Dindigul Fort

Dindigul Fort, locally known as Dindigul Malai Kottai, is a 17th-century hill fort built in 1605 by Muthu Krishnappa Nayakar of the Madurai Nayakar dynasty in Tamil Nadu. Situated on a massive granite rock about 900 feet tall with a circumference of 2.75 km, the fort was designed with double walls and strategically placed cannons to withstand heavy artillery attacks.

It features 48 rooms that served various purposes including prisons, stables, a kitchen, and meeting halls for commanders, plus rainwater reservoirs taking advantage of the hill's steep slope. The fort came under the control of the Mysore Kingdom in the 18th century, with Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan occupying it due to its strategic importance.

In 1799, the British East India Company took over after the Polygar Wars and strengthened the fort with additional cannons and sentinel rooms. Inside, visitors can find ruins of the Abirami Amman Kalaheswarar temple, among other structures, showcasing ancient Indian stone-cut architectural skills blending military defense with religious elements. Today, the fort is maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India and open to the public, offering panoramic views of Dindigul town and surrounding countryside, along with a glimpse into its military and historical heritage.