The fort of Chitradurga in Karnataka was built in the 16th century by Madakari Nayak after declaring independence from the Vijayanagara Empire. According to Hindu epics, Bhima killed a man-eating demon called Hidimbasura here. The historic fort has 19 gateways, 38 side entrances, temples, and water tanks within its 8 square kilometer area. It was a strong military fortification. A woman named Obavva played a heroic role in warding off attacks on the fort by Hyder Ali's soldiers by killing over a dozen of them single-handedly with a club. Archaeological surveys are working to restore the fort and make it more accessible to tourists

1. At 46 not out its great to be live and kicking, come on let me guide you to the tour of Chitradurga Fort, which is also known as “Kallina Kote” – Stone fort. This fort was built by Madakari Nayak in the 16 th century. He declared his supremacy delinking from the Vijaynagar empire.

2. According to epics, a man eating satan Hidimbasura lived on the mountains, terrorising The local population no ends. In the course of exile Pandavas happened to pass by, Kunti requested Bhima to get rid of the devil. A ferocious battled ensued with rocks being hurled at each other, culminating in Bhima killing the satan & bringing peace to the town.

3. The Historic Fort is a marvel of military architecture that made it impregnable. There are watch towers all round the 8 sq km fort which used to echo the warning signals uttered by the guards. It has 19 gateways, 38 posterior entrances, a palace, a mosque, granaries, oil pits, four secret entrances and water tanks. Amidst rocky surroundings inside the fort complex on the hill there are many temples.

4. Judiciary, Finance, Army, seems to be the foundation of Nayaks empire, disputes Seem to have been resolved at this place…..

5. The currency chest does not seem very impressive, maybe this place is for Maintaining No 1 a/c I suppose, considering the security angle. Rest of booty Was hidden at Nayak’s palace.

6. It is strange coincidence that a ganesh temple is situated in a remote corner, may be the lower caste people were allowed to visit this place freely…..it is on the outer of Main entrance of the fort.

7. He is Yogiraj – designated as the Native Spiderman……our security guard cum Guide told us that he is training to climb one of the Himalayan mountain range.

8. Watch the spiderman in action, he is using Only his bare hands and canvas shoes to Grip the fort wall which is almost 60 feet in Height. Professional climbers would seek The aid of hooks, gloves, grippers, lifeline Strings etc…….

9. Suddenly out of the blue our spiderman Does an amazing clock work stunt rotating 360 degrees midway……

11. Our security guard cum guide, who explained the importance of this place as resting Place for the soldiers….guarding the fort so that they can quickly scamper across …

12. The main entrance to Madakari Nayak’s fort built in mogul style….

13. Incomplete elephant besides a temple….

14. Madakari Nayaks being from coastal belt loved fishes………fish brahmins I suppose Our guide told us that Nayak had two wives, that maybe the reason for 2 fishes. Real fishy

15. The fort has an area of 8 sq kms

16. My wife was amused by a Monkey snatching a hand Bag from my hands, it was So sudden, the monkey had Spotted the dusherra sweets In the bag. Nevertheless it Was not meant for me being A diabetic. I gave the remaining Portions to our guide.

17. There is the culprit….who snatched my handbag with kajukatris

18. Dil maange more…….he wants some more kajukatri’s a rare sweet to savour….

19. Nayaks and other noblemen used to make offering to godess equavalent to their weight Of various items such as rice,coconuts,fruits,milk, etc..

20. Pillars with 100’s of lamp…for lighting during festive season….

21. Nayak had constructed 2 ponds for each of his wife………..so goes the guides version

22. Obviously it was the kings chamber…..so that he could have 360 degree view….

23. One of the temples…..eknathnamma.

24. I wonder how come these idols have not been stolen, maybe it was too heavy to Carry without at least 20 persons it would be difficult task…..

25. Overview of Gopalkrishna temple……

26. Homage to the serpants……….the reverence to these neglected statues may have Saved the day on the hindsight.

27. Veerabhadra our family diety, a difficult shoot but I managed to pull it off with the Help of the obliging priest….

28. A magnificent view of temple architecture.

29. Phalguneswara temple… and its lovely architecture…with an adventurous view point

30. Let me unfurl the heroics of Obavva, who spotted the enemy soldiers ( Hyder Ali’s) trying to enter the fort through this secret enterance.

31. Obavva’s husband, a watchmen, had routinely asked his wife to keep a watch , till He returns after finishing his lunch at this place.

32. Obavva was standing exactly where the videographer was standing, With a baseball type club,,,,,one by one she started slaughtering The enemies……

33. Obavva managed to club more than a dozen soldiers emerging.. From this opening, exaggerated version mention more than 100

34. History repeats itself, what a coin incidence a Muslim guy was attempting to Repeat the feat and an old lady is outside playing the part of Obavva…..Even Today people praise the heroics of this women who single handedly warded Off the attack by Hyder Ali’s soldiers.

35. Maybe in commemoration of this heroics a small temple was built by Nayaks in Gratitude of Obavva’s heroic effort.

36. The debate of burka & bermuda Still continues……as time flies. It is nice to see Muslims too Are admiring the heroics of Obavva.

37. 3 storeyed darbar….

38. A branch of the baniyan tree survives… it seems to be spreading its tentacles on the Rocks.

39. Everybody seems to be excited to see a medium size rock crab…being veg. they Let it go I suppose…..otherwise it is a delicacy for sea food lovers.

40. A natural rain water source, our guide warning people not to make it dirty…because People drink this pure flowing water.

41. ASI is doing lot of landscaping and restoration work in this fort…. To make it tourist Friendly with lighting arrangements too…..a day is not far off tourists will start flocking For the sheer adventure and trekking value. It is only 200 kms from Bangalore on NH4

42. Gun powder grinding was undertaken here………pl make note of the arrow mark..

43. All good things must come to an end…..cobra’s raised hood asked us to pack up And get moving for having lunch, whereas the priest in bhanshankari temple Interpreted as blessing from Lord Shiva himself……