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Gingee Fort

At the center of Gingee Taluk at Villupuram district, there is a unique architectural feat called the Gingee Fort created by Chola Emperors in the 9th century. It is one of the remaining historical forts in Tamil Nadu state of India. The fort is also stated as Senji Fort, Senchi, Jinji or Chenji. The nearest railway station to Gingee Fort is Tindivanam while the Chennai international airport is located around 150 kms from the Fort.

Gingee Fort has the unbroken history of around 1000 years and it was named as ‘Troy of the East’ by the British. In the year 1921, it was declared as the National Monument. This rare architectural marvel has been a major part of India’s archeological and historical tourism. It has now under the maintenance of Archeological Department, Government of India and now one of the most visited tourist attractions in Villupuram district.

Vital Information of Gingee Fort

Entry Fee: Rs.5 for Indian Citizens and Rs.100 for Foreigners
(No Entry Fees for children below 15 years)
Visiting Hours: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Ticket Issuing Hours: 9:00 am to 4:30 pm


Gingee_Fort

History of Gingee Fort

Gingee Fort was originally the site of a small fort created by the Chola dynasty in 9th century. It was modified by Kurumbar during the time when he was fighting with the Cholas. Further modifications in the fort were done by the Vijayanagar Empire when it captured Gingee in the 13th century. At that time, the General of Vijayanagar Empire utilized the fort as an invincible citadel to protect the small place of Gingee.

From the end of 14th century, Gingee came under the administration of Nayakka Rulers who built tall and strong fort walls made from granite, high towers with sculptural workmanship, granite temple on the plains and brick shrines on the peak. But they were not united and thus could not rule Gingee for the long time.

After the decline of Nayakka rulers, Gingee fort was captured by Muhammadans dynasty followed by the Marathas at the end of 17th century. During this period, the great Maratha King, Chattrapati Shivaji gave compliment to Gingee Fort as the most impregnable fort in India. However, the Marathas were later defeated by the Mughals. The Mughal Empire kept Gingee fort under their supervision for many years especially during the period of 1700 A.D. to 1750 A.D.

After capturing Gingee Fort for the long time, the Mughals lost their battle to the French rulers after 1750 A.D. They came to India for the trading and commerce purposes. French captured the fort for ten years but in 1761 A.D. they lost a fight against powerful Britishers and thus Gingee Fort brought under their control. The Britishers did not try to renovate the Fort which remained as it is still in present.

Gingee Fort Complex  

Gingee Fort has a widespread complex, which is nestled on three hillocks called as Krishnagiri to the north, Rajagiri to the west and Chandrayandurg to the southeast. In fact, they together constitute a fort complex with each containing a distinct and self-contained fort.

Rajagiri_fortRajagiri is the first hill referred to as Kamalagiri or Anandagiri. The fort is 800 feet in height and has almost 10 yards wide and 20 yards deep natural chasm. In order to enter the fortress, one has to go through this chasm via a small wooden draw bridge. Further, Rajagiri can be reached by crossing the seven gates and its lower fort is comprised of Arcot Gate and Pondicherry Gate.



Krishnagiri is the second major hillock of Gingee Fort. It has an impressive fortress and it is also known as the English Mountain. This fort is situated at the north direction of Tiruvannamalai road and is smaller size in comparison to Rajagiri. For reaching this fort, one has to climb on the stairs, made from granite, that lead to its top.

Krishnagiri_gingee_fortChandrayandurg
is the third hillock of Gingee Fort. It is also known as Chamar Tikri or Chakkiliya Durg. This hill has not much left for being important but its edges are now wholly enclosed with thorny shrubs and stone pieces. It is believed that the royal saddlers and military shoemakers had probably established their workshops at Chandrayandurg.

The complex of Gingee Fort is also comprised of seven-storeyed Kalyana Mahal or Marriage Hall, granaries, a military gymnasium, prison cells and a temple devoted to a Hindu Goddess called as Chenjiamman. There is also a sacred pond in Gingee Fort, which is known as Aanaikulam. It has been a preferred devotional place for many devotees.

How to Reach at Gingee Fort

You can easily reach at Gingee Fort from road and train routes. If you are coming by road, then drive on National Highway (NH) 45 and continue till Tindivanam from where you will be connected to NH 66. Gingee Fort is situated around 25 km from Tindivanam, which also has the nearest railway station. If you are coming from Chennai then frequent bus services are available between the routes of Chennai to Chengalpattu, Chengalpattu to Tindivanam and Tindivanam to Gingee. Arriving at Gingee Fort is also convenient from Puducherry because this Union territory is just 65 km away from the fort.

Senji_FortWhere to Stay near Gingee Fort

There are few accommodations available in and around Gingee from where you can conveniently enjoy an excursion to Gingee Fort. Some of these accommodations are:
  • Noor Lodge
  • Devi Lodge
  • Hotel Vasanth A/C
  • Hotel ANA A/C
These properties have spacious rooms, which boast of contemporary services. However, if you are not able to book rooms at these lodges, then you can also reside at these wonderful hotels of Puducherry, which are available with reasonable rates.

Explore more about History of Gingee

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