Taxmann's Unbelievable India

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1.Hinduism – The World’s Oldest Religion 3 Incredible Civilization

2.India – One of the World’s Oldest Civilizations 15 Incredible Chakra Questionnaire

3.Chakra Questionnaire 23 Unbelievable Rituals and Traditions

4.Indian Rituals and Traditions 47 Incredible Forts and Monuments

5.One of the Oldest Hill Forts of Andhra Pradesh Andhra Pradesh (Anantapur)Gooty Fort 79

6.1600-Year-Old Iron Pillar Delhi (Mehrauli) Kirti Stambh 141

7.India’s Oldest Fort Himachal Pradesh (Kangra) Kangra Fort 81

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8.Evidence of the Second Oldest Recorded use of the Zero Symbol

Madhya Pradesh (Gwalior) Gwalior Fort 83

9.Where an Entire Wedding Procession Mysteriously Disappeared

Madhya Pradesh (Tikamgarh) Garh Kundar Fort 85

10.The Fort Where Ashwatthama Comes Every Day to Worship Lord Shiva

Madhya Pradesh (Burhanpur) Asirgarh Fort 87

11.A Fort where the Sound of anklets is heard

Madhya Pradesh Chitrakoot Fort 139

12.The Fort Where Sounds of Crying and Screaming are Heard

Maharashtra (Pune) Shaniwar Wada Fort 89

13.Fort of Snakes

Maharashtra (Kolhapur) Panhala Fort 91

14.The Fort Where No One Stays After Sunset

Maharashtra (Raigad) Kalavantin Fort 93

15.Where the Lake’s Water has Remained a Mystery for 350 Years

Maharashtra (Raigad) Murud-Janjira Fort 136

16.One of the Haunted Palaces

Odisha (Dhenkanal) Jatan Nagar Palace 117

17.The World’s Second Largest Wall

Rajasthan (Rajsamand) Kumbhalgarh Fort 95

18.The Fort Where Spirits Awaken at Dusk

Rajasthan (Alwar) Bhangarh Fort 97

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19.Construction of the Fort had Come to a Halt Due to the Fear of a Ghost

Rajasthan (Jaipur) Nahargarh Fort 100

20.The Mysterious Fort Where the Nandi Idol Changes Colours Three Times

Rajasthan (Mount Abu) Achalgarh Fort 102

21.Kunwara Fort

Rajasthan (Alwar) Alwar Fort 104

22.The Fort Where the First Drop of Rain Falls

Rajasthan (Udaipur) Sajjangarh Fort 106

23.A 500-Year-Old Fort Guarded by Eagles

Rajasthan (Jodhpur) Mehrangarh Fort 108

24.A Fort That Houses Asia’s Largest Cannon

Rajasthan (Jaipur) Jaigarh Fort 110

25.The Palace where the Spirits of Brave Women Still Wander

Rajasthan (Chittorgarh) Rana Kumbha Palace 118

26.The Only Structure in the World that Stands Without any Foundation

Rajasthan (Jaipur) Hawa Mahal 119

27.Sawai Jai Singh’s Observatory

Rajasthan (Jaipur) Jantar Mantar 121

28.It Took 100 Years to Complete the Fort

Rajasthan (Jaipur) Amer Fort 128

29.A Fort where the Kohinoor Diamond was Found

Telangana (Hyderabad) Golconda Fort 113

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30.The Room of this Fort used to Rotate with a Gust of Wind

Tibet (Lhasa) Chikten 134

31.The Historic Chunar Fort Built on the Banks of the Ganges

Uttar Pradesh (Mirzapur) Chunargarh Fort 115

32.The Palace that Defies Gravity

Uttar Pradesh (Lucknow) Bara Imambara 125

33.A Fort where two Shiva Lingams can be seen Together

Uttar Pradesh (Chitrakoot)

