Kondaveedu: Andhra’s 14th-century fort with wells and tanks that store water even today

Kondaveedu Fort is the largest hill fort in present-day Andhra Pradesh within the Kondaveedu hill range, about 27 km from Guntur. The fort is not only a marvel of military architecture but also a testament to the ancient water conservation techniques, as it recharges the groundwater of nearby areas even today. 

The 13th-century fort, spread over 3 km, rises above NH5, offering panoramic views of the surrounding forests and valleys. It is fast becoming a popular destination for trekking and sightseeing.

Construction of the Kondaveedu (also Kondavid) Fort started around 1335 AD by Prolaya Vema Reddy, a visionary ruler and founder of the Reddy dynasty. His goal was to establish a stronghold that could withstand enemy invasions and use the region's topography for defence, apart from being self-sufficient in water.

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After Prolaya, his son Anavotha Reddy completed the fort’s construction and officially moved the Reddy kingdom’s capital from Addanki (present-day Prakasam district) to Kondaveedu in 1355 AD. 

Architecture

The fort has two main entrances, Kolepalli Darwaza and Nadella Darwaza. Both are three-storied and built with granite stone blocks. At the base of the fort, the Gopinathaswami temple, dedicated to Lord Krishna, is an example of Vijayanagara architecture. It features bunched stone pillars carved from a single rock.

Kondaveedu Fort has a network of 23 bastions (burujus) built across connected hillocks, secured by long defensive walls. Among these, the Nemmalla Buruju offers a sweeping view of the surroundings, while Tara Buruju is the most iconic and visually striking bastion.

The fortifications made Kondaveedu one of the most impregnable hill forts of its time.

The Kondaveedu hills are not just architecturally rich but ecologically vibrant. The region is famous for lush greenery and dense forests, where over 56 varieties of medicinal herbs are found. It is home to many lakes and water bodies.

Water Conservation: An ancient engineering marvel

The Reddy rulers prioritized self-sufficient water supply systems when relocating to Kondaveedu. Despite the challenging terrain of the hills, they implemented advanced water harvesting structures to support both the fort’s residents and army.

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Upon entering the fort, visitors encounter three major water tanks - Mutyalamma Cheruvu (also called Kunalamma), Puttalamma Cheruvu and Vedulla Cheruvu. 

These tanks were carved into the rocky valleys, dug about 15 to 20 feet, and designed to collect rainwater and runoff water from surrounding hills. They wouldn’t go dry even in summer.

Remarkably, these water bodies continue to serve people and livestock, even now during harsh summers.

The Reddy kings made full use of natural depressions, fissures, and rock cavities for water conservation. In flatter areas, they constructed artificial reservoirs with strong embankments -- some with 30-foot-wide bunds -- to hold substantial volumes of water.

One of the most astonishing engineering feats was the use of deep, interconnected wells, linked through underground pipelines.

This design allowed surplus water from upper-level wells to be channeled downward, an early example of water redistribution and pressure-based flow systems.

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The placement of tanks between the fort’s three hills ensured not only a year-round water supply but also contributed to the recharge of groundwater in surrounding villages, benefiting agriculture and local people even today.

These discoveries illustrate that water conservation was a central priority in Kondaveedu’s design, a concept embraced centuries before modern sustainable practices emerged.

Tourism and trekking

The construction of the Ghat road has improved access to the fort, sparking renewed interest among tourists. The region's scenic beauty, especially after seasonal rains, has made Kondaveedu a popular heritage and eco-tourism destination.

Among the oldest forts of India, Kondaveedu is also a popular trekking destination. The climb to the hilltop can take around two hours. 

Today, Kondaveedu Fort stands as a living museum showcasing the military strategy, architectural prowess, and environmental foresight of the Reddy dynasty. It is a reminder that even in medieval times, rulers had a profound understanding of natural resource management, something that continues to inspire modern conservationists.

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