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Dharmapuri Fort located near to Ambajogai in Maharashtra

Wednesday, November 29, 2017

Dharmapuri fort is located very near to Ambajogai. It is on the road which leads to Ahmedpur from Ambajogai.  Directions to the same are available on Google Maps.

Panoramic view of Dharmapuri Fort located near to Ambajogai in Maharashtra


After visiting Nanded Fort, we decided to take rest at Ambajogai. So we decided to first check out the Govt Guest House, if we could get a place to stay there, we were lucky to get a place to stay for the night, at a cost of Rs 400 for two. Dinner was again Chinese cusine at a local streetside eatery.

Ambajogai, is a small town, which has got provision for food, hotels,banks and ST bus stand.

It was at Ambajogai Govt Guest House that we learnt that there is a Fort called Dharmapuri nearby. We were informed that the fort is around 30 KM from here on the way to Ahmedpur. I immediately started by research on the internet to check as to the whereabouts and also the looks of the fort. The fort looked appealing as the fort walls were intact.
Ambajogai Govt Guest House
The next morning, Manohar and me had to take a call whether to see the fort or not, as Dharmapuri Fort is around 30 KM away. But after exploring the fort, we had to again travel via Ambajogai to reachd Dharur Fort. Nevertheless we still decided to visit the fort.
Due to a wrong selection of roads, thanks to Google Maps, it took us little less than 2 hours to reach Dharmapuri Fort, the road was so bad that we had to drive at speed of 20. It even affected the car suspension.
That's me below the blue skies
Finally we were able to see a glimpse of  the fort in a distance, the fort bastion looked amazing. We parked the car in the base village and from there walked up to the fort. Please note that there is provision for food and water in the village.

After climbing a series of steps we reached the fort entrance. There was wild vegetation growing all around the fort and to top it, the locals also come here for their nature calls. Shameless people.
Chor Darwaza to enter Dharmapuri Fort located near to Ambajogai in Maharashtra
Not much is known about the history of this fort. 

There used to be a Maha Darwaza to enter the fort once apon a time, currently it is filled with rocks and only a small portion is kept open, like a Chor Darwaza to enter the fort premises.

It was  a small fort which could be done in around 30 minutes. 
Rooms within near the fort walls of Dharmapuri Fort located near to Ambajogai in Maharashtra
There was plenty of wild vegetation within the fort premises.
Like always we decided to climb on the walls and then try exploring the fort. As it is a land fort the walls are not very tall in height, they would have been a storey or two high.

What should I say, the fortification of this fort is intact from the outside. The bastions are really big and offer a fantastic view of the surrounding. There is a lake nearby the fort,  we could see women washing clothes by its bay.
The lake and bastion of Dharmapuri Fort located near to Ambajogai in Maharashtra
On one of the bastions is a "Pir" (Muslim saint or Holy man). after walking on the fort walls, we decided to get down and explore the fort in the wild vegetation.
Pir on one of the bastions of Dharmapuri Fort located near to Ambajogai in Maharashtra
We were able to see this inscription on the fort walls. Not sure what it meant,a s there were no signboards around. We also saw different types of stone fitted into the fort walls, these stones didn't belong here and were bought from elsewhere.

Inscription on the fort walls of Dharmapuri Fort located near to Ambajogai in Maharashtra
There were two rooms in the fort premises, the entrance to them was via the Chor Darwaza. Nothing in them. But above the Chor Darwaza was a inscription on the room wall.
Manohar and Me standing atop one of the bastions of Dharmapuri Fort located near to Ambajogai in Maharashtra
There is also a big well in the fort premises, but due to the thick vegetation, it is a bit difficult to reach it.

Well in Dharmapuri Fort located near to Ambajogai in Maharashtra
Bastion of Dharmapuri Fort located near to Ambajogai in Maharashtra
After exploring the fort premises, we heard children screaming, it was then we realized that there was a monkey in the fort and that the children were trying to get rid of it.
Stone artifact at Dharmapuri Fort located near to Ambajogai in Maharashtra
We then headed back to car, to see the last fort on our itinerary, Dharur Fort.


NOTE: Please click on the words in large font in the blog to read about them. 

Nanded Fort in Nanded district in Maharashtra

Monday, November 27, 2017

Nanded Fort is located in Nanded district on Maharashtra. It is located very close to the River Godavari.

View of River Godavari from Nanded Fort in Nanded district in Maharashtra
Directions to the fort are available on Google maps. From Kandhar Fort we drove for around 45 KM to reach this fort.

Refer to this board for information on the fort.

Information on Nanded Fort in Nanded district in Maharashtra

We parked our car near the main road and then walked it out to the fort. There is provision for food and water here.

Nothing much to see in the fort premises. The fort offers a fantastic view of River Godavari.

The two huge yellow painted water tanks, provide water to the neighboring areas.

