Situated 15km away from the main city of Aurangabad, Daulatabad Fort is a historic citadel nestled amidst the verdant greenery in the Daulatabad village, now known as Devgiri. Also known as one the ‘seven wonders of Maharashtra’, this majestic architecture was constructed in the 12th century and has a flight of 750 odd steps which leads to the top of the fort. The most mesmerizing qualities of the Devgiri fort or Daulatabad fort is its surroundings which is lush with greenery and the top part of the fort offers an enchanting view of the entire city.
Daulatabad Fort is also known as one of the powerful and inspiring fortresses of the medieval period because of its spectacular and strategic design. It is nestled atop a 200-meter-high conical hill which offers it a calculated position, marvelous beauty, and security from the enemies. The engineering genius of the fort had not only offered it an impregnable protection against the enemies but had also managed exceptional resources of water for its residents. The stonework of the fort against the lush greenery paints a stunning sight to behold that takes you back to the pages of the bygone era.
This fort of Daulatabad was built in 1187 AD by the Yadava dynasty which ruled the region in 12th century. It was then known as Deogiri or Devgiri, meaning the ‘the hill of the gods.’
In the 14th century, the Sultan of Delhi - Muhammad Bin Tughlak came upon this fort and fell in love with it. The prosperous kingdom of the Yadava dynasty was then taken over by Muhammad Bin Tughlak along with the two forts. He decided to move his court and capital there, renaming it to Daulatabad, which translated to - "the City of Fortune/wealth", and made the entire population of Delhi in that time to move to this fort city.
He stayed in the fort for five years and after that city was abandoned by the rulers of Delhi due to the lack of water supply in the area. Within the period of two years, the capital was again shifted back to Delhi, leaving Daulatabad in a neglected state.
The construction of the Daulatabad or Devgiri fort was done in such a way that an enemy marching towards it is thrown off-track. The fort had a single doorway for entry and exit to trap the enemies who might want to look for an exit after penetrating in the premises. Serpentine arrangements of the entry way, false doorways, strangely curved walls, and many such deceptions were made to confuse the enemy, condemning them to defeat. The fort had various beautiful elements such as:
Daulatabad Fort is open to visitors between 9 AM and 6 PM every day, on all days of the week.
An entry fee of INR 10 per head is applicable for every Indian national (adult) visitor to this place, and for foreigners (adult), the entrance fee applicable is INR 100 per head. For visitors who’d like to bring a camera, an additional INR 25 is charged.
The trekking to the fort might take 2-3 hours, so carry water bottles with you.
Some of the most popular places to visit near Daulatabad Fort are:
Formerly known as Deogiri, the Daulatabad Fort was constructed in 1187 by the Yadava dynasty in Aurangabad, Maharashtra, before it was taken over by Mohammad Tughlak and renaming the city as Daulatabad along with this fort. The strategic location of the fort along with the incredible architecture and three-layered defense system made it one of thestrongest hill fortresses of that era.
Daluatabad Fort is open for visitors from 9 am to 6 pm.
Maharashtra Tourism has decided to rename the Daulatabad Fort to ‘Devgiri’ Fort which is located near Aurangabad.
One will have to walk up to 750 stairs to trek to the top of Daulatabad Fort.
With 750 stairs, it will take around 2-3 hours, depending on your speed, to climb Daulatabad Fort.
Daulatabad fort stands tall at a height of 190 meters.
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