Bhadra Fort is a historic landmark in central Ahmedabad, within the city’s oldest enclave. Its layered history, the sites inside its walls and nearby old-city landmarks make it a useful stop for understanding Ahmedabad’s past.
- Location: Central Ahmedabad, in the city’s oldest enclave.
- From the hotel: About 20 minutes on foot or 8 minutes by car from Rivera Sarovar Portico Ahmedabad.
- Typical visit: The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) estimates about 30 minutes.
- Access basics: The AMC lists hours of 08:00 to 18:00 and free entry.
Bhadra Fort and its place in Ahmedabad
Bhadra Fort is part of Ahmedabad’s oldest enclave, founded by Sultan Ahmed Shah in 1411. The original fort complex was larger than the surviving one, and much of it disappeared over time. It was also known as Arak Fort.
The Bhadra Kali temple inside the fort gives the landmark its name; the temple was added during Maratha rule. Other notable sites within the walls include Jama Masjid, Azam Khan Sarai and the Clock Tower. A Mughal Empire governor built Azam Khan Sarai in the 17th century.
The fort’s uses changed across different periods: it served as a medieval court and later became a jail during British rule. The British added part of the fort, and the clock above the gate was brought from London in 1849 before being installed in the 1870s.
Its kerosene lamp was replaced by Ahmedabad’s first electric lights in 1915. The AMC and Archaeological Survey of India renovated the fort in 2014 under the Bhadra Plaza Development Project.
How do you get to Bhadra Fort?
Bhadra Fort sits in central Ahmedabad, so you can include it in a city-centre outing or combine it with a walk through the old city. For a longer route on foot, see this practical Ahmedabad old-city walking route. The guide to spending one day in Ahmedabad offers another way to place historic stops in your day.
Teen Darwaza stands outside the fort and serves as a road crossing. Its position makes it a nearby landmark to orient yourself around, though it is not inside the fort walls.
Access and visitor considerations
Before setting out, check the official site before you go for current access information. The AMC describes entry through the main gate and a staircase leading to the rooftop, where it notes a view across the surrounding cityscape.
The AMC also advises visiting the market around the temple and fort between 07:00 and 20:00. That market timing is separate from the fort’s listed visiting hours, so plan around the place you intend to see.
Other historic stops nearby
Several historic landmarks sit within a short distance of Bhadra Fort. Ahmed Shah Mosque is approximately 0.2 km away, while Sidi Saiyyed Mosque is approximately 0.33 km away. For background on the latter, read this Sidi Saiyyed Mosque visitor guide.
Teen Darwaza is approximately 0.37 km from the fort. You can use these nearby sites to shape a compact old-city itinerary, keeping in mind that Teen Darwaza is a road crossing rather than part of the fort complex.
FAQs
What was Bhadra Fort also called?
It was also known as Arak Fort.
Why is the fort called Bhadra Fort?
The Bhadra Kali temple inside the fort gives it its name.
What is inside Bhadra Fort?
Its walls include Bhadra Kali Temple, Jama Masjid, Azam Khan Sarai and the Clock Tower.
Is Teen Darwaza inside Bhadra Fort?
No. Teen Darwaza is outside the fort and is used as a road crossing.