Chandel-era Lauri Fort 138

Incredible Lakes and Ponds

34.Here, Spirits Scream and a Person Disappears as Soon as They Touch the Water

Delhi (Rohini) Bloody River 145

35.A Lake Where Treasure Worth Billions is Hidden

Himachal Pradesh (Mandi) Kamrunag Lake 147

36.Moon-Shaped Lake

Himachal Pradesh (Spiti) Chandratal 149

37.This Shivling Changes Colour Several Times a Day

Himachal Pradesh (Kinnaur) Kinner Kailash 151

38. Even in the Icy Cold, the Water of the Kund Keeps Boiling

Himachal Pradesh (Kullu) Manikaran Kund 183

39.The Lake Where the Fortunate Ones Get a Glimpse of Sheshnag

Jammu and Kashmir (Anantnag) Sheshnag Lake 153

40. Mysterious Kund, Where Clapping Causes Water to Rise

Jharkhand (Bokaro) Dalahi Kund 185

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41.Colour-Changing Lake

Ladakh (Leh) Pangong Tso Lake 155

42.Lake Formed by Meteor Impact

Maharashtra (Buldhana) Lonar Crater Lake 158

43.Unique Lake in Which ‘Islands’ Float

Manipur (Bishnupur) Loktak Lake 161

44.Unique Palace, Four Floors Submerged Underwater

Rajasthan (Jaipur) Jal Mahal 162

45.Even in Extreme Cold, the Water in One Part of This Lake does not Freeze

Sikkim (North Sikkim) Gurudongmar Lake 164

46.“A Unique Mountain that no One has Ever Climbed Till Date”

Tibet Gangkhar Puensum 168

47.Lake of Pure and Sacred Water

Tibet (Manasarovar) Manasarovar Lake 166

48.An Unconquerable Mountain Peak, Which no One has Been Able to Climb Yet

Tibet (Mansarovar) Mount Kailash 169

49. Skin Diseases are Cured by Bathing in the Kund

Uttar Pradesh (Agra) Brithala Kund 187

50.A Well that Holds the Mirror of Death

Uttar Pradesh (Varanasi) Chandrakup 192

51.An Ancient Site

Uttar Pradesh (Prayagraj) Samudra Kup or Ulta Killa 194

52.Lake of Skeletons

Uttarakhand (Chamoli) Roopkund 175

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53.Such a Miraculous Waterfall Where Sinful People cannot Even Touch the Water

Uttarakhand (Badrinath) Vasudhara Waterfall 177

54.A Famous Pilgrimage Site of the Sikhs

Uttarakhand (Chamoli)

Hemkund Sahib and Hemkund Lake 179

55. It is Believed that Lord Shiva Resides on the Mountain, Where the Sacred Symbol “Om” Forms Miraculously

Uttarakhand (Pithoragarh) Om Parvat 181

56. The Wondrous Pond with Year-Round Hot Water

Uttarakhand (Chamoli) Tapt Kund 189

57. Where Chanting the Name of Shiva Causes Ripples to Form in the Water

Uttarakhand (Rudraprayag) Retas Kund 191

Incredible Village

58.A Village Where People Distribute Milk for Free Gujarat (Kutch) Dhokra 208

59.India’s High-Tech Village that Outshines Cities Gujarat (Sabarkantha) Punsari 210

60.A Village Where the Country’s Constitution does not Operate

Himachal Pradesh (Kullu) Malana Village 212

61.One of the Most Haunted Cemeteries

Karnataka (Bangalore) Kalpalli Cemetery 197

62.A Village Where Sanskrit is Spoken in Every Household

Karnataka (Shimoga) Mattur Village 214

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63.Scary Bridge Where Souls Start Trembling as Darkness Falls

Maharashtra (Pune) Holkar Bridge 199

64.Final Resting Place

Maharashtra (Mumbai) Tower of Silence 201

65.Where Snakes Live Inside Houses and Children Play with Cobras

Maharashtra (Solapur) Shetpal 215

66.A Village Where 80 People are Millionaires

Maharashtra (Ahmednagar) Hivre Bazaar 216

67.Asia’s Cleanest Village

Meghalaya (East Khasi Hills) Mawlynnong 218

68.The Mysterious City in the Himalayas Where no One Dies

Tibet (Shambhala) Gyanganj 220

69.Where People See Spirits and Hear Screams

Uttarakhand (Mussoorie) Lambi Dehar Mines 203

70.The Cursed Village Where 8 Spirits Still Roam

Uttarakhand (Champawat) Swala 224

71.The Ghostly Light of Aleya in the Marshes

West Bengal (Kolkata) Marshes 205

72.18th Century Non-Church Cemetery

West Bengal (Kolkata) South Park Street Cemetery 206

73.Most Haunted Hill Station

West Bengal (Darjeeling) Dow Hill 225

74.Himalaya Mountains 227

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Incredible Nature

75.Paradise of Rare and Exotic Species

Arunachal Pradesh (Dibang Valley) Dibang Wildlife Sanctuary 288

76.Land of ‘Black Magic’

