Bengaluru to Chitradurga Fort Road Trip
- Amy
- 6 days ago
- 12 min read
Updated: 4 days ago
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Whenever I visit a fort in India, I can’t help but imagine the stories of brave kings and their armies fighting off invaders who tried to sneak in through secret tunnels or hidden underground passages. I’m always amazed by the clever strategies the soldiers used to defend their fort. These stories are truly fascinating, and it’s incredible to imagine what it must have been like during those times, when forts and fortresses were built with smart planning and military tactics to protect entire kingdoms.
One such story of courage and strength is that of Chitradurga Fort. Built using natural stone and huge boulders from the Deccan region, this fort is a true marvel of ancient engineering and defense.
Bengaluru to Chitradurga Fort Road Trip
A road trip from Bengaluru to Chitradurga takes around 3 hours and 45 minutes and trust me, it’s totally worth the drive! You’ll get to explore ONE OF THE BEST-PRESERVED AND LARGEST FORTS IN ALL OF INDIA. Yup, you read that right. One of the largest! Beat that!
Table of Contents: Bengaluru to Chitradurga Fort Road Trip Where is Chitradurga? How Long Does it Take To Tour The Fort? Best time to visit A Blend of History, Architecture, and Faith Fort of The Legend - Onake Obavva Must-See Highlights Inside Chitradurga Fort |
Where is Chitradurga?
Chitradurga is a town in eastern Karnataka, set in a valley along the Vedavati River. Around 202 km northwest of Bangalore, it’s right in the middle of the Deccan Plateau. Known as the land of bravery and heroism, Chitradurga gets its name from 'Chitrakaladurga,' which means 'Picturesque Fort.'
To reach the fort, you can take a bus or drive from Bangalore, it’s about a 3.5 to 4-hour journey. Once you’re in Chitradurga town, the fort is easy to find and just a short auto or cab ride away.
How Long Does it Take To Tour The Fort?
The Chitradurga Fort spans about 1,500 hectares (15 square kilometers) of land and the fort is mainly divided into two sections, the upper fort, known as Meldurga, and the lower fort. Guides are available right inside the fort complex, offering tours in English, Hindi, and Kannada. Charges range from ₹800 to ₹1500. For tours in other languages, it’s best to book through platforms like GetYourGuide or Viator.
When you take a guide at Chitradurga Fort, they usually show you the main and popular spots in about 1.5 to 2 hours. This includes the big entrance gates, the famous Onake Obavvana Kindi, the Ekanatheshwari Temple, the stone swing and lamp pillar, the Hidimbeshwara Temple and cave, a couple of old water tanks, and some watchtowers and storerooms. It’s a good overview and helps you understand the history and design of the fort. There are boards at all the main spots with information in English and Kannada, so you can easily walk around without a guide. But let’s be honest, what’s a visit to a fort without a guide adding some drama, cool stories, and maybe even saying his great-grandfather fought with Onake Obavva?
But note that many parts of the fort are often not shown by guides. These include far-off areas of the upper fort, hidden caves and tunnels, smaller temples (there are around 19 in total), and many old water tanks and stepwells. Even the ruins of the royal living areas are usually skipped. If you enjoy walking and exploring, it’s a great idea to spend extra time after the guided tour to see these lesser-known but interesting parts on your own. Exploring the entire fort would take days, given its vast size and the rugged terrain.
Best time to visit
The best time to visit Chitradurga Fort is typically from November to February, when the weather is cool and perfect for walking and exploring the fort’s many paths. However, this is also the peak tourist season, so expect large crowds, especially on weekends and holidays.
I visited in August, and honestly, it turned out to be a great time, as long as it doesn’t rain. Many August days are dry, and the weather is pleasantly windy, cool, and overcast, making the hike through the fort really enjoyable. Even better, there were very few tourists, which made the experience more peaceful and immersive.
The summer months from March to June are the worst time to visit. Temperatures can soar up to 40°C, and walking around the fort in that heat is exhausting. Plus, it coincides with school holidays, so the place tends to get very crowded too.
A Blend of History, Architecture, and Faith
Chitradurga Fort, also known as the Stone Fortress or Kallina Kote in Kannada, dates all the way back to the 12th century. It was originally built by the Chalukyas in the 12th century, making it nearly 925 years old, later expanded by the mighty Vijayanagara rulers in the 15th–16th centuries and the Nayakas of Chitradurga in the 17th century, until it was eventually taken over by Hyder Ali’s forces in 1779 and later ruled by Tipu Sultan.
The British took control of Chitradurga Fort in 1799 after defeating Tipu Sultan at Srirangapatna, near Mysore. Tipu Sultan died in the battle at Srirangapatna, marking the end of the long-running Anglo-Mysore wars that had started in 1767. Many of Tipu’s personal belongings were sent to England, where they are still kept in places like the Royal Collection and the Victoria and Albert Museum, including a life-sized mechanical toy called ‘Tipu’s Tiger.’
