ಕನ್ನಡ
Along the highway linking Bangalore with Hospet, is the famed Kallina Kote Fort (Fort of Stone) in Chitradurga, an impregnable architectural marvel made by the Nayak Palegars. The boulder strewn Chitradurga landscape is home to the majestic fort, ancient temples and a history full of valour and bravery.
Chitradurga Fort locally known as Elusuttina Kote (meaning the fort of seven circles) is one of India’s strongest hill forts. The fort originally had 19 gateways, 38 postern-gates, 35 secret entrances and 4 ‘invisible’ entrances, many of which do not exist anymore. The soaring ramparts hewn from rock complement the craggy landscape and were designed so that each line of fortification overlooks the others below. Zigzagging pathways slowed down enemy soldiers and prevented the use of battering rams. Off late travelers have been attracted to Chitradurga Fort for it’s trekking trail; the steep climb to the top intended to ward off enemies has now added to the charm of the destination.
The fort has numerous temples like the Sampige Siddeshwara, Hidimbeshwara, Ekanathamma, Phalguneshvara, Gopalakrishna, Anjaneya, Subbaraya and Basava.
A must-see element of the fort is the Onake Obavva Kindi, named after Obavva, a woman who played a pivotal role in fighting off the attack by Haider Ali. Haidar’s forces, unable to enter the fort, found a narrow crevice that allowed them to sneak into the fort. Obavva, who had hid herself at the end of the opening , saw the enemy trying to crawl inside. Displaying remarkable courage, she grabbed onake (a pestle) and killed the soldiers making their way in. Tourists who find the spot try their hand at crawling through the crevice to the other side. Chitradurga Fort, also known for its sophisticated water harvesting system has an interconnected set of tanks used to collect and store rainwater, ensuring that the fort never ran out of water.
According to legends, Chitradurga is where Bhima killed the demon Hidambasura and married his sister Hidimbi. It has been under the reign of dynasties like the Satavahanas, Kadambas of Banavasi, Chalukyas, Pallavas, Rashtrakutas, Cholas, Vijayanagara, Paleyagaras and the Mysuru Wadiyars. Molakalmuru taluk in Chitradurga is where the three inscriptions of Ashoka’s Minor Rock Edicts were discovered by B. L. Rice in 1892 which confirmed that Ashoka’s empire included parts of modern Karnataka as well.
KSTDC Hotel Mayura Durga at the foothills of the fort is an ideal place to stay while exploring the town. The hotel provides a choice of both air-conditioned rooms and dormitories. The property also has a conference hall and a function hall.
For reservations/ enquiries, please log on to www.kstdc.co or call Mob: 8970650070/75 Tel: +91 80 4334 4334
Karnataka’s oldest dam is located around 40 km from Chitradurga near a village called Marikanive. Near this village is a large artificial lake called the Vani Vilas Sagar where a dam has been constructed across the Vedavati River, considered a great feat of engineering built by the erstwhile Mysore Maharajas. Close to the reservoir is situated a shrine of Goddess Mari known as Kanive Maramma, from whom the village derives its name.
Spread across 38.8 square miles in Chitradurga, Hiriyur and Holalkere taluks, Jogimatti Wildlife Sanctuary is a mesmerizing forest area with rolling hills, unspoiled wilderness and teeming wildlife. Jogimatti Sanctuary harbours leopards, sloth bears, pythons, monitor lizards, peacocks, jackals, hyenas, jungle cats, porcupines, wild boars etc.
Chandravalli is situated to the west of the fortified hill of Chitradurga. The archaeological discoveries at Chandravalli dating back to the Satavahana period reveal settlements that are around 3000 years old. Lead coins belonging to the Satavahanas, Roman silver coins and ornaments of gold, silver and copper were discovered here. The hills around here are sprinkled with prehistoric caves and temples.
Discovery of Ashoka’s three inscriptions by B L Rice in 1892 in the Molakalmuru taluk confirmed that a major portion of the present Karnataka state, including Chitradurga was part of his empire. The inscriptions are situated in the hills on the right and left banks of the Janagahalla (Sanna Hagari) River where it crosses the Molakalmuru taluk.
Adumalleshwara, located around 5 km from Chitradurga, is a cave temple dedicated to Lord Shiva built by Aadooru Mallapa. The main attraction of this temple is the perennial stream which runs through the Nandi’s (Lord Shiva’s vehicle) mouth. Nearby the temple is a small zoo called Adumalleshwara Mini Zoo which is home to leopards, sloth bears, rock pythons and a variety of birds.