🏰 Khammam Fort (Stambhadri)
950 CE Kakatiya citadel | Second capital of the dynasty | 4 sq. miles on granite hill | Secret tunnels & stone gallows | Khammam, Telangana
An impregnable citadel carved into granite. Khammam Fort stands as a silent sentinel over the city, its massive granite walls bearing witness to nearly eleven centuries of history. Built by the Kakatiyas in 950 AD, it was designed as a second capital – a secure refuge when Warangal faced enemy attacks. The fort’s military genius is evident in its cyclopean masonry (massive stones fitted without mortar), its 15 bastions that could mount 60 cannons, and a 15‑foot trench for hiding troops.
The fort is riddled with legends: secret tunnels leading all the way to Warangal Fort; a stone gallows (locally called Nethi Bhavi – ghee well) where justice was dispensed; the Zafar well – a 60x30 ft stepped well with a bridge for horses; and cannons still mounted at the Khilla Darwaza. The fort was fought over by Kakatiyas, Padmanayakas, Bahmanis, Qutb Shahis, Vijayanagara emperor Krishnadevaraya, Mughals, and the Nizams. Today, despite being a protected monument, it suffers from neglect. Yet, climbing its steps and standing at the ramparts offers a breathtaking view of the city and a tangible connection to Telangana’s martial past.
⏰ Visitor Information
📍 Address & Access
Khammam Fort (Stambhadri)
Fort Area, Khammam City,
Khammam District, Telangana – 507001
≈2 km from Khammam Railway Station
≈3 km from Khammam Bus Stand
≈200 km from Hyderabad
Located in the heart of the city.
📞 Contact & Enquiries
Khammam District Tourism: +91-8742-223456
Archaeology Department (Hyderabad): +91-40-23456789
Free entry; no ticket required
🌐 Official Info
🕐 Timings & Best Season
Open daily: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (some gates may be open earlier; no lighting).
Best season: October – February (cool weather, ideal for exploring).
Summer (Mar–May): Very hot (38°C–44°C); visit early morning or late afternoon.
Monsoon (Jun–Sep): Slippery – not recommended.
Note: The fort is in the city centre – easy to reach. No trekking required; there are steps to the top.
⚠️ Facilities
Basic restrooms available near the entrance. No drinking water – carry your own. No food stalls inside the fort, but shops and restaurants are nearby in the city. The fort is neglected – some areas are overgrown and may have loose stones. No guided tours, but local caretakers may offer information.
📜 History – From Kakatiyas to Nizams (950–1948)
The fort’s history spans over a thousand years. According to legend, three army men – Lakshma Reddy, Ranga Reddy, and Vema Reddy – discovered gold coins on their farm and informed the Kakatiya king. The king ordered them to build a fort on the hill, which became the second capital of the Kakatiya dynasty (the first being Orugallu / Warangal). A 100‑acre lake, Lakaram Lake, was built by Lakshma Reddy to supply drinking water.
- Kakatiya period (950–1323 AD): The fort was the second capital. Later, internal rifts led to it falling into the hands of the Padmanayaka (Velama) dynasty, then various independent rulers (Nandavani, Kalluru, Gudluru).
- Bahmani & Qutb Shahi period (1503–1687): Shitab Khan, a Bahmani commander, declared Khammam as his jagir (1503–1512). He maintained good relations with the Qutb Shahis. In 1515, Sri Krishnadevaraya of Vijayanagara invaded and captured the fort – an event recorded by poet Nandi Thimmana in Parijathaapaharanam. Later, Sultan Ibrahim Qutb Shah (c. 1550) and subsequent Qutb Shahi rulers (Muhammad Quli, Sultan Muhammad, Abdullah, and Abul Hasan Tana Shah) held the fort.
- Mughal & Asaf Jahi period (1687–1948): Aurangzeb captured the fort in 1687. The Asaf Jahi Nizams appointed Zafar-ud-doula as Tahasildar (1761–1803). He renovated the fort, built the Zafar well (stepped well), and constructed roads. The city of Khammam developed around the fort.
The fort was practically impregnable due to its high granite walls, strategic bastions, and cannon placements. A permanent stone gallows (Nethi Bhavi) stands on the hill, where justice was administered.
🏛️ Architecture – A Masterpiece of Granite Fortification
- Massive granite walls: Averaging 40–80 feet in height and 15–20 feet in width, built with huge blocks of stone (up to 10 feet long) without mortar – an engineering marvel. Transported using elephants and men.
- 10 gates (darwazas): The main entrance is the Khilla Darwaza (30 ft tall), with two cannons on either side. The east gate is the Raathi Darwaza or Potha Darwaza – equally large. Smaller gates prevented large cavalry from entering.
- 15 bastions (burujus): Built with two massive walls to absorb cannonball impacts. Steps from each bastion lead inside. The fort could mount at least 60 cannons at a time.
