Gingee Fort
செஞ்சிக் கோட்டை
A giant fortress linking three rocky hills, known as the "Troy of the East," where climbing to the summit of Rajagiri offers views over the plains.
Gingee Fort is enclosed by three granite hills and fortified walls. It was first built in the 9th century, expanded extensively by the Nayak dynasty in the 16th century, and then fought over by the Marathas, the Mughals, the French, and the British, earning it the nickname "Troy of the East." The main peak, Rajagiri, rises about 240 meters. Climbing more than a thousand steps takes about 1 to 1.5 hours to reach the summit gates and granaries, and below are buildings including a wedding hall and an elephant stable. The site is about 70 km from Puducherry, a drive of roughly 1.5 hours. Bring plenty of drinking water.
Opening hours
09:00–17:00
Nearby sights
- Ousteri Lake
- Auroville & Matrimandir
- Serenity Beach
- Botanical Garden, Puducherry
- Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus
- Immaculate Conception Cathedral
- Sri Aurobindo Ashram
- Manakula Vinayagar Temple