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Chitradurga
is surrounded with bold rocky hills and picturesque valleys with huge
towering boulders in unimaginable shapes.
A unique haven for tourists, this place is also known as the 'Place of
Stones' (Kallina Kote). The landscape resembles a mischievous giant's
playground with boulders thrown around forming awesome silhouettes against
the sky.
The Legend
According to a story in the Mahabharata, a man-eating giant named
Hidimbasura lived here on the Chitradurga hill. He was a source of terror
to everyone around.
The Pandavas came here with their mother Kunti in the course of their
exile and Bhima had a duel with Hidimba, who was slayed by Bhima and peace
returned to the area. These among boulders could well be part of the
arsenal used during that duel.
Seriously though, these boulders and a major part of what this city rests
on belong to the oldest rock formations in the country. Rich in mineral
deposits, Chitradurga has the distinction of having had open caster copper
mines at Ingaldhal too.
PRIME ATTRACTIONS
Fort of Seven
Rounds:
This impregnable fortress, with fascinating bastions and battlements,
came under the rule of rulers as diverse as the Nayak Paleyagars and Hyder
Ali.
This strategically placed town, believed to have been named after the
Fort of Seven Rounds (of walls) was ideal from the military point of view.
Harihar:
Harihar is an ancient town situated on the right bank of the great
Tungabhadra river. A dip into the cool waters here are said to absolve one
of all the sins as the town is known for the association that this river
has with Lord Vishnu.
Built in the Hoysala style in 1223 AD, the image of Harihara stands 4
feet tall with its left portion representing Lord Vishnu and the right
representing lord Shiva.
The high standard of the Hoysala architecture is evident in the
microscopic Goddess Lakshmi represented on the lintel of the doorway
Hidimbeshwara
Temple:
The Hidimbeshwara temple is the oldest one on the hill. The other temples
in the hill fort are those of Ekanathamma, Phalguneshwara, Gopalakrishna,
Anjaneya, Subbaraya and the Siddeswara.
A huge kettledrum, in one of the temples, 6 feet in height and 10 feet in
circumference is said to be Bhima's.
Goddess Uchchangtamma:
There is a shrine dedicated to the patron goddess of the Paleyagars,
Goddess Uchchangtamma.
They built this impressive two storeyed building with its unique swing
arch and tall lamp-pillar. It also happens to be the largest temple in the
town.
EXCURSIONS
Archaeological Museum:
The Archaeological Museum has a good collection of the remnants of the
historic wars, coins and manuscripts.
Jogimatti:
On the way to Jogimatti, which is one of the highest points in this area,
there is the spellbinding Himavat Kedaya waterfall. The Murugharajendra
Matha and the fascinating Ankli Matha should not be missed.
The former was founded by Muragi Shantaveera Swami an eminent guru of the
Lingayats. The Ankli Matha is on a hillock across the cool Chandravalli
valley.
Nayakana Hatti:
This place is famous for the celebrated tomb and a temple dedicated to
great saint Tippe Rudraswamy who is said to have lived about 250 years
ago. He was the spiritual preceptor of the Hatti Paleyagars. It is about
35 kms from Chitradurga and 2 kms from Challakere.
TRAVEL INFORMATION
HOW TO GET THERE
Air: There is no direct air connection.
Rail: Chitradurga is connected to neighbouring areas by rail.
Road: The city has a well-developed network of road transport.
WHERE TO STAY
Hotel Prakash, Prakash Lodge, Opp. District Hospital, B.D.Road.
Maruthi Inn Deluxe Lodge, M.H. Road.
Mayura Deluxe Lodge, Santhe Bagilu.
Brudhavana Lodge, Roopavani Road.
Roopavani Restaurant, Roopavani Road.
Sri Krishna Vilas Tourist Hotel, Santepet Circle.
Union Lodge, Near KSRTC Bus Stand, B.D.Road.
New Krishna Bhawan, B.D.Road.
Pravasi Nilaya Tourist Lodge, B.D. Road, Santepet.
Sri Gayathri Bhawan, Holakere Road.
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Map
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Chitradurga
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Network Map Of Chitradurga