Gingee Fort, Monument of National Importance in Viluppuram district, India.
Gingee Fort is a fortress on three hilltops in Tamil Nadu connected by thick stone walls. The complex contains palaces, watchtowers, cisterns, and staircases carved into the rock that lead through steep paths between the separate summits.
The first fortification appeared in the 9th century under the Chola dynasty and controlled trade routes across southern India. Later the Nayakas in the 16th century expanded the walls and structures before Maratha and then British forces took over the stronghold.
The name literally translates to "sesame oil mountain" and refers to the shape of the hilltops rising from the plain. Visitors can walk into several shrines within the complex that local people still use as places of worship today.
The climb to the summits follows steep stairs and footpaths that can be tiring in the heat, so visiting in the early morning hours works best. Sturdy shoes are necessary because many paths are uneven and cross rocky terrain.
The complex has a natural warning system made of rock formations that produce whistling sounds in the wind and once alerted guards to approaching danger. On one of the hills sits a prison where a Maratha ruler was reportedly held captive.
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