Nandi, Lepakshi

One of the biggest attraction at Lepakshi, 130 kms from  Bangalore  is Nandi sculpture. This and Veerabadra Temple built around 1538 A.D are one of the finest specimens of Vihjaynagar architecture.

The 27ft in length and 15ft in height, this monolithic structure, is biggest Nandi in India after the Nandi at Chamundi Hills at Mysore. The fine carving of the big sculpture is inexplicable and it is a feast for the eyes. Besides the record size, the perfectly proportioned body, finely-carved chain with a bell around its neck, ear rings and other ornaments enhances its grandeur.

This big granite Nandi in the open area 200 mts of temple is built in such a way that it faces the Shivlinga inside the temple.

Devgiri Fort

The formidable 14th century hill fort is at Daulatabad, 15 kms from Aurangabad. The fort is 190 meters conical hill that rises from a plain. This fort is visible from a very far distance and dominates the landscape. This fortress was constructed by Raja Bhillamraj, of Yadav Dynasty, who was a great general of his time. 

As the time passed the fortress was under the control of several dynasties such as Thuglaqs, Delhi Sultans, Bahmanis, Marathas. Each of them developed and strengthened the fort in their own way. The outer wall is 4.43 km in circumference. The entrance through the fort is a huge gate guarded by strong outer door. The door studded and spiked against elephant attack, is still in position. 

The fortification comprises of triple line of fort walls surounded by moats preventing easy access to the summit. To reach the top of the fort one has to pass through successive lines of gateways and courtyards.

The third line of defense is called Kalakot (fort of the Death), due to provision of deep rock cut moat, strong thick fortifications having bastions zigzag gateways, wide wall-walk with battlements and the strategic position gun-turrets. 

This fortress enclosed an area occupied by the ruins of the palaces once used by the kings and queens. The outer part has also numerous ruined buildings – palaces, temples and mosques. 

The important structures that still present are:

• Chand Minar
• Chini Mahal 
• Baradari
• Dark Passage
• Mahakoot
• Canons
• Kila Shikan canon
• Sarasvati Well
• Bharat Mandir
• Hathi Hauz