Discover Forts of Karnataka

Nijagal Betta has got to be the closest, simplest, and fastest getaway from Bangalore. It is located after Dobbespet on the Bangalore-Tumkur highway (aka Tumkur Road). It is fairly isolated and yet safe.  Parking your vehicle on the highway is not an issue and you can always have a steaming cappuccino at the CCD at the foothill to pump up your energy.    View from the foot of the hill  G Coming to the fort, the place is also known as 'Hale Nijagal' which translates to 'Old Nijagal'. Although it may not inspire awe compared to its neighbors such as Channarayana Durga, Devarayanadurga, and Madhugiri, it does have its own aura when viewed from the highway as it stands tall upon the hill    I first explored this hill fort in 1992. At that time, it had an upcoming dargah as well as some old temples in ruins. Now, after 30 years, some more pucca mosques have come up and there seems to be electrical connectivity. Having said that, the place still retains its ...

Are you an explorer at heart? Ever wondered what it feels like to walk down history? Then Channarayana Durga (ಚೆನ್ನರಾಯಣ  ದುರ್ಗಾ)  is the place for you to quench that thirst for adventure. 👇 ☝ This enormous structure stands out from other forts around Bangalore by its sheer size, expanse and architecture. Channarayana Durga was a strategic fort built in the 1600s by the local chieftains (palegars) of Madhugiri and is situated on a hill at a height of 3734 ft. The fort is believed to be built by Channappa Gouda, a chieftain from Madhugiri. It was later was occupied by the Marathas, Mysore Kingdoms and finally the British who were the last to take over the fort. This fortification offers history buffs different styles of fort walls and brick constructions within the same perimeter. The climb to the top requires moderate effort. The fort has three stages (Tiers). The climb at the beginning is a bit hard with relatively steep rocky patches. Once you enter the fort i.e. ...