Potagarh Fort

Potagarh Fort is a ruined historic fort complex located in Potagarh village near Ganjam town in Ganjam district, Odisha, on the banks of the Rushikulya River near its mouth at the Bay of Bengal. Notable for its distinctive star-shaped design built by the British East India Company in the late 18th century, the fort served as the administrative headquarters of Ganjam district. Today its weathered walls, moat and riverine setting attract visitors interested in colonial architecture and history.

Visitors can expect a ruined fort complex set on the banks of the Rushikulya River close to the Bay of Bengal. The site comprises weathered brick and stone walls, a star-shaped fort layout, a surrounding moat, and open grounds with river and countryside views. There are no intact interiors; exploration is limited to outer walls, bastions and surrounding area. The setting is quiet and semi-rural, suitable for sightseeing, photography and observing colonial-era military architecture.

Potagarh Fort complex consists of three forts built in different periods. The present star-shaped fort was constructed by the British East India Company after it acquired Ganjam in 1763 and was designed by a British engineer. It served as the administrative headquarters and residence of the British collectors of Ganjam district until the headquarters was shifted to Berhampur due to high incidence of malaria. The earlier forts are attributed to local rulers including the Qutb Shahi period.