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Located 27 km from Burhanpur, Madhya Pradesh, Asirgarh Fort cuts an impressive figure from afar. It is a historical fort located in a small village, Asirgarh, near Burhanpur. Standing tall amid the towering Satpura Ranges, the Asirgarh Fort is believed to have been built by Asa Ahir, a king ruling the area in the 15th Century. Visitors are welcomed by the sight of two tall minarets of a hilltop mosque that is a part of the Asirgarh Fort. The fort looks majestic against the impressive backdrop of Satpura Ranges and a clear, blue sky. Touted as one of the most protected and among the seven unconquered forts in India.
The fort was built in the 15th Century by Asa Ahir. Later, he was killed by the ruler of Khandesh, Nasir Khan. His descendant Miran Bahadur Khan refused to pay homage to Akbar, the Mughal Emperor and declared independence. Angered by this act, Akbar marched to Burhanpur and captured the city in 1599. The fort was besieged and later captured in 1601. Later the fortress came under the control of Marathas and was twice captured by Britishers in 1803 and 1819. After the departure of the Britishers, the fort was left deserted.
The fort is also popular because it is here where Jahangir, the Mughal Emperor imprisoned his son Prince Khusrau. Later he was killed by Prince Khurram, the third son of Emperor Jahangir. Later, Shah Jahan’s beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal, passed away here while giving birth to her fourteenth child. She was initially buried in Burhanpur and later at the Taj Mahal. The destination was also the seat of the twenty-six-year-long Deccan campaign of Emperor Aurangzeb. Thus, the Asirgarh Fort story has been quite eventful.
The fort is sprawled over more than a 60-acre area. It showcases a perfect blend of Persian, Islamic, Indian, and Turkish architectural styles. At first look, the fort looks like a single large fort, but, in reality, it is a collection of three forts referred to as Karmargarh, Asirgarh, and Malaygarh. Beautifully constructed in limestone and stone, the fort is perched atop a hill at an altitude of 701 m. The fort is also referred to as the Key to the Deccan. It connects Tapti and Narmada Rivers and provides a pass through the Satpuras.
The fort also houses Gupteshwar Mahadev Mandir. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. As per local myths and stories, Ashwatthama, son of Guru Dronacharya, visited this temple to pay respects to Lord Shiva. Close to the temple are three ponds that supply water to the temple and nearby areas. The ruins of a mosque with two tall minarets called Asir Masjid are also located within the fort. Some British graves can also be seen on the fort’s premises.
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Add Asirgarh Fort to your bucket list if you are a history buff, architectural enthusiast, avid photographer, nature lover, or soul seeker. This fort will take you to the bygone era and tell you more about the political upheavals of those times.
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The best time to visit Ahirgarh Fort is between October to March. During this time, the destination experiences salubrious weather, making it perfect for outdoor activities and exploring. Plan a trip in these months and enjoy a fun-filled vacation.
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Ques 1. Why Asirgarh fort is famous?
Ans 1. Located 27 km from Burhanpur, Madhya Pradesh, Asirgarh Fort cuts an impressive figure from afar. It is a historical fort located in a small village, Asirgarh, near Burhanpur.
Ques 2. Who built the Asirgarh fort?
Ans 2. Standing tall amid the towering Satpura Ranges, the Asirgarh Fort is believed to have been built by Asa Ahir, a king ruling the area in the 15th Century.
Ques 3. Which temple does Ashwathama visit?
Ans 3. The fort also houses Gupteshwar Mahadev Mandir. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. As per local myths and stories, Ashwatthama, son of Guru Dronacharya, visited this temple to pay respects to Lord Shiva.
Discover the soul of Asirgarh Fort through these iconic landmarks
To reach Asirgarh Fort, you'll need to cover significant distances from major cities. Here are the most convenient ways to travel to Asirgarh Fort.
The nearest airport is Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar Airport in Indore. Asirgarh Fort is about 169.6 km from the Airport. Visitors can book a cab or a three-wheeler or take a bus to the fort.
Nearest Airport to Asirgarh Fort: Devi Ahilyabai Holkar Airport, Indore – Approximately 170 km
Second Nearest Airport to Asirgarh Fort: Jalgaon Airport – Approximately 90 km
Third Nearest Airport to Asirgarh Fort: Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport, Nagpur – Approximately 300 km
Asirgarh Road Railway Station is the nearest railway station. It is about 14.9 km from the station. Visitors can hire a taxi or a three-wheeler or take a bus to the park. Visitors can also take the metro from Raja bazaar station (near Sealdah) to Dum Dum and take a cab to Eco Park.
Nearest Railway Station to Asirgarh Fort: Asirgarh Road Railway Station – Approximately 9 km
Second Nearest Railway Station to Asirgarh Fort: Burhanpur Railway Station – Approximately 20 km
Third Nearest Railway Station to Asirgarh Fort: Nepanagar Railway Station – Approximately 22 km
Asirgarh is a quaint destination located close to Burhanpur in Madhya Pradesh. History lovers and architecture enthusiasts love visiting the fort. Thus, Asirgarh experiences a lot of visitors every year. The city is well-connected by well-metalled national and state highways. Visitors can travel to Asirgarh Fort from nearby cities and suburbs by bus, car, taxi, or cab.
Distance from Dhule. 157 km
Distance from Amravati. 162 km
Distance from Indore. 163 km