Things To Do Near Rayakottai Fort

Rayakottai Fort is  in a small village called Rayakottai in Krishnagiri district, Tamil Nadu, India. This historical hill fort at the foot of the Eastern Ghats combines history, beauty, and serenity and thus  attracts interest  from  historians, trekkers, and nature lovers. Rayakottai Fort is believed to have been built during the 17th century.  Its influence period is equivalent to Mughal and Maratha's influence over Southern India. Although not as  famous as some other forts in Tamil Nadu, Rayakottai still has enough history to fill its charm. It was  supposed to be a military stronghold to keep all sorts of invasions in check; its strategic placement atop a hill provided a  strong surveillance position and helped check the attacks. 

The Fort had passed through several hands, including the Mughal Empire, Marathas, and the Kingdom of Mysore under Tipu Sultan. It is mentioned in some accounts that it was initially built by the Mughal generals while  undertaking their southern campaigns, which later fell into Maratha's  hands but was  eventually  conquered by the British. Its strong stone walls protect the Fort against any hostile operations. The still reasonably preserved state of the walls gives a glimpse into the strength and rigidity of the Fort.  There are a few gates at the Fort, out of which the main entrance is still observable but degraded in its condition. At its prime, these gates would have been heavily guarded to keep off enemy incursions. One of the characteristic features is watch  towers  sprinkled  here  and there along strategic points of the fortification wall. They helped to track movement from afar. Today,  they  give fabulous views of the landscape around them. 

The Fort has some water storage tanks chiselled into the rock for use by the people during sieges or protracted  stays. These water tanks were of high value to survival in this dry, hilly terrain.  The area is rich in flora and fauna , with dense forests of birds, butterflies, and small animals. Bird watchers are expected to easily see eagles, parakeets , and other migrating birds . The surrounding landscape can also be enjoyed from atop the Fort, including the rolling hills of the Eastern Ghats, Krishnagiri Lake , and the far-off towns and villages. One would feel proud to click at any point of the day, especially during sunset, which is the favourite of  photographers and nature enthusiasts. 

Rayakottai Fort is one of the less renowned historical places, highly scenic and peaceful to people interested in the  history of India, architecture, trekking, and nature. The view atop the Fort with watchtowers and fortifications  is  another true discovery in the story of its past, and the  sceneries  surrounding  it are indeed  beautiful  and great for outdoor activities. People interested in history, nature explorers, or even those who need a bit of quiet amidst the city din can enjoy visiting the place. 

RAYAKOTTAI FORT HIGHLIGHTS: 

• The Fort is believed to have been constructed in the 17th century under Mughal influence and later  captured by Marathas and Tipu Sultan 

• It has witnessed successive rule of different rulers, Mughals, Marathas, and then the Kingdom of Mysore  under Tipu Sultan. 

• The Fort is surrounded by solid stone walls mounted for defence. Most of the parts of the fort lie in ruins,  but its walls stand out high to denote some glimpses of its past times. 

• Lush greenery abounds in this neighbourhood with  rolling hills, dense forests, and tranquil landscapes  to create an incredibly peaceful city break. 

• Therefore, Rayakottai Fort is less touristy and crowded than other famous forts in Tamil Nadu. It provides  the tourist with experiences of quietness and purity. 

• Species of birds, butterflies, and small mammals can be seen in the neighbourhood around the Fort,  which makes it a place of observation for bird watching and nature trekking. 

• Biodiversity is high in the Eastern Ghats. Therefore, wildlife lovers will love the natural surroundings while trekking to the Fort. 

• The hilltop location of the Fort makes it an excellent viewpoint for  fabulous sunsets when the dip beyond  the Eastern Ghats spreads a sundowner of golden hue. 

• The hilltop location of the Fort makes it an excellent viewpoint for the fabulous sunsets when the sun dips  beyond the Eastern Ghats and spreads a sundowner of golden hue. 

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BEST TIME TO VISIT : 

The best time to visit the Rayakottai Fort is between April and June and between November and March. During this time, the weather is quite pleasant, and the atmosphere turns into a lovely display of ambient colors. From July to October, the hilltop witnesses the rainy season, which must be avoided when visiting the Rayakottai fort. 

TIPS FOR VISITING RAYAKOTTAI FORT: 

• Not one of the best times to visit Rayakottai Fort is during the monsoon season. Wet roads and slippery trails make it very tiresome and challenging to remain afoot, while the terrain might  be a massive  problem  in many places. 

• Always keep enough water with you to avoid dehydration-related incidents. 

• Wear comfortable clothes and footwear so that you won't be uneasy. 

• It is long, so the trekker should be in top order to undertake this trek. A few days of exercise  and stretches  before the trek would be helpful. 

• In a night trek, it would be sufficient to ensure that you are equipped with all the necessary torches and batteries, which would be very helpful. 

• This is one of the popular trekking spots near Krishnagiri , to which you can go during the daytime and  nighttime. Trekking along the hill track on a whole moon night is another adventurous activity you can indulge in in Rayakottai Fort. At the crest of this mountain, the splendour of natural beauty surrounding you will be something you will cherish forever! 

HOW TO REACH: 

Rayakottai is about 55 km from Krishnagiri. The nearest big city is Bangalore. The Fort is accessible by road, easily. The closest railway station to Rayakottai is Krishnagiri Railway Station, which is well-connected to Bangalore and the other major towns of Tamil Nadu. You may take a taxi or  bus from Krishnagiri to reach Rayakottai. 

The nearest airport is Kempegowda International Airport (BLR), Bangalore, which is 90 km from there. You can reach the Fort by taxi or private vehicle from that airport. 

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