Chunargarh fort is also called as Chunar fort, Charanadri, Chandrakanta and others. This ancient fort was built in 56 BC. It was re-built in 18th century by Mughal emperors. This fort is a famous tourist attraction for those who love architecture. Many paranormal stories are linked with this fort and thus, it is famous among youngsters who visit for the thrill.
The first attraction of the fort is the citadel with ramparts. The west gate of the fort has inscriptions of 16th century. Other gates have engraved designs and carvel panels. Citadel is the main part of the fort. There are many cannons with gunpowder magazines. The oriel windows are unique architectural element of the fort. Around the citadel, many small buildings and bungalows are built amidst trees. Royal officers resided in those buildings. At the highest spot inside the fort, an ancient Hindu palace is located. A well is also spotted inside.
An open pavilion with 28 pillars can be found here. The engravings are done with gold. There is a tunnel from the fort that leads to the riverbanks.
The fort is located in Mirzapur of Uttar Pradesh. It is located 23 km away from the city of Varanasi. It is located on the western side of the city. The city of the fort is called as Chunar city. The fort is located on the top of a hillock of Vindhya Range. The fort is located 85m above the mean sea level.
The fort is open to tourists from 9 am to 5 pm. Entry is stopped after 2 pm and the tourists should leave the premises by 5 pm. People usually do not prefer to visit the fort after sun set. The fort is closed on all Fridays.The fort is at its prime beauty throughout the year. The best time to visit the fort is during winter, October to March. The climate will be mild for sightseeing.
The history of this fort is linked with the mythic story of King Bali. God disguised as a simple Brahmin and begged for just three feet land. King being generous accepted it and the God place his first step on the hill. Thus, the fort was called as Charanadri in the past.
In another literature, Ujjain king, Vikramaditya’s brother Bharthari lived as a hermit near the fort area. The king later built a stone house where the hermit lived. The house is open to tourist now as a pilgrimage spot. The fort was built right in front of the stone house. The fort building existed during 56 BC, during the reign of Vikramaditya. Later, in 16th century, Babar tried to penetrate the fort and lost. Later, Sher Khan captured the region through marriage and took control of the fort Humayun, son of Babar tried to recapture it but failed. In 16th century, the fort came under the control of Mughals by King Akbar. Akbar built the current fort structure that is found today. He designed numerous elements of the fort. In 18th century, the fort went to the control of Nawabs. Within a decade, British captured it and the fort came under East India Company.
During the war of Independence, the fort was a main battalion and state prisoners were held here. Later, in the middle of 19th century, the fort came under the king of Chunar. He hid loads of treasures in the fort to keep it away from the British. It is said that he is still living in his paranormal form to guard the treasures. Numerous paranormal incidences can be heard as folklore in this region.
There are no restaurants inside the fort.
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