Nirmal Forts

There are 4 forts in a radius of 15 kms range from Nirmal. Three

small forts are nearby Normal town and the fourth bigger one is 10 km from Nirmal.

Originally these were constructed to check the entry of enemies from Maharashtra during 17 or 18 century during the rule of Asaf Jahis and local chieftains. 

These forts are locally named as Chatisghad, Batisghad, Syamghad and Sonaghad. These are basically military forts strategically located on ancient trade route.

Forts line its periphery and also form the core although most of them are in a shambles. Head to Soangarh or Soan Fort, 12km from Nirmal. Shyamgarh and Battisgarh are two other important forts in the vicinity. Mostly deserted, the forts offer solitude as you climb up the rickety steps and trace the path to hidden doors and windows. Khila Gutta also called Nirmal Fort is located in the town, near the Devarakonda Temple. There is a well located inside the fort, called the Atta-Kodalla bavi (Mother-in law, daughter-in-law well). You can get a beautiful view of the town from this fort, but it's tough finding your way through the shrubs and undergrowth that dot the fort. According to local history enthusiast and author of Nirmal Charitra, Ankam Ramulu, most of the forts in and around Nirmal were built around 1650 under the rule of Srinivasa Rao. Even though, not much is documented about these forts, the sheer size and magnificence of the ruins is enough to draw attention. If you're lucky you can even spot a few peacocks perched atop the fort walls.

Shyam Ghad Fort

The tourism department in Adilabad has clarified that no private or permanent structure will come up within the 200-metre radius of Shyam Ghad (fort) monument near Nirmal town.

The fort was erected by Nimma Naidu who ruled the region in the 17th Century. The Nirmal word was derived from his name. Nimma Naidu had encouraged the artisan community and promoted their art. He had asked the Nakashi community to come to Nirmal and encouraged their paintings which were popular worldwide. Nirmal paintings and toys were made of a rare lightweight Poninki wood which was available in the Adilabad forests.

Now, restoration works of the collapsed and damaged walls of the fort have been undertaken at a cost of Rs 75 lakh. The officials denied reports of construction of a restaurant or any other permanent structure inside and outside the fort. The restoration works are being supervised by engineers of the archaeology department. District tourism officer V. Ravi Kumar made it clear that the restoration works were going on as per prescribed norms. Private contractors were doing works under the supervision of archeological engineers. However, tourism officials are yet to arrange lighting and music system at the fort.

Only snacks and tea will be made available at Shyam Ghad. Visitors are requested to avoid polluting the area and ensure sanitation and sanctity of the surroundings. On the other hand, Tourism department is planning a rural tourism project at Kadthal on Nirmal bypass road.

Responsible Tourism & Human Accountability for Sustainable Business

edited by Dr Ramesh Kumar Miryala, Dr Jayaprakash Narayana Gade

http://www.deccanchronicle.com/151005/nation-current-affairs/article/adilabad-no-building-can-come-around-fort