Gooty Fort Gutti Fort Anantapur District Andhra Pradesh

📜 Introduction

Gooty Fort, also known as Gutti Fort, is one of the oldest hill forts in Andhra Pradesh. Situated in the Anantapur district, it rises majestically above the town of Gooty (pronounced 'Gutti') and offers a stunning view of the surrounding plains. The fort is a beautiful blend of history, architecture, and natural trekking adventure, making it a must-visit for history buffs, trekkers, and photographers alike.

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🗓️ Historical Timeline

Period	Ruler/Dynasty	Key Events
3rd Century BCE	Satavahanas	Initial fortifications on the hill said to have existed
7th–8th Century	Badami Chalukyas	Strengthened fort as a strategic outpost
11th–12th Century	Hoysalas	Further renovations and usage as a military post
14th Century	Vijayanagara Empire	Major expansion; stone walls and multiple gateways added
17th Century	Qutb Shahi Dynasty	Modified into a defensive hill fort against Mughal advances
18th Century	Marathas (including Murari Rao Ghorpade)	Murari Rao made Gooty his base and built granaries, water tanks, and palace structures
1775	British East India Company	Took over fort; used as a strategic garrison point

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🧱 Architecture & Structure

• Built primarily using granite and lime mortar

• Comprises 15 gates, bastions, and watchtowers

• Spread over fortified hills at ~680 meters elevation

• Multiple citadels at varying levels, connected via stone steps

• Murari Rao’s palace ruins are visible at the summit

• Includes two main reservoirs and multiple stepwells for water conservation

🏰 Key Sections of the Fort:

Section	Description
Main Gateway	Known as "Mar Gooty Gate," with Indo-Islamic architectural elements
Murari Rao’s Palace	Ruins atop the hill with a panoramic view
Granary	Storage for food grains; built for wartime contingencies
Temples	Ruins of Hindu temples, including Lord Hanuman and Shiva shrines
Watch Towers	Strategic vantage points for enemy surveillance
Bastions (Burjs)	Semi-circular, well-positioned to defend all directions

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🧭 How to Reach Gooty Fort

• 📍 Location: Gooty Town, Anantapur District, Andhra Pradesh

🚆 By Train:

• Nearest Railway Station: Gooty Railway Station (GY)

• Distance from Fort: ~3 km

🚌 By Road:

• Well-connected by NH 44 (Old NH 7)

• Buses and private vehicles can reach the base of the hill

• Parking available near fort base

🛫 By Air:

• Nearest Airport: Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru (~250 km)

• You can hire a cab or take a train/bus to Gooty

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🥾 Trekking Details

⏱️ Trek Time:

• Average Time: 1.5 to 2.5 hours one-way

• Difficulty Level: Moderate to Difficult (due to rugged terrain and steep steps)

🔄 Routes:

• Route 1 (Main Gate Path): Popular, has stairs and signage

• Route 2 (Old Guard Trail): Less maintained, steeper; adventurous option

📋 What to Carry:

• Water bottles (min. 2 liters per person)

• Cap/hat and sunglasses 🧢😎

• Energy bars/snacks

• Comfortable trekking shoes 🥾

• Sunscreen 🧴

• Basic first-aid

• Power bank for phones 🔋

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❌ What NOT to Do:

• Avoid trekking during monsoons (slippery rocks)

• Don’t carry plastic; keep the fort clean 🚯

• Don’t climb without proper gear

• Avoid isolated areas after dark

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☀️ Best Time to Visit

Season	Remarks
October to February	Ideal weather for trekking and exploration
March to June	Very hot; avoid due to heatstroke risk ☀️🔥
July to September	Monsoons; scenic but slippery terrain 🌧️

🚫 Whom Should Avoid:

• Elderly with heart or respiratory problems

• Young children below 6 years

• People with vertigo or fear of heights

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🎯 Why You Must Visit

• Rich historical layers from Satavahanas to British

• Incredible panoramic views from the summit

• Ancient architecture and military engineering

• Perfect trekking spot with minimal commercial interference

• Photographer’s paradise 📸

• Sunrise & sunset views are breathtaking

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📸 What to Do There

• Photography of ruins, gates, and panoramic views

• Bird watching 🐦

• Explore palace remains and bastions

• Sketching or plein air painting 🎨

• Guided tour (if available during tourist season)

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🏚️ Current Condition & Maintenance

• Managed by Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)

• Some parts are in ruins; restoration ongoing

• Signage and maps installed near major checkpoints

• Still not commercialized, so retains natural charm

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📍 Entry Information

Detail	Info
Entry Fee	Free
Timings	Sunrise to Sunset (6 AM – 6 PM)
Guide Available	Sometimes during peak season
Nearby Stays	Lodges in Gooty town, hotels in Anantapur (50 km away)

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📌 Summary Table

Feature	Details
Elevation	~680 meters
Historical Significance	Maratha base, multi-dynasty fortification
Trek Duration	1.5 to 2.5 hours (one-way)
Location	Gooty, Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh
Best Season	Oct–Feb
Gates	15 total, major: Mar Gooty Gate
Structures	Palace, granaries, bastions, stepwells

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📢 Final Tips

• Start early in the morning 🌅

• Carry all essentials, as no shops are on the trek path

• Download offline maps in case of poor signal

• Be respectful of heritage; avoid graffiti 🧱

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🙏 Conclusion

Gooty Fort isn’t just a historical monument—it’s a time capsule hidden in the rocky hills of Andhra Pradesh. With a compelling backstory, rich architecture, and adventurous terrain, it offers a fulfilling mix of heritage and thrill. If you're someone who seeks more than just sightseeing and wants to walk through the footsteps of history, Gooty Fort should definitely be on your bucket list!