Gooty Fort

Gooty Fort is a hill fort in Anantapur district that rises to approximately 680 meters above sea level across multiple connected elevations. The complex features a citadel on the westernmost hill, with various structures including temples, granaries, gunpowder storage, and an extensive network of wells throughout the grounds.

Eight inscriptions near the Narasimha temple date to the reign of Western Chalukya king Vikramaditya VI between 1076 and 1126. These records demonstrate that the fort served as both a military fortification and religious center during the medieval period.

The Narasimha temple within the fort remains an active place of worship for visitors and locals, reflecting centuries of spiritual continuity. The coexistence of religious spaces alongside military infrastructure shows how faith and defense were integrated into daily life here.

The fort can be accessed through 14 main entrances spread across the complex, allowing visitors to explore different sections of the site. Walking is the only way to navigate the terrain, so wearing comfortable shoes and carrying water is essential, especially during hot months.

A pavilion known as Murari Rao's seat stands on a cliff within the fort, where a Maratha general once observed the surrounding lands and played chess. The structure still offers sweeping views that reveal the strategic thinking behind the fort's original design.