Gawilgad Fort, in the Satpura hills above Chikhaldara in Amravati district, Maharashtra, is one of the Deccan’s great hill strongholds: a sprawling stone fortress spread across a plateau, remembered above all for the British storming of its walls on 15 December 1803. Spelled Gawilghur or Gavilgad in older records, it sits inside the forested Melghat country and rewards anyone willing to walk its ramparts with gateways, mosques, tanks and old cannon left where the fighting ended.
Gawilgad Fort is a ruined hill fort near Chikhaldara, in Amravati district of Maharashtra, standing at roughly 1,103 m in the Satpura Range. Owned by the Government of India and open to the public, it is best visited between October and March, reached by road from Amravati or Nagpur.
Key takeaways
- Gawilgad Fort sits at about 1,103 m (3,619 ft) in the Satpura Range near Chikhaldara, Amravati district, Maharashtra, per Wikipedia’s figure.
- According to the Maharashtra Tourism department, the site began as a 12th-century mud fort and was rebuilt in stone from 1425 by Ahmad Shah Wali, the Bahmani ruler, during his stay at Ellichpur (Achalpur).
- British forces under Arthur Wellesley (later the Duke of Wellington) stormed the fort on 15 December 1803 during the Second Anglo-Maratha War, a date confirmed by the Amravati district administration.
- The best time to visit is October to March; the fort lies about 3–4 km from Chikhaldara town, reached by road and a short walk.
- The nearest airport is Nagpur, about 230 km away; the nearest main railhead is at Amravati/Badnera, about 82–110 km from Chikhaldara (Maharashtra Tourism, as of October 2026).
- No official entry fee is published for the fort; it is managed as a Government of India monument within the Melghat forest belt, so reconfirm access locally before you go.
About Gawilgad Fort
Gawilgad Fort is a large ruined hill fort on a plateau in the Satpura Range, next to the hill station of Chikhaldara in Amravati district, Maharashtra. Wikipedia places it at about 1,103 m (3,619 ft), and the Maharashtra Tourism department describes it as standing near the Maharashtra–Madhya Pradesh border, close to the Melghat Tiger Reserve.
The name comes from the Gawli (Gavli) community, cowherds who lived in the Berar region, now Amravati, for centuries, according to both Maharashtra Tourism and Wikipedia. The fort is often written Gawilghur in British accounts of 1803 and Gavilgad or Gawilgarh in Indian records; all refer to the same site. It should not be confused with other Deccan forts of similar name.
| Full name | Gawilgad Fort (also Gawilghur, Gavilgad, Gawilgarh) |
| Location | Near Chikhaldara, Amravati district, Vidarbha, Maharashtra |
| Altitude | About 1,103 m (3,619 ft), per Wikipedia |
| Type | Hill fort, with an outer and inner fort |
| Owner | Government of India; open to the public (Wikipedia) |
| Best season | October to March (Maharashtra Tourism) |
History: from Gawli kings to the 1803 siege
Gawilgad Fort began as a mud structure raised by a local Gawali ruler, and was later rebuilt in stone, according to the Maharashtra Tourism department. The department dates the earliest fortification to the 12th century and the stone fort to the early 15th century.
The Maharashtra Tourism department records that in 1425, Ahmad Shah Wali, the Bahmani ruler, fortified the existing structure while encamped at Ellichpur (modern Achalpur), laying the base for the stone fort seen today. Wikipedia, citing the Persian historian Firishta, agrees that Ahmed Shah Wali, the ninth Bahmani king, rebuilt it in 1425; some records instead credit the Gond kings around 1425–26. Over the 16th and 17th centuries the fort passed between the Mughals and the Marathas, and the Marathas reinforced its defences.
The fort’s most documented moment is the Battle of Gawilghur. On 15 December 1803, during the Second Anglo-Maratha War, a British and sepoy force under Arthur Wellesley assaulted the fort. According to Wikipedia’s account, two attempts on the main gate failed with heavy loss before the light company of the 94th Highlanders climbed the ravine between the outer and inner forts, entered by escalade and forced open the gates; the final assault cost about 150 casualties. The Amravati district administration simply notes that the fort “was conquered by Britishers on 15th Dec’ 1803.” Afterwards the fort was returned to its killedar (fort commander) under the peace terms and then left unoccupied.
