HutriDurga

Hutridurga

Hutridurga: A Historical Fort with Impressive Architecture in Karnataka

Hutridurga is a historical fort located in the Tumkur district of Karnataka, India. The fort is situated on a hilltop, about 4,000 feet above sea level, and offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.Hutridurga is located about 120 kilometers from Bangalore, and it can be easily reached by road. There are several buses and taxis available from Bangalore to Hutridurga. The nearest railway station is Tumkur, which is about 60 kilometers away from Hutridurga.
History:
The history of Hutridurga dates back to the 16th century, when it was built by Kempegowda, the founder of Bangalore. The fort played an important role in the wars between the Marathas and the
Mughals in the 17th century. In the 18th century, it was captured by Hyder Ali, the ruler of Mysore. It was the military bastion of Tippu Sultan against British, which was conquered by the latter in 1791.It is believed to have been a seven tiered fort and is considered one among the nine “Durgas” (fortified hills) around Bengaluru (“Nava Durgas”) and later by the British in the 19th century.
The name Hutridurga is derived from the Kannada words “huthri” and “durga”. “Huthri” refers to the dried cow dung cakes that were used as fuel for cooking and heating, while “durga” means fort. It is said that the fort was built on a hill that was rich in huthri, and hence the name Hutridurga.
Architecture:
The architecture of Hutridurga is unique and impressive. The fort is built using large stone blocks, and the walls are several feet thick. The fortification comprises of several bastions, watchtowers, and gateways. The entrance to the fort is through a narrow gateway, which leads to a series of steps that take you to the top of the hill. The fort has two main gateways, which are decorated with intricate carvings. One of the most remarkable features of the fort is the water management system. The fort has several wells and tanks that were used to store water. The tanks are designed in such a way that they collect rainwater and filter it before storing it. The fort also has an underground tunnel that leads to a natural spring, which was used as a source of drinking water.
Tourist Attraction:
Hutridurga is a popular tourist attraction, and it attracts a large number of visitors throughout the year. The fort is surrounded by lush green forests, and it offers stunning views of the nearby mountains and valleys making it the best place for trek lovers. The trek to the top of the hill is a bit challenging, but it is worth the effort. There are several temples located on the hill, including the Shankareshwara temple, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva.