Sitabuldi Fort

Sitabuldi Fort (the historic 18th century stone fortification constructed on twin hillocks by Appasaheb Bhonsle of the Maratha Empire) in central Nagpur (celebrated globally across Maratha military history and Indian independence heritage as the battlefield of the 1817 Battle of Sitabuldi), world famous for its high basalt stone ramparts, British war memorial obelisks, vintage brass cannons, the prison cell of Mahatma Gandhi, and an intensely inspiring fort atmosphere), located in Nagpur in Maharashtra, stands as Nagpur's supreme military heritage bastion.

Perched strategically over Badi Tekri and Chhoti Tekri hillocks, this stone stronghold was the battleground of the fierce clash on November 26 and 27, 1817, between Maratha forces and the British East India Company during the Third Anglo Maratha War.

It's the home of the sacred cell where Mahatma Gandhi was imprisoned in 1922 following the Non Cooperation Movement, the towering war memorial honoring fallen soldiers of the 1817 battle, historic cannon bastions overlooking the Nagpur railway junction, and an intensely peaceful, deeply solemn fortress ambiance filled with the flutter of the Indian tricolor, panoramic city views, and echoes of historic artillery fire.

It represents a rich Maharashtra Maratha British military history heritage apex, Indian freedom struggle lore, and heritage fort tourism where basalt ramparts, cannon batteries, memorial obelisks, and Nagpur city circuits unite in Sitabuldi Fort.

Located in Sitabuldi overlooking Nagpur Railway Station, it sits just 500 meters from Nagpur Junction Railway Station (NGP), 8 km from Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport (NAG), 500 meters from Zero Mile Stone, 3 km from Deekshabhoomi, and 4 km from Futala Lake, easily reached on foot, by metro, or by auto rickshaw.

The 1817 Battle of Sitabuldi & Gandhi Prison Cell

On November 26, 1817, Maratha ruler Mudhoji II Bhonsle (Appasaheb) launched a surprise attack against British positions on the twin hillocks, triggering one of the fiercest artillery battles of the Third Anglo Maratha War.

Following his arrest in 1922, Mahatma Gandhi was held in detention inside the stone cell of Sitabuldi Fort, preserved today as a national memorial honoring the Father of the Nation.

Truth is, standing beside the ancient brass cannons on the upper battlements as you look out across the entire expanse of Nagpur will give you chills thinking about the historic clash that took place on these stones.

Twin Hillocks, War Memorial & Zero Mile Stone

Twin Hillock Ramparts: The fortress spans two summits (Badi Tekri and Chhoti Tekri) connected by stone bridges, featuring subterranean ammunition cellars, water reservoirs, and vintage British cannons.

Zero Mile Stone: Located right at the base of the fort hill stands the historic 1907 British Zero Mile Stone monument, officially designating Nagpur as the geographic center of India.

Sitabuldi Fort & Central Nagpur Day Plan

The Nagpur Historic Center & Freedom Trail: Morning tour of Sitabuldi Fort and Gandhi prison cell (8:30 AM to 10:30 AM: examine 1817 battle memorial, view vintage cannons & walk fort ramparts) -> visit historic Zero Mile Stone and RBI headquarters at the fort base (10:45 AM to 11:45 AM) -> explore sacred Deekshabhoomi Stupa (12:00 PM to 1:30 PM) -> authentic Saoji lunch thali in Sitabuldi -> visit Maharajbagh Zoo and Botanical Gardens (2:30 PM to 4:30 PM) -> evening scenic sunset stroll and musical fountains at Futala Lake (5:00 PM to 7:30 PM).

Visiting Code & Security: The fort is under the administrative control of the Indian Army (118 Infantry Battalion Territorial Army); public entry is permitted on national holidays (January 26, May 1, August 15) and designated open days; carry government photo ID; photography near active military installations is restricted.

After exploring the military heritage of Sitabuldi Fort, visit Zero Mile Stone, explore Deekshabhoomi, or tour Futala Lake.