Bangalore - Krishnagiri - Tiruvannamalai - Gingee
Things to do - sightseeing, hiking
Timings - 9AM to 4PM
Entry Fee - Rs.25/Adult(Indian) and Rs.100/Adult(Foreign Nationals)
Available networks - Airtel, BSNL,Vodafone(poor connectivity) and Jio
Gingee Fort is nearby getaway from Bangalore (220kms). This is one of the Archeological sites in Tamilnadu. This fort is famous for its invincibility. Also Chatrapathi Shivaji called this as "most impregnable fortress in India" and British called as "Troy of the east". After hearing so much about this I and my friend planned to go for a one day bike ride. We started from Bangalore and reached Gingee around 12.30PM. There are many routes from Krishnagiri to Gingee. Suggesting to ignore Highways and take the routes through village. The places will be covered with coconut trees and mango trees. One can get king coconuts here for cheaper price. Once u reach Gingee, first one have to finish the trek to fort. There is no hotels or even small shops to get refreshments around 10kms. So please get the snacks or water from nearby city. Atleast 3litres/person is mandatory for trekking. It will be too sunny,and body will get dehydrated soon. Also there will be many rest stops built during the trek. Please don't deviate from the trail already made. There are so much monkeys which will attack us, and dont carry any fruits or snacks to the fort as it can smell and try to snatch it. On the top of the cliff there is a temple, citadel and a mandap. It will be so much peaceful to watch the scenery from the top. It took 2 hours for me to climb all the way over to citadel. Once you reach down there are ruins of granary, gymnasium, marriage hall, watch tower, place where Sati was done and arsenal. Outside the fortification there is Pondicherry Gate which was a underground pathway from Gingee to Pondicherry used during olden times. Also there is a Venkataramana temple which is known for its olden architectures. The whole trip costed us around Rs.1500 for 2 people including food and fuel expenses. Best time to visit is during September to January.
