If you are fascinated by the history and architecture of medieval forts and their defenses, you should definitely visit the Daulatabad Fort in Maharashtra. This fort, also known as the Devagiri Fort or the Deogiri Fort, is a 14th-century fort that was built by the Yadava dynasty and later occupied by various rulers like the Khilji, Tughlaq, Bahmani, Mughal, Maratha, etc. The fort is located on a conical hill, about 15 kilometers from the Aurangabad city center and 20 kilometers from the Ellora Caves.
The fort is known for its massive walls, gates, towers, moats, bridges, tunnels, and cannons that made it one of the most formidable forts in India. The fort is also known for its historical and cultural significance as it was once the capital of India under Muhammad bin Tughlaq. Here is everything you need to know about the Daulatabad Fort. Visit during Ellora Caves one day trip From Sambhaji Nagar.
Distance From City Center Location of Daulatabad Fort
The Daulatabad Fort is located on a conical hill, about 15 kilometers from the Aurangabad city center and 20 kilometers from the Ellora Caves. The fort is situated on the Aurangabad-Daulatabad road.
Timing/Entry Fees Daulatabad Fort
The Daulatabad Fort is open to visitors every day from 9 am to 6 pm. The entry fee is Rs. 20 per person for Indians and Rs. 300 per person for foreigners. There is no camera fee or parking fee.
How to Reach Daulatabad Fort
You can reach the Daulatabad Fort by road, rail, or air. The nearest railway station is Aurangabad, which is well connected to major cities like Mumbai, Pune, Hyderabad, Delhi, etc. From there, you can take a bus, auto-rickshaw, or taxi to the fort, which will take about half an hour. The nearest airport is Aurangabad, which has domestic flights from Mumbai, Delhi, Hyderabad, etc. From there, you can take a cab or a bus to the fort, which will take about an hour.
Things to Do/See Daulatabad Fort
The Daulatabad Fort has many attractions and activities for visitors of all ages and interests. Some of the things to do and see at the fort are:
- Explore the fort: You can explore the fort by walking or taking a guided tour that will take you through various features and sections of the fort like the Chand Minar, the Chini Mahal, the Bharat Mata Mandir, the Elephant Tank, the Hathi Haud, the Andheri, the Amberkot, the Baradari, the Jami Masjid, the Rang Mahal, the Durbar Hall, the Chudaman Talav, etc. You can also climb up to the top of the hill where you can see the tomb of Aurangzeb and a panoramic view of the surrounding area.
- Learn about the history: You can learn about the history of the fort that dates back to the 12th century CE and was built by the Yadava king Bhillama V as Devagiri or Deogiri meaning “Hill of Gods”. The fort was later captured by various rulers like Alauddin Khilji, Muhammad bin Tughlaq, Malik Kafur, Ahmad Shah Bahmani, Aurangzeb, Nizam-ul-Mulk, etc. The fort was also renamed as Daulatabad meaning “City of Fortune” by Muhammad bin Tughlaq who shifted his capital from Delhi to this fort in 1327 CE.
- Enjoy the light and sound show: You can enjoy a light and sound show that is held every evening at the fort that narrates the story and the glory of the Daulatabad Fort and its rulers. The show is held in Hindi and English languages and lasts for about an hour.
- Visit the nearby attractions: You can visit some of the nearby attractions that are located close to the fort like Ellora Caves (20 km), Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga Temple (21 km), Bibi Ka Maqbara (15 km), Aurangabad Caves (18 km), Ajanta Caves (100 km), etc.
Significance of Daulatabad Fort
The Daulatabad Fort is not only a tourist destination but also a historical and cultural landmark of Maharashtra and India. It represents the power and prestige of the different rulers and dynasties that ruled over this region for more than six centuries. It also reflects the diversity and harmony of the different religions and cultures that coexisted peacefully in this region. The fort is a testimony to the courage and resilience of the people who defended this fort against various attacks and invasions.
FAQ’s
Q: How long does it take to explore the fort?
A: It depends on your interest and pace but generally it takes about two to three hours to explore the fort.
Q: Is there any cafeteria or restaurant near the fort?
A: Yes there are some cafeterias and restaurants near the fort that offer snacks and meals at reasonable prices. Some of them are Cafe Coffee Day (10 km), Hotel Atithi (15 km), Hotel Yash Executive (20 km), etc.
Q: What are some other places to visit near the fort?
A: Some other places to visit near the fort are Ellora Caves (20 km), Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga Temple (21 km), Bibi Ka Maqbara (15 km), Aurangabad Caves (18 km), Ajanta Caves (100 km), etc.
Conclusion
The Daulatabad Fort is a must-visit place for anyone who loves history and architecture. It offers a unique opportunity to witness the majesty and magnificence of a medieval fortress that showcases the ingenious design and engineering of its builders. It also offers a chance to appreciate the history and culture of the different rulers and dynasties who built and occupied this fort over centuries. So if you are planning a trip to Aurangabad or nearby areas don’t miss out on visiting the Daulatabad Fort.
