Presentation by Team Square

1. For s of
Karna aka
eamgsquare

2. TEAMGSQUARE…..
What started as a leisure activity grew into a practice which turned into a
habit, and now is an addiction! ‘Teamgsquare’ initially comprised of me
(Dhiraj) and my wife (Amrutha). Over twelve years of our journey exploring
Incredible India, our team increased by 2 when our little partners joined in, in
the years 2015 and 2017 and have accompanied us in all our travels and
explorations. Mostly, we travel to places which are lesser known and make an
attempt to learn about, appreciate and document the rich heritage and
culture of Karnataka! One State. Many Worlds.
Badami Fort, Bagalkot

3. FORTS AND US…..
Forts have always attracted us for their mightiness as well as their structures
which have incredibly stood the test of time. What intrigues us the most is
their sustainability and structural complexity. Karnataka is home to around 700
Forts, of which about 100 have survived and remain intact. We are fortunate
enough for having visited about 150 Forts in Karnataka. Personally, our feeling
is that amongst all the types of tourist places, say temples, parks, sanctuaries,
hill-stations and many such, Forts are the ones that are least visited owing to
its difficult accessibility. Having been constructed on hill-tops majorly, not all
forts are easily accessible. One needs to trek or climb in order to reach the
Fort for further exploration. Forts also have a great potential to be utilised for
adventure tourism along with heritage tourism.
Tekkalkote, Ballari

4. CLASSIFICATION OF FORTS
BASED ON THE TYPE AND AREA WHERE THE FORT IS BUILT
Nandidurga, Chikkaballapura
Fort Type Meaning Examples
Bhudurga or Nagardurga City Fort or Land Fort Bengaluru, Srirangapatnam
Giridurga or
Parvatadurga
Hill Fort Madhugiri, Chitradurga
Jaladurga Fort surrounded by a
Natural Water Body
Jaladurga, Malkhed
Dhanavandurga Desert Fort None in Karnataka
Mahidurga Mud Fort Gottam Gutta, Hangal
Vanadurga Forest Fort Ballalarayanadurga, Kanoor
Kote
*Source: Various Books

5. CHALLENGES FACED BY US WHILE VISITING THE FORTS
• Lack of pride / knowledge of history /interest about the fort amongst locals
• Some areas of forts are considered dangerous either due to wildlife or
hidden illegal activities
• Lack of basic amenities such as drinking water, toilets and dustbins
• Absence of a proper guide for route and information about the fort
• Lack of public transportation facility
Ramadurga, Ballari

6. CHALLENGES FACED BY THE FORTS!!!!
• Fort destruction by the locals for construction materials
• Partial/Total damage of fort by vandals
• Mining/ Quarrying
• Undue usage of the fort premises for domestic purposes such as toilets
• Encroachment
• Utilizing fort interiors for gambling / drinking etc
• Lack of general maintenance (removal of weeds, plants damaging the fort
structure) and many such…..
Midigeshi, Tumakuru

7. SOLUTION FOR THESE CHALLENGES….???????
ENCOURAGE
TOURISM!!!!
Bettadasapura, Bengaluru

8. SWOT ANALYSIS OF FORT TOURISM
STRENGTHS
• Karnataka’s diverse culture and heritage
• Spread of Forts across the length and breadth of Karnataka!
• Fort diversity to attract crowds of all type
• Availability of off-beat local historians
Torgal, Belagavi

9. WEAKNESSES
• Local resistance, especially in areas where hidden illegal activities are high
• Liaisoning with various concerned departments such as the Forest
department and the Archaeological department
• High initial expenditure due to long term negligence with regards to
maintenance
• Availability of Basic Amenities
SWOT ANALYSIS OF FORT TOURISM
Bhairavadurga, Ramanagara

10. SWOT ANALYSIS OF FORT TOURISM
Bandahallidurga, Chamarajanagara
OPPORTUNITIES
• Generation of local revenue and employment (direct and indirect)
• Attracting schools / colleges for their educational tours
• Tie-ups with private sectors such as adventure clubs, heritage walkers and
photography clubs
• Corporate tie-ups
• Tapping local talent

11. Gudibande, Chikkaballapura
THREATS
• Mishaps / Accidents
• Disturbance to locals due to overcrowding public
• Plastic waste disposal and littering
• Mismanagement
SWOT ANALYSIS OF FORT TOURISM

12. TOURISM INITIATIVES WHICH CAN BE REPLICATED
• myecotrip by Karnataka Forest Department
• Ahmedabad Heritage Walk
• Indiaheritagewalks
• Bangalore Mountaineering Club
Bettadapura, Mysuru

13. Any Questions???
Thank You….
Visit us at www.teamgsquare.com
Rehmangarh, Chikkaballapura