Kondapalli Fort in Vijayawada
The architectural beauty of Kondapalli fort reflects the greatness of its rulers and the people who lived in the area during those ancient times.
Kondapalli Fort is also known as Kondapalli Quilla and is located to the west of Kondapalli village known for Kondapalli toys. This fort is considered to be the second largest fort in Andhra Pradesh, spreading over an area of about 18 sq km in the main Kondapalli hill range.
This historic fort is located at a distance of about 24 km from Vijayawada railway station and bus stand.
According to historians, this fort was built by Prolaya Vema Reddy of Kondavidu Reddi kingdom during the 14th century CE. Some other historians believe that Anna Vema Reddy built this fort in 1360 CE, after he successfully captured Kondapalli from Mudigonda Chalukyas.
This historic fort is located at a distance of about 24 km from Vijayawada railway station and bus stand.
According to historians, this fort was built by Prolaya Vema Reddy of Kondavidu Reddi kingdom during the 14th century CE. Some other historians believe that Anna Vema Reddy built this fort in 1360 CE, after he successfully captured Kondapalli from Mudigonda Chalukyas.
The Kondapalli fort was built using granite stones and lime mortar. You can find a mixed architecture here as this fort was ruled by different royal families.
The architectural design of the fort reflects the influence of Persian, Bahmani and Mughal styles. During the reign of Qutb Shahi, the fort underwent major changes.
The Department of Archaeology has undertaken the task of renovation and restoration of the fort and its structures. They did a great job in restoring and strengthening the remnants of fort walls. You will come across many reservoirs along the way and many of them are now dry.
What to See at Kondapalli Fort?
- Dargah Darwaja (Mosque Door)
- Hazrath Syed Galib Mosque
- Durbar Hall and Museum
- Rani Mahal (Queen’s Palace)
- Gajashala
- Koneru Pond
- Thopkhana (Weapon House)
- Ranga Mahal (Nartana Sala - Dancing Hall)
- Tanisha Mahal
- Jail Khana (Royal Prison House)
- Market Yard
The entrance to the fort is through the Dargah Darwaja (Mosque Door). Hazrath Syed Galib Mosque is located right in front of the main entrance of Kondapalli Fort.
Golconda Darwaza is the main entrance gate and was built with a single granite block.
Durbar Hall is the place where kings used to hold music, dance and ceremonies.
The Department of Archaeology and Museums has converted and renovated the Durbar Hall to include a large Museum showcasing the famous Kondapalli toys, ancient artifacts, artworks, history of various dynasties and magnificent sculptures in its galleries.
Gajashala or Elephant Stable derived its name from the majestic Gajapati rulers who used this place to shelter the royal elephants.
Entrance Fee & Parking Facility:
Visitors have to pay an entrance fee at Kondapalli fort. The fort is open from morning 10:30 a.m. to evening 5:00 p.m.
There is ample space for vehicle parking at the entrance of the fort. Smartphones can be taken inside the fort for free but there is a nominal fee for DSLR cameras.
Facilities at the Fort:
The fort has a wide range of facilities besides drinking water, toilets, shops and food court.
Best Time to Visit:
Winter is the best time to visit this place as the weather will be more pleasant to climb the fort and see the beautiful green scenery around the hill. The fort will be crowded with visitors on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays.
Tips for Fort Visitors:
There is a lot of open space to climb and explore at Kondapalli fort. So, visitors need to start early or face the heat from the sun in the afternoons. Carry a water bottle, caps, pack a light snack or a tiffin to eat after getting tired of long walking and climbing the hill.
Kondapalli Archeology and Museum
Kondapalli Fort Museum
Renovated Kondapalli fort Museum
The fort visit can be completed in around three hours and there are no guides available as of now. An interactive audio tour app can be downloaded for knowing about Kondapalli Museum. Washroom facility is available for the visitors and many new facilities are being added to the fort.
AR App - Kondapally Fort
Kondapalli Arts & Crafts:
Kondapalli toys have a good reputation all over India and abroad.
These are the famous toys made of wood in Kondapalli, a village nearby Vijayawada of Krishna district, in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. Toys Colony or Bommala Colony in Kondapalli village is the place where the art of crafting toys takes place.
Kondapalli toys are made using lightwood known as 'Tella Poniki Softwood (Gyrocapus jacquini)' collected from the Kondapalli hill forest area and can be easily crafted into any form.
Different Kondapalli toys depict beautiful birds, mythological characters and realistic workers and other characters.
Best Tourist Attractions in Krishna & Guntur:
- 👉 Vijayawada Kanaka Durga Temple
- 👉 Prakasam Barrage
- 👉 Bhavani Island
- 👉 Bapu Museum (Victoria Jubilee Museum)
- 👉 Gandhi Hill
- 👉 Mogalarajapuram Caves
- 👉 Machilipatnam & Manginapudi Beach
- 👉 Kotappakonda
- 👉 Amaravathi
- 👉 Mangalagiri
- 👉 Undavalli Caves
- 👉 Suryalanka Beach in Bapatla
- 👉 Pedakakani Malleswara Swamy Temple
- 👉 Hamsaladeevi
Transportation:
Vijayawada City is well connected by road, rail and air networks There is a small seaport at Machilipatnam. Tourists can use public and private transport facilities such as city buses, autorickshaws, Ola and Uber cabs to get to various tourist destinations in the city.
Vijayawada International Airport (Code: VGA) is present at Gannavaram.
Vijayawada Railway Station is a railway junction (station code: BZA) connecting all major cities of the country.
Forts to see in Andhra Pradesh:
- Chandragiri Fort
- Udayagiri Fort
- Bobbili Fort
- Kondaveedu Fort
- Gurramkonda Fort
- Kurnool Kondareddy Fort
- Vizianagaram Fort
- Gandikota Fort
- Ravadurg Gooty Fort
- Adoni Fort
- Siddavatam Fort
Forts to see in Telangana:
- Golconda Fort
- Bhongir Fort
- Warangal Fort
- Devarakonda Fort
- Medak Fort
- Gadwal Fort
- Nirmal Fort
- Nagunur Fort
- Nizamabad Fort
Kondapalli Fort Route Map:
Author Note:
The historic Kondapalli Fort is perfect for those who want to explore a quiet and peaceful place away from city life. The fort, built entirely of granite blocks, is a sought after tourist destination for old monument lovers.
Share your experience of visiting Kondapalli Fort in the comments section. Also, share this post with your friends and tell them about this historic fort.
Other Names: Kondapalli Fort, Kondapalli Killa, Kondapalli Quilla, Kondapalli Kota.
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