Naldurg

**Naldurg Fort: A Must-See Marvel\!** Explore the massive 3km-long fortification wall with 114 unique bastions—look for Hexagonal, Pentagonal, Quadrilateral, Semicircular, and even lotus-petal shapes! **Key Features:** * **RanMandal Fort:** Constructed behind the moat to safeguard Naldurg. * **Moat:** Created by diverting the Bori River. * **Entrances:** Enter via a bridge over the moat to the first and second entrances, guarded by huge bastions. The main (third) entrance is between a bastion on the left; steps on the right lead to 'Sherhaji' for dual fortification views. * **Cannons & Buildings:** Find three cannons (one 27 long) inside the entrance bastion. See the 'HattiKhana' (with a big sculpture), the Fort-In-Charge's Palace (used to house Naldurg College), and the 'Munsif court' nearby. * **Jama Mosque:** Located on one side of the palace, featuring a water reservoir.**Don't Miss These Spots:** * **NavBuruj:** An attractive lotus-petal-shaped bastion, visible from the Naldurg-Hyderabad highway (5km away). It’s one of Naldurg’s rare two-floored constructions. * **Dilapidated Structures:** Spot 'Bardari' (where British officer Colonel Meadows stayed), offering views of the Bori River and bridge, and 'RangMahal' beside it. * **PaniMahal:** The most attractive structure\! This small palace is inside a 174m long, 19m high weir constructed by architect 'Meer Emadin' during the era of second Adilshaha. The weir connects Naldurg and RanMandal, and the palace remains dry even when the river overflows. * **Upali Buruj (Upalya/Tehlani Buruj):** A 15m high watchtower at the fort's center, offering views of the entire area. It holds two cannons (18 and 21 long) and is near a water reservoir (for cannon shooters to jump into) and an explosive warehouse.**Plan Your Visit:** * **Open Hours:** 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (Managed by the Archaeological department). * **Time needed:** One day to see both Naldurg and Ranmandal.