Best time to visit
The best time to visit Gawilgad Fort is October to March, when the Chikhaldara plateau is cool and dry, according to the Maharashtra Tourism department. The monsoon from June to September brings heavy rain and greenery but makes the fort’s rocky paths slippery and travel harder.
| Season | Months | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Cool, dry | October–February | Clearest weather and the most comfortable walking; the recommended window. |
| Warm spring | March | Still pleasant on the plateau; the tail end of the main season. |
| Summer | April–June | Warmer, though Chikhaldara’s height keeps it milder than the plains; Maharashtra Tourism still lists up to June as workable for the hill station. |
| Monsoon | July–September | Lush but wet; slippery fort paths and possible travel disruption. |
How to reach Gawilgad Fort
Gawilgad Fort is reached via Chikhaldara, which connects by road to Amravati, Nagpur and Akola; there is no direct rail or air link to the hill itself. The fort entrance lies a short distance from Chikhaldara town, followed by a walk along the ramparts.
By air: The nearest airport is Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport at Nagpur, about 230 km from Chikhaldara, per Maharashtra Tourism; from there it is a road journey of roughly five to six hours. Nagpur has the widest choice of domestic flights in the region.
By rail: Maharashtra Tourism lists Amravati as the nearest railway station, about 82 km away, with Badnera Junction (the larger junction, on the main Mumbai–Nagpur line) roughly 100–110 km from Chikhaldara. From either, continue by bus or taxi via Paratwada (Achalpur). Confirm live train times on IRCTC or NTES, as services and stops change.
By road: State-run and private buses and taxis run from Amravati and Nagpur to Chikhaldara. Maharashtra Tourism gives Amravati as about 82–100 km from Chikhaldara; Paratwada (Achalpur), at the foot of the ghat, is the last main town before the climb. If you are planning a wider state trip, our Maharashtra travel guide sets out the main regions and routes.
| From | Distance | Mode |
|---|---|---|
| Amravati | About 82–100 km | Bus or taxi, around 2–3 hours |
| Badnera Junction | About 100–110 km | Rail then road |
| Akola | About 150 km | Road |
| Nagpur (airport) | About 230 km | Road, around 5–6 hours |
What to see at the fort and around Chikhaldara
At the fort itself, the highlights are its gateways, religious buildings, water tanks and old guns, spread across a large walled area. Maharashtra Tourism names the Delhi Darwaza as the main, carved entrance, and Wikipedia records that several Persian inscriptions mark the building dates of the fort’s seven gates.
- Gates and walls: Massive stone ramparts, bastions and watchtowers, with unrepaired breaches from the British guns of 1803 still visible, according to Wikipedia.
- Jama Masjid and other buildings: Maharashtra Tourism notes remains of palaces, mosques and granaries inside the walls, including a Jama Masjid.
- Water tanks: Wikipedia records two tanks, Devtalav and Khantalav, that supplied the garrison during a siege.
- Old cannon: Guns remain on the ramparts; Wikipedia mentions one cannon, long associated with the 1803 fighting, that still stands.
The fort is large and shade is limited, so carry water and allow a half-day to walk it properly. Around Chikhaldara, several viewpoints and lakes make an easy add-on.
| Spot | What it is | Time needed |
|---|---|---|
| Gawilgad Fort | Ramparts, gates, mosques and cannon | Half a day |
| Panchbol Point | Viewpoint where sound echoes across the valley | 30–45 min |
| Hariken Point | Viewpoint over hills, valleys and forest | 30 min |
| Mozari Point | Valley views, good for sunrise and sunset | 30 min |
| Bhimkund | Rock-cut water tank tied to a Mahabharata legend | 30–45 min |
| Shakkar Lake | Forest-fringed lake for a quiet stop | 45 min |
A suggested two-day itinerary
Two days is comfortable for the fort and the main Chikhaldara viewpoints. A single long day works if you start early.
