Visit Gummanayaka Fort In Chikkaballapur (2024)
While travelling to a new place, one comes across a variety of tourist attractions. However, nothing beats the charm and curiosity of visiting a historical fort. It is not just an ancient structure, rather it is the house of a number of untold stories, plenty of secrets and a work of great architecture. One such fort which you can get to see on your visit to Karnataka is Gummanayaka Fort. Located in the Chikkaballapur district of the Indian state of Karnataka, this fort is worth a visit. Standing proudly since the year 1350, when it was founded by a feudatory chieftain named Gummanayaka, this fort is now considered as one of the top tourist places to visit in Karnataka. We researched well and, in this article, have brought for you all the important things about the Gummanayaka fort which you should know so that you don’t have to face any unpleasant shocking details later on.Image Source
Why Should You Visit The Gummanayaka Fort In Chikkaballapur?
Situated at a distance of about 16 km east of Bagepalli, this majestic fort got its name after the person who founded it -Gummanayaka, a feudatory chieftain. The Gummanayaka fort was even ruled by him as well as his successors for several years. There are several features which makes Gummanayaka Fort a top tourist place to visit in Karnataka. Are you still searching for more reasons as to why you should pay a visit to this majestic fort located in Chikkaballapur? If yes, then search no more because we have already prepared a list of some reasons which will help make up your mind.
1. History:
Gummanayaka Fort was founded by the feudal chieftain of the Vijayanagara kingdom, Byregowda or pellagra. It is believed that as many as 26 palegars or chieftains have ruled from this majestic fort. The fort is quite popular because of its fortified circular rock structure that rises about 150 feet above the surrounding hilly tract.
2. Numerous Temples:
You will be surprised to know that the past rulers of the Gummanayaka fort built a plethora of temples here dedicated to Lord Rama, Sita, Lakshman and Hanuman. Many people visit the Gummanayaka fort, pay a visit to these temples as well and seek the blessings of the almighty.
3. Layered fort:
The Gummanayaka fort is known to have many stages of entrance. The first entry towards the Gummanayaka fort hill will take you to Hanuman and Ganpati temple. You can find priests in both the temples performing all rituals. In the next stage, one can see the ruined fortress. Here the villagers cultivate a few vegetables inside the fort. Then you can find steps covered with bushes that will take you to the temple or to the granary and then straight to the hilltop.
4. Treks:
Many adventurers come to Gummanayaka fort as it offers superb trekking opportunities. While exploring the fort, you will come across plenty of ruins as well as a lot of vast open space. The trek to the hill top is really worth all the effort. Since it is lesser known, you can have a great experience in peace and greenery.
Gummanayaka Fort Opening Hours
As such, there are no specific opening hours or timings to visit the Gummanayaka Fort. You can visit it anytime. However, keeping in mind the safety concerns, most of the travellers who visit the Gummanayaka fort, do so between 6 AM till 6 PM. When it gets dark, the path can become dangerous too.
What Is The Best Way To Reach The Gummanayaka Fort In Chikkaballapur?
You don’t have to stress yourself about the travelling issues to visit this popular tourist place in Karnataka. It is easily accessible by many different means of transport. You can reach your destination by:
- By Air: The nearest airport to reach the Gummanayaka fort in Chikkaballapur is the Bangalore International Airport. This airport in Bangalore is located at a distance of about 56 km from Chikkaballapur district. This airport offers numerous flight options for domestic as well as international needs. From the airport, you can easily reach the destination by hiring a taxi or by taking a bus.
- By Rail: The nearest railway station to reach the Gummanayaka fort is located in Chikkaballapur itself. The Chikkaballapur railway station provides plenty of trains running from Bangalore and Mysore till Chikkaballapur district. From the railway station, you can either take any of the local means of transport, hire a taxi or take a personal vehicle to reach your final destination.
- By road: Chikkaballapur district is well accessible by roads as well. One can find many private as well as government buses that run from Bangalore to Chikkaballapur on a daily basis. Since the buses come frequently, you don’t have to worry about catching one. However, for exploring the city in the best way, it is recommended to hire a taxi or take a personal vehicle.
Best Time To Visit The Gummanayaka Fort In Chikkaballapur
The Chikkaballapur district enjoys comfortable weather throughout the year. So, you can visit this place whenever you wish. However, if you wish to beat the heat and the heavy rainfalls, then it is recommended to visit this top tourist place in Karnataka, during the winter season. In between the months of September and February, the weather is pretty pleasant and just perfect for sightseeing, exploring and trekking.
What Are The Different Places To See Nearby The Gummanayaka Fort In Chikkaballapur?
Though exploring the fort in itself will take much of your time, if you finish early and still have some time in hand, then don’t worry. You don’t have to bore yourself out. There are many interesting and popular tourist places in Karnataka that are located close to Gummanayaka Fort. Some of them are:
1. Muddenahalli:
Popular for being the hometown of Sri M. Visvesvaraya, the renowned architect of modern Karnataka, this place is worth a visit. Located close to the Gummanayaka fort, you can visit the house of this genius architect which is now converted into a museum.
2. Nandi Hills:
Located at a distance of about 10 km south of Chikkaballapur, Nandi hills are truly beautiful. The plateau on the top even houses a stunning botanical garden. It even serves as an amazing viewing point to observe the natural scenic beauty around the hill.
Not many people include Chikkaballapur in their itineraries but you would be surprised to know that this small district located within 3 km of Muddenahalli is believed to be a regional, transport as well as an educational center.