Chunar Fort Varanasi is situated in the Vindhya Range at a distance of about 45 odd km from Varanasi. The Chunar fort is located in the Mirzapur district. According to the Puranas the oldest name of Chunar was Charanadri as Lord Vishnu had taken his first step in his Vaman incarnation in the dynasty of Great king Bali. However Chunar came into prominence after the visit of Babar followed by Shershah Suri, Humayun, Akbar, Aurangzeb and finally the Britishers.
It is said that Maharaja Vikramaditya, the king of Ujjain established the fort of Chunar. According to the Alha Khand, King Sahadeo made this fort as his capital and established the statue of Naina Yogini in a cave of Vindhya hill. To commemorate his victory on 52 rulers, King Sahadeo built a stone umbrella inside the fort.
The Chunar fort became important for its association with the Mughal king, Babar and later Shershah Suri, who got the possession of the fort by marrying the wife of Taj Khan Sarang-Khani, the Governer of Ibrahim Lodi. In 1531 AD Humayun made an unsuccessful effort to capture this fort but later in 1574AD, Akbar the great captured this fort and since that very time it remained under the Mughals up to 1772AD. In the year 1772AD the East India Company captured the Chunar fort.
History of Chunargarh Fort
The history of this fort is linked with the mythic story of King Bali. God disguised as a simple Brahmin and begged for just three feet land. King being generous accepted it and the God place his first step on the hill. Thus, the fort was called as Charanadri in the past Varanasi Tour Package.
In another literature, Ujjain king, Vikramaditya’s brother Bharthari lived as a hermit near the fort area. The king later built a stone house where the hermit lived. The house is open to tourist now as a pilgrimage spot. The fort was built right in front of the stone house. The fort building existed during 56 BC, during the reign of Vikramaditya. Later, in 16th century, Babar tried to penetrate the fort and lost.
Later, Sher Khan captured the region through marriage and took control of the fort Humayun, son of Babar tried to recapture it but failed. In 16th century, the fort came under the control of Mughals by King Akbar. Akbar built the current fort structure that is found today. He designed numerous elements of the fort. In 18th century, the fort went to the control of Nawabs. Within a decade, British captured it and the fort came under East India Company.
During the war of Independence, the fort was a main battalion and state prisoners were held here. Later, in the middle of 19th century, the fort came under the king of Chunar. He hid loads of treasures in the fort to keep it away from the British. It is said that he is still living in his paranormal form to guard the treasures. Numerous paranormal incidences can be heard as folklore in this region Varanasi Attractions.
Best Time to Visit Chunargarh fort ?
The fort is open to tourists from 9 am to 5 pm. Entry is stopped after 2 pm and the tourists should leave the premises by 5 pm. People usually do not prefer to visit the fort after sun set. The fort is closed on all Fridays.The fort is at its prime beauty throughout the year. The best time to visit the fort is during winter, October to March. The climate will be mild for sightseeing.
Chunar Fort – How to Reach?
Chunar is a small place which is connected to nearby cities through road and rail but there is no connectivity by air. Varanasi, Mirzapur, and Allahabad are well-connected through all the modes of transport and tourists can easily reach Chunar from these cities. The approximate distance of Chunar from these cities are as follows −
By Air : Chunar does not have airport. The nearest airport to the town is Babatpur near Varanasi and Bamraulli near Allahabad. Tourists can reach Chunar from Allahabad and Varanasi through road and rail transport.
By Rail : Chunar is well connected to various cities through rail. Also nearby cities like Varanasi, Mirzapur, Allahabad and Mughalsarai are well-connected by rail. Tourists can either board a direct train to Chunar or change trains after reaching the nearby cities.
By Road : Adalpura is a Bus Stand in Chunar from where tourists can get buses to nearby cities. Varanasi, Mirzapur, and Allahabad are well-connected by buses to various cities so tourists can change the buses for Chunar after reaching these cities.