Water tanks at Nanded Fort in Nanded district in Maharashtra
The  Water Supply System of Nanded is located here. Refer to this photo for information on the same. This is the place where it is houses. Sadly it is not open for public anymore.

Information on Water Supply System in Nanded Fort in Nanded district in Maharashtra

There are a couple of ruined structures on the fort premises.

Ruins at Nanded Fort in Nanded district in Maharashtra
There are a couple of new built structures, but they are not open to public, not sure if they are Govt offices. The watchman was not aware of it either.


New Structures built within Nanded Fort in Nanded district in Maharashtra
Sadly the Nanded Fort didn't meet our expectations after exploring fantastic forts like Paranda Fort, Ausa Fort and Udgir Fort.

We then set our GPS to Dharur Fort, it was around 165 KM away from Nanded Fort. The time was now 5PM on my watch, we decided to brake for the night at Ambajogai.


NOTE: Please click on the words in large font in the blog to read about them. 

Kandhar Fort in Nanded district in Maharashtra

Friday, November 24, 2017

Kandhar Fort is located in Nanded districit in Maharashtra. After exploring Udgir Fort we traveled with the directions provide by Google Maps to reach here. We drove around 65 KM that is around 2 hours to  reach this fort premises.


Kandhar Fort in Nanded district in Maharashtra


Kandhar Fort in Nanded district in Maharashtra


Again this fort too has a moat around it. Something similar to Paranda Fort, Ausa Fort and Udgir Fort.

Information on Kandhar Fort in Nanded district in Maharashtra

Doesn't the fortification  look amazing.

Ruins at Kandhar Fort in Nanded district in Maharashtra

Structures at Kandhar Fort in Nanded district in Maharashtra

Looking at some of the bastions, this fort has been renovated.

Fortification of Kandhar Fort in Nanded district in Maharashtra


Structures at Kandhar Fort in Nanded district in Maharashtra

Please refer to this photo for history of the fort.

Fortification of Kandhar Fort in Nanded district in Maharashtra

The fort is open from 9AM to 5PM all days. There is no entry fee.
The design of this fort is very similar to Paranda fort. On certain wall there are inscription in arabic. I am guessing. But it is translated and put up in English for understanding purposes.

Statues at Kandhar Fort in Nanded district in Maharashtra

One has to go through a series of Doors or should I say Darwaza to enter the fort premises.

Ruins at Kandhar Fort in Nanded district in Maharashtra

We saw the Rangin Darwaza and also the Dhana Buruj (bastion)
We saw a few broken sculptures within the fort premises. Please refer to this fort for more info on the structure.

Statue of Mahavir at Kandhar Fort in Nanded district in Maharashtra

We also saw a Jain sculpture painted white in the premises. Please refer to this fort for more info on the structure.

Ruins at Kandhar Fort in Nanded district in Maharashtra

This is perhaps the smallest Masjid I have been too on my trips. its the Masjid E Mohammadi. Please refer to this fort for more info on the structure. It had three arch doors and two thin minarets atop it. Next to it is small grinding circle with a shivling and a grinding stone in the middle.

Mosque, Shiv Ling and Grinding Stone at Kandhar Fort in Nanded district in Maharashtra

This fort too has two levels of fortification for defense purposes. The inner wall which is heighted has been renovated but not the outer wall. It is still in ruins.

Cannon at Kandhar Fort in Nanded district in Maharashtra



Cannon at Kandhar Fort in Nanded district in Maharashtra



Cannon at Kandhar Fort in Nanded district in Maharashtra



Cannon at Kandhar Fort in Nanded district in Maharashtra

Within the fort are may ruined structures, again no signboards around, so not sure of their historical significance.

Fortification of Kandhar Fort in Nanded district in Maharashtra

What we did see is this small tomb, painted white on a podium. It lies in the moat area. So it might have either been submerged in water or wild growth.

Fortification of Kandhar Fort in Nanded district in Maharashtra

The bastions of the fort had cannons of different shapes atop them, These cannons too were huge. Being a land fort it was required for defense purposes.

Ruins at Kandhar Fort in Nanded district in Maharashtra


Structures at Kandhar Fort in Nanded district in Maharashtra

The entire fort can seen in an hour's time.

Small structure in the moat area of Kandhar Fort in Nanded district in Maharashtra


Structures at Kandhar Fort in Nanded district in Maharashtra

There is provision for food and water outside the fort premises.


Ruins at Kandhar Fort in Nanded district in Maharashtra


Fort walls and the moat area at Kandhar Fort in Nanded district in Maharashtra

Fortification of Kandhar Fort in Nanded district in Maharashtra

We then headed to see Nanded Fort in Nanded. 


NOTE: Please click on the words in large font in the blog to read about them.

