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.
Asirgarh Fort History
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.
Asirgarh Fort Architecture
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.
Asirgarh Fort Details At A Glimpse
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.
- Location. 27 km North of Burhanpur
- Area. 60-acre
- Constructed In. 15th Century
- Asirgarh Fort Timings. 10 am to 5 pm
- Entry. Fee
- Architectural Style. Persian, Islamic, Indian, and Turkish architectural styles
- Materials. Stone and Limestone
Best Time to Visit Ahirgarh Fort
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.
Places to Visit Near Asirgarh Fort
Asirgarh Fort is a significant historical monument, also considered the Gateway to South India. Known for its brilliant architecture and historical importance, the fort is a must-visit destination for people visiting Burhanpur. Besides exploring the fort, some other places to visit near Ahirgarh Fort that should be a part of your itinerary are-
1. Jama Masjid
A spiritual attraction in Burhanpur, Jama Masjid is among the major mosques built during the famous Faroqui rule. It was constructed in 1421 CE by Azam Humayun and was referred to as Bibi Ki Masjid. The present Jama Masjid was built by Adil Shah in 1590 and was completed in 1595. It is an amazing example of Islamic architecture with 15 arches, 17 Mihrab niches facing Mecca, and Arabic inscriptions.
- Location. 5 km from Burhanpur
- Timing. 5-9 pm
2. Dargah-i-Hakimi
One of the major religious centres in Burhanpur, Dargah-i-Hakimi, is a prominent pilgrimage centre in the city. It is a holy place for the Dawoodi Bohra Muslims in memory of Syedi Abdulqadir Mola, a renowned saint. He was a prominent healer. This Dargah beckon thousands of Bohra devotees to the shrine who take mannats, praying for a cure or Shifa from various ailments.
- Location. 4 km from Burhanpur
- Timing. 6 am to 9 pm
3. Shahi Qila
It is a majestic palace located on the banks of the Tapti River. This stunning heritage place is one of the must-visit places in Burhanpur. It was built around 1500 CE by the rulers of the Farooqi Dynasty. There are impressively-built Diwan-i-Khas and Diwan-i-Aam built on the Qila terrace. It is a seven-storeyed monument and is often referred to as Bhoolbhoolaiya because of its confusing architecture.
- Location. 5 km from Burhanpur
- Timing. 6 am to 6 pm
4. Ahukhana
An ancient monument, Ahukhana, is located on the banks of the Tapti River. This historical monument is known for its grandeur. It is here where Empress Mumtaz Mahal, wife of Emperor Shah Jahan, was initially buried. Later her mortal remains were shifted to Agra. The structure was built in the 16th Century. The garden surrounding the structure is sprawled over six miles. A pillared pavilion, a small palace with traceries, two main structures, and a tank on a raised platform are the main features of the structure.
- Location. 13 km from Burhanpur
- Timing. 9 am to 6 pm
5. Gurudwara Bari Sangat Sahib Patshahi 10
It is a sacred shrine located in the industrial area of Burhanpur. This Gurudwara is renowned for hosting Guru Govind Singh Ji while travelling with Emperor Bahadur Shah in 1708. This Gurudwara is sprawled over 16 acres area. Guru Granth Sahib is seated on a marble canopied seat below a rectangular, high-ceilinged, spacious hall with a gallery on three sides.
- Location. 5 km from Burhanpur
- Timing. 6 am to 6 pm
6. Black Taj
The Tomb of Shah Nawaz Khan, or Black Taj, is a mausoleum located on the banks of the Utavali River. It is one of the major attractions in Burhanpur and was constructed by the locals between 1622 and 1623 AD. Shah Nawaj Khan was buried here. This amazing monument looks like Taj but is built on a smaller scale. It is constructed using black-coloured stone. Its hexagonal minarets on the corners and a central dome with arched verandas. It is Asirgarh's major attraction that should be on your wishlist.
- Location. 7 km from Burhanpur
- Timing. 9 am to 4 pm (Closed on Wednesdays)
How to Reach Asirgarh Fort
Asirgarh Fort is one of the major attractions in Burhanpur. It is a historic fort known for its unique architectural style, historical significance, and political importance. The destination is well-connected with multiple modes of transport. Here are the best ways to reach Ahirgarh Fort.
- Nearest Major City. Burhanpur
- Nearest Airport. Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar Airport
- Nearest Railway Station. Asirgarh Road Railway Station
- Distance From Burhanpur. 24.3 km
By Air. 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.
- Distance From Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar Airport, Indore. 169.6 km
Here is a list of Indian cities from where flights are available to Reach Asirgarh Fort
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By Train. 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.
- Distance From Asirgarh Road Railway Station. 4.2 km
By Road. 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
- Distance from Jalna. 167 km
- Distance from Aurangabad. 183 km
- Distance from Dewas. 186 km
- Distance from Malegaon. 195 km
- Distance from Ujjain. 215 km
When planning a trip to Ahirgarh Fort, add Ahirgarh near Burhanpur to your wishlist. Adotrip, your travel partner, will help you plan an exciting trip. Enjoy exciting deals, hassle-free bookings, exciting tour packages and more and look forward to enjoying a memorable vacation. With us, nothing is far!
Frequently Asked Questions About Ahirgarh Fort
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.
