Bhadra Fort

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Approximate Distance From Where You Are: 339.17 Kilometer

Bhadra Fort gets its name from the Bhadra Kali temple inside. This fort is a landmark of Ahmedabad.

This is part of the oldest enclave of Ahmedabad that was founded by Sultan Ahmed Shah in 1411. The original complex was larger and much was lost over the years. As described in Mirat-i-Ahmadi, Bhadra Fort was also known as Arak Fort. The Azam Khan Sarai was built by a governor of the Mughal Empire in the 17th century. The temple inside was added by the Marathas. The British added part of the fort and their clock tower can be seen above the gate. The clock was brought here in 1849 from London and installed in the 1870s. The kerosene lamp was replaced by Ahmedabad’s first electric lights in 1915.

The fort was used as a court in medieval times and became a jail during British rule.

One of the popular legends associated with the fort is about Laxmi, the Goddess of Wealth, who was stopped by Siddique Kotwal who asked her not to leave the fort until he had obtained permission from the king. He beheaded himself to keep Laxmi in the city, resulting the prosperity of Ahmedabad. The tomb of Siddique Kotwal stands near the fort.

MOST POPULAR ATTRACTION

At present Teen Darwaza is used as road crossing and is found outside the fort. Bhadra Kali Temple, Jama Masjid, Azam Khan Sarai and Clock Tower are a worth-visit as they all are within the walls of Bhadra Fort. Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation along with the Archaeological Survey of India renovated the fort in 2014, under the Bhadra Plaza Development Project.

NEARBY AMENITIES

APPROXIMATE TIME REQUIRED TO VISIT

30 Minutes

THINGS TO KNOW

Bhadra Fort is part of the Bhadra Plaza. In front of the fort gate are many vendors selling garments, accessories and inexpensive products. You can find some of them selling old coins, and collectors do visit in search of collectibles. The façade of the fort seen from the Bhadra square presents an imposing brick structure with a pair of towers. Enter through the main gate and turn for the staircase leading to the rooftop which has a good view of the surrounding cityscape. Visit the market around the temple and the fort between 7:00 Hours - 20:00 Hours.

Timings :08:00 TO 18:00

Entry Fee : Free