Tuesday 12 November 2013

Chitradurga Tourist places

Chitradurga district  is an administrative district of Karnataka state in southern India. The city of Chitradurga is the district headquarters. Chitradurga gets its name from Chitrakaldurga, an umbrella-shaped lofty hill found there. Tradition dates Chitradurga District to the period of the Ramayana and Mahabharata. The whole district lies in the valley of the Vedavati River, with the Tungabhadra River flowing in the northwest. During the British times it was named Chitaldroog. The district was practically ruled by all the well known dynasties that ruled Karnataka.
Chitradurga district is an administrative district of Karnataka state in southern India. The city of Chitradurga is the district headquarters. Chitradurga gets its name from Chitrakaldurga, an umbrella-shaped lofty hill found there. Tradition dates Chitradurga District to the period of the Ramayana and Mahabharata. The whole district lies in the valley of the Vedavati River, with the Tungabhadra River flowing in the northwest. During the British times it was named Chitaldrug. The district was practically ruled by all the well known dynasties that ruled Karnataka.

Chitradurga

 
The district is hilly, with lots of forts and villages. The district is bounded by Tumkur District to the southeast and south, Chikmagalur District to the southwest, Davanagere District to the west, Bellary District to the north, and Anantapur District of Andhra Pradesh state to the east. Davanagere District was formerly part of Chitradurga. The district is divided into taluks, namely Chitradurga, Hiriyur, Hosadurga, Holalkere, Challakere and Molakalmuru. It is rich in mineral deposits, including gold prospecting at Halekal, Kotemardi or Bedimaradi, etc., and open cast copper mines at Ingaldhal.

Chitradurga is a city located in the Indian state of Karnataka. Chitradurga gets its name from Chitrakaldurga, an umbrella-shaped lofty hill found here. Tradition dates the Chitradurga district to the period of the Ramayana and Mahabharatha. The whole district lies in the valley of the Vedavati river, with the Tungabhadra flowing in the NorthWest. The Well Known Tourist Place in Chitradurga is the Fort. The Fort of Chitradurga with seven circumambulations surrounds the seven hills of Chinmuladri range. Actually the Construction of this fort started during 10th Century A.D and completed in 18th Century A.D during the rule of palegars. According to an estimate the total length of the fort is about 8 Kms. As per Chitradurga District Gazetteer this fort as 19 Gateways, 28 Postern Gates, 35 Secret Entrances, 4 invisible Entrances, 50 Warehouses, apart from other monuments.

Chitradurga, on the highway linking Bangalore with Hospet, is famed for its massive Kallina Kote (Palace of Stone) fort, a marvel of military architecture made impregnable by the Nayak Palegars. Visitors to Chitradurga’s Kallina Kote cannot help but be astounded by the sheer size of everything within the Fort. Encircled by seven massive walls, each with its independent gate, the fort has 19 gateways, 38 posterior entrances, four of which are secret, granaries, oil pits, water tanks, a palace and a mosque. As if that was not enough, the approach to each gate is uphill and through passages that twist and turn, thus making it impossible to use elephants or battering rams to break down the gates. Additionally every wall has pigeonholes from where soldiers could rain down arrows on invaders.
 
 

About The Chitradurga

Chitradurga
 
 
History

A rock cut edict of Emperor Ashoka, near Bharamagiri reveals that Chitradurga was part of the Mauryan Empire dating to the 3rd century B.C. After the fall of the Mauryans, this land was under the rule of royal dynasties like the Rashtrakutas, Chalukyas and Hoysalas. But it really achieved eminence, as a feudatory state of the Vijayanagar Empire, under the dynastic rule of the Nayakas or “Paleyars”, known for their heroic exploits. The most eminent of the feudatory chieftains, was Madakari Nayaka, who after the fall of the Vijayanagar Empire, declared his suzerainty and consolidated his power. This hill fortress built by the Nayakas during the Vijayanagar era, became their stronghold later. In 1779, the fort was captured by Haider Ali, who along with his son Tipu Sultan, was responsible for its expansion and strengthening. After Tipu Sultan’s defeat by the British, the fort came under the rule of the Royal Mysore family.

