Narnala
Range
Satpuda(Melghat)
Altitude
963m
Difficulty
Medium
Explore Offline
Download the app for 3D offline navigation, interactive trail maps, and emergency SOS tools.
About Narnala
Narnala Fort (aka "Shahnur Fort") Location: Hill fortress in Maharashtra, India. Named after: Rajput Ruler Narnala Singh. History: First established in the 10th Century A.D. by Gond Kings. Rebuilt by the Mughals in the 15th Century, becoming one of Berar Subah's thirteen sarkar. Occupied since at least the Khalji dynasty. Complex: Consists of three forts: Zafarabad (east), Narnala (center), and Teliagarh (west). Highlights: * Legendary lake with "healing properties" and rumored to contain the philosopher's stone (dried up in 1899-1900 drought). * Known for Muslim saint Hazrat Burhanuddin "Bagh Sawar Wali." * Arabic inscriptions carved by Adli Beg/Atalu Beg, including on the Kadak Bijli cannon. * Birthplace of Mughal Aurangzeb's great-grandson.
Best time to visit
Best Visit: Nov - Feb
Places to See
Explore this massive 362-acre fort (1.46 km²)! It features 360 watchtowers and 27 gates (6 large, 21 small). Key Gates: Delhi, Sirpur, Akot, and Shahanur darvaza. Don't miss the inner Shahnur/Mahakali gate! Built in 1486 by Fathullah Imad-ul-Mulk during Shahab-ud-din Mahmud Shah's reign (Bahmani), this ornate white sandstone gate is a prime example of Sultanate architecture. Look for conventional lotus flowers, Arabic inscriptions, and stone lattice-work. History Fact: Though originally built by Narnal Singh's dynasty (symbolized by the "Ashtakamal" eight-petal lotus visible throughout), Islamic rulers later converted the style to Moghul form. Water Supply: The fort was self-sufficient with an aqueduct, drains, and 19 tanks (four full year-round).
Journey & Transport
Time to Reach
2.5 hrs from Shahanur base village.
How to Reach
Akola: Road/Rail Hub. Narnala is 66 kms from Akola. Akot (Taluka HQ) is 40 kms from Akola. From Akot, Popatkhed (base village for Shahanur) is 20 kms. Pay entrance fee at the forest office in the village, then it's 6 kms to Narnala Fort.
Important Notes
Fort Visit Tips! **Getting Around:** Drive to Shahanur / Mehendi entrance. Proceed to Mahakali entrance, park, and continue on foot. Re-access your vehicle at Shakkar lake. **Be Respectful:** This fort is a Wildlife Sanctuary, monitored by the Forest and Archeological Departments. Tour carefully\! Do not harm any living (including trees) or non-living properties. **Guided Tour:** Highly recommended\! Hire a local guide or forest officer to discover the hidden parts of the fort. **Don't Forget:** Bring the fort map—it’s your best guide\!
Facilities
- StayStay in Akola, Akot, or Shahanur! Forest Dept. accommodation is available in Shahanur.
- FoodFood is available in Shahanur village. Plan for a full day to explore the fort and bring your own food supplies!
- WaterLake water is available, but bringing your own is advised.