A fortress carved into two hills. Khilla Ghanpur is a remarkable example of medieval military engineering. The builders took two adjacent mountains and fortified the gap between them, creating a single, impregnable hill fort. The ramparts follow the natural contours, and the summit still holds rusted cannons that once faced enemies. The fort’s historical importance goes beyond warfare – it was here that the Kakatiya king Prataparudra married the daughter of Gona Ganna Reddy after the Buddapuram war, sealing an alliance.
The fort is intimately tied to Telugu literature. Gona Budda Reddy, a feudatory ruler of this region, wrote the Ranganatha Ramayanam – the first Ramayana in Telugu language, composed in Dwipada metre. His son Gona Ganna Reddy (who built the fort) and his nephews continued the literary tradition. The nearby Ganapa Samudram lake, built by Malyala Gunda Dandadeeshudu (brother‑in‑law of Gona Ganna Reddy) during Rudrama Devi’s reign, still irrigates the region. For adventure seekers, the fort offers rock climbing, rappelling, and exploring caves and secret tunnels. It is a perfect blend of history, literature, and adventure.
⏰ Visitor Information
๐ Address & Access
Khilla Ghanpur Fort
Ghanpur Village & Mandal, Wanaparthy District,
Telangana – 509206
≈15 km from Wanaparthy town
≈100 km from Hyderabad (via Shadnagar)
≈60 km from Mahbubnagar
๐ Contact & Enquiries
Wanaparthy District Tourism: +91-8542-223456
Ghanpur Panchayat Office: (local enquiry)
Free entry; no ticket required
๐ Official Info
๐ Timings & Best Season
Open daily: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (daylight hours; avoid climbing after dark).
Best season: October – February (cool weather, ideal for climbing and exploring tunnels).
Summer (Mar–May): Very hot (38°C–44°C); climb early morning (8–10 AM).
Monsoon (Jun–Sep): Rocks become slippery; tunnels may be waterlogged – not recommended.
Note: The secret tunnels are narrow and dark – carry a torch. Adventure activities (rappelling) require prior arrangement with local guides.
⚠️ Accessibility
The fort involves a moderate climb (20–30 minutes) over rocky terrain. Not wheelchair‑friendly. Wear sturdy shoes. Carry water and snacks. No restrooms or shops at the site – plan accordingly.
๐ History – Feudatories of the Kakatiyas & Literary Legacy
Khilla Ghanpur was ruled by the Recharla, Gona, and Malyala dynasties as feudatories of the Kakatiya kings (Ganapathi Deva, Rudrama Devi, Prataparudra). The fort’s name is derived from Ganapathi Deva himself.
- Gona Budda Reddy: The most celebrated ruler of the Gona dynasty, he authored Ranganatha Ramayanam – the first Telugu Ramayana, written in Dwipada (two‑line metre). The work was later completed by his sons Gona Kacha Reddy and Gona Vitalanatha Reddy.
- Gona Ganapa Reddy (Gona Ganna Reddy): Son of Budda Reddy, he built the fort by joining two mountains. He remained loyal to the Kakatiyas and helped them in several wars. After the Buddapuram war, Kakatiya king Prataparudra married Gona Ganna Reddy’s daughter in this very fort.
- Malyala Gunda Dandadeeshudu (Malyala Gundanna): Married Gona Budda Reddy’s daughter. He served Rudrama Devi and constructed the Ganapa Samudram lake (also known as Ghanpur lake) with the help of Gona Ganna Reddy. After Gundanna’s death, his wife Kappambhika built the Buddheshwaralayam temple at Bhoothpur.
- Later rulers: The fort later came under the control of Bahamani, Vijayanagara, Bijapur, and Qutb Shahi kingdoms – evidenced by the cannons and Islamic architectural elements.
๐️ Fort Features – Secret Tunnels, Ponds & Cannons
The fort’s architecture reflects both defensive genius and daily needs:
- Two secret tunnels: One tunnel is believed to lead down to the village at the base of the mountain, used as an escape route during sieges. The second tunnel is said to connect to Panagal fort (in Nalgonda district) – a distance of many kilometres. Both tunnels are now partially blocked or unsafe to enter fully, but their entrances can be seen.
- Cannons: Several iron cannons from the Qutb Shahi / Bijapur period are still mounted on the highest point of the fort, offering panoramic views of the surrounding plains and the Ganapa Samudram lake.
- Palace & ministers’ quarters: Ruins of stone structures, including a palace and residential quarters, can be seen scattered across the hilltop.
- Two natural ponds: Cut into the rock, these perennial water sources provided drinking water for the garrison and are still filled during monsoons.
- Rock‑cut steps & gateways: The approach to the fort involves climbing through a series of rock‑cut steps and a fortified gateway.
The fort is largely in ruins but retains a raw, majestic atmosphere. The Ganapa Samudram lake below is a large, scenic water body perfect for a picnic after the climb.
๐ง Adventure Activities – Rock Climbing, Rappelling & Caving
Khilla Ghanpur’s rocky terrain and steep cliffs make it a favourite spot for adventure enthusiasts. The Telangana State Tourism Development Corporation (TSTDC) and local adventure clubs occasionally organise rock climbing and rappelling events here. The natural caves and the entrance of the secret tunnels also attract caving explorers (though extreme caution is needed as tunnels are not maintained).
