The Fort At Chitradurga - Unexpected visit

Happened to visit the Historical, comparatively well preserved and maintained fort at Chitradurga on our way back to Ponda. It has survived many invasions and rulers and looks like it will survive the civilisation and development too!

The distance from Bengaluru to Ponda is about 570 kilometers. Not difficult to cover in one day. But since I feel the long drive, unruly highway traffic and innumerable diversions a bit tedious, we decided to travel upto Chitradurga, halt for the night and resume the journey the next morning.

We had no intention of visiting the Fort. But we selected the KSTDC Mayura Yatri Nivas for our night halt and it is located right next to the Fort. I had seen the fort some three decades back and though I was impressed then, I had forgotten what I had seen.

Since I learnt that the fort was right next and that it opens at six in the morning, the urge to use the Fort for my morning walk was irresistible. I was impressed with the maintanance and upkeep of the fort. The KSTDC hotel was also good and the 'all in one' there, Rajesh, was very attentive and courteous. Most important, my wife certifies the Dosa, served for breakfast !

The imposing entrance to the fort. The entry path takes steep 90 degree turns and was meant to make it very difficult for the invading forces to maneuver and see what is ahead. 

The area covered by the fort is huge and paths lead in all directions from the main entrance. 

The huge grinding stone used for grinding gun powder with the help of elephants. There are four of them. 

The fort as seen from the outside.

The sun rises above the city of Chitradurga. 

One of the many entrance ways inside the fort.

An imposing stone arch leading to a temple.

One of the temples inside the fort.

'Okuli Honda' meaning a pond used to mix colours for Holi. 

A view of a part of the inside structures.

Shaded path way.

The 'Fort View' rooms of the KSTDC Mayura yatri nivas.