- Day 1: Arrive in Chikhaldara by mid-morning. After lunch, visit Gawilgad Fort, walking the gates, Jama Masjid and the ramparts; leave before closing and watch the sunset from Mozari or Hariken Point.
- Day 2: Start with Panchbol Point, then Bhimkund and Shakkar Lake. If time allows, take a guided coffee-plantation walk, which Maharashtra Tourism says Chikhaldara offers as the only coffee-growing spot in the state. Drive back to Amravati or Nagpur in the afternoon.
Travellers coming from western Maharashtra often route through the state’s bigger cities first; our Pune travel guide is useful if you are starting a longer Maharashtra trip from there.
Where to stay
Most visitors stay in Chikhaldara town rather than at the fort, which has no accommodation. Options run from a government resort to private hotels and homestays; book ahead for weekends and holidays, when the hill station fills up.
- Government option: MTDC (Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation) runs a resort at Chikhaldara, bookable through mtdc.co. The listing notes that weekend tariffs differ and the final rate shows at checkout, so we have not quoted a figure here — reconfirm on the official site.
- Private hotels and resorts: Several mid-range resorts and hotels operate in and around Chikhaldara; rates vary by season and weekend demand.
- Budget and homestays: Simpler lodges and homestays are available in town for lower budgets.
Because published, current tariffs were not verifiable live, treat any price you see on aggregator sites as indicative and confirm directly with the property before booking.
Food to try
Chikhaldara sits in Vidarbha, a region known for spicy, robust cooking, so expect hearty vegetarian and non-vegetarian thalis (a platter of several dishes) at local eateries. Look for Varhadi (the local Vidarbha style, often fiery) preparations and the usual Maharashtrian staples such as poha (flattened rice) and misal (a spiced sprout curry) at breakfast.
The one thing unique to the area is coffee: the Maharashtra Tourism department says Chikhaldara is the only place in Maharashtra where coffee is grown, and plantation tours are offered. A fresh cup here has a genuine local claim behind it.
Budget breakdown
A two-day trip to Gawilgad Fort and Chikhaldara is inexpensive compared with Maharashtra’s bigger hill stations, since there is no verified fort entry fee and sightseeing is largely free. The figures below are planning estimates only, not quoted tariffs, and should be reconfirmed.
| Item | Indicative cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation (1 night) | ₹1,500–₹4,000 | Per room; split for two. MTDC or private hotel — reconfirm live. |
| Local transport | ₹1,000–₹2,500 | Shared taxi/bus to Chikhaldara plus local point-to-point. |
| Food | ₹500–₹1,000 | Local thalis and snacks over two days. |
| Sightseeing/entry | ₹0–₹300 | No verified fort fee; small charges possible at some points. |
| Per-person total | Roughly ₹2,500–₹5,000 | Excludes long-distance travel to Amravati/Nagpur. |
Assumptions: two people sharing a room, a mix of bus and shared taxi, mid-range local meals. Long-distance fares to and from the region are extra and vary widely.
Permits, fees and rules
No entry permit is officially required to visit Gawilgad Fort, and no official entry fee was found in our checks. The fort is a Government of India monument, open to the public per Wikipedia, and sits within the Melghat forest belt near the Melghat Tiger Reserve.
Because the fort lies in forest country, local forest-department rules on timings and access can apply, and these are separate from any wildlife-safari permit for Melghat. We could not verify a single official timings or fee notice for the fort this session; some listings suggest roughly daylight hours, so reconfirm current timings and any charge with the Amravati Forest Department or the Chikhaldara tourist office before you travel. Carry a photo ID.
Practical tips
- Start early and carry water: The fort is large with little shade; a half-day on foot is realistic, so bring water, a hat and sturdy shoes.
- Cash and connectivity: Chikhaldara is a small hill town; carry some cash as ATMs and mobile network can be patchy, and do not assume card or UPI acceptance everywhere.