Udgir fort in Latur district in Maharashtra

Wednesday, November 22, 2017

Udgir Fort is located in Udgir city, in Latur district in Maharashtra.
After visiting Kharosa Caves we traveled after taking directions from Google maps to reach, Udgir city. It took us around 75 KM i.e around 2 hours to reach Udgir city. The time was now 8 PM on my watch. Now we had two things on our agenda. Place to sleep and eat for the night.
Udgir fort in Latur district in Maharashtra
Udgir city was like a oasis for our trip. it was self contained, there were banks, shops selling articles, eateries, hotels, railway station and ST bus stand here.
This structure is located near the entrance to Udgir fort
Sadly it was a night before Holi (Indian festival of colors),  due to the Govt. Guest being full, we couldn't get a place to stay there and hence we had stayed at Sai Residency. We paid Rs.800 for non AC rooms.
Chinese cusine at Hotel Famous in Latur
We then had dinner (Chinese Cusine) New Famous Hotel. The food was just perfect for us. After the Wai roadtrip, this is the second time we have had fantastic Chinese food on roadtrip.

Like Paranda fort, Ausa fort, Kandhar Fort, Udgir fort too has a moat around it. 
Fortification of Udgir fort in Latur district in Maharashtra

Fortification of Udgir fort in Latur district in Maharashtra
The next morning, we left for Udgir Fort. We reached the fort premises around 8 AM. As it was Holi (Indian festival of colors) the fort was closed. We were not aware of it. Once you enter Fort Maha Darwaza, there are two ways there, one leads to the fort (has metal Darwaza but under lock and key), the other leads to the Samadhi of Udgir Maharaj. The Samadhi is around 60 feet below sea level. There is a series of steps that lead to it. There is a small cave here and a huge well next to it. We were accompanied by a bunch of Police Inspectors and they advised us not to photograph the place.
Darwaza at Udgir fort in Latur district in Maharashtra
As there is a temple in the fort premises, entry to the temple is only allowed. We did check with a florist, he said to wait till 9 AM and check if the fort caretaker comes around. We might get lucky.
Structure at Udgir fort in Latur district in Maharashtra
The fort is open from 9 AM to 5PM all days. There is no entry fee. If it is a festival then need to check if the fort would be open.
Luck was by our side, the caretaker did come, we checked with him, he informed us that the fort would be closed as it was Holi. Bad news again. We did ask him, if we could make a exception for us as we had come from Mumbai to see this fort. To which he said that he needs to check with his Supervisor. We understood that we would have to bribe our way in the fort premises.
Cannon at Udgir fort in Latur district in Maharashtra
Cannon at Udgir fort in Latur district in Maharashtra
Luck was by our side again. We paid him Rs.100 to see the fort. We had the entire fort to ourselves.
Fortification and structures within Udgir fort in Latur district in Maharashtra
Like Paranda and Ausa fort, this is a land fort  with a moat around it for defense purposes. The fort has got two levels of fortification.
History states that this fort was built in the12th century by the Bahamani rulers. It has changed hands a couple of times after a series of battles.
Cannon at Udgir fort in Latur district in Maharashtra
We like always climbed up the walls to see the fort in entirety. The fort is in very good condition. Not sure if maintenance work has been carried out or not. There are a couple of structures within the fort premises also. They are not named nor the caretaker aware of their historical significance. The structures within the fort have grafitti all over them. Why do people love to spoil history, is something which I am not to get an answer to?
Bastion at Structure at Udgir fort in Latur district in Maharashtra
The bastions of the fort, had cannons with great artwork.
We also saw this structure which was painted white in color. It had Mughal styled architecture within it.. Sadly the white was covered with graffiti.
Structure at Udgir fort in Latur district in Maharashtra
The fort has got wells within it. Water from the same is not portable. We were also able to locate this miniature version step well. I have seen a similar step well at Badlapur too.
Structure at Udgir fort in Latur district in Maharashtra
Structure at Udgir fort in Latur district in Maharashtra
Pigeon House at Udgir fort in Latur district in Maharashtra
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Another interesting find was this structure painted in white, when we went inside, we understood that it was a Pigeon House. Meaning, pigeons from the areas around were kept here. When some news needed to be sent to the neighbouring areas, a pigeon which belonged to that area, was sent with the message tied to its leg. This is faster than POST too. This makes me think, how fast our ancestors were, we are smart today only due  to technology.
Structure at Udgir fort in Latur district in Maharashtra
Me, The caretaker, Manohar and a security guard at Udgir fort in Latur district in Maharashtra
After paying the bribe and taking a few group photos we then departed to see the next fort, Kandhar Fort. Udgir fort took us around 45 minutes to explore.
Structure at Udgir fort in Latur district in Maharashtra
Stepwell at Udgir fort in Latur district in Maharashtra

There is no provision for food and water on the fort premises, but it is available in plenty in Udgir city, a couple of minutes away from the fort. 

After exploring the fort we departed to Kandhar Fort.

That's Me at Udgir fort in Latur district in Maharashtra

NOTE: Please click on the words in large font in the blog to read about them. 

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