In search of new or exotic places,one often tends to overlook the attractions of the neighborhood.Nearly 25 kms from Guntur city, Kondaveedu fort is actually a trekkers paradise. This place has been on my list of places to see for a long time.The extended Vijayadashami holiday period gave me some time to visit. The gigantic rocks and bouders in spectacular shapes that surround this valley of ancience, present breathtaking views and sights.The various ruins and edifices, that dot this vast landscape are to be explored patiently and assiduously.Although it was only 4.30 pm by the time I reached there,I could see a mist descending onto kondaveedu to spread its cold shroud.From the top of a hillock,as I turned my mobile to capture a few scenes,I witnessed a glorious russet sunset.
The ruins are mostly temples, tanks, stables, dining hall,Yogi Vemana mantapam, dancing platform and fort entrances.The floral diversity of the place is exciting and botanists would delight in the abundance of plants and trees. A creation of Reddy kings dating back to the 13th century, Kondaveedu is an impregnable structure.Legend says kondaveedu was built like a rope to throttle the enemy troops.Only the most valiant and courageous could conquer it. Srinadha the renowned Telugu poet was the court poet of the Reddy kings.The towering presence of the kondaveedu hills made me reminisce my Mussoorie sojourn.What tales would these stones speak? What untold mysteries, intrigues or plots? The rise and fall of dynasties ! I climbed several hillocks to try and unravel the arcaneness of this place.But Alas ! Nature’ s conspiracy has endowed this place with ineluctability. A wandering traveller could get lost in the maze of paths and crevices. Kondaveedu transports the visitor to another time zone, placid and remote,far removed from the bustle and bonhomie of life.
Efforts are underway to get this place included in the UNESCO World Heritage sites list. When it does happen it would be a remarkable achievement but visitors need to be more responsible and not spread mindless garbage and rubbish.
