Chunar Fort

Heritage

The “Chunar Fort” (also known as Chandrakanta Chunargarh and Charanadri) is located in Mirzapur district of Uttar Pradesh, in India. Along with Chunar town, situated below the fort, the two are historic places with common history and legends. It is located 14 miles (23 km) south west of Varanasi. The southeastern part of the fort is on the rocky bank of the Ganges River. The fort's history spans from 56 BC and then between Afghan decedent Sher Shah Suri's (1532) rule, the Mughal Empire rule (Humayun, Akbar and many others including Nawab of Awadh) up to 1772, and finally the British Raj up to 1947 till India gained independence. Chunar railway station is on the Mughalsarai-Kanpur section of Howrah-Delhi main line. There are many legends linking the fort to divine aspects. One such is the story of King Bali. God, known in these parts as Bawan Bhagwan, appeared before Bali, disguised as a Brahmin, and begged for three feet of land. The generous king agreed. God placed his first step on the hill of Chunar Fort and left his foot mark there. Since then it is known as "Charanadri", which over the years took the short form of "Chunar".

Deep Dive: Chunar Fort

Chunar Fort, standing on a rocky bank of the Ganges, has a history that stretches back to 56 BCE. This formidable fortress has been controlled by various empires, including the Afghans under Sher Shah Suri, the Mughals, and eventually the British.

Legend has it that the Hindu deity Bawan Bhagwan left his footmark here, giving the fort its ancient name 'Charanadri'. Today, it offers breathtaking views of the river and houses several historical monuments, including the Sonwa Mandap and the mysterious underground cellars. Explore more heritage sites of Kashi with us.

Expert Insights for Your Visit

Varanasi is best explored with an open heart and a slow pace. The city reveals its secrets to those who stay long enough to observe the subtle shifts in the river's light and the rhythm of the daily rituals.

We recommend pairing your visit to Chunar Fort with a quiet walk through the nearby ancient ghats or a sampling of the city's legendary culinary heritage.

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Experience Chunar Fort in Motion

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the visiting hours?

Most historical sites and museums are open from sunrise to sunset, or 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Sarnath archaeological sites are open daily.

Is there a guided tour available?

Yes, government-approved guides are often available at the ticket counters of major monuments like Sarnath and the Ramnagar Fort.

Is this place wheelchair accessible?

Accessibility varies. Modern developments like the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor and Sarnath are generally accessible, but older forts and palace ghats may have steep steps.

Are food items allowed inside?

Food and plastics are usually not allowed inside museums and monuments to maintain cleanliness and preserve the heritage sites.

Do I need to carry ID?

It is always advisable for foreign tourists to carry a copy of their passport and visa, and for Indians to carry an Aadhar card/ID for entry tickets.