Droog Fort, British fort in Nilgiris district, India.
Droog Fort is a stone fortification built on a mountain peak in the Nilgiris, positioned at approximately 1800 meters elevation. The structure sits surrounded by dense forests and tea plantations, occupying a naturally elevated defensive position.
The fort was built in the late 18th century as a British military installation. It functioned as a strategic observation post to monitor activities across the Western Ghats mountain range.
The location marks the border where Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka meet, creating a space where three different South Indian cultures intersect. You can see this cultural blend reflected in the local architecture and traditions of the surrounding villages.
The trek to the fort is steep and demands sturdy hiking shoes with good grip and weather-appropriate clothing. The journey from the base typically takes about two hours and conditions can vary with seasons, becoming slippery or wet during rains.
Hidden within the fort are several underground chambers that served as water storage systems, enabling a permanent military garrison to remain stationed at this remote location. These concealed spaces reveal how the British maintained long-term occupation at this isolated outpost.
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