Songarh Fort Gujarat

Songarh Fort Gujarat : Songarh Fort is located in Tapi district of South Gujarat. Songarh Fort is also called the Golden Fort. This fort is located about 85 kilometers east of Surat district of Gujarat. There is a dense forest around this fort and Songarh fort can be reached through a trail through the forest. The height of Songarh Fort is about 112 meters above sea level. This fort is built near Ukai Dam near Tapi River.

सोनगढ़ का किला | Songadh Kila in Hindi

History – Songarh Fort Gujarat

Songarh Fort has been important to the Maratha and Gaekwad rulers in history. It is said that this fort was built as a fort of Shivaji Maharaj. He had entrusted the responsibility of security of this fort to the Mewasi Bhils living in the forest here. A few years after his death, Pilji Rao Gaekwad, the founder of the Gaekwad dynasty, attacked the Mewasi Bhils and took control of this fort. Pilajirao Gaekwad was the king of Baroda and he took over it to increase Gaekwad influence in the eastern region.

Some historians believe that the Songarh Fort was built between 1729 – 1766 by Pilji Rao Gaekwad, the founder of the Gaekwad dynasty.

Strategically important, Songarh Fort has always been used as a military fort. Since this fort is situated on the top of a hill, it becomes easy to keep an eye on the activities around from here.

Architecture – Songarh Fort Gujarat

The ruined Songarh Fort would have been a magnificent example of Indian architecture. Both Maratha and Mughal architecture can be seen in this fort. Looking at the ruins of the fort, it can be estimated that at one time this fort must have been quite grand.

There is a figure of a lion on the upper side of the main gate of Songarh Fort. After going inside from the fort door, there is the second main door of the fort, which has minarets on both sides from where the enemies could be completely monitored and from here the enemies could be attacked with bows and arrows and fire.

Inside Songarh Fort Gujarat

An ancient Shiva temple, Mahakali temple, Ambe temple and a dargah are located in the Songarh Fort complex. The temple of Khanderao is also situated in the ruined remains of this fort. There are also underground tanks and some open ponds for water supply in the fort. There is a queen’s stepwell in the fort and big bunkers for the army are also built here.

Songarh Fort is a military fort spread over an area of ​​about 3 kilometers. The ruins of a large hall are present in the premises of this fort. Special arrangements were made in the walls built on the outside of the fort complex to keep an eye on nearby activities and these structures can be seen here even today.

Present – Songarh Fort Gujarat

After Pilajirao, his successor Damaji Rao did not pay much attention to this fort. Due to which this fort gradually turned into ruins.

Even today, due to lack of maintenance, this fort is in a very dilapidated state. There is no safe way to reach the fort, hence one can leave it at a distance of about 2 kilometers from the fort and proceed on foot, although some people also reach here on their bikes or scooters.

A special fair is organized here during Navratri days. Adi Mata, Ambe Mata are worshiped with great enthusiasm by the local people and this fair is organized on the occasion of Dussehra on the day of Purnahuti during Navratri. During this fair, tribal boys and girls are introduced to each other for marriage, after which their marriage is organized after Diwali.

How to reach Songarh Fort Gujarat

Songarh Fort can be reached by road connected with other cities by National Highway 53. If you are traveling by train then Ukai Sogan Railway Station is the nearest railway station to Songarh. One can reach here from all major and minor railway stations of the country by connected train or direct train.

You can reach the fort from Ukai Sogan station by taking a taxi or rented vehicle. If you are traveling in this region by flight, then Surat Airport is the nearest airport, whose distance from Songarh is about 85 kilometers. One can reach here from Surat by taxi, rented car or state transport or private bus.

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