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Chitradurga
Courtesy - Flickr
Other Info
  • Internet Availability:Good
  • STD Code:08194
  • Languages Spoken:Kannada, Urdu, Telugu and Lamani/Lambadi
  • Major Festivals:Beti Utsava
  • Notes/Tips:None

Chitradurga Overview

  • Ideal Trip Duration: 1 Night 2 Days
  • Nearest City Chitradurga: Shimoga, Bellary and Tumkur
  • Best Time to Visit Chitradurga: October to March
  • Peak Season: October to March
  • Weather Info: Moderate
  • State: Karnataka

Chitradurga is famous as the land of bravery and honor. It is 202 km northwest of Bangalore and middle of the Deccan Plateau. The name of the district capital, Chitradurga, comes from the word "Chitrakala Durga," which means "Picturesque castle." A considerable fortress rises sharply from the ground and sits on top of granite hills. Archaeological finds in the area show it was inhabited as early as 3000 B.C.  It is one of the best places to visit in Chitradurga.

History 

Near Brahmagiri, there is a rock-cut edict from Emperor Ashoka. According to these facts, Chitradurga was a part of the Mauryan Empire around 3000 B.C. The Rashtrakutas, Chalukyas, and Hoysalas were some royal families that ruled this land after the Mauryans were defeated. But it rose to power as a feudal state of the Vijayanagar Empire. Later, it was ruled by the Nayakas, also popular as "Paleyars," who were famous for their brave actions. The most essential feudal chieftain was Madakari Nayaka. 

When the Vijayanagar Empire fell, he named himself suzerain and strengthened his power. The Nayakas built this hill fortress during the Vijayanagara era, and it became their refuge. Haider Ali took the fort in 1779. People say he and his son, Tipu Sultan, made it bigger and stronger. The Royal Mysore family took control of the fort after the British beat Tipu Sultan.

Why is Chitradurga famous?

The city is famous for the Chitradurga Fort, which is the first thing people think of when they hear the name of this area. Seven walls around this castle make it strong. It is famous as "Giridurga," which means "Hill fort."

Who was the first king of Chitradurga?

Timmana Nayaka was a chieftain in the Vijayanagar empire. As a reward for his incredible fighting skills, the ruler of Vijayanagara made him governor of Chitradurga. This was the start of the Nayakas of Chitradurga's rule. Madakari Nayaka 1588 CE is the name of his son Obana Nayaka. Chitradurga is a perfect place to visit during the Chitradurga tour package.

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Top 1 Places to Visit in Chitradurga

Chitradurga Fort Adventure / Trekking | Historical & Heritage
Chitradurga Fort

The fort was called Chitaldoorg when it was British. In the district of Chitradurga...

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