Madhugiri Fort

Madhugiri

Madhugiri: A Majestic Fort with a Rich History

Madhugiri is a small town located in the Tumkur district of Karnataka, known for its iconic Madhugiri Fort. The fort, also known as the Madhugiri Hill Fort, stands tall at an elevation of 3,930 feet and is considered to be one of the largest monolithic rock formations in Asia.Madhugiri is well-connected by road and is located at a distance of 105 km from Bangalore and 43 km from Tumkur.
History
Madhugiri Fort was built in the 17th century by the Vijayanagara dynasty, under the supervision of Raja Hire Gowda. The fort was later fortified by Hyder Ali and Tippu Sultan during the 18th century. It was an important stronghold for the Mysore rulers and was captured by the British in 1791 during the Anglo- Mysore Wars. The fort has seen many battles and was an important center of resistance against the British during the Indian freedom struggle.
Architecture
The fort has a unique architecture and is built using granite stones. It has a series of gateways, walls, bastions, and watchtowers, and is a classic example of the military architecture of the bygone era. The fort is surrounded by seven concentric walls, with each wall having a series of gates and enclosures. The walls are so steep that it is almost impossible for an enemy to climb them. One of the most interesting features of the fort is its massive entrance, which is called the ‘Diddibagilu’ or the ‘Gate of Hell’. The entrance is about 25 feet high and 17 feet wide and has a series of chambers
that were used to store ammunition, weapons, and food supplies. The entrance also has a secret escape route that was used by the soldiers to escape in times of danger. The fort also has several water tanks and a temple dedicated to Lord Gopalakrishna. The temple has beautiful carvings and is a fine example of the Hoysala architecture.
Tourist Attraction
The Madhugiri Fort trek is a popular activity among tourists visiting Madhugiri. The trek is relatively easy and takes about 2-3 hours to complete, with a distance of around 3.5 km. The trail to the fort passes through some stunning landscapes and offers panoramic views of the surrounding hills and countryside. The fort itself is a magnificent structure, with a series of gates, watchtowers, and bastions that were built during the Vijayanagara Empire. The climb to the top of the fort can be steep and challenging in some parts, but the views from the top make it all worth it. At the summit, visitors can admire the impressive architecture of the fort, and soak in the breath-taking views of the surrounding landscape.
Culture
Madhugiri is a town that has a rich cultural heritage and is home to people from diverse backgrounds. The town celebrates various festivals throughout the year, including the famous Kambadahalli Kere Utsava, which is celebrated annually in January. The festival is a grand affair and attracts a lot of tourists from across the state.