Gingee Fort
Gingee Fort
4.5
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
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4.5
113 reviews
Excellent
55
Very good
51
Average
7
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Kate1953
42 contributions
Aug 2023 • Couples
Excellent, though some of it in ruins. The views on the way up are worth the effort of the hike. There are two hikes, one near the ticket office and the other on the other side of the main road. The first one is steep and quite difficult, especially in the heat!! The latter, which we did the next day, was much easier and would highly recommend this walk. There and back in an hour with good views. Take a stick for the monkeys. Not a lot of people there.
Written 3 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nilesh
Neyveli, India2 contributions
Dec 2019 • Family
A very very awesome Location to Visit.
It opens at 09:00am.
Keep plenty of water along with you. At least 01 liter per person.
You will not get drinking water at fort location.
Lot of monkey's are there so don't dare to take snacks along with you.
You didn't get any snacks or restaurant near or at fort.
I like the place so much and will visit again whenever I will get a chance.
It opens at 09:00am.
Keep plenty of water along with you. At least 01 liter per person.
You will not get drinking water at fort location.
Lot of monkey's are there so don't dare to take snacks along with you.
You didn't get any snacks or restaurant near or at fort.
I like the place so much and will visit again whenever I will get a chance.
Written 20 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BudLuBudKee
Redmond, WA43 contributions
Nov 2012 • Couples
Gingee fort is another architectural marvel nestled well out of general view and from major highways. Almost 40 km detour at tindivanam, on the trichy-chennai highway.
This is one example of craftsmanship which includes natural elements into building construction, probably one of the only few green buildings of ancient India :)
Though the fort is not as huge as few other forts in India, it is pretty expansive. Major portion of the fort is built on the hills by carving the huge boulders and using it as base for constructing complete structures. There is an out wall which runs along and around the whole fort and is constructed along the terrain just like the great wall of china. There is also a trench around the whole parameter which possibly would have been filled with water with the the hungry crocs swimming around. Tis fort was considered to be me of the most impregnable forts in India, and it surely looks like so.
There is a meticulous construction of a drainage system which emphasises the implementation of rain water harvesting at a huge scale. One can only marvel at the depth of knowledge of people at the time.
There are twin forts one for each the king and the queen facing each other on opposite hillocks. You have to cove a huge area to actually view the entire expanse of the forts and that could easily take the whole day, so keep some time in hand. Recommended as a perfect tour if you are infested in ancient Indian construction and architecture.
This is one example of craftsmanship which includes natural elements into building construction, probably one of the only few green buildings of ancient India :)
Though the fort is not as huge as few other forts in India, it is pretty expansive. Major portion of the fort is built on the hills by carving the huge boulders and using it as base for constructing complete structures. There is an out wall which runs along and around the whole fort and is constructed along the terrain just like the great wall of china. There is also a trench around the whole parameter which possibly would have been filled with water with the the hungry crocs swimming around. Tis fort was considered to be me of the most impregnable forts in India, and it surely looks like so.
There is a meticulous construction of a drainage system which emphasises the implementation of rain water harvesting at a huge scale. One can only marvel at the depth of knowledge of people at the time.
There are twin forts one for each the king and the queen facing each other on opposite hillocks. You have to cove a huge area to actually view the entire expanse of the forts and that could easily take the whole day, so keep some time in hand. Recommended as a perfect tour if you are infested in ancient Indian construction and architecture.
Written 8 November 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ed K
San Antonio, TX116 contributions
Sept 2013 • Friends
There are two hills you can climb; King's Fort (the highest climb) and Queen's Fort (the shorter climb that we did). The Queens Fort climb probably takes 45 min to 1 hour to climb. You ascend via stone steps, some of which are very steep, so this might be difficult with small children or older visitors. Take plenty of water. Great views from the summit. There are multiple structures at the summit, which are worth seeing. You can access the roof on most of them. Great picture opportunity. There are no bathroom facilites at the Queen's Fort.
Written 3 September 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
S_Parameswaran
Pondicherry, India2 contributions
Physically demanding climb, but there are places to rest, on the way. Excellent view from the top. Many structures in a state of ruin at the top, including couple of temples. Lots of monkeys around.
Make sure that you wear shoes and not chappals. Carry hat/umbrella with you. No toilets around, neither are there any restaurants / snacks available anywhere near by. Carry enough water. And don't forget your camera!
