Gingee Fort

Gingee is not one fort but three, on the hills of Rajagiri, Krishnagiri and Chandrayandurg, with walls running down and across the valley to link them into a single circuit of some thirteen kilometres. Rajagiri, the main citadel, is a granite dome reached by steps and a drawbridge over a cleft, with a granary, temples and a Kalyana Mahal, a seven-storey pavilion with a pyramidal roof, in the lower enclosure. It was held in turn by the Vijayanagar rulers, Marathas, Mughals, French and British, and Shivaji is said to have called it the most impregnable fortress in India; the Troy of the East name is a British coinage.

What you actually see

• The three hills - Rajagiri, Krishnagiri and Chandrayandurg linked by walls.
• The drawbridge cleft - the gap crossed to reach the Rajagiri citadel.
• Kalyana Mahal - a seven-storey pavilion in the lower enclosure.
• The linking walls - thirteen kilometres of circuit across the valley.

When to go

October to March; the granite climb is punishing in Tamil heat and there is no shade. Mornings are essential. The site is quiet on weekdays.

Honest expectations

The Rajagiri climb is steep, long and exposed, taking well over an hour each way. Monkeys are aggressive. Facilities are minimal and water must be carried.

Nearby

Thiruvannamalai lies west; Puducherry is east.