INTRODUCTION
Singorgarh fort is located in Damoh district of Madhya Pradesh State in Central India. It is a old hill-fort of Gondwana dynasty which is spread over hills in a forested area. Singorgarh fort is about 45kms from Jabalpur city, on the way to Damoh town. It was a magnificent fort and was residence of Gond rulers of Central India. They spend some times of a year in Singorgarh fort. At present, fort is in a ruined condition with no care-taker. It is located inside forest area and there is no proper road to reach the site. By looking at current ruined site, one can realize that during its peak days, thousands of people were living here and fort was spread over large area and many watch towers are still visible in this area. Their is pond also in hill-top which was basically for water arrangement. During last war of Gondwana Kingdom, under rule of Rani Durgavati, fort received major blow of first attack in June-1564. During those days, Rani Durgavati was staying in same Singorgarh Fort and later shifted to Garha fort of Jabalpur to do preparations for war. It is counted among popular Forts in Madhya Pradesh state, having strong historical background. It has its own strategical importance as it shares its boundary with Bundelkhand region, often ruled by different kingdoms.
HISTORY
Before coming in hand of Gond rulers, Singorgarh fort was under Chandela rulers of Bundelkhand region. In year 1308, Singorgarh was ruled by Vyaghradev Ji who was ruler of Kumhari and was under rulers of Kalinjar. It was Gond ruler Sangramshahi who conquered the Singorgarh fort in early period of 16th century. Sangram Shahi was a powerful Gond ruler and was Father in Law of Rani Durgavati. It is located in a beautiful location, surrounded by hills and marks of its ruined walls can still be seen, during visit to this place. Rani Durgavati married to Dalpatshah in same Singorgarh fort thus it is having special importance for Rani Durgavati. It was year 1564 when Mughal army, led by Asaf Khan (from Kunda, Uttar Pradesh), with assistance of Rewa rulers, attacked on Gond Kingdom. In those days, Mughal ruler Akbar ordered his general Asaf Khan of Kunda, to attack on Gond dynasty as he was jealous of Gond dynasty's prosperity and sovereignty. In summers of year 1564, Mughal army reached Gond kingdom border. During that time, Queen Durgavati was ruling the kingdom and was present in same Singorgarh fort. When she came to know about the huge army of more than 70000 solders, she decided to leave the fort and shifted to Garha fort of Jabalpur and major war took place in this area. While marching towards Jabalpur, Mughal army first reached Singorgarh fort and attacked here in which fort was badly damaged and since then, although ruled but never gained its previous prosperity and gleam.
HOW TO REACH
Reaching Singorgarh fort by Air :-
The nearest airport for reaching Singorgarh fort is Jabalpur airport, which is 65 km away from fort. Pre-paid taxi services are available from the Jabalpur airport to Singorgarh fort.
DISTANCE CHART
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From
|
Distance
(in Kms)
|
Jabalpur |
45 |
Damoh |
75 |
Bhedaghat |
60 |
|
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Reaching by Train/ Railways :-
Nearest railway station in Jabalpur which is connected by major cities and tourist destinations. Second option is Damoh city at a distance of 75kms.
Reaching by Bus / Roadways :-
There are public carrier transport buses connecting Jabalpur to Damoh town. Using these buses one can reach the spot from which, way to Singorgarh fort is available. Further journey will be done by own arrangement. Distance from that spot is approx. 10kms, through forest trail.
TOURIST ATTRACTIONS
It is a forested area so apart from fort complex, their is not other nearby tourist spot. On the way to fort, one can enjoy the forest greenery and wild animals.
CLIMATE & WEATHER
BEST TIME TO VISIT
Singorgarh Fort can be visited any of the day in day-time. As it is located inside forest area so permission is required from Forest Department check-post. As their is no proper connecting road so it is recommended to avoid visiting in monsoon season, i.e. from July to September month. Best time to visit Singorgarh fort is October to April month. During this period, climatic condition remain good and one can visit the Singorgarh fort, along with many other nearby tourist destinations.
ACCOMMODATION
Here accommodation facility is not available. If you want to visit the fort, you may took shelter in Jabalpur / Damoh hotels and undertake the tour.
NEXT TO SINGORGARH FORT
After visiting Singorgarh fort, other places to visit are Bhedaghat, Kundalpur Temples, Bargi Dam, Noradehi wildlife sanctuary.