- Zafar well (stepped well): 60 ft x 30 ft, with a bridge across it for men and horses. Built during Zafar-ud-doula’s renovation.
- Stone gallows (Nethi Bhavi): A platform of stone that looks like a well – locally called “ghee well”. Used for executions. Visible from anywhere in the city.
- Secret tunnels: Believed to connect to Warangal Fort, with multiple entrances. One entrance (10 ft in diameter) has been closed due to damage.
- Rainwater catchment system: A large tank (Zafar well) collected rainwater. The fort also has several small water cisterns.
- Balconies and windows: Built along the walls for artillery placement.
In 2005, during the 1000‑year celebrations, the Tourism Department and ASI added railings to the steps and renovated some areas. However, many parts remain in poor condition.
🚗 How to Reach Khammam Fort
By Road: The fort is in the heart of Khammam city, easily accessible by bus, auto, or taxi from anywhere in the city.
- From Hyderabad: 200 km via NH65 (approx 3.5–4 hours). Drive to Khammam city, then follow signs to “Khammam Fort” or “Khilla”.
- From Khammam Railway Station: 2 km – auto (₹30–50).
- From Khammam Bus Stand (Old / New): 3 km – auto or walk.
Parking is available near the fort entrance (free).
By Rail: Khammam Railway Station is well connected to Hyderabad, Vijayawada, Warangal, and Chennai. From the station, take an auto to the fort.
By Air: Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, Hyderabad (≈200 km).
Local transport: City buses (TSRTC) and auto‑rickshaws are plentiful.
🏞️ Nearby Attractions – Khammam City & District
🧭 Suggested 1‑Day Itinerary – Khammam Heritage Tour
- 9:00 AM: Start from Khammam city centre. Visit Khammam Fort – climb to the top, explore Khilla Darwaza, cannons, Zafar well, and stone gallows (2 hours).
- 11:00 AM: Visit Lakaram Lake for a peaceful walk and boating (1 hour).
- 12:30 PM: Lunch at a restaurant in Khammam (many options – Andhra meals, biryani).
- 2:00 PM: Drive to Kinnerasani Wildlife Sanctuary (25 km) – wildlife viewing, reservoir walk (2 hours).
- 5:00 PM: Return to Khammam. Optional visit to Jamia Masjid.
- 6:00 PM: End the tour.
Tip: For a longer trip, combine with Bogatha Waterfall or Nelakondapalli.
📝 Essential Tips & Conservation Alert
⚠️ Conservation note: Khammam Fort is a protected monument, but it suffers from neglect. Several walls are crumbling, gates are damaged, and cannons are rusting. The secret tunnel entrances are blocked and unsafe. Visitors should not climb on unstable structures. Do not carve graffiti or remove stones. The Archaeology Department has done minor renovations (2005), but much remains to be done. Please respect the heritage and report any vandalism to local authorities.
🏨 Where to Stay & Eat
Accommodation (Khammam city)
- Hotel Sitara International: Mid‑range, popular with travellers.
- Hotel Sridevi Pride: Budget, clean rooms near the fort.
- Haritha Resort, Kinnerasani (≈25 km): For a nature stay.
- Hotel Mansingh Palace: Another good option.
Food & Dining
- Many restaurants near the fort and bus stand – try Andhra meals and biryani.
- Hotel Samrat: Famous for biryani and kebabs.
- Annapurna Vegetarian: South Indian tiffins and meals.
- Street food near Lakaram Lake in the evening.
🗺️ Location Map
📍 Khammam Fort is in the city centre – easily reachable from any part of Khammam.
🌤️ Best Time to Visit Khammam Fort
October – February (Peak): Pleasant weather (15°C – 28°C), ideal for exploring the expansive fort and climbing to the top.
March – May (Summer): Hot (35°C–44°C) – visit early morning (9–11 AM) or late afternoon (3–5 PM).
June – September (Monsoon): The fort becomes slippery and overgrown – not ideal.
Tip: Weekdays are less crowded. The best light for photography is early morning or just before sunset.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is there an entry fee?
A: No. Free entry.
Q: Are the secret tunnels open?
A: No – they are blocked and unsafe. You can see one sealed entrance.
Q: Can we climb the cannons?
A> No – the cannons are fragile and rusted. Please do not climb on them.
Q: How long does it take to see the fort?
A: 1.5–2 hours for a leisurely exploration.
Q: Is there mobile network?
A: Yes – Jio, Airtel work well (city centre).
Q: Is the fort safe for children?
A: Yes, but supervise them near the well and wall edges – no railings.
Q: Are there guides available?
A: Not officially. Local caretakers may explain a few points; tip appreciated.
Q: What is “Nethi Bhavi”?
A: A stone gallows – locals call it “ghee well”. It was used for executions.
Q: Can we visit the fort at night?
A> Not recommended – no lighting, and security is minimal.
📚 References & More Information
- Wikipedia – Khammam Fort
- Hop Around India – Khammam Fort gallery
- Telangana Tourism – Khammam district
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