5 forts that will tell you the real story about Bengaluru

Bengaluru: Bengaluru has a great history. The place was ruled by Gangas, Cholas, Wodeyars, Mughals and also British, leaving behind interesting monuments and stories behind them. Here are details about five forts in and around Bengaluru that will surely tell you a tale and give a better picture of what Bengaluru was in in the days of yore.

1. Bangalore Fort

Bangalore Fort was a mud fort earlier, built by Kempe Gowda I, who is considered the father of Bengaluru. It was later developed into a stone fort by Haider Ali. Today, only remains of this fort can be seen after it was razed by the British.

This is one of the examples how something grew concretely and was destroyed by changing rulers to establish their supremacy. The fort also has huge iron cannons with cannonballs that date back to reign of Hyder Ali's son Tipu Sultan.

Location: Situated at New Tharagupet, Bengaluru

Visiting Hours: 8.30 am to 5.30 pm

 

2. Devanahalli Fort

Devanahalli Fort was constructed by Malla Baire Gowda, and it was the birthplace of Tipu Sultan. There is a house which belonged to the Dewan Purnaiah and the fort also shelters a shrine called Nanjundeshwara Temple. Long walks into this fort leads one to imagine the time the fort was built. This fort is maintained well by the government and is a very good tourist location.

Location: On Bangalore-Hyderabad Highway

Visiting Hours:  7 am to 8.30 pm

 

3. Nandi Durga

This fort is situated on Nandi Hills, one of more famous tourist spots near Bengaluru. It was built during the reign of Cholas who ruled Karnataka and southern places between 8th century and 13th century. However, there is speculation that Tipu Sultan had built this fort as his summer palace. This place is very popular for treks and also doubles up as site for history buffs.

Location:  Nandi Hills, 60 kilometres from Bengaluru

Visiting Hours:  Open daily

 

4. Medigeshi Fort

Medigeshi Fort is situated in Madhugiri which is 100 kilometres from Bengaluru city. Built in a location that is 3734 feet above sea level, this fort is said to have witnessed a number of battles. The battle cries have long gone silent and this fort is now a favourite trekking spot for tourists. There are three sections of the fort - one with steep rocks, another with a pond, and third holding the structure of the fort.  Treasure hunters have ruined most of the second portion of the fort in vain search of treasure, which they think could have escaped the hands of rules who once used the fort.

Location: Madhugiri district

Visiting Hours: 7 am to 8.30 pm

 

5. Skandagiri Fort

Skandagiri Fort is also called Kalavara Durga on NH 7 Hyderabad-Bangalore Highway. From Kalavara Durga one can have an excellent view of Nandi Hills and Kanivenarayanapura. There is also a temple in the fort premises where pooja is held every Saturday.

Location: 60 kilometres from Bengaluru on the way to Chikkaballapur

Visiting Hours:  Open daily