- Rock climbing: The granite cliffs offer routes for beginners and intermediate climbers.
- Rappelling: Descending the steep fort walls is thrilling – equipment must be brought by groups.
- Bouldering: Scattered boulders around the base provide excellent practice.
- Safety: Do not attempt adventure activities without proper gear and experienced guides. The site has no safety nets or trained staff on a regular basis.
Contact the Wanaparthy district tourism office or local adventure groups for organised trips.
๐ How to Reach Khilla Ghanpur Fort
By Road: The fort is well connected by state highways.
- From Hyderabad: 100 km via NH65 to Shadnagar, then towards Wanaparthy (approx 2.5 hours). From Wanaparthy town, drive 15 km to Ghanpur village.
- From Wanaparthy town: 15 km – frequent buses and autos to Ghanpur.
- From Mahbubnagar: 60 km via Makthal – Wanaparthy road.
From Ghanpur village, the fort is a 20–30 minute uphill climb. The path is marked but rocky – ask villagers for directions.
By Rail: Nearest railway station – Mahbubnagar (≈60 km) or Hyderabad (≈100 km).
By Air: Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, Hyderabad (≈100 km).
๐️ Nearby Attractions in Wanaparthy & Mahbubnagar
๐งญ Suggested 1‑Day Heritage & Adventure Itinerary
- 7:00 AM: Depart from Hyderabad.
- 9:30 AM: Arrive at Ghanpur village. Start climb to Khilla Ghanpur Fort (20–30 min).
- 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Explore the fort – cannons, palace ruins, secret tunnel entrances, and the two ponds. Enjoy the view of Ganapa Samudram lake below.
- 12:00 PM – 12:30 PM: Descend and visit Ganapa Samudram lake for a peaceful walk.
- 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM: Lunch at Wanaparthy town (carry packed food if preferred).
- 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM: Visit Wanaparthy Palace (Badi Mahal).
- 2:30 PM: Return to Hyderabad.
- 5:00 PM: Arrive Hyderabad (traffic permitting).
Tip: If you have more time, combine with Jatprole Fort or Mallela Teertham for a longer trip.
๐ Essential Tips & Safety
⚠️ Safety first: The fort is unmaintained. Some ruins are unstable – do not climb on crumbling walls. The secret tunnels are partially collapsed; do not venture beyond the entrance without local guidance. The fort has no railings – keep children away from steep drops. For rock climbing or rappelling, contact a professional adventure group. The path can be slippery after rain – avoid monsoon visits.
๐จ Where to Stay & Eat
Accommodation (nearby)
- Wanaparthy town (15 km): Hotel Sri Venkateswara, Srinivasa Lodge – basic budget stays.
- Mahbubnagar (60 km): Haritha Hotel (TSTDC), Hotel Ashoka – more options.
- Hyderabad (100 km): For day trip – return same day.
Food & Tips
- No shops at the fort. Carry your own food and water.
- Wanaparthy town has small restaurants (South Indian meals, tiffins).
- Mahbubnagar has better dining options (Annapurna, Paradise).
๐บ️ Location Map
๐ Ghanpur village, Wanaparthy district – the fort is on the hill visible from the road.
๐ค️ Best Time to Visit Khilla Ghanpur
October – February (Peak): Cool and pleasant (12°C – 28°C), ideal for climbing, exploring tunnels, and adventure activities. The lake is full after monsoon.
March – May (Summer): Very hot (35°C–44°C) – climb only early morning (8–10 AM). Carry extra water.
June – September (Monsoon): The fort becomes lush and the ponds fill, but the rocks are dangerously slippery and tunnels may be waterlogged. Not recommended.
Special event: Local festivals and heritage walks are occasionally organised by the district tourism office – check in advance.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is there an entry fee?
A: No. Entry is free.
Q: How long does it take to explore the fort?
A: About 1.5–2 hours to see the main features (cannons, ponds, palace ruins, tunnel entrances).
Q: Are the secret tunnels accessible?
A: The entrances are visible, but the tunnels are partially collapsed and unsafe for deep exploration. Do not enter without local guidance.
Q: Can we do rock climbing without a guide?
A> Not recommended. The site has no safety equipment. Contact an adventure club or TSTDC for organised trips.
Q: Is there any historical inscription at the fort?
A: Limited; most historical records are documented in the literary works of the Gona dynasty.
Q: What is the significance of Gona Budda Reddy?
A: He wrote the first Telugu Ramayana (Ranganatha Ramayanam), a cornerstone of Telugu literature.
Q: Is there mobile network at the fort?
A: Jio/Airtel works near the base but is weak on the hilltop.
Q: Can we swim in Ganapa Samudram lake?
A: Swimming is not prohibited, but the lake is used for irrigation and may have strong currents. Best to enjoy the view.
Q: Is the fort suitable for children?
A: Yes, with supervision. Keep them away from edges and tunnel openings.
๐ References & More Information
- Wikipedia – Khilla Ghanpur
- Telangana Tourism – Wanaparthy district
- Telangana Today – heritage coverage