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Efforts on to woo tourists to Koulas fort: The Hindu
Nizamabad, June 09: The picturesque 15th century Koulas fort, built during the Kakatiya dynasty in the backward Jukkal mandal, has grabbed the attention of the administration, which is making concerted efforts to project it as a heritage spot to attract tourists from Hyderabad as well as from the neighouring States of Karnataka and Maharashtra.
Nizamabad, June 09: The picturesque 15th century Koulas fort, built during the Kakatiya dynasty in the backward Jukkal mandal, has grabbed the attention of the administration, which is making concerted efforts to project it as a heritage spot to attract tourists from Hyderabad as well as from the neighouring States of Karnataka and Maharashtra.
The semi-Dravidian style fort is situated on the South-Eastern Balaghat range, at an altitude of about 1,000 feet, encircled by Koulasnala. The river and thick forest cover gives an "Amazon look", when viewed from the fort.
One hundred and eighty kilometres from Hyderabad, the fort is on the Sangareddy-Nanded highway.
The history of Koulas dates back to the 15th century, during the rule of the Kakatiya kings. The fort was in the hands of Muslim rulers during the 16th century, but later fell to the Rajput king, Raja Gopal Singh Gaur.
He captured Koulas (Andhra Pradesh), Kandhar and Mahore forts (Maharastra).
The Koulas fort has 57 `burjs', a number of temples, wells and `dargahs'. The decorative work on doors and elegantly carved stone idols of Hindu deities are some of its attractive features.
There are two entry points to the fort, with each having two gateways. The gateways have the insignia of the Kakatiya dynasty.
The permanent `burjs' are Malika, Hussain, Navgazi and Kadi ka burj. These provide vantage points for observation. The oval-shaped fort has a three-tier system of defence with three walls surrounding it.
The temples in the fort include the Ram mandir constructed by Rani Sonekuwar Bai in 1813. The Kashikund temple, constructed on the pattern of Kashi temple by the Rajput kings, has a fresh water spring. There are three other temples inside dedicated to Ram, Hanuman and Balaji.
Behind the fort is the Ashta Buji Matha, also known as the Jagadamba Matha temple. The Rajput kings used to pray here before going to battle. Inside the fort are two masjids and a dargah.
In the beginning of the 20th century there were more than 10 cannons inside the fort. These were made of alloy metal and steel.
Most of them have been shifted to the Nanded, Bichkunda and Madhnoor police stations. However, four that still remain inside the fort require attention. The Navgazi Tope, with its splendid work and metallurgy, is a rare one.
Another major attraction is the Lotus pond spread over 500 metres. The Koulas dam a few kilometres away attracts migratory birds during winter.
Neglected for years, the district administration finally prepared a report to restore the glory of the fort.
Officials say the ancient temples could be promoted as part of spiritual tourism, while the pond could be developed into a potential eco-tourism spot. With provisions for water-sports, it could be made an attractive domestic and foreign tourist destination. Efforts are on to explore scope for cultural and adventure tourism.
One hundred and eighty kilometres from Hyderabad, the fort is on the Sangareddy-Nanded highway.
The history of Koulas dates back to the 15th century, during the rule of the Kakatiya kings. The fort was in the hands of Muslim rulers during the 16th century, but later fell to the Rajput king, Raja Gopal Singh Gaur.
He captured Koulas (Andhra Pradesh), Kandhar and Mahore forts (Maharastra).
The Koulas fort has 57 `burjs', a number of temples, wells and `dargahs'. The decorative work on doors and elegantly carved stone idols of Hindu deities are some of its attractive features.
There are two entry points to the fort, with each having two gateways. The gateways have the insignia of the Kakatiya dynasty.
The permanent `burjs' are Malika, Hussain, Navgazi and Kadi ka burj. These provide vantage points for observation. The oval-shaped fort has a three-tier system of defence with three walls surrounding it.
The temples in the fort include the Ram mandir constructed by Rani Sonekuwar Bai in 1813. The Kashikund temple, constructed on the pattern of Kashi temple by the Rajput kings, has a fresh water spring. There are three other temples inside dedicated to Ram, Hanuman and Balaji.
Behind the fort is the Ashta Buji Matha, also known as the Jagadamba Matha temple. The Rajput kings used to pray here before going to battle. Inside the fort are two masjids and a dargah.
In the beginning of the 20th century there were more than 10 cannons inside the fort. These were made of alloy metal and steel.
Most of them have been shifted to the Nanded, Bichkunda and Madhnoor police stations. However, four that still remain inside the fort require attention. The Navgazi Tope, with its splendid work and metallurgy, is a rare one.
Another major attraction is the Lotus pond spread over 500 metres. The Koulas dam a few kilometres away attracts migratory birds during winter.
Neglected for years, the district administration finally prepared a report to restore the glory of the fort.
Officials say the ancient temples could be promoted as part of spiritual tourism, while the pond could be developed into a potential eco-tourism spot. With provisions for water-sports, it could be made an attractive domestic and foreign tourist destination. Efforts are on to explore scope for cultural and adventure tourism.