Just 200 Kms from Bangalore, lies Chitradurga district, home to a prodigious fort of the same name. But Chitradurga is not only about the fort. The place also entices with its scenic beauty surrounded by hills and umpteen windmills. While other historical sites in Karnataka like Hampi and Badami get ample attention, this gem is still unknown to many. So if you are looking for a day trip or an unconventional weekend getaway around Bangalore, then we certainly recommend a road trip to Chitradurga Fort.
We visited Chitradurga in the month of August when it was bathed in fresh greenery (thanks monsoon!) and the roads were lined by gorgeous flower fields.
Best time to visit Chitradurga Fort
July-August: This is the ideal time if you want to see the gorgeous Sunflower fields. It may rain during this time. So a bit unpredictable. But it is also the time when you get postcard-like views inside the fort, with a layer of green enveloping every part of it.
Sep-Oct: Just after the monsoons when the greenery is still there and the days are not too hot.
Nov-Feb: Winter months are a good time to visit considering the mild temperature and pleasant days.
A little about Chitradurga Fort
Do you know why the fort was named Chitradurga? Oh, there is an interesting story. As you step inside the fort, you will find many boulders that resemble the shape of various animals and things such as elephants, crocodiles, boats etc. These shapes are naturally made and that is where the name of the fort comes from – Chitra (art) + Durga (Fort). Locally it is also known as Kallina Kote, meaning the stone fort.
What to see inside Chitradurga Fort
Inside the fort, there are many ancient temples, water reservoirs, secret passages, a matha and oil and grains storage facilities to see. Apart from these points, the inscriptions on the fort wall and the scenic views around would make you want to stop every few steps.
If you seek adventure, then you can climb the Kudurehejje hill to have panoramic views of the town and the fort. But remember to do this either in the morning or evening when it is not too hot.
Sampige Siddeshwara and Hidimbeshwara temples
We found this area to be the most picturesque part of the fort and it instantly became our favourite spot. Sitting just below Kudurehejje hill, at one end rests the Sampige Siddeswara temple surrounded by trees. This ancient temple has the coolest surrounding and is very peaceful. At the left side of the temple, there is a mutt which is non-functional, yet a great place for sitting down and relaxing for a while.
Akka Thangi Honda
Akka Thangi Honda stands for two massive ponds named Akka Honda (Elder Sister Pond) and Thangi Honda (Yonger Sister Pond). These are part of the Fort’s well planned and sophisticated rainwater harvesting and water conservation system. The excess water collected in Gopalaswamy Honda flows into Akka Honda and then gradually to Thangi Honda. Not just an engineering marvel, but this spot is also very photogenic sitting below the sparsely vegetated craggy hills.
Onake Obavvana Kindi
Walk a little further from Akka Thangi Honda and you will come across Onake Obavvana Kindi.The spot is named after a woman named Obavva who single handedly fought and delayed the soldiers of Hyder Ali. She was killed in the fight later, yet this place still reminds of her valour and determination.
The legend says, when her husband, a soldier himself was having lunch, Obavva came out to fetch water. She noiced the soldiers of Hyder Ali trying to enter the Fort through a narrow hole through the boulders. The brave woman picked up a pestle (Onake in Kannada) and slaughtered the soldiers one by one as they appeared through the hole. Hence the name Onake Obavvana Kindi for this spot. Read the full Blog Post Here to explore more places in Chitradurga.
Staying in Bangalore and looking for a getaway? Check our other blogs here.
Get the finest Resorts in Mussoorie.
Mussoorie is the most visited Hill station in Uttarakhand which makes it an ideal Weekend Getaway from Delhi within 300 kilometers.
Mussoorie offers some of the most scenic views of nature.
We recommend Club Mahindra Avalon Resort in Mussoorie with best price.
Rev up the car and head to the beautiful destination of Mussoorie in Uttarakhand.
Avalon Resort by Club Mahindra offers breathtaking vistas of the snow-capped mountains.
Book Resorts near Delhi NCR, Visit our website for the best resorts near Gurgaon, Manesar etc.
spend your quality time in a weekend destination from Delhi at affordable rates