Chitradurga features bold rock hills and picturesque valleys, huge towering boulders in unimaginable shapes. It is known as the "stone fortress" (Kallina Kote). The landscape looks much like a mischievous giant's playground, with boulders thrown around, forming silhouettes against the sky. According to a story in the Epic Mahabharatha, a man-eating gaint named Hidimbasura lived on the Chitradurga hill and was a source of terror to everyone around. When the Pandavas came with their mother Kunti in the course of their exile, Bhima had a duel with Hidimba. Hidimba was slain by Bhima and peace returned to the area. Legend has it the boulders were part of the arsenal used during that duel. In fact, the boulders on which major part of the city rests belong to the oldest rock formation in the country.

Timmana Nayaka a chieften under the Vijayanagar empire rose to the rank of governor of Chitradurga as a reward for his excellence in military achievements, from the Vijayanagara ruler. This was the beginning of the rule of the Nayakas of Chitradurga. His son Obana Nayaka is known by the name Madakari Nayaka 1588 CE. Madakari Nayaka's son Kasturi Rangappa 1602 succeeded him and consolidated the kingdom to rule peacefully. As he had no heirs to succeed him, his adopted son, the apparent heir was enthroned but was killed in few months by the Dalavayis.

Chikkanna Nayaka1676 the brother of Madakari Nayaka II sat on the throne, and his brother succeeded him with the title Madakari Nayaka III in 1686. The unwillingness of Dalawayis to accept Madakari Nayaka III's rule gave an opportunity to one of their distant relatives, Bharamappa Nayaka to ascend the throne in 1689. He is known as dthe greatest of the Nayaka rulers. Somehow, the subjects of Chitradurga did not experience a good reign of the successive rulers as they ruled on the throne for very brief periods. The Hiri Madakari Nayaka IV 1721, Kasturi Rangappa Nayaka II 1748, Madakari Nayaka V 1758 ruled this area but there is not much to mention of their rule.

Demographics

The population was 1,517,896, of which 18.07% were urban as of 2001 comprising Kunchitiga Vokkaligas, Nayakas, Gollas (Yadavs), Kurubas, Madiga, Lingayats, and several other communities. Majority of the people in Chitradurga are Hindus with Muslims comprising about 9% of the population. Kannada is the most widely spoken language but Urdu and Telugu is also spoken near areas bordering Andhra Pradesh.

 Geography

The district is hilly, with lots of forts and villages. The district is bounded by Tumkur District to the southeast and south, Chikmagalur District to the southwest, Davanagere District to the west, Bellary District to the north, and Anantapur District of Andhra Pradesh state to the east. Davanagere District was formerly part of Chitradurga. The district is divided into taluks, namely Chitradurga, Hiriyur, Hosadurga, Holalkere, Challakere and Molakalmuru. It is rich in mineral deposits, including gold prospecting at Halekal, Kotemardi or Bedimaradi, etc., and open cast copper mines at Ingaldhal.
 

Things to Do

Sight Seeing


Historical Places
 
Chitradurga Fort
 
Chitradurga Fort:-
The old walled Town houses the impressive fort, built on the north eastern base of a cluster of rocky hills, qualifying it to be a Giridurga, or hill fortress. Known as Yelu Suthina Kote, the fort is fortified by seven circular walls, three of which are on the ground and four on the hill. Chitradurga fort is said to have had 19 majestic doors, 38 smaller doors, 35 special entry points and four secret entrances. The fort is entered through four gateways of the outermost wall. The foothills of the fort constitute the main residential area of the town. The Mel Durgas, forts on the hill are embellished with extensive fortifications, ramparts, bastions, batteries, watchtowers and entrances located at strategic points and house fourteen temples. Some of the fort’s important landmarks are Thuppada Kola Betta, Hidimbagiri, Zadaa Battery (Flag battery), Kahale Battery (Trumpet battery), Lal Battery (Red battery) and Nellikai Battery (Gooseberry battery). The main entrance to the fort, Kamanbhavi, has carvings of the seven – hooded cobra the legendary twin headed bird, Gandaberunda, the royal swan, Rajhamsa and lotus flowers.
 
Chandravalli:- Suituated at the north easterly axis of the Chitradurga hill, the Chandravalli is an ancient archaeological site. Digs revealing bricks, painted pottery and coins are traced to the Satavahana period as well as well as prehistoric times. The Basavanagondi region has the Byraveshwara Temple .

Fort of Seven Rounds:
This impregnable fortress, with fascinating bastions and battlements, came under the rule of rulers as diverse as the Nayak Paleyagars and Hyder Ali.
This strategically placed town, believed to have been named after the Fort of Seven Rounds (of walls) was ideal from the military point of view.

