Gandhari Fort

The Gandhari Fort is believed to have been constructed by tribal kings who once ruled the region, with support from the Kakatiya rulers, approximately a millennium ago. Situated within the fort is the ancient temple of Maisamma, housing idols of Kala Bhairava Swamy, Lord Siva, Lord Ganesh, and Hanuman, all intricately carved from rock.

Archaeological evidence suggests that construction of the fort commenced as early as the Rastrakuta era, prior to 1200 A.D., and continued through the 16th century. The grand fort is not only a testament to magnificent architecture but also boasts defensive structures, bathing tanks, and intricate sculptures, leaving visitors in awe. Of particular interest is the eight-foot Naga Seshu idol with ten heads, sculpted from a single rock, which captures the attention of tourists.

One notable feature is the ‘Yenugula Bavi’ (Elephants Well), ingeniously designed to allow elephants and horses to access water through a series of steps.

The Mahankali Jatara (quarry jatara) is an annual event that attracts over 10,000 people to the area. Additionally, the Gandhari Maisamma Jatra is held at the fort’s temple every two years, drawing tribal people from the Vindhya region, including Maharashtra and Chhattisgarh.

Perched on sandstone hills, the fort is located within a densely forested area, rich in plant species, including various medicinal herbs. Notably, the fort has not been fully excavated and is partially concealed by the surrounding forest. Given the significance of the fort’s flora, there have been suggestions to designate the fort’s forested area as a Medicinal Plants Conservation Center.