The Gooty Fort, also locally known as 'Ravadinari', has a long-standing history that dates back to the 7th century. It has witnessed the reign of several dynasties throughout the centuries, starting from the Chalukyas to the Vijayanagara Empire, and eventually falling under the control of the Mughal empire. The fort's strategic importance has always been due to its position as a sentinel in the rugged landscape of Andhra Pradesh, commanding views of the surrounding plains.
Built on a hill at a height of around 300 meters, the Gooty Fort is an imposing structure that comprises 15 forts with a series of gateways leading to the citadel. This granite fort is admired for its complex construction and the engineering skill that ancient builders possessed. Remarkably, the fort still stands sturdy with its walls, granaries, wells, and an arsenal, among other ruins that depict the glory of the bygone eras.
The history of tourism at Gooty Fort transitions from being a scarcely known destination to one that attracts history buffs and nature enthusiasts alike. Although not as commercialized as other heritage sites in India, Gooty Fort has seen a gradual increase in tourism over the years. This upsurge owes much to the increased interest in heritage travel and the efforts taken by the Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (APTDC) to promote lesser-known destinations.
In recent years, the government and local bodies have initiated steps to preserve the fort and improve the facilities around it. Efforts are in place to maintain the pathways, install informational signages, and ensure the fort's structure is safeguarded against deterioration. These measures have slowly placed Gooty Fort on the tourism map for visitors seeking to immerse themselves in historical exploration.
Eco-friendly practices are becoming integral to tourism sectors worldwide, including sites like Gooty Fort. There is a focused trend towards sustainable tourism, where measures are taken to not only preserve the historic integrity of destinations but also to ensure the environment around such sites is unaffected by tourism activities.
In addition, there's an increasing trend in integrating technology with tourism. Apps and virtual guides are becoming common, offering tourists augmented reality experiences and detailed historical information at their fingertips, making visits to places like Gooty Fort more enriching and educational.
For tourists planning to visit Gooty Fort, the best time to explore is from October to March, when the weather is relatively cool and pleasant. The fort is accessible by road and is situated approximately 52 kilometers from Anantapur, with the nearest railway station being in Gooty town itself.
While at the fort, visitors should not miss the panoramic views of the town below, from the fort’s highest point, and the historical Parnashaala, which boasts of ancient inscriptions. As tourism continues to grow, Gooty Fort offers a unique peek into India’s rich historical tapestry and remains a must-visit for those captivated by the stories of fortresses and empires that have shaped the country's past.
