Chitradurga – An Unexpected Surprise

Where to stay –

Somehow, we did not find much options and choose Hotel Aishwarya Fort. We reached there around 10 am and quickly freshened up.

Chitradurga Fort –

We already knew about Chitradurga Fort and Chandravalli Caves. So, we first went to explore Chitradurga Fort. It is built on a huge area quite normal for a fort but looking at the fort you will feel this history is not properly maintained. Most of the structures are damaged due to lack of maintenance but still worth a visit. You will get local guide. In case you are interested in the history you can hire one and they are not so expensive. We roam around by our own and while returning back we got to meet the Monkey Man Jyothi Raj who is an Indian rock climber and wall climber and actually he is among the world's top three solo climbers. He does not even use a harness and how effortlessly he was scaling the fort is actually a view. Not sure if we were lucky enough that day to get to see him or he does it on a regular basis.

Legend of Onake Obavva –

One of the guide mentioned that Hyder Ali got to know of a woman entering the Chitradurga Fort through an opening in the rocks led to a clever plan by Hyder Ali to send his soldiers through the hole. The guard on duty near that hole had gone home for lunch. The wife of that guard, Obavva was passing by the hole to collect water, when she noticed soldiers emerging out of this opening. She was carrying with her an Onake which is used for pounding paddy grains. She killed Hyder Ali's soldiers one by one as they attempted to enter the fort through that opening.

Chandravalli Cave –

Then we got back to hotel and finished our lunch and rested for some time. Around 4 we stared for Chandravalli Caves. Cave temple here is built around 80ft below sea level and the interior is completely dark. Thus, you must carry a torch. Of course, we can use our own mobile torch else you won’t be able to see anything inside. The staircases are built in an asymmetric away which is actually so well planned just to avoid the sudden attacks, as in if you are unaware of this you are bound to fall down as the darkness inside is aiding it. So people inside get time to reach to the safest place. It is well ventilated inside not sure the source of air as there is no way I could see the air or a ray of light coming in. There is a huge lake surrounding this cave where you can sit and relax.

We returned and finished our dinner at the same hotel.

Jogimatti Hill Doddahotrangappa Hill –

Next day morning we checked out early as we have found two more attraction to cover. One is this Doddahotrangappa Hill. The way towards the top is full of greenery. The roads are too narrow makes it difficult if another vehicle is coming from the opposite direction. Also, roads are not at all smooth and flinty. We reached almost to the top where we saw one watch tower on the way. We went and climbed the tower which is actually feels scary now as there were not a single tourist except us and it was so much windy that while climbing the watchtower stairs we were feeling like we will fall down. But the view is magnificent. You can spend a whole lot of time siting there.

Vani Vilas Sagar Dam –

On the way back to Bangalore you must visit this dam. It is a huge dam with an amazing view. When we went there it was full of water and the mountain and the river creates a breathtaking view. There was some movie shooting was also going there.

Things to take care –

1. Carry enough water and some food while starting from Chitradurga for Bangalore as there were no shops for a longer distance.

2. Arrange the accommodation prior to your travel as not many good options available there.