Assam (Morigaon) Mayong 231

77.The Mysterious Place Where Birds Commit Suicide

Assam (Dima Hasao) Jatinga Village 242

78.Where a Unique Offering is Distributed

Assam (Guwahati) Ambubachi Mela 286

79.People Get Lost As Soon As they Enter; the British had Shut Down the Entry

Assam (Sivasagar) Talatal Ghar 291

80.The World’s Largest River Island, Home to More than 100,000 People

Assam (Jorhat) River Island 299

81.Natural Hot Water Spring

Chhattisgarh (Balrampur) Taatapani 279

82.10,000-Year-Old Paintings of Aliens

Chhattisgarh (Kanker) Charama 282

83.The Beach is Considered Haunted, Known for its Black Sand

Gujarat (Surat) Dumas Beach 268

84.Ghostly Light

Gujarat (Kutch) Chir Batti 305

85.This Region is Considered One of the Ancient Civilizations

Haryana (Bhirrana) Indus Valley Civilization 264

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86.550-Year-Old Mummy Present in the Valley

Himachal Pradesh (Spiti Valley) Sangha Tenzin 233

87.Mysterious Mini Desert

Karnataka (Mysore) Talakad 260

88.A Place Where Coloured Rain Occurred

Kerala (Idukki) Red Rain 240

89.A Village Where the Highest Number of Twin Children are Born

Kerala (Malappuram) Kodinhi Village 248

90.Where Vehicles Start Moving Without Being Started

Ladakh (Leh) Magnetic Hill 246

91.This Area is Referred to as the Alien Base

Ladakh Kongka La Pass 262

92.Even an Earthquake of 6.2 Magnitude could not Shake it

Madhya Pradesh (Jabalpur) Balancing Rock 256

93.World’s First Vedic Clock, Vikramaditya Vedic Clock

Madhya Pradesh (Ujjain) Vedic Clock 274

94.Rocks that become Magical under the Moonlight

Madhya Pradesh (Jabalpur) Marble Rocks 303

95.A 90-Kilogram Stone is Lifted With Just One Finger at the Dargah

Maharashtra (Shivpur) Levitating Stone 254

96.India’s Longest Road Tunnel

Maharashtra (Thane) Kasara 272

97.Naturally Formed Bridge

Meghalaya (Jaintia Hills) Living Root Bridge 252

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98.Where No One Can Enter the Forest Without the Permission of the Forest Deity

Meghalaya (East Khasi Hills) Mawphlang 284

99.Unique Village Where People Eat in One Country and Sleep in Another Country

Nagaland (Mon) Longwa 280

100.World’s Hottest Chili

Northeastern India The Hottest Chili (Bhut Jolokia) 297

101.Where the Seashore Disappears Every Day

Odisha (Chandipur) Hide and Seek Beach 255

102.Where 5,000 People Disappeared in a Single Night

Rajasthan (Jaisalmer) Kuldhara 266

103.Pink Birds’ Haven

Rajasthan (Jaipur) Sambhar Lake 295

104.The Ghost Who Guards the Border

Sikkim (Nathula) Baba Harbhajan Singh 301

105.The Observatory Revealing the Mysteries of the Sun

Tamil Nadu (Kodaikanal) Kodaikanal Solar Observatory 236

106. The Temple Where One Attains Liberation from Sins Like Brahmahatya (Killing of a Brahmin)

Tamil Nadu (Ramanathapuram) Rameswaram 238

107.A Place Where Stones Float on Water Instead of Sinking

Tamil Nadu (Rameswaram) Floating Stone 250

108.India’s Land’s End

Tamil Nadu (Ramanathapuram) Dhanushkodi 270

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109.World’s Largest River Delta

