Chitradurga Fort travel guide

Timings

9 am – 6 pm

Best time

October to February

Nearest railway station

Chitradurga

Nearest airport

Bangalore (about 200 km)

Ideal time needed

3 to 4 hours

History

Parts of the fort date back to around the 10th century, with additions by the Chalukyas, Rashtrakutas and Hoysalas. It reached its peak between the 14th and 18th centuries under the Nayaka chiefs of Chitradurga, whose last ruler, Madakari Nayaka, lost it to Hyder Ali. The fort is also linked with Onake Obavva, a local woman remembered for defending a gap in the walls with a pestle.

Legend

The rocky landscape is said to have been the home of the demon Hidimba, killed by Bhima of the Pandavas. According to the story, the scattered boulders are remains of their fight. The Hidimbeshwara Temple inside the fort recalls this tale.

What to see

Plan on walking and some easy climbing. Look out for:

• The seven concentric lines of fortification and their gateways.
• Hidimbeshwara and other temples within the walls.
• Onake Obavva's opening, the narrow gap in the rock associated with her.
• Old granaries, oil pits and rock-cut water tanks.
• Views over the town and plains from the upper rocks, best in the late afternoon.

Timings and tickets

The fort is generally open between 9 am and 6 pm. It is protected by the Archaeological Survey of India, and there is a small entry fee for Indian visitors, a higher fee for foreign nationals and a separate charge for video cameras; check current rates at the counter.

How to reach and tips

Chitradurga is on the Bangalore–Pune highway, and buses to Bangalore leave very frequently. Chitradurga railway station has trains from Bangalore and other cities. The nearest major airport is Bangalore, about 200 km away.

Wear good shoes and carry water, as there is little shade on the rocks. October to February is the best season. Nearby, you can add the Vani Vilas Sagar dam, the Ankali Mutt and Kallina Kote; we can combine Chitradurga with Hampi on a Karnataka road trip.

Also nearby