Harihar:
Harihar is an ancient town situated on the right bank of the great Tungabhadra river. A dip into the cool waters here are said to absolve one of all the sins as the town is known for the association that this river has with Lord Vishnu.
Built in the Hoysala style in 1223 AD, the image of Harihara stands 4 feet tall with its left portion representing Lord Vishnu and the right representing lord Shiva.
The high standard of the Hoysala architecture is evident in the microscopic Goddess Lakshmi represented on the lintel of the doorway
 
Ingaladalu:- Two kms from Chitradurga, this village is known for its copper mines. It is believed, that ancient times gold and silver mines were here.
 
Thamatekallu:- Located 8 kms from Chitradurga, this place has the oldest hero stone in Karnataka. Ancient rock cut inscriptions are also found here.

Halurameshwar: Local lore has it that once wishes can be fulfilled and once future predicted by looking into the well, “Udbavagange”, which makes it a popular place for visitors. Called as Varava Koduva Bhavi”.
 
Jankal: This is the birth place of the Chitradurga’s last chieftain, Madakari Nayaka.

Molakalmuru:- About 80 kms. from Chitradurga, this town is renowned for its hand woven silk textiles. Kugo Bande, or Shouting Rock, is a huge rock, where you can experience your voice resounding as an echo.
 
Brahmagiri:- 63 kms. from Chitradurga, this village is famous on account of Emperor Ashoka’s earliest rock edicts in the Brahmi script and Prakrit language dating to the 3rd century B.C. it is also the ancient site of Ishila, one of Ashoka’s provincial capitals.
 
Ashoka Siddapura:- About forty kms. from Bharamagiri, this is an importantarch aneological site where Ashoka’s edicts have been found. Nearby, there is a hillock, known as Ramagiri. Myth has it that when Ravana was abducting Sita to Lanka, the legendary eagle, Jatayu made a heroic sruggle to save here, but lost his life in the ensuing fight. Thereafter, Rama performed its last rites and installed a Shiva performed its last rites and installed a Shiva linga on the spot. The place was henceforth called Jattinga Rameshwara Linga and a temple dedicated to Rameshwara built in 926 A.D. exists.

Archaeological Museum:
The Archaeological Museum has a good collection of the remnants of the historic wars, coins and manuscripts.
 

 
Neerthadi:- Thirty eight kms. from Chitradurga, this village has the famous Ranganathaswamy Temple in the Vijayanagar style .

Nayakanahatti:- Thirty five kms Chitradurga, this place has the temple dedicated to the sage, Thipperudraswamy. The fact that his Samadhi (tomb) is also located here makes it a popular religious center. An annual jatra (fair) takes place here during the month of Phalgun.

Banashankari Temple, located in a little cave still has worship going on. A little further, in a large stone walled pit, are four massive Grinding stones. These stones, used to crush gunpowder, were turned by buffalo power. At the entrance of the place are Enne Kolas, large cauldrons used for storing oil. On the left of the hillock is the Bombe Chavadi Mantap. (toys pavilion) that has sculptures of elephants and horses with their mahouts. The majestic teak door is one of the finest features of the Chitradurga fort. Sculptures of Kalinga mardhana (Krishna salying the serpent Kalinga), Hanuman, tiger fights and elephant fights adorn the doorway. The Ekanatheshware Temple, built by Matti Thimmana Nayaka in the 15th century, has a deepastambha (lamp pillar) and a swing arch in the forefront. Nearby is the Hidimbeshware Temple, that was previously a Buddhist monastery. The Brihanmatha (monastery) consisting of 300 columns was built on the hillock by “Bichugatti Baramanna Nayaka”, the sword wielding chieftain of the 17th century. The Sampige Sidheshwara Cave Temple and the Gopalakrishna Temple are nearby. No account of Chitradurga Fort would be complete without mention of the Vanake Obavva Kindi, a secret entrance associated with the heroic tale of a Beda woman, Obavva. Single handed, she vanquished hundreds of Haider Ali’s soldiers, who were stealthily trying to enter the fort.
 
Hiriyur:- Situated on the right bank of the river Vedavati, this town is famous for the Terumalleswara Temple, built in the Dravidian style, with lofty Operas (Pyramdal towers) piercing the sky. The ceiling of the Mukhmantap (Main hall), is painted with scenes from the Shivpurana and the Ramayana.

