India /Karnataka /Chitradurga /Chitradurga

Chitradurga is an old city famous for its forts and buildings. There are many legends that one can hear in the region of Chitradurga. It is located in the State of Karnataka and is a popular tourist destination. The area has been ruled by many dynasties and each has left its own imprint on its history. Traditions and legends date the place back to the time of Mahabharata and Ramayana which are the two Indian epics. The surroundings are hilly and there are many small villages and forts that can be seen. The Chitradurga fort was built by different people over different time periods. Hyder Ali, Tippu Sultan and Palegar Nayakas are some of the people who are have contributed to building the fort which is situated on top of a hill. Most of the important places to visit are Molakalmuru (fortified town), Brahmagiri Village, Taralabalu Mata Sirigere, Vani Vilas Sagar, Chandravalli archaeological site, Ashoka Sidapura and Chitradurga Kote. There are many small and interesting villages that can be found in the area as well.

Quick Facts-Edit

Category : Historical

Time Zone: UTC + 5:30 Hours

Pincode: 577xxx

STD Code: 8194

Info Website: http://www.chitradurga.nic.in/

Best Time to Visit:  October – March

HistoryEdit

Chitradurga features bold rock hills and picturesque valleys, huge towering boulders in unimaginable shapes. It is known as the “Stone Fortress” (Kallina Kote). The landscape looks much like a mischievous giant’s playground, with boulders thrown around, forming silhouettes against the sky. According to a story in the Epic Mahabharatha, a man-eating giant named Hidimbasura lived on the Chitradurga hill and was a source of terror to everyone around. When the Pandavas came with their mother Kunti in the course of their exile, Bhima had a duel with Hidimba. Hidimba was slain by Bhima and peace returned to the area. Legend has it the boulders were part of the arsenal used during that duel. In fact, the boulders on which major part of the city rests belong to the oldest rock formation in the country.

Places to VisitAdd

How to ReachEdit

By Air : The nearest airport to Chitradurga is Bangalore International Airport which is about 197 km from Chitradurga.

By Train : Chitradurga Railway station is situated on a branch line that originates from Chikjajur with limited train services. But there is a daily rail service to Bangalore and a weekly service to Mumbai. Traveling south-west, Chikjajur Junction Railway Station is the nearest major railhead.

By BUS : There are frequent buses that leave from Bangalore and Mysore to Chitradurga. KSRTC buses are a good option as they are fast and not very expensive. They usually charge around Rs 100 for the journey for Non A/C buses. Some private operators also offer A/C buses and tickets cost around Rs 350.

By Taxi : Taxis and Auto rickshaws are easily available for moving about in the city.

By Other : N.A.

Top HotelsAdd

Budget  – Up to Rs. 800

• Hotel Aishwarya Fort ; V P Extension 1st Cross, Maniyur, Chitradurga, Karnataka 577501. ; Ph – N.A. ; Facilities – Travel Desk, 24-hour front desk, Laundry, Parking, Doctor on call.

Economy – Up to Rs. 801 to Rs. 1200

• Dwaraka Hotel ; B.D Road, Ghandhi Circle, Solapur-Mangalore Hwy, Chickpet, Chitradurga, Karnataka 577501. ; Ph – N.A. ; Facilities – 24-hour front desk, 24-hour room service, Laundry, Parking, 24-Hour Security, Wedding Services, Doctor on call.

Deluxe – Up to Rs. 801 to Rs. 1200

• Amogha International Hotel ; Santhe Honda Rd, Vijayanagar, Chitradurga, Karnataka 577501.; Ph – 081 94 222762; Facilities – Travel Desk, 24-hour room service, Laundry, Parking, Massage Services, Doctor on call.

Luxury – Rs. 2501 and above

• Hotel Ravi Mayur international ; V P Extension 1st Cross, Maniyur, Chitradurga, Karnataka 577501. ; Ph – 094 80 333444 ; Facilities – Travel Des, 24-hour front desk, 24-hour room service, Conference facilities, Elevators, Laundry, Parking, Disco, 24-Hour Securit, Concierge, Game Room, Health Club, Banquet facilities, Doctor on call.

Top RestaurantsAdd

• Mysore Cafe ;  Dodda Pete Main Rd, Chickpet, Chitradurga, Karnataka 577501. ; M –  N.A. ; Food Serve :  N.A.

• Hamza Garden ;  Maniyur, Chitradurga, Karnataka 577501. ; M –  N.A. ; Food Serve :  N.A.

• Vinayaka Dabha ;  Challakere Road, State Highway 48, Indurtrial Area, Chitradurga, Karnataka 577501. ; M –  N.A. ; Food Serve :  N.A.

Must Eat FoodAdd

Must Do ActivitiesAdd

Must ShopAdd

Nightlife (Pub / Disc / BAR)Add

• Uyyale Bar & Restaurant ; Naveen Regency Hotel, Near RTO, Nh 4, Bypass Road, Chitradurga Ho, Chitradurga – 577501 ; Ph/M: (08194) 230052 ; Cost:  N.A. ; Food Serve : N.A.

SpaAdd 

FestivalAdd

Annual festival ; Venue:  N.A. ; Period :  N.A. ; Details:  There is an annual festival in Chitradurga that is held every year in Thipperudraswamy’s shrine, in Nayakanahatti, which is dedicated to the sage. This shrine is located at about thirty five km from Chitradurga. This fair is conducted during the month of Phalgun (monsoon).

Safety / WarningEdit

• Beware of pickpockets as Chitradurga is a major tourist city in India.

HelplineEdit

• Ambulance : 102
• Fire Brigade : 101
• Police : 100

ItineraryEdit

N.A.

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