Narnala Fort The Pride of Akola Complete Trekking & Travel Guide

Prabhuling jiroli

Mar 24, 2025 7:59 am

Located in the Melghat Hills of the Satpura Range, Narnala Fort (also known as Shahanur Fort) is one of the largest and most fortified hill forts in Vidarbha, Maharashtra. It is a must-visit for those who love historic architecture, forest treks, and scenic vistas.

With its grand gateways, massive bastions, Persian inscriptions, and panoramic views, Narnala Fort is perfect for trekkers, historians, photographers, and offbeat explorers.

📜 Complete History of Narnala Fort

Constructed originally by the Yadava rulers (10th century) and later fortified by Bahmani rulers in the 14th century.
Named after Rajput ruler Narnal Singh Solanki.
Saw major contributions during the Bahmani, Imad Shahi, and Mughal rule, and was considered strategically vital.
Mughals under Akbar renovated it, adding Persian inscriptions and fortifications.
Briefly controlled by the Marathas, then passed to the British in 1803 after the Second Anglo-Maratha war.

🛣️ How to Reach Narnala Fort

🚩 Location	📍 Details
Nearest Town	Akot (18 km)
District	Akola, Maharashtra
Nearest Railway	Akola Junction (55 km)
Nearest Airport	Nagpur (230 km)
Base Village	Shahnoorwadi

🚌 By Bus

MSRTC buses and private vehicles available from Akola to Akot.
Local transport available to base village Shahnoorwadi.

🚗 By Car

Drive from Akola → Akot → Shahnoorwadi. A narrow uphill road leads to the fort parking area near Mahakali Gate.

🥾 Trekking to Narnala Fort

🚶 Trekking Info:

Total Trek Duration: 1.5 to 2 hours (one way)
Distance: Approx. 2.5 km from base
Trek Difficulty: Moderate
Best Season: October to February ✅
Trail Type: Forest trail, stairs, fort walls

🧭 Trek Routes:

🔁 Route	🏁 Starts From	⚠️ Difficulty	⏱️ Time
Route 1 (Popular)	Shahnoorwadi village	Moderate	1.5 hrs
Route 2 (Short)	Mahakali Gate (Drive up)	Easy	30 mins

🏰 Highlights Inside the Fort

✅ Massive triple-layered walls
✅ Mahakali Gate, Sirpur Gate, and Delhi Gate
✅ Persian inscriptions and Mughal-style arches
✅ Granaries, secret water tanks, and mosque ruins
✅ Stunning views of Melghat forests and valleys

🚪 Gates of Narnala Fort

🏯 Gate Name	🔍 Description
Mahakali Gate	The main entrance; features Persian inscriptions
Delhi Gate	Impressive Mughal-style architecture
Sirpur Gate	Connects to inner sections and lookout points

🛡️ Towers and Fortifications

14 Bastions – Each serving strategic defense
Granaries – Storage rooms built into walls
Watchtowers – Perfect for panoramic photography 📸
Fortified Water Tanks – Natural catchment systems

✅ Why You Must Visit Narnala Fort

✅ Rich architectural blend of Yadava, Bahmani & Mughal styles
✅ Located in the serene Melghat Tiger Reserve
✅ Ideal for historical photography and nature exploration
✅ Offbeat destination with fewer crowds
✅ Great for trekking beginners and history explorers

🚫 When to Avoid

🌧️ Season	❌ Why to Avoid
Monsoon (June–Sept)	Slippery paths, leeches, fog
Summer (April–May)	Very hot & dry, risk of dehydration

⚠️ Who Should Avoid This Trek

🚷 Elderly people with mobility issues
🚷 Small children under 5 years
🚷 Visitors with heart/breathing conditions

🎒 What to Carry

✅ 2L water bottle
✅ Trekking shoes with grip
✅ Cap and sunglasses
✅ Dry snacks/energy bars
✅ Power bank & flashlight
✅ Camera for capturing ruins
✅ First-aid kit
✅ Lightweight backpack

💬 Tips Before You Go

✅ Go with a local guide if exploring inner ruins
✅ Start trek early morning (before 9 AM)
✅ Do not litter – help preserve the forest ecosystem
✅ Mobile network may be weak inside the fort
✅ Combine with a Chikhaldara or Melghat Tiger Safari

📝 Final Thoughts

Narnala Fort is not just a structure of stone—it is a storyteller of dynasties, defense, and dramatic history. Tucked in Melghat’s serene hills, it combines natural beauty with historic brilliance, offering a perfect weekend escape for those seeking culture, calm, and a little climb.

So pack your bags, lace your boots, and let Narnala whisper its tales to you. 🏔️📖