Holalkere:- Thirty five kms. from Chitradurga and taluk headquarters, this was an important jain settlement in the 10th century A.D. it is also famous for its nine foot high statue of the child god Baal Antipathy, built by Gallops NAACO.
 
Malladihalli: Forty five kms. from Chitradurga, this new village is well known for the Raghavendra Swamy Seva Ashram that runs an orphanage, Yoga education and Ayurvedic Centre.
 
Ramagiri:This palce is known for the Veerabhadraswamy temple and the Karisiddeshwara Mutt, built on a hillock.

Bagooru: Seventy kms. from Chitradurga, this place is known for the ancient Chennakeshava temple.
 
Heggere: The Jain monastery, located here and the Kalleshwara temple are the attractions.

Halurameshwar: Local lore has it that one's wishes can be fulfilled and once future predicted by looking into the well, “Udbavagange”, which makes it a popular place for visitors. Called as Varava Koduva Bhavi”.
 
Bagooru: Seventy kms. from Chitradurga, this place is known for the ancient Chennakeshava temple.
 
Heggere: The Jain monastery, located here and the Kalleshwara temple are the attractions.
Dasaratha Rameshwara: This is a peaceful religious center, in the midst of a picturesque forest area.
  

Spiritual Mutts

 
Chitradurga Mutt

Ankali Mutt:- Nestling amongst a group of rugged hills, west of Chitradurga, this mutt is known for its subterranean chambers. Near the Panchalinga cave (Wonder cave) entrance, is an inscription dated 1286 A.D. executed in the reign of the Hoysala King Narasimha III.
Bruhanmutt:- Located about three kms from Chitradurga this mutt, also known as Sri. Murugarajendra Matt was built in honour of an eminent guru of the Veershaiva
Community. The main object of worship is the Gudduge (tomb) of lmmadi Muruga Swamy.
Aadumalleshwara:- Located 5 kms. from Chitradurga, is a Shiva Cave temple built by Aadooru Mallapa. An interesting feature is a perennial stream that flows through the Nandi’s (buills) mouth.
Sirigere:- Located northwest of Chitradurga, Sirigere is well known for the Veershaiva Mutt of Taralabalu Jagadguru. The monastery is noted for the educational and religious centers run by them.

 
 
Nature
 
Nature of Chitradurga
 
Jogimatti:- Ten kms. south of Chitradurga is this hill resort, situated at a height of 3803 ft. (The highest point in the district). The place is named after a yogi, who was well known for his social service. Himavatkedra, a waterfall that flows through the rocks, has created a natural cave, that has a Shiva Linga and idols of Veerabhadra and Basavanna.

Doddahotterangappa’s hill: The Ranganathaswamy temple is situated on top of a hill. Climbing the steep hill can be a delight for trekkers .
Dasaratha Rameshwara: This is a peaceful religious center, in the midst of a picturesque forest area.

Nunke Malae:- This is a small hillock, covered with lush vegetation, with a ancient temple of Byraveshwara.
 
 
Water reservoir
 
lake in Chitradurga
 
Vani Vilas Sagar : (Manrikanvie) Thirty two kms, from Chitradurga, this is an artificial lake, also called Marie Kanive, built by the Maharaja of Mysore, built across the river Vedavathi. Measuring 162 ft. by 1300 ft., this reservoir has two mantapa (pavilion halls) built in the saracenic style and is considered an engineering marvel
Gayatri Jalashaya: This reservoir, was built, also by the Maharaja of Mysore built across the river Suvarnamukhi. It is a pleasant picnic spot.
 

Events/Festivals in in Chitradurga

There is an annual festival in Chitradurga that is held every year in Thipperudraswamy’s shrine, in Nayakanahatti, which is dedicated to the sage. This shrine is located at about thirty five km from Chitradurga. This fair is conducted during the month of Phalgun (monsoon).
 

