Daulatabad Fort
Formerly known as Devgiri, the fort is now known as Daulatabad. It is said that Lord Mahadev stayed on a hill in this area, that is why this fort was named Devgiri. The word Devgiri originally meant the mountain of gods. Situated just 18 Km away from Aurangabad, this fort is one of the most famous fort in Maharashtra. It is about 200 m above sea level, this fort is a famous historical site in Aurangabad. At that time Aurangabad was known as Khadki.
History of Daulatabad Fort:
Daulatabad fort was built by the first Yadav King Bhilama V in 1187.After 1187, many kings ruled over the fort and made remarkable changes in the construction of the fort. Bhamna king also brought significant changes in the structure of this fort.
In 1308,Sultan Allah Udddin Khalji of Delhi, invaded the city of Devgiri and captured the fort. Later in 1327,Sultan Muhammad bin Tughlaq renamed the city as Daulatabad. Since then, the fort has been known as Daulatabad. After he shifted his capital to the Daulatabad from Delhi.
In 1334 Muhammad bin Tughluq changed his decision and he shifted back his Capital to Delhi. In 1499,the fort came under the control of the Ahmadnagar Sultanate. And then in 1610, the city of Khadki (Aurangabad) was established at a distance of 16 Km from Daulatabad fort to serve as the capital of the Ahmadnagar Sultanate.
Construction:
It is spread over an area of 98 hectors, the gates built to deceive the enemies, the structure of this fort is so precise. A special feature of this fort is that there is only one entrance to this fort and one has to exit the fort through the entrance itself. Due to this, the fort was considered to be very safe in terms security as it was well designed. As soon as you enter the fort, you will get to see different types of cannons which is placed nicely which attracts every tourists.
The fort is divided into two parts. There is a small lake in the middle of the fort, which divides the fort into two parts. A bridge has been built over the lake to connect the two parts. This is the only way to get to the other side of the fort. Mendha tope(Cannon) is one of the main attraction which is placed on the top of the fort. Also Chand Minar, Chini Mahal are famous tourist attraction.
How To Reach:
By Road:
Daulatabad fort is located at a distance of 16 km from Aurangabad. From Aurangabad you can easily get the buses or cab to Daulatabad fort. As many buses are runs daily from Aurangabad to Daulatabad. If you are coming by your own vehicle then you can simply refer NH 52 highway to reach Daulatabad fort.
By Train:
Aurangabad railway station is the nearest railway station to Daulatabad fort. From station you can take cab or bus to Daulatabad fort. As many buses are plying to Daulatabad from Aurangabad.
By Air:
Aurangabad airport is the nearest airport to Daulatabad fort. From airport you can take a cab to fort. Another option is to take a rickshaw to the bus stand. And then from the bus stand you will get a bus to Daulatabad.
Advice:
It would be great if you booked a cab before you came here. This will give you two benefits, one is that it will save your valuable time and you will not have to wait for the bus and also your journey will be better too. Why am I telling you this because you are less likely to get a bus at the time you want. So don’t rely entirely on the bus.
Nearest Bus Stand: Aurangabad Bus Stand
Distance from:
- Aurangabad Bus Stand: 18 Km
- Railway Station: 15 km
- Aurangabad Airport: 23 Km
Attractions:
1.Chand Minar: It was constructed by the King Ala-Ud-din Bhamani in 14th century. The Chand Minar looks exactly like the Qutub Minar in Delhi.
2.Chini Mahal: It is also known as Chinese Mahal. It was also used as a prison rather than a palace at the time.
3.Mendha tope(cannon): This is one of the biggest cannon on the fort. The back side of cannon looks like a sheep’s head, so it is called as ‘Mendha Tope’.
4.Hatti Haud (Elephant tank): This huge water tank was built for elephants to drink water.
Best Time To Visit:
Rainy and winter are very suitable for visiting this fort. You will definitely be mesmerized by the look of this fort in the rainy season.
Must Visit Places Near Daulatabad Fort:
1.Ellora Caves:
Ellora’s cave is located at a distance of 14 km from Aurangabad. It is one of the most famous tourist attraction and UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Aurangabad. ( UNESCO-United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization).
Distance from:
- Daulatabad Fort: 14 Km
- Aurangabad: 30 Km
2.Ajanta Caves:
Like Ellora Cave, Ajanta Cave is one of the major tourist destinations in Maharashtra. It is located at a distance of 102 Km(via Aurangabad-Ajanta-Jalgaon Rd) from Aurangabad.
Distance from:
- Daulatabad Fort: 115 Km (via Aurangabad-Ajanta-Jalgaon Rd)
- Ellora caves: 105 Km ( via Khuldabad Rd)
- Aurangabad: 102 Km (via Aurangabad-Ajanta-Jalgaon Rd)