This fort is strategically located over the top of a small hill about 183m high. The strong walls stand erect to the southern side of the fort, enclosing the hill. There is also a ditch surrounding the fort so as to prevent any intruder from entering in. The remains of the lower fort contain two palaces, the lower portion of which is built in stone and the upper with bricks. This lighting system makes the fort look even more beautiful and is eye-catching during night time. The modern town of Chandragiri lies to the east of the hill on which the fort stands. 

There are two buildings called as Raja Mahal and Rani Mahal. The main building is called as Raja Mahal, which is an impressive majestic three storied structure with arched facade, crowned with Hindu style of architecture. This majestic building in the fort premises, with colourful lighting, enhances the beauty of this place. It stands as an excellent example of the Indo-Saracenic architecture. The central durbar occupies two storeys that are crowned by Dravida-Vimana. The roofs are supported by massive pillars in groups carrying cross arches with strong square ceilings, which are decorated with stucco figurines. The entire fort is constructed using stone and brick in mortar and is well plastered. The entrance of this Mahal faces the hill on the north while the balconies and windows on the south overlooking the extensive grounds where perhaps the troops paraded. As you explore more and more, you ll discover and feel the royal lifestyle of our kings in the past. 

The Rani Mahal or the Queen s palace is built in similar style with the ground floor resembling a stable and the first floor having quarters or rooms to stay. These quarters have attractive shikharas (towers) with flat roofs. People say that this palace was for the queens but on contrary, the epigraphs say that this place was commander s quarters. This seems more obvious as the palace has a stable in its basement.

This fort is believed to have been built by Immadi Narasimha Yadavaraya, a Karvetinagara chieftain of Narayanavaram during the year 1000 AD. The Yadavarayas ruled the place for about three centuries. Eventually, there was a lot of improvement made to make it more elegant and beautiful. It was considerably improved by the Vijayanagara rulers of the Saluva Dynasty in the year 1367. After the battle of "Tali kota" in 1565 AD, the capital of Vijayanagar empire was shifted from Hampi to Penukonda in 1567. In 1568 AD, the fort rose ro prominence and remained as a seat of the Vijayanagar Kings for a long time. During the same period, many magnificient structures and temples came up. Later in 1592 AD, Chandragiri became the third and probably the last capital of the declining Vijayanagar Empire. 

In the year 1646, the fort was merged into the territories of Golconda fort. Chandragiri fort was then surrendered to Hyder Ali in 1782 and then was taken over by Mysore kings until the treaty of Sreerangapatnam in 1792. It then came under the British rule. It is also said that in 1639 AD, the original documents, relating to the grant of the Saint George fort's site to the British East India Company, was signed here.

There are two sound and light shows in the fort premises in the regional language as well as in English. The first show in regional language Telugu begins at 6:30pm and continues till 7:15pm from November to February, and at 7:00pm to 7:45pm in the month of March to October. This is followed by a show in English at 7:30pm to 8:15pm from November to February and 8:00pm to 8:45pm from March to October. There is and entrance fee which costs Rs.20/- for adults and Rs.10/- for kids.

Contact Details
Regional Tourist Information Bureau,
Tourist Information officer,
Near TTD 3rd Choultry, Tirupati
Phone : 0877-2243306

Chandragiri Fort is about 54kms from Chittoor that takes an hour and half to reach.