Drive to Chitradurga Fort by Debarati Dasgupta in August 2015

A curious combination of symmetry and asymmetry, of natural defence and manmade fortifications, Chitradurga fort lies in the midst of a valley formed by the Vedavati River. It is built a range of seven hills that belong to the oldest rock of granitic formation in the country.

The fort, which traces its history to 3rd millennium BC, is associated with the royal dynasties of Chalukyas, Rastrakutas, Hoysalas and the Vijayanagar kings.

It achieved prominence under the dynastic rule of the Nayakas, who being the traditional local chieftains, initially served under the Vijayanagar rulers.The Nayakas were most responsible for the expansion of the fort between the 15th and 18th centuries. They were defeated by Hyder Ali in 1779. Later the fort was expanded and strengthened by Hyder Ali and his son Tipu Sultan. It passed on to the British after Tipu Sultan's defeat in Srirangapatna.

The fort is built in a series of seven concentric fortification walls with various passages, a citadel, mosque, warehouses for grains and oil, water reservoirs and ancient temples.

Indian Roadie Debarati Dasgupta was at Chitradurga Fort in August 2015 during her Mumbai - Puducherry - Mumbai drive with her husband in their Renault Duster. Chitradurga in Karnataka is 200 kms from Bangalore on NH4 towards Pune.

(Content source & courtesy: Debarati Dasgupta, Travelextasy)