bus terminal. It takes approximately 30- 40 minutes or a little longer, by bus.

Chandragiri railway station is the nearest railway station. 16 trains stop here. It’s a small railway station with just one platform. There is only a single railway line track on this route.  Tirupati railway station is a nearby railway station.

Renigunta Junction railway station is another major nearby railway station to the fort. This railway station’s code is RU. Renigunta town is around 26 kilometers from the fort.

There is a small airport in Renigunta. The nearest major international airports are Chennai and Bangalore, at around 160 and 240 kilometers of distance, respectively.

Chandragiri Fort Timings

Chandragiri fort in Andhra Pradesh state is open from 9 am to 5 pm. The Fort is closed on Fridays.

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