Visiting Gingee Fort: Gingee, Tamil Nadu

Visitor guide · Part of the Gingee guide · Last updated 2026-10-23

In short: Plan half a day on foot and start early: the climbs are exposed, and hill-climb entry reportedly stops around 15:00. Confirm hours and fees at the ASI ticket counter.

Quick facts

Hours	8:00 to 17:00
Climb entry	Reportedly ends around 15:00
Base towns	Tiruvannamalai, Puducherry, Chennai
Best season	Generally November to February

At a glance

Question	Answer
Opening hours	8:00 to 17:00 (district page)
Entry fee	About Rs 20 for Indian citizens and Rs 250 for foreigners (Wikipedia); verify on arrival
Krishnagiri climb	About 1 hour round trip, easier and quieter
Rajagiri climb	About 2 hours round trip, more than 150 m above the plain
Time for both	At least half a day
Getting there	Buses run from Tiruvannamalai about every 10 minutes (about 1 hour); Chennai is about 160 km by road
Bring	Water, sun protection, sturdy shoes

Responsible travel

Stay on the marked steps and do not climb on walls or ruins.
Take your waste out; there is little shade or shelter on the hills.
Respect active shrines such as the Kamalakkani Amman shrine, and ask before photographing worshippers.
Do not touch murals or carvings, and do not take anything from the site.

Add nearby stops

Combine the fort with the Jain caves and rock carving about 2 km north of town, the Singavaram rock-cut shrine, Mel Chittamur and the Pallava-era cave temple at Mandagapattu.

Frequently asked questions

What time does Gingee Fort close?

The district page lists 8:00 to 17:00, and hill-climb entry reportedly ends around 15:00.

How do I reach Gingee?

By road from Tiruvannamalai (about 37 km, buses about every 10 minutes), Puducherry or Chennai (about 160 km).

More around Gingee

Details such as access, timings and rules can change. Confirm with local authorities before you travel.