The Elgandal Fort also known as the Elagandula Khilla speaks of the glorious past of the many rulers and dynasties that had come to power since the last few centuries. It treasures the secrets of rise and fall of many rulers. It has stood firm during the various battles fought here and had been a guard to the kingship. The fort now is in a crumbling state. But it still remains a subject for study by the historians and the relic hunters. It is also visited by the tourists and has found itself as one of the most popular fort in the state.
The Fort had been built way back in the 18th century by Zafar-ud-Daulah. The then ruling administrator of the Elgandal town got this fort constructed as a protection in 1754. However the fort was fought for by many other dynasties later. The Fort has witnesses and has sustained the damages of the battle between the Kakatiyas, the Bahmanis, the Yadavas, Qutub Shahis, Asaf Jahis and the Mughals as well. Aurangzeb had added features to the fort. The fort has historical importance as it had been ruled by five major dynasties Kakatiyas, Bahmanis, Qutub Shahis, Mughal and Nizams.
The fort had been constructed on a hill and can be accessed through only a single entrance. This single gate had been magnificent and justified the single entrance to the fort. The gate has been a point of charm amongst the tourists to this day. The fort is on the banks of the river Manair. The town has seen change in its names many times. It had earlier been known as Bahudhanyapuram, Tellakandula and Veligandula and finally changed to Elgandal.
The fort has the tombs and dargahs of many Muslim saints. There are dargahs of Syed Shah Munawar Quadri Saheb, Doola Shah Saheb, Syed Maroof Saheb, Shah Talib Bismilla Saheb, and Vali Hyder Sahib that are still present in their grandeur to this day. These dargahs attract tourists and followers even today. The visitors to the dargah include followers of all religion. The Alamgir mosque in the fort premises is a unique mosque. The mosque was built by Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb. There are three minarets in the mosque against the four present in all other mosques. Further these also move forward and backward when shaken. He had also extended the area further and included the existing Bindrakas pond within the confines of the fort.
However the 39 year rule of the Mughals in Elgandal fell by the rise of the Asaf Jahi dynasty. The fort continued to be the seat of administration for some time. But in 1905, the administrative headquarters were shifted from Elangadal to Karimnagar during this rule itself. A dargah was built as a tribute to the preceding generations. This dargah of Karimuddin Shavali’s, the main architect behind this shift was built in the old town itself before the shift.
The fort had been the seat of administration for the various dynasties. Hence much can be leant about the history, the lifestyle and ups and downs of the dynasties just by a thorough study of the fort itself. The fort has been a landmark of the invasions in Telangana and has been pride for the state.
Karimnagar Elgandal Fort Special Attractions:
The entrance gate of the fort welcomes the tourists in a majestic way. The serenity of the Brundavan pond attracts the visitors. The Mosques and graves of the saints in the fort are the various points of attraction for tourists visiting the fort. The dargahs are visited by people of all communities.
Specialty of the Elgandal Fort Karimnagar:
The oscillating Teen Minar of the Alamgir Mosque built by Aurangzeb is a unique attraction of the place. Further the fort, though mostly in ruins stands to be the pride of the state as it was ruled by five major dynasties of the country. The fort provides an experience worth mentioning.
Where to stay:
One should stay at Karimnagar and visit the place. There are plenty of guest houses, lodges and hotels in Karimnagar that provide all the modern amenities at affordable prices.
How to reach Karimnagar Elgandal Fort:
The road network to Karimnagar is quite good. It can be reached from all major cities Warangal, Nizamabad, Medak and other parts of the state.
The State Transport buses from Jubilee Bus Stop to Karimnagar are easily and frequently available.
The nearest international airport is located at Hyderabad. This is around 165 km from Karimnagar town.
Elgandal Fort is hardly 16 km away from Karimnagar and can be easily accessed by bus.
Nearest Railway Station:
Karimnagar Railway Station connects Karimnagar to all major cities.
Karimnagar Elgandal Fort Timings:
10:00 AM to 6:30 PM. Open on all days.
Distance to Karimnagar Elgandal Fort:
From Hyderabad 165 Kms
From Warangal 70 Kms
From Nizamabad 149 Kms
Some of Good Hotels in Karimnagar:
Swetha Inn Phone: 9676100333
Hotel Manair Phone: 0878 2245879
Srinivasa Hotel Phone: 0878 2243201
Hotel Kalpana Phone: 0878 650 3985
Hotel Prathima Residency Phone: 0878 2233666
Karimnagar Elgandal Fort Address:
Elgandal,
Karimnagar,
Telangana – 505401.