Make sure that you wear shoes and not chappals. Carry hat/umbrella with you. No toilets around, neither are there any restaurants / snacks available anywhere near by. Carry enough water. And don't forget your camera!
Written 6 November 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
blackhornet666
Bangalore10 contributions
Jan 2013 • Friends
i visited this place on my way to pondy...
there are 2-3 different hills on which forts are present..
this is one of em...the view frm the place is wonderful...
it will take about 2 hrs to climb up to the top...extremely tiring as the steps are uneven and of different heights...
once you reach the top,the view of the area from that spot is wonderful...
since it was raining when i went there, i had an amazing experience standing between the clouds...
walking back down is fairly easier but one needs to be careful as the stone steps get extremely slippery when it rains...
there are 2-3 different hills on which forts are present..
this is one of em...the view frm the place is wonderful...
it will take about 2 hrs to climb up to the top...extremely tiring as the steps are uneven and of different heights...
once you reach the top,the view of the area from that spot is wonderful...
since it was raining when i went there, i had an amazing experience standing between the clouds...
walking back down is fairly easier but one needs to be careful as the stone steps get extremely slippery when it rains...
Written 2 January 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
hgumballi
Bengaluru, India97 contributions
Oct 2012 • Family
This fort was Described by Shivaji as most impregnable Fort. It is broken down but still wort a watch. The best time to visit is in the mornings as the fort is under Archaeological Survey of India, and gets closed y 4:30 pm. Its very hard to climb the fort in the afternoons after 10 am.
The fort is spread across 3 Hills, Krishnagiri, Rajagiri and Chandrayandurg.
This is on way to Pondicherry from Thirvanamalai.
Must visit for Youngsters and Kids
The fort is spread across 3 Hills, Krishnagiri, Rajagiri and Chandrayandurg.
This is on way to Pondicherry from Thirvanamalai.
Must visit for Youngsters and Kids
Written 29 October 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
stonewithnomoss
Duhok, Iraq893 contributions
Feb 2012 • Solo
Granted...India is replete with old forts, so it's not like Gingee is unique in being a FORT. What IS unique is that it is three hilltop locations connected by a wall that snakes up and down each hill to make a big triangle. Think of it as a "mini Great Wall of China" If you want to visit Gingee FULLY, you will need at least several hours. I was on my way back from the temple at Thiruvannamalai and only stopped for two hours and it really wasn't enough to see the complex and climb some of the hills. I think it really makes for a nice side trip if you are nearby while in Tamil Nadu ....
Written 15 February 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Devdutt L
Pondicherry, India215 contributions
We went past the shiva temple along water pond. Need to walk thru some thorny shrubs to catch the steps which are along the wall.
The view from the top is great and worth the climb
The view from the top is great and worth the climb
Written 17 December 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Karthik R
Chennai (Madras), India7,666 contributions
Feb 2020
Gingee fort has 3 hillock forts - one for the king (Rajagiri), one for the queen (Krishnagiri) and one for soldiers (Chandrayandurg). Gingee fort is well fortified and built by Anatha Kon of Konar Dynasty. It was then passed on the Marathas, Bijapur Sultans, Moghuls, Nawabs and British. The fortifications of Gingee are amazingly done and this has been a great asset of the fort - described by every ruler.
Firstly, we visited a Shiva temple before entering Rajagiri. The Shiva temple is on the left side of the road leading to Rajagiri. The Shiva temple was built in the period of Desingu Raja, who was a king of Gingee Fort for a period.
The path leading to Rajagiri takes one through few monuments as well. The entry to the place is Rs.30 per person and the open timings are 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM. However, entry to climb the hill stops at 3:00 PM; the reason primarily is because it takes close to 3 hours to climb up and down the hill. The Rajagiri fort is a towering hill and climbs of 800 feet in elevation and not an easy climb.
Before we reach the steps to climb, there are few monuments to see around. This includes Bell tower (Kalyana Mandapam), few mandapams, Gymnasium, Elephant stable, Elephant pond, Granary and Treasury. It takes around 30-60 minutes to go around and appreciate the grandeur of the place.
The hill climb to Rajagiri is around 1500 steps and definitely a difficult climb. Elders and people with physical challenges are suggested not to give a try. One needs to carry lots of water and snacks along with. There is nothing available (absolutely nothing!) to eat or drink when you are on the way to the top or no reaching there. Please be prepared accordingly. One needs to plan up to 3 hours. There are shades of trees and mandapas enroute to sit and relax, and one needs this several times through the climb. Do take time to click photographs enroute so as to keep you engaged and amazed by the fortifications around.
