Droog Fort Ruins

Droog Fort Ruins, also known as Bakasura Malai Fort, is a ruined 18th-century hill fort located on Droog Hill near Coonoor in the Nilgiris district of Tamil Nadu. Perched at about 1,800 metres elevation, the fort was built by Tipu Sultan as a military outpost. Today only remnants of walls remain, but the site is notable for its trekking trail and panoramic views of the Nilgiri Hills, Coonoor and surrounding plains.

Visitors can expect a moderate 2-3 km uphill trek through forest and tea estates from the base near Nonsuch Estate to reach the ruined fort on a hilltop. At the top, only remnants of stone walls and bastions remain. The main attraction is the 360-degree panoramic view of Coonoor, the Nilgiri Hills, Mettupalayam plains and Catherine Falls valley. There are no restored structures, shops or maintained facilities at the summit; the experience is primarily trekking, sightseeing and photography in a natural, isolated setting.

Droog Fort was built in the late 18th century by Tipu Sultan, ruler of Mysore, as a military outpost and watchtower to guard the Nilgiris frontier. It utilized the natural elevation of Droog Hill (also called Bakasura Malai) for strategic surveillance. After Tipu Sultan's defeat, the fort came under British control and was later abandoned, leaving only ruined walls and bastions.

Locally known as Bakasura Malai Fort, the hill is associated in folklore with the demon Bakasura. The fort is valued as a heritage trekking site representing Tipu Sultan-era hill fort architecture in the Nilgiris.