Chitradurga Fort Travel Guide: Why You Should Visit Chitradurga Fort & Best Time to Visit, Different Places To See Near The Chitradurga Fort, Opening Hours, Timings (2024)

Located in the Indian state of Karnataka, Chitradurga lies on the banks of the river Vedavati. Situated at a distance of approximately 200 km from Bengaluru, Chitradurga got its unique name after an umbrella shaped hill found here. The name Chitradurga in Kannada language means ‘a picturesque fort’, and true to its name the Chitradurga Fort found here with its stunning natural surroundings is a mesmerising site to witness. The place is known among the locals by a variety of names including Chitradurg, Chitrakaladurg and even as Chittaldurg.

Chitradurga Fort, also popularly known by the name of Chitaldoorg, is the highlight of the place and is even considered as one of the top tourist places to visit in Karnataka. In this article, we have researched and have brought for you all the important information which you must know about the Chitradurga Fort before visiting it for a smooth experience. Continue reading!

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Why Should You Visit The Chitradurga Fort in Chitradurga?

Stretching over a span of several hills overlooking a beautiful flat valley in the district of Chitradurga, this massive fortification is considered as one of the top tourist places to visit in Karnataka. There are a series of attractive features of the Chitradurga fort that catches the attention of multiple tourists. One of them being the calm, tranquil and natural environment that it offers. Are you still looking for more reasons to visit the mighty Chitradurga Fort? If yes, then don’t worry, we have already prepared a list of compelling factors for you.

1. Rich History: One can find many inscriptions decorating the Chitradurga fort. These inscriptions belong to the Hoysalas, Chalukyas and the Vijayanagara kings. According to some of these inscriptions that can be found in and around the Chitradurga fort, this area dates back in history to about the 3rd millennium BC. Archaeologists have even found rocks edicts belonging to the Ashokan period near Brahmagiri that link Chitradurga fort to the Mauryan empire during the reign of dynasties of Chalukyas, Hoysalas and Rashtrakutas.
2. Interesting Legend: It is believed when the Chitradurga fort was being ruled by the last Nayaka ruler, Hyder Ali’s army discovered a crevice in the structure and tried to capture it. However, a brave woman who was guarding the Chitradurga fort on behalf of her husband saw Ali’s men squeezing through the crevice at night and she killed the trespassers by hitting their heads with wooden rods. Later, on seeing the dead bodies though her husband alerted the army about the invasion but Hyder Ali was ultimately successful in invading and overpowering the Chitradurga fort. However, the story of this brave woman has not been forgotten till now.
3. Religious Significance: There is a popular folk legend circulating around the hills surrounding the Chitradurga fort according to which they had significance during the time of Mahabharata. It is said that a ferocious man – eating giant called Hidimb lived on the Chitradurga hill and he terrorized everyone around. Thousands of years ago, when the Pandavas were in exile, Bhima came across this demon and challenged him for a duel. Ultimately, Bhima slayed the demon and peace returned back to the region.
4. Temples: The Chitradurga fort is known to lie embellished with eighteen stunning temples. Some of the most popular temples among them are the Hidimbeswara, Ekanathamma, Phalguneshwara and Sampige Siddeshwara.

Chitradurga Fort Timings

Topping the list of popular tourist places to visit in Karnataka, Chitradurga Fort is open for visitors on all days of the week. Timings are:

• Monday 7 AM to 6 PM
• Tuesday 7 AM to 6 PM
• Wednesday 7 AM to 6 PM
• Thursday 7 AM to 6 PM
• Friday 7 AM to 6 PM
• Saturday 7 AM to 6.30 PM
• Sunday 7 AM to 6.30 PM

What Is The Best Way To Reach The Chitradurga Fort In Chitradurga?

The Chitradurga district is well-connected with almost all modes of transport. You can easily reach this popular tourist place in Karnataka by the following means:

• By Air: There are two airports that lie in close proximity to Chitradurga district. The first one is the Hubli Airport which lies at a distance of about 186 km. The other nearby airport is the Bengaluru International Airport that is approximately 197 km away from the district. From the airport, you can take a taxi or a bus to reach the fort.
• By Rail: You will be pleased to know that Chitradurga district possesses its own railway station. The Chitradurga railway station is connected to a plenty of major cities of the Indian country. From the railway station, taxis are easily available that will take you straight to the fort.
• By Road: The city bus stop is well connected with all of the major neighboring cities. Hence, you can even reach this place easily via a bus. Many KSRTC as well as private buses are available to reach the place. You can take any of them, according to your preference.

Best Time To Visit The Chitradurga Fort

Since the Chitradurga fort is always open, you can visit it anytime. However, during summer season, the scorching heat can make it difficult for you to explore and go sightseeing. Hence, for the best experience of visiting Chitradurga fort it is recommended to visit the place during winter, monsoon or post monsoon season.

Where To Stay Near The Chitradurga Fort In Chitradurga?

Chitradurga district is known to house multiple decent accommodation options to prompt the travellers to stay. Some of the hotels near Chitradurga fort you can consider are- Hotel Mayura Yatrinivas Chitradurga (about 0.57 km away), Amogha International Hotel (about 1.36 km away) and Shilpa Deluxe Lodge (about 1.95 km away).

What Are The Different Places To See Near The Chitradurga Fort In Chitradurga?

You will be pleased to know that several interesting attractions are located nearby Chitradurga Fort. Some of them which you can include in your trip are:

• Vani Vilas Sagar Dam: Located about 32 km away from Chitradurga, this dam constructed using modern-day engineering techniques offers peaceful and enchanting views. It is a perfect spot for spending some peaceful moments amid natural settings. Image Source
• Davanagere: Located about 61 km away from Chitradurga, Davanagere is mainly popular for housing the Sri Anjaneya Swamy Temple. This temple is known to feature marvellous artwork and beautiful portraits of many deities. Image Source

Offering stunning views of the mighty hills and serene valleys, other than the grand stone structure and the embellishing temples of the fort, another reason why you should definitely visit the Chitradurga Fort is the mesmerising natural beauty of the place.