Ballarshah Fort — Attraction in Maharashtra

Ballarshah Fort, also known as Ballarpur Fort, is a historically significant fort located in Ballarpur, near Chandrapur in Maharashtra. It was an important stronghold of the Gond dynasty, and it offers insights into the medieval history of Vidarbha.

🏰 Ballarshah Fort – Overview

📍 Location:

Situated in Ballarpur city, on the eastern bank of the Wardha River

Approximately 16 km from Chandrapur city, Maharashtra

🕰 Historical Significance:

Built by: King Khandkya Ballal Shah, a Gond ruler, in the 13th century

The fort marked the original capital of the Gond kingdom before it was shifted to Chandrapur.

The city and fort are named after the king himself – Ballal Shah → Ballarpur

🧱 Architecture:

Constructed with black stone and traditional Gond architectural styles

Located on the banks of the Wardha River, using the natural river bend for defense

The fort had thick walls, watchtowers, and entrance gates, some of which still survive

🕌 Key Features:

Remnants of gateways, stone walls, and bastions

Some underground structures and hidden passages are believed to exist

Proximity to forests made it strategically advantageous

🛡 Current Condition:

Much of the fort is in ruins but still holds archaeological and cultural importance

The Maharashtra government and ASI have shown interest in preserving the site

The fort is a point of heritage tourism, though underdeveloped

🗺 How to Reach:

Nearest Railway Station: Ballarshah Junction (a major rail hub in Central India)

By Road: Well connected by roads from Chandrapur and Nagpur

Nearest Airport: Nagpur Airport (~165 km)

🧭 Nearby Attractions:

Chandrapur Fort

Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve

Mahakali Temple,...

Ballarpur Fort (also called Ballarshah Fort) is an ancient fort in Chandrapur district, Maharashtra. The fort is located in the Ballarpur/Ballarshah City , on the east banks of river Wardha.

History: Ballarpur fort was founded by the Gond King Khandkya Ballal Sah (1437-62) , who succeeded to the throne of Ser Sah, his father. He was also the founder of the Chandrapur town. The King discovered a pond with miraculous waters which healed his boils and tumors. It was named as Akaleshwar tirth. The fort and the town grew up around the place as Ballarpur or the city of Ballal.. For many years Ballarpur was the seat of government, The Chandrapur town was established later. The last Gond king Nilkantha Sah died in the imprisonment at Ballarpur. In 1790 the place was repaired by Nana Saheb Bhosale. Today the fort stand in ruined walls and a picturesque entrance gate. There are undiscovered tunnels in the...

Ballarpur

(T. Chandrapur, Dist. Chandrapur)

Type

Sthaladurg. ,

Surname

Ballarshah.

Nearest village

Ballarpur.

way

Chandrapur- Ballarpur.

South of Chandrapur is Ballarpur. Ballarpur is a railway station on the Nagpur- Warangal railway line. Ballarpur is famous for its mines. Ballarpur is situated on the banks of Wardha River. The famous fort of Ballarpur is located on the banks of the Wardha River. There are two entrances one behind the other. The ramparts are fairly well preserved. There are steps to climb the ramparts. Outside the door on the river are steps to the vessel. Some buildings and many ruins can be seen...