Nagara Fort (Shivamogga District)

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Nagara Nagara is a small town in Malenad region of Karnataka. It is 17 km from Hosanagar and 83 km from Shivamogga. It was called Bidanur (Bidanoor) earlier during the 16th century, this was the last capital city of the Nayakas of Keladi.

 


 
Entrance to the fort 





It is scenic almost throughout the year particularly during the monsoon season, it will be like fully green. However, I had gone there in peak summer hence the pictures have a warm, yellowish hue.




The fort is built on a small hill, beside a lake. The fort has a system to circulate water around it for safety.

On the hill, within the fort, there are ruins of what was a Darbar Hall (King's Court), remains of a palace, two tanks called Akka Thangi Kola (Tanks of two sisters), and a lone cannon lying on the ground.








Devaganga tank is a cluster of seven tanks for bathing. Nagara in Kannada language means city. The fort is amidst green thick forests which are (sadly) giving way to urbanisation and deforestaion. 😔

Given below are some photographs and videos that I took as I walong the fort ramparts 

View from the top 

Another view from the top 

View of the walls



Bastion









A niche on the wall

Random view from the walls 

Smaller entrance

Slit for firing arrows/guns 




Abandoned cannon








Miscellaneous information

  • Nearest Petrol Bunk & Puncture Shop: Thirthahalli Town (Hosanagar is closer but I do not know what they offer) 
  • Nearest Hotel: Thirthahalli/Hosanagar limited options. 
  • Nearest Police Station: Nagara Police Station (https://maps.app.goo.gl/VRggiPfu4aAiLXPc9) 
  • Local Hotels for Stay: Thirthahalli but many homestays in the vicinity. (use Google maps) 

Pros:

a)  a) Easy to approach with ample parking place at the foot of the hill.
b) Safe: I have been there only once and have not encountered any hostility or faced any shady characters. 

I recommend going in the monsoons but be careful of leeches   

Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/tm1wiyDYhsfeVxZFA



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