Bhongir Trip

Apr 27, 2009

Click here to read the write-up in Wikipedia about this place. The pictures in my slideshow below give a more complete view of the fort.

Twice I passed by this town. First time, I was on the way to Warangal in mid 2008, and did not have the time to stop by. Few weeks later, with the visiting family from Salem, we stopped at Bhongir for some tea in the evening after our trip to the nearby Yadagirigutta Narasimha temple. Just glanced up at the fort from the highway and left.

The fort

On a sudden urge on a sunday afternoon, I left home at 1.30pm. Took my comfort route through Punjagutta and Secunderabad to reach the Warangal road near Uppal. An hour and a half later I was parked at the base of this twin rock hill just off the main highway.

Best kept secret in my opinion. I don't know why more people don't talk about this place. Awesome rocks. The fort walls are in decent shape, although there is not much more than that on the top. While walking along the walls and admiring the view, I took the unbeaten slope by mistake and my calves took a beating. If you visit, make sure you keep looking for the carved steps on the right side of the hill to reach the top. I can't imagine how it must have been for the invaders; or even for the soldiers living there. Tricky fort!

On the way down, I saw the guy at the entry stopping people from going up. It was just about 5pm. So, when you plan, make sure you arrive at the fort by 3pm or thereabouts. Carry at least one bottle of water; it is a bit of a climb, especially when the sun is blazing like the time I tried.

Driving back, I tried the new route from Uppal junction toward Tank bund via Ramanthapur and Amberpet. It was nice to explore the part of the city I had no reason to venture, but it was slow going all the way; next time I will stick to SP road via Begumpet.