Location
: North Circuit, Karnataka
Prime Attractions : Fort Of
Seven Rounds, Harihar
Excursions : Nayakana Hatti,
Jogimatti
Also Known as : Kallina
Kote or The Palace of Stones
 Chitradurga
is surrounded with bold rocky hills and picturesque
valleys with huge towering boulders in unimaginable
shapes.
A unique haven for tourists, this place is also known as
the 'Place of Stones' (Kallina Kote). The landscape
resembles a mischievous giant's playground with boulders
thrown around forming awesome silhouettes against the sky.
The Legend
According to a story in the Mahabharata, a man-eating
giant named Hidimbasura lived here on the Chitradurga
hill. He was a source of terror to everyone around.
The Pandavas came here with their mother Kunti in the
course of their exile and Bhima had a duel with Hidimba,
who was slayed by Bhima and peace returned to the area.
These among boulders could well be part of the arsenal
used during that duel.
Seriously though, these boulders and a major part of what
this city rests on belong to the oldest rock formations in
the country. Rich in mineral deposits, Chitradurga has the
distinction of having had open caster copper mines at
Ingaldhal too.
PRIME ATTRACTIONS
Fort of Seven Rounds:
This impregnable fortress, with fascinating bastions and
battlements, came under the rule of rulers as diverse as
the Nayak Paleyagars and Hyder Ali.
This strategically placed town, believed to have been
named after the Fort of Seven Rounds (of walls) was ideal
from the military point of view.
Harihar:
Harihar is an ancient town situated on the right bank of
the great Tungabhadra river. A dip into the cool waters
here are said to absolve one of all the sins as the town
is known for the association that this river has with Lord
Vishnu.
Built in the Hoysala style in 1223 AD, the image of
Harihara stands 4 feet tall with its left portion
representing Lord Vishnu and the right representing lord
Shiva.
The high standard of the Hoysala architecture is evident
in the microscopic Goddess Lakshmi represented on the
lintel of the doorway
Hidimbeshwara Temple:
The Hidimbeshwara temple is the oldest one on the hill.
The other temples in the hill fort are those of
Ekanathamma, Phalguneshwara, Gopalakrishna, Anjaneya,
Subbaraya and the Siddeswara.
A huge kettledrum, in one of the temples, 6 feet in height
and 10 feet in circumference is said to be Bhima's.
Goddess Uchchangtamma:
There is a shrine dedicated to the patron goddess of the
Paleyagars, Goddess Uchchangtamma.
They built this impressive two storeyed building with its
unique swing arch and tall lamp-pillar. It also happens to
be the largest temple in the town.
EXCURSIONS
Archaeological Museum:
The Archaeological Museum has a good collection of the
remnants of the historic wars, coins and manuscripts.
Jogimatti:
On the way to Jogimatti, which is one of the highest
points in this area, there is the spellbinding Himavat
Kedaya waterfall. The Murugharajendra Matha and the
fascinating Ankli Matha should not be missed.
The former was founded by Muragi Shantaveera Swami an
eminent guru of the Lingayats. The Ankli Matha is on a
hillock across the cool Chandravalli valley.
Nayakana Hatti:
This place is famous for the celebrated tomb and a temple
dedicated to great saint Tippe Rudraswamy who is said to
have lived about 250 years ago. He was the spiritual
preceptor of the Hatti Paleyagars. It is about 35 kms from
Chitradurga and 2 kms from Challakere.
TRAVEL INFORMATION
HOW TO GET THERE
Air: There is no direct air connection.
Rail: Chitradurga is connected to
neighbouring areas by rail.
Road: The city has a well-developed
network of road transport.
WHERE TO STAY
Hotel Prakash, Prakash Lodge, Opp. District Hospital,
B.D.Road.
Maruthi Inn Deluxe Lodge, M.H. Road.
Mayura Deluxe Lodge, Santhe Bagilu.
Brudhavana Lodge, Roopavani Road.
Roopavani Restaurant, Roopavani Road.
Sri Krishna Vilas Tourist Hotel, Santepet Circle.
Union Lodge, Near KSRTC Bus Stand, B.D.Road.
New Krishna Bhawan, B.D.Road.
Pravasi Nilaya Tourist Lodge, B.D. Road, Santepet.
Sri Gayathri Bhawan, Holakere Road.
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