West Bengal Ganga-Brahmaputra Delta 258

110.The World’s Largest Banyan Tree

West Bengal (Kolkata) Gigantic Banyan Tree 244

Incredible Island

111.India’s Launching Station

Andhra Pradesh (Nellore) Sriharikota 309

112.Mysterious People who have no Contact with the Outside World

Andaman and Nicobar North Sentinel Island 313

113.India’s Only Active Volcano

Andaman and Nicobar Islands Barren Island (Port Blair) 316

114.India’s Only Haunted Island

Andaman and Nicobar Islands Ross Island 318

115.Nature’s Secluded Resting Place

Andaman and Nicobar Baratang Island (Port Blair) 321

116.Andaman and Nicobar Islands

Andaman and Nicobar/Bay of Bengal Andaman and Nicobar Archipelago 323

117.World’s Largest River Island

Assam (Jorhat) Majuli Island 311

118.Minicoy Lakshadweep

Lakshadweep Minicoy Lakshadweep 325

119.104-Year-Old First Sea Bridge

Tamil Nadu (Ramanathapuram) Rameswaram Island or Pamban Island 328

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Incredible Buddhist Monastery

120.Asia’s Second Largest Monastery

Arunachal Pradesh (Tawang) Tawang Monastery 333

121.One of the Most Sacred Bu ddhist Monasteries‘Tiger’s Nest Monastery’

Bhutan (Paro) Tiger’s Nest Monastery 334

122.One of the Most Sacred Buddhist Monasteries - ‘Key Monastery’

Himachal Pradesh (Lahaul Spiti) Key Monastery 335

123.Official Residence of the Dalai Lama

Himachal Pradesh (Dharamshala) Tsuglagkhang Complex 336

124.Famous as the “Ajanta of the Himalayas”

Himachal Pradesh (Spiti Valley) Tabo Monastery 337

125.Monastery Built in the 8th Century

Himachal Pradesh (Lahaul) Gandhola Monastery 338

126.Home to Tibetan Refugees and Monks

Karnataka (Mysore) Namdroling Monastery 339

127.A Monastery Where Glimpses of Hindu Culture and Buddhist Teachings can be Seen Together

Ladakh (Leh) Hemis Monastery 340

128.A Monastery that Looks Like a Honeycomb

Ladakh (Zanskar) Phuktal Monastery 341

129.The Largest Tibetan Monastery

Ladakh (Leh) Thiksey Monastery 343

130.Sikkim’s Oldest Buddhist Monastery

Sikkim (Gangtok) Rumtek Monastery 344

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131.One of the Most Sacred Buddhist Monasteries, Enchey Monastery

Sikkim (Gangtok) Enchey Monastery 345

132.Gonjang Monastery

Sikkim (Gangtok) North India 346

133.350-Year-Old Monastery

Tibet (Leh) The Diskit Monastery 347

134.One of the Oldest Monasteries - Mindrolling Monastery

Uttarakhand (Dehradun) Mindrolling Monastery 348

135.15-Feet Tall Statue of Maitreya

West Bengal (Darjeeling) Dhuom Monastery 349

Incredible Festivals and Fairs

136.Festivals and Fairs 359

Incredible Stepwell

137.The Importance of Stepwells in India 375

138.Stepwell with Mysterious Tunnels, Where Billions in Treasure are Hidden

Haryana (Meham) Choron Ki Baori 384

139.The Palace of Underground Chambers

Madhya Pradesh (Mandu) Champa Baoli 386

140.Purer than Mineral Water

Madhya Pradesh (Burhanpur) Khooni Bhandara 388

Incredible Ancient India

141.The Civilizations of Ancient India 393 Incredible Event

142.The Largest Spiritual Gathering - Maha Kumbh 401

The Fort Where Ashwatthama Comes Every Day to Worship

Lord Shiva

Asirgarh Fort - Madhya Pradesh (Burhanpur)

Asirgarh, located in the Burhanpur district of Madhya Pradesh, is home to the famous historic Asirgarh Fort. This fort is situated about 20 kilometers north of Burhanpur, atop the Satpura hills, at an elevation of 250 feet above sea level. It is counted among the world-renowned forts considered to be impregnable and unconquerable. Historians have referred to it as the “Bab-e-Dakkan” (Gateway to the South) and the “Kiladi-e-Dakkan” (Key to the South), because conquering this fort meant gaining access to the southern region and establishing dominance over the entire Khandesh area.

