This 14th century fortress is located 16 km from Aurangabad on the way to the famous Ellora caves. Its outer wall is 4.43 km in circumference. It was the capital of the Tughlaq dynasty. The fort is on a 200 m high conical hill. The Chand Minar (1445 AD) is a tower 64 m high and 21 m in circumference at the base, and was originally covered with beautiful Persian glazed tiles.



The only means of access to the summit is by a narrow bridge, with passage for not more than two people abreast, and a long gallery, excavated in the rock, which has for the most part a very gradual upward slope. Also at the mid way, there is a cave entrance meant to confuse the enemies.

By the side of Chini Mahal, is placed a massive cannon manufactured during the period of Aurangazeb popularly known as ‘Menda Top’.



The long ascending tunnel rises rapidly and tortuously by flights of steep steps. Opening of it at intervals are chambers for guards commanding the approach. At the head of the tunnel is an iron shutter which runs horizontally on small wheels, covering or uncovering the opening like a trap-door. A most ingenious and effective defense of this tunnel was the provision of a barrier of smoke. At a point about half-way through, where the tunnel passed near the vertical face of the rock a hold was cut through to secure drought for the fire in an iron brazier which installed in a small chamber opening into the tunnel when the fire was kindled the current of air from the hole would waft the smoke up the tunnel and render its passage impossible.

Mughals led several campaigns and captured the fort only in 1633 after a long siege of four months.