Chitraduga Fort

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:

• 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.