Once you reach the top, we can get to see a bunch of mandapas, granary, and couple of temples - one for Lord Ranganatha, a small cave pond with a natural source of water. We spent around 30 minutes at the top - to relax as well as go around the place and amaze at the structures constructed.
We started climbing down the hill and it was absolutely hot and hard even in February. A strict no-no in summers! We reached down and decided to see the Lord Ranganathaswamy temple at a distance. A km ride and we reached. The temple gopuram is stunning with the rocky hillocks all around. The whole place of Gingee resembles Hampi in many ways ! We had dharshan at the fairly sculpted temple and had some prasadam as well.
Krishnagiri - the fort is on the main road towards Thiruvannamalai on the right from Gingee. The fort is on a hillock that is smaller than Rajagiri. The hillock had 400 steps, however, it is absolutely steeper than Rajagiri. The menacing climb to the top was much more difficult because on uneven steps and the degree of steepness ! Especially, post lunch it became more and more tougher to climb. We were mentally prepared to do it very slow and did so! We took almost 1 hour to make it to the top. There are 4 stone mandapas along the route for one to sit, relax and start again !
Once we reached the top, we figured out that there are more monuments to go around than in Rajagiri. It was bit of surprise to know so. There are several mandapas around, couple of big granary spaces, and 2 temples. There is also a throne chamber amidst all these elements. The 2 temples, one for Lord Ranganatha and the other for Lord Shiva are having sculptures and well decorated gopurams.
The Ranganatha temple has ornamental sculptures and pillars too. It is a 2 tier temple and has nice views from the top. On going around the temple, we can reach the Shiva temple as well. One would need around 1 hour to go around and cherish the moments at Gingee Krishnagiri.
Our descent was complicated too given the uneven steps, lack of supporting structures by the sides of the steps and the steep nature of steps.
Firstly, we visited a Shiva temple before entering Rajagiri. The Shiva temple is on the left side of the road leading to Rajagiri. The Shiva temple was built in the period of Desingu Raja, who was a king of Gingee Fort for a period.
The path leading to Rajagiri takes one through few monuments as well. The entry to the place is Rs.30 per person and the open timings are 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM. However, entry to climb the hill stops at 3:00 PM; the reason primarily is because it takes close to 3 hours to climb up and down the hill. The Rajagiri fort is a towering hill and climbs of 800 feet in elevation and not an easy climb.
Before we reach the steps to climb, there are few monuments to see around. This includes Bell tower (Kalyana Mandapam), few mandapams, Gymnasium, Elephant stable, Elephant pond, Granary and Treasury. It takes around 30-60 minutes to go around and appreciate the grandeur of the place.
The hill climb to Rajagiri is around 1500 steps and definitely a difficult climb. Elders and people with physical challenges are suggested not to give a try. One needs to carry lots of water and snacks along with. There is nothing available (absolutely nothing!) to eat or drink when you are on the way to the top or no reaching there. Please be prepared accordingly. One needs to plan up to 3 hours. There are shades of trees and mandapas enroute to sit and relax, and one needs this several times through the climb. Do take time to click photographs enroute so as to keep you engaged and amazed by the fortifications around.
Once you reach the top, we can get to see a bunch of mandapas, granary, and couple of temples - one for Lord Ranganatha, a small cave pond with a natural source of water. We spent around 30 minutes at the top - to relax as well as go around the place and amaze at the structures constructed.
We started climbing down the hill and it was absolutely hot and hard even in February. A strict no-no in summers! We reached down and decided to see the Lord Ranganathaswamy temple at a distance. A km ride and we reached. The temple gopuram is stunning with the rocky hillocks all around. The whole place of Gingee resembles Hampi in many ways ! We had dharshan at the fairly sculpted temple and had some prasadam as well.
Krishnagiri - the fort is on the main road towards Thiruvannamalai on the right from Gingee. The fort is on a hillock that is smaller than Rajagiri. The hillock had 400 steps, however, it is absolutely steeper than Rajagiri. The menacing climb to the top was much more difficult because on uneven steps and the degree of steepness ! Especially, post lunch it became more and more tougher to climb. We were mentally prepared to do it very slow and did so! We took almost 1 hour to make it to the top. There are 4 stone mandapas along the route for one to sit, relax and start again !