History of the Fort

The Asirgarh Fort was built in the 15th century by Asa Ahir. It is said that Mughal Emperor Jahangir once imprisoned his own son in this fort. The construction of the fort is attributed to Raja Asa Ahir, who was later killed by Nasir Khan of Khandesh. Nasir Khan’s descendant, Miran Bahadur Khan (1596–1600), declared his independence and refused to pay tribute to the Mughal Emperor Akbar and his son Daniyal. In 1599, Akbar marched towards Burhanpur and captured the city. He then laid siege to Asirgarh Fort and successfully took control of it on 17 January 1601. During the Second Anglo-Maratha War, on 18 October 1803, the British captured the Petta (lower fort area) of Asirgarh.

Architecture of Asirgarh Fort

The architecture of Asirgarh Fort was influenced by the Mughals, incorporating a blend of Islamic, Persian, Turkish, and Indian styles. There are three man-made ponds constructed to provide a water supply.

There is a temple here known as the Gupteshwar Mahadev Temple, which is dedicated to the Hindu deity Shiva.

Inside the fort, there is a ruined mosque with minarets known as the Asir Mosque. In addition to Hindu and Muslim architecture, some of the ruins are of British origin, and there are also British graves. After the departure of the British, this fort became deserted.

Gupteshwar Mahadev Temple

In ancient times, this place was also renowned as a gateway to South India. In the Gupteshwar Mahadev Temple of this fort, Ashwatthama worships and offers prayers to Lord Shiva every day. As evidence of this, rose flowers and vermilion can be seen in the temple every morning. It is believed that Ashwatthama bathes in the pond located near the temple and then worships Lord Shiva.

This temple is very old. However, upon reaching here, one experiences a special spiritual feeling. The path to reach this place is difficult. The temple is surrounded by a trench on all sides, and it is believed that Ashwatthama comes and goes to the temple through secret paths built within this trench.

Caves and Tunnels

Inside and around the fort, there are caves and tunnels that were built for the fort’s security. Through these tunnels, one can easily reach different parts of the fort, and they provided an opportunity to escape from enemy attacks.

Remarkable Ancient Structures

Within the Asirgarh Fort, you will see many ancient structures such as large temples, samadhis (memorials), and the main buildings of the fort. All these structures are prominent symbols of the lifestyle and art of that time and give you a glimpse into the Indian society of that era.

The Fort Where Sounds of Crying and Screaming are Heard

Shaniwar Wada Fort - Maharashtra (Pune)

Shaniwar Wada is located in Pune, Maharashtra, and was built by Bajirao Peshwa, who led the Maratha-Peshwa Empire to great heights. It was fully completed in the year 1732. The foundation of this palace was laid on a Saturday, which is why it was named ‘Shaniwar Wada’. This palace remained under the control of the Peshwas for about 85 years, but in 1818 AD, the British took control of it, and it remained under their authority until India’s independence.

The Cost of Building the Fort Was 16 Thousand

The Shaniwar Wada Palace, built near Abhinav Kala Mandir on Bajirao Road in the city, was the residence of the Peshwa rulers. The foundation of this palace was laid by Bajirao I on Saturday, 10th January 1730. At that time, the construction cost was 16,110 rupees. More than 1,000 people could live in this palace at the same time. On 22nd January 1732, a housewarming ceremony was performed in this palace according to Hindu rituals.

This Palace is Extremely Beautiful

Scenes from the Mahabharata and Ramayana eras are depicted on the walls of the palace. Every day, a special light and sound show is organized here from 7:15 PM to 8:10 PM, which attracts people from Pune and nearby areas. On the first floor of this palace, several artifacts and sculptures from the 17th–18th century have been preserved.

Five Gates in the Palace

There are a total of five gates in Shaniwar Wada. The first gate is called Delhi Gate, the second Mastani Gate, the third Khidki Gate, the fourth Narayan Gate, and the fifth Ganesh Gate. The most important

parts of this palace are the Thorlya Diwan Khana, the Dancing Hall, and the Juna Arsa Mahal.