What To Eat

Food in chitradurga
 
 
when it comes to food; there is not much to rely on. Although street side vendors and eateries are jam packed for locals but if you are not much into Indian spices, I would suggest you to stay away from it. It is always advisable for you to carry packaged food to this place.
If you are an experimental Bag packer you can sure try out the local “dhaba huts” who offer many Indian dishes with both Veg and Non-Veg options.
Vandana Restaurant                
Opposite Roopavani Talkies, Chitradurga Ho, Chitradurga - 577501               
                                                   
Prakash Beeda Stall And Store    
 Hiriyur, Nh 4, Hiriyur, CHITRADURGA - 572143               
                                                   
Ramesh Snacks Shop
Hosadurga, Huliyur Main Road, Hosadurga Chitradurga, Chitradurga - 577527                
                                                   
Sri Krishna Condiments
Hosadurga, S J M Layout, Hosadurga Chitradurga, Chitradurga - 577527               

Ravi Kamat Restaurant
Hotel Ravi Mayur International, Opposite Police Samudaya Bhavan, Nh 4, Chitradurga Ho, Chitradurga - 577501
                                                   
Aishwarya Fort Restaurant
No.7184,Aishwarya Fort Hotel, Nr RTO Office, Turuvanur Chitradurga, Chitradurga - 577517 
                                                                  
Hotel Aishwarya
Vijay Complex, Near Ksrtc Depot, B D Road Chitradurga, Chitradurga - 577501 
                                                                 
Cauvery Restaurant
Amogha International Hotel, Santhahonda Road Chitradurga, Chitradurga - 577501 
                                                   
Vandana Restaurant
Opposite Roopavani Talkies, Chitradurga Ho, Chitradurga - 577501                               

How To reach

 
Chitradurga, the district head quarters of Chitradurga district is 200 km from the state capital of Bangalore.

How to Reach Chitradurga by Road
Chitradurga is located at the junction of NH-4 (Bangalore-Poona National Highway) and NH-13 (Sollapur-Mangalore National Highway).

How to Reach Chitradurga by Rail
Chitradurga has train connectivity. There is a daily service to Bangalore and weekly services to Mumbai. The proposed link between Chitradurga and Tumkur can reduce the travel time to Bangalore by half.

How to Reach Chitradurga by Air
Chitradurga is connected by air to Bangalore - 200km.
 
 
 
WHERE TO STAY
 
There are not many options available for Tourist accommodation in the region as the biggest IT hub is just a few hours’ drive from the place. Still if you want to get a good night sleep in the region and have some pending morning works left, you will find traditional Indian lodges and guest houses with ease.
There are a lot of options when it comes to accommodation in Chitradurga. There are luxury hotels like Hotel Aishwarya Fort, Hotel Pooja International and many home stays and resorts in Chitradurga.
Hotel Prakash, Prakash Lodge, Opp. District Hospital, B.D.Road.
Maruthi Inn Deluxe Lodge, M.H. Road.
Mayura Deluxe Lodge, Santhe Bagilu.
Brudhavana Lodge, Roopavani Road.
Roopavani Restaurant, Roopavani Road.
Sri Krishna Vilas Tourist Hotel, Santepet Circle.
Union Lodge, Near KSRTC Bus Stand, B.D.Road.
New Krishna Bhawan, B.D.Road.
Pravasi Nilaya Tourist Lodge, B.D. Road, Santepet.
Sri Gayathri Bhawan, Holakere Road.

9 comments:

  1. This info you provided in the blog that was really unique I love it!!

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  2. REALLY KNOWLEDGEFULL THANKS FOR BLOG

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  3. good information

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  4. ARE KURUMIS FROM THE NORTH THE SAME CASTE AS THE VOKKALIGA...


    Gavirangapura :
    3 km from Srirampura Hosdurga taluk has a very well known temple of Sri Gavirangnatha swamy the Lord is in the form of kurma the second avatar of lord Vishnu where most of the devotees are from Banglore belonging to Devanga community.It is one of the two temples of kurma avatara in India the other one is at Srikurmam 13 km from Srikakulam [A.P.]. The temple’s presiding deity is a tortoise (Kurma avatar of Maha Vishnu). This is one of the only two temples (in the whole of India)
    where the tortoise incarnationof Vishnu is worshipped.

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  5. People do come from outside to middle east for tourism and discovering new places which are pretty good and worth seeing and this is what i feel because its help for ourselves when it comes to learning and at the same time bus from ny to columbus is normally that i used for my traveling purposes. India should be having something like that so that they can grow in best possible way.

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  6. Excellent post on Chitradurga, Loved the photos too....Thanks for sharing.

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  7. Oh! I didn't hear about Chitradurga. But When I read information from your post I get that. You mentioned very good points of Chitradurga. main places, attraction, culture and much more.

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