Gajendragad Fort is a historic fort built by Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, a famous Maratha ruler. Gajendragad gets its name from the fact that the city bears the shape of an elephant when viewed from above. (Gajendra= Elephant God, Gad= Fort)
Treaty of Gajendragad
Mysuru ruler Tipu Sultan lost Gajendragad to Marathas and the Nizans in 1876. Badami and Gajendragad were conceded to the Marathas as part of the treaty of Gajendragad.
Highlights at Gajendragad Fort
- Majestic fort entrance with artwork such as five headed snake and two lions facing each other
- Lord Hanuman idol
- Inscriptions in Hindi and Marathi
- Water tank
- Carvings of Elephant head
- View of the village below and windmills at a distance
- Places of worship- A Dargah, Mosque and Kalakaleshwara temple
- Bunkers and store houses
- Ruins
Places to visit near Gajendra Fort
Mallikarjuna twin towered temple at Sudi (11 kms), Badami (44 kms), Aihole & Pattadakal (40 kms), Almatti dam (82 kms), TB Dam (86 kms), Anegundi (90 kms) are some of the nearby places to visit along with Gajendragad Fort.
How to reach Gajendra Fort
Gajendragad is 413 kms from Bengaluru and 166 kms from Hubballi, nearest airport. Gadag junction is the nearest railway station 54 kms away. Buses and trains are available to reach Gadag. Taxi can be hired from Gadag city to reach Gajendragad Fort.