This Palace Was Destroyed by Fire

In the year 1828, a terrible fire broke out in this palace, which kept burning for seven days. Because of this, a large part of the palace was burned down, but the remaining structures have now been preserved as a tourist site.

Mysterious Stories of the Shaniwar Wada Fort

Compared to other forts in India, the mysterious story of the Shaniwar Wada Fort is extremely strange. According to local people, they say that on the night of the new moon (Amavasya), a painful echo is heard throughout the palace and its surrounding areas. The sound that is heard seems like a cry for help.

Another terrifying story is that, out of the greed for power, the Maratha Peshwa Narayan Rao was brutally murdered in this palace. After this murder, his spirit is said to wander in the fort, and even today, Narayan Rao’s screams can be heard in the fort at night. Another legend says that a prince was also mercilessly killed in this palace, after which the wandering voice of his spirit is always heard.

Fort of Snakes

Panhala Fort - Maharashtra (Kolhapur)

The Panhala Fort, also known as Panhalgad, Panala, or Pahala, is located 20 kilometers southeast of the Kolhapur district in the Indian state of Maharashtra. This fort is one of the oldest in India. It was constructed between 1178 and 1209 AD by the Shilahara ruler Bhoja II. This fort is extremely historic as it has been ruled by various dynasties, including the Yadavas, Adil Shahis, and Bahamani Sultans. Additionally, there’s a popular belief that Shivaji Maharaj also ruled this fort in 1673 AD. The fort is over 800 years old.

The Panhala Fort is called the ‘Fort of Snakes’ because of its winding and crooked structure, which makes it look like a moving snake. Near this fort, in Juna Rajwada, lies the Kuldevi Tulja Bhavani Temple, which has a secret tunnel. This tunnel opens directly into Panhala Fort, 22 kilometers away. Currently, this tunnel has been closed.

Architecture of the Panhala Fort

Panhala Fort is built at a height of 3,127 feet above sea level and is spread over 14 kilometers. It has been constructed using the Bijapur style of architecture, along with the design inspired by the form of a peacock. A tunnel has also been built beneath this fort.

Here you will find many ancient and beautiful sculptures. The special thing is that this fort is adorned with extremely beautiful sculptures, which include images of Hindu deities, Mahavir, and other Jain Tirthankaras.

Andhar Bawadi

In the Panhala Fort, there is an Andhar Bawadi, which is secretly built beneath a building. It is said that it was constructed by the Mughal

FORT OF SNAKES

ruler Adil Shah. He believed that if the fort were attacked, the enemies might poison the water. Therefore, Shah had a secret stepwell built beneath a three-storey building.

Why It is Called the ‘Fort of Snakes’

Panhala Fort is called the ‘Fort of Snakes’ because its structure is winding and curved, meaning it appears as if a snake is moving. Near this fort, in the Juna Rajwada, there is a temple of the family deity Tulja Bhavani, which has a secret tunnel that directly opens 22 kilometers away into the Panhala Fort. Currently, this tunnel has been closed. It is said that the great sage Parashar once lived in this tunnel. Not only that, the famous 18th-century poet Moropant composed his poems here.

Interesting Facts About Panhala Fort

This fort is one of the largest and most popular forts of the Deccan, with a circumference spread over an area of approximately 14 kilometers and about 110 watch points built for vigilance.

Due to the fortification of more than 7 kilometers, the area of the fort appears triangular in shape.

Near this fort is located the Kalavantincha Mahal, also known as Nayakini Sajja, which literally means “the room of courtesans’ balcony.” This palace stands on the eastern side of the fort’s protective wall and had turned into ruins by the year 1886.

There are 3 granaries in this fort, the first of which is the Amberkhana granary, which covers an area of 950 square meters and is 10.5 meters high, the second is the Dharma Kothi granary, which was approximately 55 feet long, 48 feet wide, and 35 feet high, and the third is the Sajja Kothi, which was built by Adil Shah in 1500 AD.

