Daulatabad Fort in Aurangabad
· Summer: March-May (20°C - 43°C)
· Winter: November-February (10°C - 32°C)
Monsoon: June-September
Best time to visit:
October-March
Opening Time: Sunrise (usually 06:00 a.m.)
Closing Time: Sunset (usually 06:00 p.m.)
Weekly Holiday: Nil
Entry Fees for Indians
Adults: INR 5
Children:
Nil
Cameras: Nil
Video Camera: INR 25
Entry Fees for Foreign Nationals
Adults:
INR 100
Children:
Nil
Cameras:
Nil
Video Camera:
INR 25
One of the finest examples of how a fort’s defence mechanism should be, Daulatabad Fort is a marvellous structure with glorious history attached to it. Perched on the conical hill of Deogiri, the original fort was built by the Yadava Dynasty at the end of the 12th century. Muhammad-bin-Tughluq annexed the fort town, changed its name from Deogiri to Daulatabad and shifted his capital from Delhi to this place. Later, the fort exchanged hands among Bahamani Rulers, Nizam Shah Dynasty, Mughals, Marathas and Nizams of Hyderabad.
Accessible by climbing neary 600 steps, the fort welcomes the visitors through a dark passage called andheri, built strategically to make the access difficult for the enemy. Three concentric fortification circles, called Amber Kot, Maha Kot and Kala Kot, add to the fort’s invincible defence. Moat excavated from living rock has great width and depth which further gave the fort advantages over opponents.
The structures inside the fort complex consist of beautiful palaces like Rang Mahal, Chini Mahal and Baradari (octagonal in shape). Chand Minar, also called the Victory Tower, is one of the highest towers in India. Hathi Kund (Elephant tank) and Saraswati Bawdi (stepped-well) have their own exclusive charm. Among the most striking features of the fort are a number of cannons installed in all parts. Mendha Tope with numerous inscriptions and cascabel in the shape of a ram is the most impressive one. Breathtaking views from the fort keep the visitors elated.
Connectivites
Road:
Located at the outskirts of Aurangabad, about 17 km. from the city centre, the historic town of Daulatabad is accessible by National Highway 211. From the town, one needs to climb the fort hill via steps to reach the fort complex. It can be a strenuous climb for some, but the final reward is worth making the efforts.
Railway:
Daulatabad Railway Station is about 4 km. from the fort’s location and has auto-rickshaws available for the further road journey. Another good option is Aurangabad Railway Station at the distance of about 16 km. Auto-rickshaws and taxis are available there for conveniently accessing the fort.
Airway:
About 23 km. from the fort, Aurangabad Airport is the closest airport to Daulatabad. Prefer to hire taxis for a hassle-free journey to the base of the fort.