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Some 45 kilometers north of the Hiriyur taluk, is the Fortress City of Chitradurga. Chitradurga's name comes from Kannada language chitra (picture) and durga (fort). It was built in several phases from the 10th to 18th century by several feuding dynasties that include Rastrakuta, Chalukya, Hoysala ang Nayaka until it landed on the hands of Hyder Ali who defeated the Nayakas in 1779.

The fort has a total land area of 607.5 hectares and located on rocky hills with huge towering granite boulders, rivers, and valleys. It is so expansive that one cannot complete exploring the area in less than a day. To defeat the reigning king, the enemies needed to pass through seven gates before they can penetrate its walls and fortress (more of these in the succeeding post). In the passing of time and neglect, however, the fort has lost its 2 gates due to the encroachment of people and development. Now, only 5 gates are remaining and are being preserved by the government to prevent further illegal encroachment by the people.

The narrow entrance to the walled city. This is the first of the 7 gates inside the complex.

I was just glad that we were scheduled to do a project visit inside the fort, that would allow me to take a peak of what is inside before I could explore the more interesting and preserved parts of this sprawling complex.

Gate of the Uchhangi Yallamma Temple

Uchhangi Yallamma Temple

A typical street scene inside the fort.

Once inside the populated part of the fort, it is a regretful fact that there is neglect in of the physical surroundings. While the architecture and people can make interesting photography subjects and travel stories, I noticed that the surroundings and streets are waiting for a cleanup. This populated area would have been a perfect tourist attraction if it were only more organized.

Revered but sickly cow feeding on trash.

One of the many interesting architectural gems inside the populated part of the fort.

Be that as it may, I still find this quaint community very rich in heritage and culture. I wished I had more time to spare to roam around its narrow and dusty streets to mingle with people and observe their way of life, but I had none. I came as a learner (not of touristy sites) so I can live with the fact that what I had was a borrowed time from our official itinerary.

I am just glad that through my photographs, I was able to freeze a slice of Chitradurga's daily life.

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See more photos at: Prelude to Chitradurga Fort
Up next: Exploring the formidable Chitradurga Fort




View Hiriyur to Chitradurga in a larger map

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