Kavaledurga Fort, Thirthahalli
Kavaledurga Fort , also historically known as Bhuvanagiri, is an ancient 9th-century hilltop fortress hidden deep within the lush rainforests of the Western Ghats near Thirthalli in Shivamogga district of Karnataka. It is around 20km from Thirthahalli It is often defined as a ‘Sentinel ’ fort. To clarify, historically, a sentinel fort is a small, strategically placed military outpost whose primary job isn't to withstand a massive, months-long siege, but to act as the "eyes and ears" of an empire or territory. Another fort that comes to mind is Jamalabad Fort although that fort is specifically defined as a watchtower fort (see my blog on Jamalabad fort) Coming back to Kavaledurga, it was expanded and heavily fortified in the 14th to 17th centuries by the Keladi Nayakas. I am not aware of any famous battles that it encountered but today, it stands as an enchanting, offbeat trekking destination praised for its mist-covered ruins, moss-covered steps, and panoramic view...