Bhadra Fort: The Magnificent Monument Of Ahmedabad

About Bhadra Fort

Why The Name Bhadra Fort

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Bhadra Fort History

Sultan Ahmed Shah built the fort called Bhadra after the ancient Rajput citadel named Anhilwad-Patan (Baroda State), where the first three kings of Gujarat Sultanate started their administrative work. These three gates of Bhadra Fort Ahmedabad were built for entrance, meetings, and sometimes courts during evening hours. The area was occupied by the development in the 16th century hence the second fortification was done by Mahmud Begada who was the grandson of Ahmed Shah. 

There is another exciting story of the conflict between Baba Maneknath and Ahmed Shah, as Baba Maneknath was against the construction of the Bhadra Fort; however, the walls were built. The Saint used to weave a mat and unravel it at night, and after a few days, the fort’s wall came crumbling down. The Sultan knew it was because of Baba Maneknath, and to prove his miracle, he persuaded the Saint to enter himself in a jar. As he entered, the jar was closed and buried. Some people say Baba Maneknath was Ahmed Shah’s advisor.

It is also said that more than 50 governors ruled during the Mughalian era, including Jahangir, Shah Jahana, and Aurangzeb. Bhadra Fort history also says that the female Commander in Chief “Sarsenapati Umabaisaheb Khanderao Dabhade” fought a war near the Bhadra Fort Ahmedabad and defeated the Mughal Sardar Joravar Khan Babi, and during British Raj, the fort complex was used as a prison. Today, the fort bears government offices such as the Post office, the office of the Archeological Society of India, and the civil court. Even the Indian National Flag is hoisted on every Independence and Republic day of India.

The Architecture Of Bhadra Fort Teen Darwaza

If you look at the archway, it has a terrace on the top, which was previously featured as a roof and was thrown open following a repair in 1877. The arches have highly decorated buttresses. The Teen Darwaza opens to a large square with terraces and a fountain in the centre. This open space was also known as the Royal Square or Maidan Shah. 

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Things To See In Bhadra Fort

1. Teen Darwaza

2. Azam Khan Sarai

3. Bhadrakali Temple

There are some stories regarding Goddess Laxmi from earlier periods. Many years ago, Goddess Laxmi, the Goddess of wealth, came to the gate of Bhadra Fort and was leaving the city at night. One of the guards, named Siddique Kotwal, stopped her and asked her not to leave the city until he got permission from the king, and in that, he beheaded himself to keep her in the town, which resulted in the prosperity of Ahmedabad.  

You will even find the tomb near the Bhadra Gate that is dedicated to Siddique Kotwal, and there is a lamp that has been lit continuously for more than five hundred years in one of the holes of Teen Darwaza. 

4. Clock Tower

How To Reach Bhadra Fort

1. By Road:

The Bhadra Fort is easily accessible via road, and there are good options for private buses as well as for state buses from nearby cities such as Jaipur, Udaipur, Jodhpur, etc. 

2. By Airlines

The nearest airport from Bhadra Fort is Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Airport of Ahmedabad, which is 10 km from where you can book a cab or auto rickshaw at your convenience. 

3. By Railway

If you are choosing a railway route, then you can stop at the Ahmedabad Junction Railway Station, from where you can select any cab, a city bus, or an autorickshaw according to your luggage and convenience. 

Places To Visit Near Bhadra Fort

1. Dada Hari Step Well

2. Calico Museum Of Textiles

3. Jhulta Minara 

4. Shah-e-Alam’s Roza

Restaurants Near Bhadra Fort 

1.  Agashiye Restaurant, Ahmedabad

At a distance of 1km, you will find the Agashiye restaurant that serves both Indian and Asian and vegetarian-friendly cuisines at reasonable prices. The Agashiye restaurant is known for its value-for-money services and great ambience for friends and family. The restaurant also provides vegan and gluten-free options. This restaurant is best for Lunch and Dinner. 

2. The Green House, Ahmedabad

If you are looking for creative vegetarian cuisine on the streets of Ahmedabad, then you can opt for The Green House restaurant. It is known for its creative vegetarian dishes at an affordable price; The Green House is one of the best restaurants near Bhadra Fort. 

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Hotels Near Bhadra Fort 

1. The MG-A Heritage Hotel, Ahmedabad

If you are interested in a place where you get a royal and luxurious experience, then you can choose to visit The MG-A Heritage Hotel. It is one of the best hotels near Bhadra Fort, which is a 20th-century mansion offering amenities such as spacious rooms with a private balcony and a fast internet connection. 

2. Deewanji Ni Haveli

At a distance of 1km, you can visit the Deewanji Ni Haveli, which gives accommodation with a terrace. They also provide amenities such as airport transfers and rental bicycle services. 

Whether it’s a Mughal invasion, Maratha legacy, or British rule, the Bhadra Fort has seen every brighter and darker side. Today, this fort plays a particular part in Indian history and heritage. So whenever you are exploring the heritage places of Ahmedabad, do not forget to visit the Bhadra Fort.