Gingee Fort also known as Chinji or Jinji in Tamil Nadu, dates back to the 9th century when the Cholas had a very strong hold on it. Gingee with its province extending from Nellore in the north to the Coleroon (Kollidam) in the south. But the fort as it looks today is the handiwork of the Vijayanagar kings who made it an unconquerable monument. This fort is one of the few surving forts in Tamil Nadu and is much more popular for its temples than forts. This fort lies in Villupuram district, 160 km (100 mtrs) from the state capital, Chennai and is close to the union territory of Pondicherry.