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Gavilgad Fort The Hidden Gem of Satpura Hills Complete Travel & Trek Guide

Prabhuling jiroli

Mar 24, 2025 7:40 am

🏞️ Overview Gavilgad Fort (also spelled as Gawilgad) is a majestic hill fort located in the Chikhaldara region of Maharashtra, within the Amravati district. Nestled in the Satpura range at an elevation of about 3,767 feet, this fort offers not only rich historical value but also panoramic views and a thrilling trekking experience.

🏰 Historical Background

📜 Medieval and Early History

Gavilgad Fort is believed to have been built in the 12th century by the Gonds, an indigenous tribe in central India.
It was a strategic stronghold that guarded the northern border of Berar (modern-day Vidarbha).
The fort gained significance when Ahmad Shah Bahmani took over Berar in the 14th century.

⚔️ Mughal and Maratha Era

In the 16th century, the fort fell under the control of the Mughals and was later handed over to the Nizam of Hyderabad.
The fort was recaptured by Raghoji Bhonsle of the Maratha Empire in the 18th century.
The British finally took control in 1803 after defeating the Marathas in the Second Anglo-Maratha War.

🕍 Architectural Features

Gavilgad Fort boasts impressive Persian inscriptions, arches, bastions, and mosques.
There are two gates: the main entrance (Delhi Gate) and the second entrance (Fatheh Darwaza).
The fort also has several watchtowers and granaries.

🗺️ 2. How to Reach Gavilgad Fort

From	Distance	Mode of Transport
Chikhaldara	2 km	Trek/auto
Amravati	85 km	Bus/Private Cab
Nagpur	230 km	Train/Bus/Car

🚌 By Bus:

MSRTC buses available from Amravati to Chikhaldara.
From Chikhaldara, autos or walkable trek (approx. 30 mins).

🚆 By Train:

Nearest Station: Badnera Junction (90 km).
Take local transport from Badnera to Chikhaldara.

🚗 By Car:

Well connected via NH-53 and SH-244.

🥾 3. Trekking Routes & Duration

Route	Starting Point	Difficulty	Time Required
Chikhaldara Route	Maharashtra Forest Guest House	Easy	30-40 mins walk
Main Entry Route	Near Melghat Tiger Reserve Gate	Moderate	1 hour trek

Tip: Choose Chikhaldara route if you're with family or prefer an easy climb.

🧱 4. Fort Architecture & Highlights

Built using laterite stone and basalt rock.
Multiple bastions, watchtowers, and gates.
Inscriptions in Arabic and Persian.
Sheer cliffs and panoramic views from the top.
Ruins of granaries, court buildings, and temples inside.

🚪 5. Gates and Bastions (Burujs)

Structure	Details
Delhi Gate	Main entrance with Islamic architectural design.
Fortification Walls	Thick and intact at many places.
Watchtowers	Multiple small towers across the perimeter.
Granary & Water Tanks	Still visible, used for storage and water conservation.

🎯 6. Why You Must Visit Gavilgad Fort

✅ Stunning forest & valley views of Chikhaldara 🌄
✅ Historical connections to the Yadava, Bahmani, Mughal & Maratha Empires 🏰
✅ Perfect for photographers, nature lovers & history buffs 📸
✅ Peaceful & offbeat—not overrun by tourists 🌳
✅ Proximity to Melghat Tiger Reserve 🐅

❌ 7. When to Avoid

Season	Reason
Monsoon (July–September)	Slippery paths, fog, leeches, and visibility issues.
Peak Summer (April–May)	Hot weather, dehydration risk.

⚠️ 8. Who Should Avoid This Trek

🧓 Senior citizens with knee/joint issues (rocky paths).
🚸 Children below 5 years (due to uneven terrain).
🚫 Visitors with breathing problems (high altitude areas).

🎒 9. What to Carry

✅ Comfortable trekking shoes
✅ 2 Litres water bottle
✅ Cap, sunglasses, sunscreen
✅ Energy bars/dry snacks
✅ Basic first-aid kit
✅ Flashlight for exploring interiors
✅ Phone/Camera (with backup battery)

🛤️ 10. Roads & Accessibility

Road Type	Condition
Chikhaldara to Fort Entrance	Paved but narrow
Amravati to Chikhaldara	Good condition (State Highway)
Internal Trails	Unpaved, muddy in monsoons

💬 11. Local Tips

📌 Best time to visit: October to February
🕐 Entry Timings: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Travel with a guide if exploring deeper ruins.
🌿 Don’t litter. Help preserve the ecosystem.
🧭 Combine it with Chikhaldara sightseeing for a full-day experience.

📝 Final Thoughts

Gavilgad Fort is more than just stones and walls—it’s a time capsule of battles, kingdoms, and ancient strategies surrounded by natural beauty. From its mystical ruins to commanding views, this fort will reward your curiosity and adventure spirit.