Chitradurga

Overview:

Renowned for its buildings and forts, the ancient city of Chitradurga, is stationed the southern part of the Indian state of Karnataka. Chitradurg, Chitrakaladurga, Chittaldurg were names that were given to Chitradurga. The name Chittaldrug was officially used by the British Government. The city is also the headquarters of Chitradurga district. The average elevation of Chitradurga is 732 metres above the sea-level. According to the Census of 2011, the male dominated population of Chitradurga constitutes 122,594 residents. The average rate of literacy in Chitradurga is 76%, which is higher than the national average of 59.5%. Chitradurga derives its name from an umbrella-shaped lofty hill called Chitrakaldurga, which is located in the city. Huge, bold towering boulders and hills in numerous shapes and sizes along with picturesque valleys are the most prominent features of Chitradurga. According to the Hindu mythology as suggested in the epic Mahabharatha; the ‘rakshasa’ Hidimba along with his sister Hidimbi resided on the hill. Unlike her brother Hidimba, who was a source of terror, Hidimbi was a peace loving rakshasa. During the course of their exile the Pandavas with their mother Kunti, arrived at the hill. Angered by the attempts made by Hidimba to terrorize the Pandavas, Bhima dueled with Hidimba and eventually killed him. Thereafter Bhima and Hidimbi were married and gave birth to a son named Ghatotkacha who was bestowed with magical powers. Legend dictates that the boulders formed part of the arsenal used by both Bhima and Hidimba during their duel. Interestingly, the boulders on which the majority of the city rests belong to the oldest rock formation in the country. The city is also known as Kallina Kote which translates into "stone fortress". The fortress city of Chitradurg lies on the outskirts of the modern Chitradurga, and is easily accessible by road. The city of Chitradurga is stationed at the junction of the Bangalore-Pune National Highway and Sollapur-Mangalore National Highway. Tourists holidaying in south India often undertake a short trip to Chitradurga, which is located at a distance of approximately 200 kilometers from the state capital - Bangalore. The trip from Bangalore to Chitradurga takes about 5 hours by car. Generally travellers prefer hiring cabs in Bangalore for their travel to Chitradurga. Bangalore cab services ensure that the travel is comfortable, punctual and economical. Pleasant and mild weather conditions are experienced by Chitradurga throughout the year, making it an ideal place to visit during any time of the year.

Places Of Interest:

Chitradurga has been ruled by different dynasties at different points in history, all of which have left their imprints behind. One of the most famous tourist attractions in the city is the Chitradurga Fort. It has four circular walls on the hill and three at base of the hill. The ones on the hills have impressive entrances, bastions, watchtowers, batteries and ramparts. There are also fourteen temples located on the hill.

Another sightseeing point in Chitradurga is KallinaKote Fort. It is also referred to as ‘the Palace of Stone’. Constructed from a military point of view, the fort is almost impregnable. It features seven concentric walls - each of them with one gate and numerous pigeon holes for archers to shoot arrows, nineteen gateways, water tanks, oil pits, granaries, a mosque, a palace, and thirty-eight rear entrances including four secret ones.

Chandravalli, an archaeological site around 2 kilometers from the city, also attracts many tourists. It has a collection of coins, inscriptions, relics and stone images that have been excavated from the Basavanagudi, Huligondi, Baralagondi and other nearby areas. Yet another tourist spot in Chitradurga is Hiriyur. It is famous for Mari Kanive, the oldest dam in the state. Other places of interest in Chitradurga include Holalkere, Sirigere, Adumalleshwara Temple, Anki Mutt and Jogimatti.

The King of Mysore, Sultan Fateh Ali Tippu popularly called the "Tiger of Mysore" built the beautiful Jamia Masjid. The mosque possesses fabulous architecture and splendid interiors. Thousands of devotees come here pray during Id and other celebrations.

Things to do:

Located in the Chitradurga District, the small town of Hiriyur is around 40 kilometers away from the main city. Built on the Vedavati River, Mari Kanive is the oldest dam in Karnataka. It is the most prominent and important tourist attraction of the town. Another popular attraction is the banks of the artificial lake called Vani Vilas Sagar. It was built across the river Vedavati, by the Maharaja of Mysore. The reservoir is comprised of two pavilion halls which are built in the saracenic style of architecture. The town is also popular for the Teru Malleshwara Temple, which is built in Dravidian style. The temple comprises lofty Pyramidal towers. Scenes from Shiva Purana and Ramayana are painted on the ceiling of the main hall.

The small town of Holalkere is sited at a distance of about 35 kilometers from Chitradurga city. The ancient Jain settlement of the 10th Century AD is the main tourist attraction of this place. The 9 feet high statue of the child god Baal Antipathy is another popular touristy spots of the town.

Sirigere is a small village stationed in the Chitradurga District. Sirigere is at a distance of approximately 26 kilometers from the main city of Chitradurga. Located on the Poona-Bangalore National Highway, the Sri Taralabalu Jagadguru Brihanmath is the prima dona of tourist attractions here. Saint Marulasiddha founded this ‘Math’ in the 12th Century AD. Dr. Shivamurthy Shivacharya Mahaswamiji  is the present head priest of the Math.

Located near the border shared between Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh is Molakalmuru, which is a small village. The village is most popular for its silk weaving industry. It is sited at a distance close to 82 kilometers from the main city. The hamlet also houses a large reservoir and a temple. The huge rock named Kugo Bande or the Shouting Rock is among the attraction of the place. The rock is an echo point, and voices can be heard echoing.

An important archaeological site in Chitradurga district is the Ashoka Siddapura. Numerous edicts of Emperor Ashoka have been excavated from the site. The hills of Ramagiri, which have been mentioned in the Ramayana is situated nearby. According to the Ramayana, after abducting Sita, Ravana started travelling back to Lanka. The legendary eagle Jatayu fought and delayed the abduction here. Jatayu was killed during the battle, and later on completion of the last rituals of Jatayu, a Shiva Linga was installed by Lord Ram at the spot. The temple of Rameshwara, was built at the spot in 926 AD.