- Monsoon caution: From July to September the rocky paths get slippery and the ghat road can be affected; the drier months are safer for walking.
- Medical help: The nearest larger hospitals are in Amravati; carry basic medicines and any personal prescriptions.
- Respect the forest: This is wildlife country on the edge of Melghat — avoid littering, do not stray off paths into the reserve, and follow any forest-department signage.
- Solo and women travellers: Chikhaldara is a regular tourist hill station; stick to daylight hours at the fort, which is open and unstaffed in parts, and tell your accommodation your plans.
Nearby places
Chikhaldara works well as a base, with the Melghat forests and several viewpoints and lakes within easy reach. The table lists the main options.
| Place | Roughly | Why go |
|---|---|---|
| Melghat Tiger Reserve (Semadoh) | Short drive | Tiger-reserve forest and the Semadoh nature zone; safaris via the Forest Department. |
| Panchbol Point | In/near town | Five-fold echo viewpoint over the valley. |
| Bhimkund | Near town | Rock-cut tank linked to Mahabharata legend. |
| Amravati | About 82–100 km | Nearest city, railhead and base for the plains. |
| Nagpur | About 230 km | Nearest airport and major transport hub. |
Frequently asked questions
Where is Gawilgad Fort located?
Gawilgad Fort stands in the Satpura Range next to Chikhaldara hill station, in Amravati district of Maharashtra, in the Vidarbha region. Wikipedia places it at about 1,103 m altitude, near the Maharashtra–Madhya Pradesh border and the Melghat Tiger Reserve. It is reached via Chikhaldara, roughly 82–100 km from Amravati.
Who built Gawilgad Fort and when?
According to the Maharashtra Tourism department, the site began as a 12th-century mud fort by a local Gawali ruler and was rebuilt in stone from 1425 by Ahmad Shah Wali, the Bahmani ruler. Wikipedia, citing the historian Firishta, agrees on 1425; some records instead credit the Gond kings around 1425–26.
What happened at the Battle of Gawilghur in 1803?
On 15 December 1803, during the Second Anglo-Maratha War, British and sepoy troops under Arthur Wellesley stormed Gawilgad Fort. Per Wikipedia, after failed attacks on the main gate, the 94th Highlanders’ light company climbed between the forts and opened the gates; the final assault cost about 150 casualties. The Amravati district administration confirms the 15 December 1803 date.
Is there an entry fee or permit for Gawilgad Fort?
No official entry fee or permit for Gawilgad Fort was found in our checks for this guide. It is a Government of India monument, open to the public, within the Melghat forest belt. Because forest-department rules can apply to timings and access, reconfirm current charges and hours with the Amravati Forest Department before visiting.
What is the best time to visit Gawilgad Fort?
The best time to visit Gawilgad Fort is October to March, when the Chikhaldara plateau is cool and dry, according to the Maharashtra Tourism department. The monsoon from July to September brings heavy rain that makes the fort’s rocky paths slippery and can disrupt travel, so the drier months are safer for walking the ramparts.
How do I reach Gawilgad Fort by public transport?
Take a train to Amravati (about 82 km) or Badnera Junction, then a state or private bus or taxi to Chikhaldara via Paratwada; the fort is a short distance from the town. The nearest airport is Nagpur, about 230 km away. Confirm current train times on IRCTC or NTES, as services change.
Last updated and sources
Gawilgad Fort suits history-minded travellers and walkers who want a big, uncrowded hill fort with a real 1803 story attached. Go between October and March, give the ramparts a half-day, and pair them with Chikhaldara’s viewpoints and the Melghat forests.
Last updated: 30 October 2026. Fees, timings and permits change — reconfirm with official sources before you travel.
Sources: Maharashtra Tourism — Gawilgad Fort; Maharashtra Tourism — Chikhaldara; Amravati district administration; Wikipedia — Gawilghur (used to locate primary facts, altitude and battle account); MTDC — Chikhaldara resort; Wikipedia — Badnera Junction. Accessed October 2026.
