Daulatabad Fort: History, Timings, Entry Fee & How to Reach
Published July 14, 2026
Most hill forts in India are impressive to look at from a distance. Daulatabad Fort is impressive to actually walk through — a pitch-dark defensive tunnel, a moat that once housed crocodiles, and walls engineered specifically to make the fort nearly impossible to capture. This is the stop that turns "another old fort" sceptics into fans.
History
Originally called Devagiri, Daulatabad Fort briefly served as the capital of the Delhi Sultanate in the 14th century under Muhammad bin Tughlaq, who famously ordered the entire population of Delhi to relocate here — a decision that didn't end well historically, but left behind one of the most strategically ingenious forts in medieval India. Its defences were built up over centuries by successive dynasties, layering moat, glacis and fortified gateways into a genuinely formidable obstacle course for any would-be invader.
The Climb: What to Actually Expect
Climbing to the top takes roughly 1-1.5 hours and is the highlight of the visit, not a chore to get through. Partway up, you'll pass through a completely dark, purpose-built tunnel designed to disorient attackers — carrying a torch (or your phone's flashlight) makes this section far more comfortable. The final stretch opens onto sweeping views across the surrounding plains, and it's a genuinely satisfying payoff for the climb.
Timings and Entry Fee
The fort is open daily from around 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with a modest entry fee for Indian visitors. Go earlier in the day if you can — the climb is far more comfortable before the midday heat sets in, and the tunnel section can get warm and airless when crowded.
A Few Practical Tips
Wear proper closed shoes with grip — some sections are steep and uneven. Carry water; there's minimal shade on the upper climb. If you're not comfortable in tight, dark spaces, ask locally about routes that bypass the tunnel section, as alternate paths exist.
How to Reach
Daulatabad Fort sits directly on the Aurangabad-Ellora road, making it easy to combine with an Ellora Caves visit in a single car rental booking rather than a separate trip — most travellers stop here on the way out to Ellora in the morning, while energy levels are still high for the climb.
Plan Your Visit
Browse car rental options in Aurangabad for a combined Daulatabad Fort and Ellora Caves day trip, or call us for a same-day quote — we'll suggest the best order to visit both so you're not fighting the afternoon heat on the climb.