But history isn’t the only thing that draws people here. The architecture of the fort is truly impressive! Strategically built on a hilltop (which is why it’s also called Giridurga or ‘hill fort’), the fort was designed with serious defense in mind. You’ll find seven concentric fortification walls, 38 watchtowers, interconnected secret passages, massive gateways, and water reservoirs that show just how advanced the engineering was back in the day. The seven concentric fortification walls (seven layers of walls), each with narrow paths and gates, make it hard for enemies to get in. That’s why it’s called Yelu Suttine, meaning 'fort of seven circles' in Kannada. Even elephants used in battles couldn’t break through easily, thanks to the smart and strong design of the fort. Moreover, the pathways inside are designed in a zigzag pattern, like a snake, to slow down enemy troops.
The fort and the area around it are also full of religious and cultural importance. You’ll find many old temples and shrines like Adumalleshwara Temple, Hidimbeshwara Temple, Ekanathamma Temple, Sampige Siddeshwara Temple, and Halu Rameshwara Temple, where people stop to pray to gods like Shiva and Rama. There are also smaller shrines dedicated to Ekanathamma (the guardian goddess of the fort), Anjaneya (Hanuman), Ganesha, and sometimes even Vishnu. These places were important for locals and soldiers, who came here to seek strength, blessings, and protection.
Fort of The Legend - Onake Obavva
Now here’s where it gets really interesting. The fort, entirely made of stone, is not just a marvel of architecture, it’s also home to one of the most badass tales of bravery you’ll ever hear. Enter Onake Obavva, a legendary woman who took on Hyder Ali’s forces single-handedly in 1779 CE.
Obavva wasn’t a soldier, just the wife of one. But when she noticed enemy soldiers trying to sneak in through a narrow crevice in the wall near Hanchina Bagilu, she grabbed a heavy wooden pestle (called an Onake) and took matters into her own hands. She bravely defended the fort, killing several invaders before she was ultimately martyred. That tiny opening is now famously known as Onake Obavvana Kindi in her honor.
Her brave story is one of the most well-known in Karnataka. There’s a samadhi (memorial) near the kindi where people pay their respects. Her courage has also been shown in Kannada movies like "Nagarahavu" and "Chitradurgada Onake Obavva", keeping her story alive for new generations.
Must-See Highlights Inside Chitradurga Fort
Stone Carvings & Wall Art: Look closely at the fort walls and temple pillars, you’ll spot intricate carvings of gods, animals, and warrior scenes. At the entrance itself, you will notice some wall carvings of a coiled serpent, a majestic lion, and a shivalinga.
Granaries, Grinding Stones and Oil Tanks: Inside Chitradurga Fort, you’ll find old granaries, oil tanks, and big grinding stones called Maddu Bisuva Kallu. The granaries (also called Akki Kothi or Dhanya Kothi) were used to store grains like rice and ragi. These storage rooms were built to keep food dry and safe during times when the fort was under attack. The Maddu Bisuva Kallu were large grinding stones used to make flour. Some were so big that even elephants were used to turn them! You’ll also see oil tanks carved into the ground, which were used to store oil for cooking and lighting lamps. These clever features show how well-prepared the fort was to take care of everyone inside for a long time.
The “Two Sisters” (Akka-Thangi Kola): Chitradurga Fort never faced a water shortage thanks to its brilliant rainwater harvesting system. The fort had a series of interconnected tanks built at different levels, so whenever it rained, water would naturally flow from the upper tank Akka (elder sister) to the lower one Thangi (younger sister), keeping them full for longer. Two of these ancient tanks, one large and one small, were designed to store enough water to last the fort for 15 to 20 years. That’s some seriously smart planning for those times!
Hidimbeshwara Temple & Windy Viewpoint: The Hidimbeshwara Temple is the oldest temple inside Chitradurga Fort. It’s built right under a huge boulder, and looks very intriguing from down below. The temple has a rare two-hall layout and some amazing old carvings on the walls and pillars. It’s dedicated to Hidimbeshwara, who is believed to be the brother of Hidimbi, a character from the Mahabharata who fell in love with Bhima. Some people also say the temple is linked to Bhima himself. While climbing up to the temple, be mindful of the strong winds. But the views are totally worth it. You can see the town below, the rocky hills all around, and feel just how massive and well-placed the fort really is. It’s one of the best spots to stop and take a deep breath.
The Seven Gates: The fort is layered with seven massive gateways, each designed to confuse and slow down enemies. The most important one is the Ranganayakana Gate, the main entrance to the fort, and still one of the most impressive parts of the structure. It opens into the busy market area of Chitradurga town and is the main entry point for visitors today. Another gate, the North Gate (Uttara Dwara), connects to the northern part of the city near local neighbourhoods and temples.
Cannon Point: A raised platform where cannons were once mounted and fired across the hills, it’s easy to picture a battle scene from here.
