Udayagiri Hills

Udayagiri Hills is a historic hill fort complex located in Udayagiri town in Nellore district, Andhra Pradesh. Situated at about 938 meters above sea level, it is known for the ruined Udayagiri Fort spread across the hilltop. The site features ancient fort walls, gateways, temples and mosques reflecting Vijayanagara, Gajapati and later Nawab periods, and offers panoramic views of the surrounding Eastern Ghats landscape.

Visitors can expect a moderately strenuous uphill trek to reach the hilltop fort ruins via stone steps and pathways. At the top are remains of fort walls, bastions, gateways, ruined palaces, old temples and two ancient mosques (Chinna Masjid and Pedda Masjid). The hilltop provides wide views of the surrounding plains and hills. The site is largely ruined and natural, with limited shade and facilities, focused on sightseeing, photography and exploring historic structures.

Udayagiri Fort was originally developed by the Gajapatis of Odisha and later strengthened by the Vijayanagara Empire in the 14th-15th centuries. It was an important stronghold controlling the region between Nellore and Cuddapah. Later it came under the rule of the Nawabs of Arcot and British. The fort complex includes inscriptions, temples and mosques indicating successive occupations and its strategic military importance.

The hill complex reflects a blend of Hindu and Islamic architectural traditions with ancient temples dedicated to Vishnu and Shiva alongside historic mosques on the same hilltop. It remains a locally revered site with religious structures visited by pilgrims and is valued as a heritage landmark of Nellore district.