This January after finishing a month long exams, I had the chance to visit my dad’s hometown after a failed attempt of another trip. So I had nothing to loose and a whole new city to explore. During my trip to this historical city I visited the following places.
If you are planning to visit this city for a day or a two day trip, do give this a read and bookmark this post.
Chitradurga is a district in Karnataka state with a rich history that takes you back to the past. Also known as the fort city, it is surrounded by hills and welcomes you with a number of windmills. Come, explore this city with me.
- Chitradurga Fort:****
The fort that makes this place famous is among the most visited places in Chitradurga and will not disappoint you. This fort alone has around 20 attractions contained in it. Starting from Maddu Beesuva kallu all the way up to Tuppada Kola will take at least 4 hours to explore. A guide to accompany on this tour to the fort would be ideal or you could be lost in this heaven. The perfect time to visit would around early in the morning, that way you can beat the heat and also wrap up by 11.00 am, also if you happen to reach here early there you would be lucky enough to spot Peacocks and Peahens in their natural habitat, a mesmerizing view. Since this is an archaeological site, Indians need to pay a entry fee of 25 rupees and non-Indians a fee of 100-300 rupees.
- Chandravalli Lake:
This serene lake present at the outskirts of the city gives you a sense of calmness. This beautiful lake surrounded by mountains is a common spot for daily walkers and joggers in Chitradurga. If lucky, you can also spot Peacocks here in their natural habitat, freely roaming.
- Chandravalli Caves:
This cave was inhabited by Ankali Guruji, an ardent follower of Lord Shiva, where the said saint spent his time here meditating. Now turned into a tourist attraction is located in the same place as that of Chandravalli Lake. It also has guides to show you the inside of the beautifully constructed caves. The guide may charge anywhere between 200-300 which is negotiable. It is also accompanied by a Lord Shiva temple which is beautifully decorated during the festival, Shivratri.
- Jogimatti Forest Reserve:
A hill station and a forest reserve located about half an hour away from the Chitradurga city. The best view of this place can be obtained for sunrise. This place also has a guest house for an overnight stay. A scenic route on the way to the hilltop mesmerizes you. A temple on the hilltop and a view behind it is amazing. There is no fixed rate for entry at this place. This place also has a zoo called Adumalleshwara which is a tourist spot on the way to the hilltop.
- Murughavana:
Murughavana located right within the campus of Sri Murugha Matha is considered a semi themed park with multiple statues and sculptures. One needs at least a couple of hours to explore the place. Best time to visit this place would be in the evenings because it has a musical fountain show every evening. There is also another recreational activity which is pedal boating, all included in the package which you have to pay as entry fee which is 50 rupees. After the visit to the park, you can also visit the calm and the peaceful matha.
- S Nijalingappa Memorial:
This memorial was made in the memory of ex chief minister of Karnataka, S Nijalingappa. This place has a beautiful garden and a library which contain a number of books related to all fields of study. It also has a fountain, a number of sculptures. There are rooms which shows his work through his photos, basically a photo walk. It also shows the importance of Mahatma Gandhi in his life and he was a big follower of Mahatma Gandhi.
- Vani Vilasa Sagara Dam (Marikanive Dam):
VaniVilas Sagar dam also called as Marikanave dam is one of the few dams where you are allowed to go near the structure and walk on the pathway. During monsoon, this area is filled with lush green plants and trees. Cool breeze, chirping birds and the moist of the monsoon season makes it a cozy sunday get away.