Stone-Cracking Trick: Look out for rocks with tiny holes drilled in them. One of the clever techniques used by ancient builders at Chitradurga Fort was the stone-cracking trick. If you look closely at some of the large rocks, you’ll notice small holes drilled into them in a straight line. Back then, engineers drilled a row of holes into the rock and put wooden pegs into each hole. Then, they soaked the pegs with water. As the wood absorbed the water, it swelled and caused the rock to crack. This smart method allowed them to break huge boulders without using heavy tools or explosives. Once the rocks were split, elephants were used to carry them to the construction site. Simple, slow, and absolutely genius!
Rangana Nayakana Kote - Inside the Rangana Nayakana Kote area of Chitradurga Fort, there’s a quiet courtyard with some interesting old structures. One is a tall stone pillar called the deepa stambha, which was used to hold oil lamps during festivals. Next to it is the stone swing, known as Uyyale Katte, made of two tall pillars with a beam across the top. This swing was used during temple festivals to gently swing the idol of the goddess Ekanatheshwari, who is believed to protect the fort.
Secret Passages, Caves & Tunnels – Chitradurga Fort has some fascinating hidden spots like secret passages, caves, and tunnels. There is the Hidimbeshwara Cave, linked to the Mahabharata, believed to be the home of the demoness Hidimbi, with a small temple nearby. The fort also has underground tunnels built in the 17th–18th century, which were used by soldiers and royals to escape or move around secretly during attacks. Nearby, you’ll also find the Murugha Rajendra Math Cave, used by saints for meditation. Some of these spots are still open to visitors and give a glimpse into the fort’s clever and rich history.
A Fort Full of Life: Thanks to the abundance of old trees, water sources, and quiet corners, the fort has become a peaceful habitat for bright green parrots and playful squirrels. You’ll spot them darting between trees and hopping along the walls.
Onake Obavvana Kindi: The narrow crack in the wall where Hyder Ali’s men tried to sneak in, until Onake Obavva stepped in with her wooden pestle and took matters into her own hands. Her actions delayed the enemy’s plan and saved the fort from a surprise attack.
And if you’re in the mood for a little nature escape, don’t miss the Vani Vilas Sagar Dam nearby. It’s a great spot for some chill time, boating, fishing, and taking in the scenic views.
Entrance fees
Indian Citizens: Rs. 25/- per Head.
Foreigners: Each Member 300/-in Indian Rupees per Head.
Children: 15 years and below Free.
Restaurants on the way to Chitradurga
Shree Rathnam (Pure Veg) on NH 4, near Indian Oil Petrol Pump, Kengalkempohalli, Karnataka 562132, India. Great breakfast stop just before Dabbaspet around 60 km via NICE Road. It’s on the left side of NH 48 heading towards Tumkur. Given the usual traffic and the 4-lane road after Nelamangala, the drive takes about 1 hour 15 minutes. Handy bonus: there’s a petrol pump right next to it if you need to refuel.
A little before the Durga bypass, on the outskirts, you’ve got two more good options: Spoorthi Delicacy and Guruprasad. Both are worth checking out.
Craving Davangere Benne Dosa? Drive about an hour past Chitradurga to Davangere. Right opposite the Medical College, you’ll find the real deal.
On the way, you’ll also find:
Kamath Upachar just before Sira
Cafe Coffee Day nearby
A2B after Sira
And Sai Palace Pure Veg after that
If you’re in the mood for non-veg, check out Shetty Lunch Home.
Stays in Chitradurga
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly stay in Chitradurga, Hotel Mayura Durg (KSTDC) is a great pick. It is located right outside the entrance of the fort, a mere 5 minute walk. Rooms range from ₹1,200 to ₹1,800. The hotel is clean, simple, and perfectly located, with an on-site restaurant and helpful staff, ideal for travelers wanting easy access to the fort.
For a more comfortable stay, MySpace Dhruva Chindanur offers modern rooms with a minimalistic design priced between ₹4,500 and ₹6,000 ranging between standard and elite rooms. Located about 4.5 km from the fort, it features a good restaurant, reliable amenities, good housekeeping and a quiet atmosphere. It’s a solid choice for families, business travelers, or anyone wanting a bit more comfort.
Restaurants in Chitradurga
Chitradurga isn't a small town, but it's not a big city like Bangalore either. Since hygiene is really important to me when I travel in India, I always look for clean washrooms, hygienic places to eat, and good food. Keeping that in mind, I only shortlisted a few places to dine in Chitradurga.
Prasadam - The Rameshwaram cafe of Chitradurga! Dishing out your favourites like podi Idli, holige, bonda soup from an open kitchen setup. You can grab a quick bite at the standing counter or head upstairs for a proper sit-down meal. The menu is pretty extensive showcasing North Indian, South Indian and Chinese dishes. Prasadam is essentially the top notch restaurant in the area, and very well deserved because the other restaurants are not so great in terms of ambience, sanitation or general hygiene.
That said, Shree Shiv Sagara’s food was actually really good, but the interiors? Hmm… let’s just say they’ve seen better days. I would go for the food here, but definitely not use the toilets.
If you’re looking for a slightly more family-friendly option, Upadhyay Restaurant is another decent pick, it’s a bit further down the road toward Bengaluru, but a solid alternative.
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