Gingee Fort, also spelt Senji or Jinji, is one of the most impressive forts in South India and the closest great fort to Pondicherry. It spreads over three rocky hills in Gingee, Villupuram district, joined by walls that run for about 13 km and enclose palaces, granaries, temples and tanks. The main citadel sits on top of Rajagiri, a sheer granite hill that rises about 800 feet above the plain.
The fort was declared a monument of national importance in 1921 and is protected by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).
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History
Tradition says the first fort on the site was built by a local chieftain, Ananda Kon, several centuries earlier, but most of what you see today was built by the Nayaks of Gingee, who governed for the Vijayanagara Empire in the 16th century. The fort then passed through many hands: the Bijapur Sultanate took it in 1649, and in 1677 the Maratha king Shivaji captured it during his southern campaign. It became the refuge of his son Rajaram, and the Mughals held it under siege for years before taking it in 1698.
Later Gingee is linked with the story of the young Rajput ruler Raja Desingh (Tej Singh), who died fighting the Nawab of Arcot, a tale still sung in Tamil ballads. The French held the fort from 1750 until the British took it in 1761. British officers called it the “Troy of the East” because it was so hard to capture.
The three hills
- Rajagiri (the King’s hill): the highest and most dramatic, with the citadel at the top. The climb passes several gateways and ends at a small bridge over a chasm before the summit, where you find a granary, a temple and an audience hall with wide views.
- Krishnagiri (the Queen’s hill): smaller and easier, with a steep stone stairway, a Krishna temple and an audience hall on top. It is on the other side of the main road.
- Chandrayan Durg: the third, lower hill, closing the triangle of walls; it is rarely visited.
What to see in the lower fort
- Kalyana Mahal: a square tower of several storeys with a pyramidal roof, set around a courtyard, the most photographed building in Gingee.
- Granaries: long vaulted stone storehouses that let the garrison hold out through sieges.
- Venkataramana Temple: a large Nayak-period temple inside the walls with carved gopurams and pillars.
- Elephant tank (Anaikulam): a tank within the fortifications, along with other reservoirs that supplied the fort.
Tickets and timings
At the time of writing, the ASI ticket costs about ₹25 for Indian visitors and ₹300 for foreign visitors, with free entry for children under 15. The fort is open from about 9 AM to 5 PM, but entry for the Rajagiri climb stops in the afternoon because the round trip takes two to three hours. Fees and timings change, so check before you go.
Climbing tips
- Start early: be at the gate at opening time. By late morning the bare rock is extremely hot.
- Fitness: the Rajagiri climb is long, steep and uneven, with hundreds of steps. It is not suitable for small children, older travellers with knee problems or anyone with heart conditions. Krishnagiri or the lower fort are good alternatives.
- Water and shoes: carry at least a litre and a half of water per person and wear good walking shoes; there are only occasional vendors.
- Monkeys: keep food out of sight.
- Weather: avoid the climb in heavy rain, when the rock becomes slippery.
Visiting from Pondicherry
Gingee is about 67 km from Pondicherry, roughly one and a half hours by car. It lies on the way to Tiruvannamalai, so the most popular plan is to climb in the morning and continue to the Arunachaleswarar Temple in the afternoon. Our Tiruvannamalai and Gingee day trip does exactly that, by car with driver. For more ideas, see our heritage and trekking and adventure pages.
Official information: Archaeological Survey of India
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to climb Gingee Fort?
The round trip to the top of Rajagiri usually takes two to three hours, depending on fitness and heat. Start at opening time.
What is the Gingee Fort entry fee?
At the time of writing, about ₹25 for Indian visitors and ₹300 for foreign visitors, free for children under 15. Check before you go, as ASI fees are revised.
Why is Gingee Fort called the Troy of the East?
British officers gave it the name because its hilltop citadels and long walls made it extremely difficult to capture.
How far is Gingee Fort from Pondicherry?
About 67 km, roughly one and a half hours by car. It is often combined with Tiruvannamalai in a day trip.