Located in the city of Aurangabad in Maharashtra, Daulatabad fort is an important part of the history of the region. Dating back to 12th Century, Daulatabad fort still stands today majestically overlooking the city of Aurangabad and is considered as an important space in history.  Historians and Archeologist assert that the Daulatabad is one of the most graceful and elegant palaces of the medieval time in Maharashtra.  It still serves as an extension of the historic Daulatabad City.

History

Built as old as in 12th Century AD, Daulatabad Fort is one of the most beautiful and historic sites of the region, the majestic fort stands on top of a perched hill with a height of 60 feet. Historians have asserted it to be one of the most well defended and guarded fort in all of Maharashtra. The architectural value combined with the historical significance of the fort attracts loads of tourists to this site. The impact of this fort was so much that the city was also renamed due to this majestic structure. Initially known by the name of Devagiri, Daulatabad fort changed its name to Daulatabad. The city did not have one single ruler of its soil and the rule kept switching between several Deccan rulers. Sultan Muhammad-bin-Tughlaq went on to name the city as the capital of his empire. The sultan also lent the city the name Daulatabad which he believed was the city of fortunes.

Architecture of Fort

The hill fortress of Devagiri also serves as an integral part of the fort complex. The fort stands on a 200 meter high conical hilltop. The lower portions of the hills were strategically chopped off as they provided enhanced security to the walls of the fort and add a dollop of strength to its impregnable walls. A narrow bridge is the only way to gain access to the hilltop. The passage is small enough to carry a couple of people at a time and provides entry into the main fort on the hilltop.

A you move along the elaborate gallery and reach, midway through it a steep fleet of stairs appear which take you to the top which houses a jarring fated in wartime to structure the grate of an enormous fire that  kept blazing by the barracks above. Once you reach the summit, every now and then you would come across several canons scattered in a patter. A cave like entrance is also strategically placed midway to confuse the people.

Attractions within the Fort

Chand Minar

Ala-ud-din Bhamani built this monument as a symbol of his victory on the enormous and elegant fort. He also named this tower as the ‘Tower of Victory’. The elevated tour has a height of almost 30 feet and is admired by one and all. Its construction goes back to the year 1435, the same year when the fort was captured. Many considered this tower as a symbol of prayer and subsequently as a symbol of elegance, Majesty and off course victory.

Chini Mahal

This elegant place served as a sweet yet saddened enclosure for the ruler of Golconda who was known as Abdul Hasan Tana Shah. Tiles of Blue color were used to decorate this wondrous palace.  The detention of the King in this palace lasted for 13 years and ended only after his death.

Jami Masjid

Situated inside the main complex of the Daulatabad Fort, This is a masjid worth visiting. Qutub-ud-din Aibak who served as the Khilji ruler in Delhi commissioned this grand Masjid in 1318; a total of 106 pillars were used to create and give power to this site.

How to Reach

By Road

A MTDC bus Tour that starts from Ellora to Aurangabad takes you to Daulatabad Fort too. Several cabs and Buses run by private ownership also connect you to Daulatabad Fort. These can be taken from Ellora or from the city of Aurangabad.

By Rail

Aurangabad is well connected to the nation and particularly Mumbai. A couple of train connects Mumbai to Aurangabad on a daily basis. The Tapovan Express takes almost a day’s journey, while the Devagiri takes the entire night.

By Air

The Airport of Aurangabad is the closest serving Airport to Daulatabad Fort. Several Flights to other cities connect Aurangabad to the rest of the country.

Best Time to Visit

Usually the weather in Aurangabad remains pleasant during  monsoon which is the best time to visit the fort as the real beauty of Nature is unleashed in those days which is set to offer the tourist a never before experience of the fort and its unimaginable beauty. With clouds flirting with the peaks of the forts, and lush green scenes supporting it, The Fort is set to reestablish the ideas of grace and elegance.

Winter and its clear skies also serve as a nice time to visit

Visitor Information

Visiting Hours

6 am to 6 pm is the visiting time during any day of the week

Entry Charges

• For Indians : Rs.5 per head
• Foreigners : Rs. 100 per head