Chauragarh Fort is an ancient fort in the Satpura Range of the Pachmarhi district in Madhya Pradesh, India. It is situated at about 4,400 feet and is one of the most famous tourist destinations in the region. The fort is approximately 15 km from Pachmarhi town, and the trek to the fort is a popular activity among adventure enthusiasts.
The Gond dynasty built the fort in the 16th century, and the Marathas later captured it in the 18th century. The fort served as a strategic location for the Marathas, who used it as a base for their military operations. It is said that the Marathas used to store their treasures and weapons in the fort.
The fort is surrounded by dense forests and is known for its stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The trek to the fort takes around two hours, and the route is dotted with small waterfalls and streams. The tour is relatively easy, and tourists of all ages can undertake it.
The fort has two main gates, the Mahadev Gate and the Hanuman Gate. The Mahadev Gate is the main entrance, and it is named after Lord Mahadev, who is believed to have visited the fort in ancient times. The Hanuman Gate is named after Lord Hanuman, located on the eastern side of the defence.
The fort is built in the traditional Gond architecture style, with stone and mud walls. Several buildings and temples are inside the fort, including the Chauragarh Temple, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is located at the fort's highest point and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.
The Chauragarh Temple is a popular pilgrimage site, and thousands of devotees visit it yearly during the Shivratri festival. The festival is celebrated enthusiastically, and devotees climb to the top of the fort to offer prayers to Lord Shiva.
Chauragarh Temple and several other temples and buildings are inside the fort, including the Bhairav Temple, the Kalika Temple, and the Panchmukhi Hanuman Temple. All these temples are located at different points in the defence and offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
Places To Visit Near Chauragarh Fort:
Pachmarhi Hill Station:
Pachmarhi is a beautiful hill station just 15 km from Chandigarh Fort. It is known for its lush green forests, cascading waterfalls, and stunning viewpoints. It is a popular tourist destination and offers many outdoor activities like trekking, hiking, and camping.
Jata Shankar Cave is a famous cave temple about 15 km from Chandigarh Fort. The cave is named after Lord Shiva's Jata (hair) and is believed to be where Lord Shiva hid from the demon Bhasmasur.
The Pandava Caves are a group of five caves located about 16 km from Chandigarh Fort. The caves are believed to have been used by the Pandavas during their exile. The shelters offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape and are a popular destination among history buffs and nature lovers.
Handi Khoh is a deep valley about 18 km from Chandigarh Fort. It is known for its stunning waterfall and offers a breathtaking view of the surrounding landscape.
Satpura National Park has located about 70 km from Chandigarh Fort and is a popular destination among wildlife enthusiasts. The park is known for its diverse flora and fauna and offers a chance to spot tigers, leopards, and other wildlife in their natural habitat.
Bee Falls is a stunning waterfall about 17 km from Chandigarh Fort. Lush green forests surround it and offer a refreshing break from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Mahadeo Hill is a popular pilgrimage site about 12 km from Chandigarh Fort. It is known for its ancient Mahadeo Temple and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape.