Potagarh Fort in the Ganjam District of Berhampur, Odisha, India, is one such testimony for the historical past of the area. The expression “Potagarh” generally means “buried fort,” and the ruins of the fort remain buried under the folds of time and nature. Built upon the order of the British East India Company in the early 18th century, this ancient fort has the characteristics of colonial architecture.
The fort is located on the banks of the River Rushakulya and was quite critical as a military and administrative post of the British. The fort has a history of accommodating French and Dutch candidates through the years. Although the fort has deteriorated over the years, its remains attract historians and tourists alike, eager to explore its past glory.
According to Rabindranath Sahu, secretary of the Rushikulya Sea Turtle Protection Committee and a resident of Purunabandha near Potagada, “the fort is a very dangerous place for tourists due to its being thick with criminals and alcoholicators. The government ought to take rigorous steps to investigate it thoroughly and take steps to entice tourists.”
Even as officials claim that the remaining areas-the repair of mezzanine homes, entry gates, and most other structures located inside Potagada have been done, peripheral development still awaits.
The growth in tourism at Potagarh Fort has been gradual. Initially, the site was frequented mostly by locals and scholars interested in the old ruins and knowledge regarding the confluence of various colonial powers in the region. Over the years, the continuous initiatives put forward by the government and local tribes to promote Odisha’s cultural heritage have had a role in carving increased awareness and interest in the fort, among other historical places.
Tourism in Potagarh is on the upswing due to better infrastructure and conservation of heritage sites. While Potagarh is still relatively unknown compared to other tourist circuits in India, it is very much the place to fathom for all travelers traveling along the eastern sea coast of India.
Moreover, in recent times, experiential tourism-immersing visitors in local culture, history, and environment has been growing. This includes attending local festivals, tasting traditional Odia cuisine, and having historical narratives about Potagarh.
