Chitradurga Fort straddles a cluster of seven rocky hills on the north eastern side of Chitraduga. The seven circlur walls of the fort enclose these hills, three of which are on the ground and four on the hill and hence known as "Yelu Suthina Kote" (fort of seven rounds).
The hills on which major part of the fort and the city rest, belong to the oldest rock of granitic formation in the country. The area covered by the fort is 1,500 acres.
The Fort was built in stages between the 17th and 18th centuries by Rashtrakutas, Chalukyas and Hoysalas as well as the Nayakas of Chitradurga. The fort once had 19 majestic doors, 38 smaller doors, 35 special entry points and four secret entrances. The fort is entered through four gateways of the outermost wall.
The foothills of the fort constitute the main residential area of the town. The upper parts of the forts on the hill has extensive fortifications, ramparts, bastions, batteries, watchtowers and entrances located at strategic points and house fourteen temples. Some of the fort’s important landmarks are:
Huge towering boulders are seen in the fort precincts. The main entrance to the fort, Kamanbhavi, has carvings of the seven – hooded cobra the legendary twin headed bird, Gandaberunda, the royal swan, Rajhamsa and lotus flowers.
How to Reach: Chitradurga is 200 kms from Bangalore. Drive on NH4 and then turn left onto SH48. Later drive on Kote Road to reach the fort.
The hills on which major part of the fort and the city rest, belong to the oldest rock of granitic formation in the country. The area covered by the fort is 1,500 acres.
The Fort was built in stages between the 17th and 18th centuries by Rashtrakutas, Chalukyas and Hoysalas as well as the Nayakas of Chitradurga. The fort once had 19 majestic doors, 38 smaller doors, 35 special entry points and four secret entrances. The fort is entered through four gateways of the outermost wall.
The foothills of the fort constitute the main residential area of the town. The upper parts of the forts on the hill has extensive fortifications, ramparts, bastions, batteries, watchtowers and entrances located at strategic points and house fourteen temples. Some of the fort’s important landmarks are:
- Thuppada Kola Betta
- Hidimbagiri
- Zadaa Battery (Flag battery)
- Kahale Battery (Trumpet battery)
- Lal Battery (Red battery)
- Nellikai Battery (Gooseberry battery)
- Banashankari Temple
- Enne Kolas
- Bombe Chavadi Mantap
- Ekanatheshware Temple
- Hidimbeshware Temple
- Brihanmatha
- Grinding Stones
- Sampige Sidheshwara Cave Temple
- Gopalakrishna Temple
- Vanake Obavva Kindi
Huge towering boulders are seen in the fort precincts. The main entrance to the fort, Kamanbhavi, has carvings of the seven – hooded cobra the legendary twin headed bird, Gandaberunda, the royal swan, Rajhamsa and lotus flowers.
How to Reach: Chitradurga is 200 kms from Bangalore. Drive on NH4 and then turn left onto SH48. Later drive on Kote Road to reach the fort.
29 comments:
What an amazing place - I wonder if you can find the secret entrances.
This is definitely a serious fort. I love the way it is built into the hill with all of the boulders. It is interesting that the city is so near.
I love the stone in those steps. There is something about stones that seem to tell a story about the history of places we visit. . .while some may say the 'sands of time' I prefer to think of the 'stones of time'. Enjoyed my visit!
What a gorgeous landscape, and wonderful fort. Loved your photos!
The most interesting ruins are always ecclesiastic or defensive --- all over the world.
Great pics of the fort, the cannons,the rocky terrain & the carving of the 7 hooded cobra.Hope to make it there sometime.
The fort is neat, I like the view in the first shot...It is an amazing sight to see! Have a happy week!
Wow, so interesting, would love to see.
It looks like a great place to have visited!!!
Such a majestic fort. Nice shots.
I love visiting ruins. The landscape is really closing in.
Wonderful fort!
This is a very interesting historic site. I enjoyed the photos and especially the view from this ancient fort.
looks like a good climb is necessary to visit these forts.
One interesting spot. Thanks for the post
Wonderful pictures.
The enormous boulders are so impressive! If rocks could speak...
Have a great week!
Wil, ABCW Team.
a mighty fortress
ROG, ABCW
Beautiful photos! Wonderful ruins!
Rajesh what a beautiful and historic site. I love that first picture...amazing scenes!
Wonderful historic site to stir the imagination.
Nice place and what a view!
//Scaniatjejen
http://www.scaniatjejen.se
First of all thanks for the amazing post & how much I enjoyed to see the ruins,I can't explain as I'm very fond to visit ruins places. Appreciated!!!!
It must be so good to see this fort...so stunning and majestic!! Impressive!!
wow! amazing fort complex... i think building forts upon such rocky hills could be easy as plenty of rocks available. wonderful photos and perceptive
I'm gad you featured some people in the shot to show the scale♪ http://lauriekazmierczak.com/firefly/
Oh this looks so nice. I bet everything is full of history!
I have this feeling that in time to come your blog will be the place to come too if anyone needs any information on historical places in India!
Beautiful capture of wonderful place :)
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