CHITRADURGA

Chitradurga is 4 hours drive, 196 kms away from Bangalore on a beautiful highway N4. One wonders how this magnificient fort has been sidelined for so long by the Government & ASI ? One can find the combination of adventure ( because of physical exertion - 2 hours walking , witnessing sculptures, listening to Heroic tale of OBAVVA who thumped 12 enemy soldiers trying to sneak into the fort and Indian spiderman Yogiraj showing his skills of climbing and doing some gymnastics on the wall. Well to add spice to life one can find crabs, monkeys trying to snatch foodstuffs, and Cobra raising its and blessing, if one is lucky. The best time to visit the fort will be obivously in the winter, if one takes it as a morning walk at 6 am when the Fort opens for public it will be ideal.
The FORT is known as KALLINA KOTE, made of natural stones. Chitradurga fort is said to have had 19 majestic doors, 38 smaller doors, 35 special entry points and four secret entrances. 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.
It is better to hire a guide along with you to the FORT by paying a fee of Rs100/- maximum after bargain, security guards are willing forever to accompany you as guide. Visit to the Fort during rainy season would be adding another dimension with water flowing everywhere. One has to keep a watch for exclusive spots for not only photography but for sheer adventure, which is normally avoided by guides, just tip them they will be obliging. The ASI is waking up to the tremendous tourist potential of this fort and beautifying the same with landscaping and lighting. It would be wonderful to visit the Fort at Night. Parking can be cumbersome authorities have to wake up to the realities and do something quickly.