Other major structures of this fort include Teen Darwaza, Wagh Darwaza, Rajdindi Burj, temples, and tombs.

c T C

The Fort Where No One Stays After Sunset

Kalavantin Fort - Maharashtra (Raigad)

Kalavantin Fort is a 2,250 feet (686 meters) high peak located in the Western Ghats, near Prabalgad Fort in the Raigad district of Maharashtra, India. It is also known by the names Kelwe Teen, Kalavantinicha Sulka, or Kalavantin Peak; alternative transliterations include Kalavantin, Kalavati, and Kalavanti. It is a popular trekking destination.

History of the Fort

The fort was built during the Bahmani Sultanate period to keep watch over the Panvel and Kalyan forts. However, in 1458 AD, after the defeat of the Ahmadnagar Sultanate, the fort was taken from them. It is said about Kalavantin Fort that many people who visited here have fallen and died. Earlier, the fort was known as Muranjan Fort, but during the reign of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, its name was changed. Shivaji Maharaj named this fort after Queen Kalavantin.

People Return Before Sunset

Located between Matheran and Panvel in Maharashtra, this fort is also known as Kalavantin Durg. It is said about this fort that due to the difficult path, very few people visit here, and those who do are advised to return before sunset. In fact, because of the steep climb, people do not stay here for long. Also, there are no facilities such as electricity or water available here. As evening falls, silence spreads for miles around.

Stairs Carved Out of Rock

To climb this fort, stairs have been carved out of the rocks. These stairs have neither ropes nor any railing. Even a slight mistake or

a slip during the climb can cause a person to fall into the gorge below. Many people have died from falling off this fort. Because of the accidents that happen here, the locals also call it the ‘Fort of Death’. People believe that the souls of those who died here still wander around this place.

Name Changed During Shivaji’s Reign

The name of this fort was changed during the reign of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Earlier, it was called Muranjan Fort. It is said that Shivaji named this fort after Queen Kalavantin.

Many Forts Visible from the Peak

From the Kalavantin Durg Fort, one can also see Chanderi, Matheran, Karnala, and Irshalgad Forts. Some parts of Mumbai city can also be seen from this fort. Climbing to this fort is possible from October to May. During the rainy season, the climb becomes extremely dangerous.

Rs. 795/-

UNBELIEVABLE INDIA

AUTHOR : TAXMANN’S EDITORIAL BOARD

PUBLISHER : TAXMANN

DATE OF PUBLICATION : SEPTEMBER 2025

EDITION : 2025 EDITION

ISBN NO : 9789371267151

NO. OF PAGES : 424

BINDING TYPE : PAPERBACK

DESCRIPTION

Unbelievable India is a curated, pan-India compendium of marvels—natural wonders, ancient engineering, living traditions, and enduring myths—told through short, self-contained entries. From ‘Hinduism – The World’s Oldest Religion’ and the Indus Valley to gravitydefying façades, colour-changing lakes, haunted forts, living root bridges, and the world’s largest river delta, it blends folklore, history, architecture, geography, and, where relevant, scientific notes. Each entry leads with an ‘incredible’ hook, followed by context, location, key facts, and legends.

This book is intended for the following audience:

• Readers of Indian History, Culture, & Civilisation

• Students & Educators

• Heritage Travellers, Content Creators, Quiz-Bowlers, & Museum/Library

• Families

The Present Publication is the Latest Edition, authored by Taxmann’s Editorial Board, with the following noteworthy features:

• [Pan-India & Neighbourhood Coverage] India across regions, with linked geographies (Tibet, Bhutan, Andaman & Nicobar) reflecting civilisational continuities

• [Myth & Science, Side by Side] Magnetic Hill (optical illusion), ‘red rain’ (algal spores), Lonar (meteor impact) explained alongside lore

• [Architectural & Archaeological Highlights] Kumbhalgarh’s ‘second-largest wall,’ Amer, Jaigarh, Mehrangarh, Hawa Mahal, Jal Mahal, stepwells

• [Living Traditions & Rituals] Primer on rites, symbols, and practices—tilak, aarti, pradakshina, fasting, bell, tulsi, conch, etc.

• [Concise, Standalone Entries] Claim-led articles (e.g., Bhangarh) with history, legend, and clear state/district identifiers

• [Balanced Perspective] Local beliefs presented with archaeological/scientific interpretations, encouraging appreciation with discernment