Chitradurga, Karnataka

Chitradurga Fort, Karnataka

Chitradurga is known for its magnanimous fort. It has a rich history and spreads across the dynasties from Chalukyas, Hoysalas and Vijayanagar Empire. Chitradurga is formed of two words, Chitra means Picture and Durga means Fort. Chitradurga fort is in the midst of river Vedavati.The fort is also well known of the heroic deeds of a brave woman called Obavva, she is also called as Oneke Obavva. Oneke is a object, which is a long standing wooden log used to prepare certain spices by smashing them in a bowl made of a rock. She gets the name Oneke Obavva as she used Oneke as the weapon in her heroic actions to kill the soldiers while guarding the fort when her husband was over lunch.

You can pick a guide or one could do it by themselves. One should not miss visiting the Oneke Obavva's guarding location, it is a crack opening, a secret opening (where only one person could barely squeeze through) and a crevice in the fort where she hid and killed the enemies. 

Entrance to the Fort

Full Fort View

One of the Dwars

Walking Lanes

One Side View of the Fort from inside

Walking Lanes

The fort is indeed well maintained and offers good amount of shade due to some dense trees. So, you can easy rest while you are walking around in the fort to visit different locations. There is enough drinking water and rest rooms available with in the fort. One can plan for 2 to 3 hours of time to cover the fort. There is no other visiting place in Chitradurga other than this fort and which make it more easier for a one day shortest trip. The fort is guarded not only by people but some snakes and dogs. One must pay caution while in the fort walking around the bushes. In my opinion it is safe however it is word of caution.
There were small snakes spotted in between the rocks and some small gaps and openings of the rocks.

Very Green Inside View

Inside View - Well Maintained

Travel:
Chitradurga is very accessible to Bangalore as it is just on the Bangalore-Pune National Highway. Just hop on to Tumkur Road (either from NICE Road) or with in the city. Reach Tumkur (around 65kms) and then head towards Sira (around 55kms). From Sira reach Chitradurga which is around 80kms. There are enough sign boards and one can never miss the route. There are ample restaurants on the way, ranging from Cafe Coffee day and McD to some authentic south and north Indian restaurants.

Food & Snacks: 
Since it is a town and I am categorizing as a single day trip, fetching food is not at all an issue. Get into the town and look for a decent hotel and complete your meals.

Best Time to Visit: Preferably, during July to October.