Once we reached the top, we figured out that there are more monuments to go around than in Rajagiri. It was bit of surprise to know so. There are several mandapas around, couple of big granary spaces, and 2 temples. There is also a throne chamber amidst all these elements. The 2 temples, one for Lord Ranganatha and the other for Lord Shiva are having sculptures and well decorated gopurams.
The Ranganatha temple has ornamental sculptures and pillars too. It is a 2 tier temple and has nice views from the top. On going around the temple, we can reach the Shiva temple as well. One would need around 1 hour to go around and cherish the moments at Gingee Krishnagiri.
Our descent was complicated too given the uneven steps, lack of supporting structures by the sides of the steps and the steep nature of steps.
Written 18 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
No idea, but wouldn't recommend it as there are lots of monkeys.
Written 23 January 2024
Hiii... Is the Fort open at 6 AM in the morning?
Written 30 August 2019
Hi ,
Can you let me know how much time does it take to climb to the fort. I am planning to visit with my parents and kid. Is it very steep and are there proper steps to climb.
Thanks
Vinay
Written 14 February 2019
Missed to add .
Kids were ok as there are places to take rest in between . But parents found tough and didnt proceed .
Please carry water and eatables because you wont get anything throughout the walk .
Written 16 February 2019
Hello I run a Ride and Trek club at Vellore and planning to visit Gingee Fort for full day, can you guide me through.
I believe there are three major attractions, the Gingee Fort, The Granary and the Raja Rani Mahal - Can you explain all the 3 are in one complex or do we need to travel from one to another on our bikes and which order shall we follow - First which to cover followed by other two. Also how far are these from the town of Gingee and availability of hotels nearby (Veg)
Kindly revert
Written 15 December 2018
Hi there.
The Gingee Fort is off the highway. It is another 40km off. You will pass the town of Gingee to come here. As you are nearing , you will see hills of boulders.
The Gingee Fort itself is one such hill.
It is best to climb it in the morning when it is cooler.
There are about 1000 steps going up. The Raja Rani Mahal is also here.
There are fees to pay at the bottom. But sometimes the counter is not open; so you can go on in as you like.
It is a beautiful sight and an adventure not to be missed.
Sorry for the late reply.
Written 4 January 2019
From Salem , the distance is about 220 kms, roughly 3hrs 30 minutes. If you are engagig a hired vehicle ,the driver should knowing the rouute. If you are driving your own vehicle, you may get the route map from the relevant site on the internet and follow the instructions.
Written 1 February 2018
Planning a trip to Pudducheri in December and want to visit Gingee Fort. Some questions:
1) Good hotels in Gingee
2) How much climbing steps/slopes is necessary?
3) Any ropeways / chairs available?
4) How good are local guides? Any particular agency / person?
Written 1 May 2017
How to reach gingee from chennai by bus ? I need to know the availability and frequency of the buses available and up to what time of the day is that applicable?
Written 28 April 2017
There are many buses available to Thiruvannamalai. From there you can get into local buses.
Written 2 May 2017
anjumzafar34
Bhubaneswar, India
How to reach at the gingee fort from the villupuram railway station. Is there any kind of transport facility in affordable price.
Written 29 January 2017
gowtham kumar
Villupuram, India
Hi it's very affordable. You can get share auto for ₹5 per person. Go to new bus stand by share auto. In villupuram new bustand many buses are available to gingee.. The tickets are around ₹25/person. I'm not sure it's definitely below ₹30. After you reach gingee bustand.. You can hire a auto.. But they will charge around ₹150-₹200 but you can walk to the fort.. I used google maps.. It just 15 minutes walking from gingee bus stand.. :)
Written 30 May 2017
gowtham kumar
Villupuram, India
Yes. Sometimes you have to spend some time alone. You must do solo travel atleast once in your life. This place is not always crowded. If you are not scared of monkeys you can go alone. I suggest you to have stick in your hands for your safety.. Don't attack monkeys.. Just use it to threaten them.. If you have stick it won't come to you.. Take lots of water bottle in your bag.. Buy it somewhere in town itself.. Because price are doubled near the hill... If you have friends with you.. You will really enjoy the place..
If your friends are not coming.. And you are really interested means.. Just pack your bags and go solo.. :)
Written 30 May 2017
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