Kavaledurga Fort is located in Shivamogga district (Shimoga) & 16kms from Thirthahalli town, you just can’t afford to miss the serene environs of this fort.
Accessible by a bridle path, threading a soothing country landscape of bright green paddy fields, this Fort was stronghold of the Keladi Nayakas under the Vijayanagara Empire.
Kavaledurga Fort was built in the 9th century and was again renovated by Cheluvarangappa in the 14th century.
In 1763, the fort was captured by Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan contributed to the beautification of the fort.
Deep in the belly of the jungle and surrounded by rolling hills, the fort would have provided an excellent natural defense to its occupants and a major challenge to an aggressor.
Even today, a visitor walking the inclined trail to the fort is suddenly confronted with massive gates that rise out of the thick forest.
Kavaledurga Fort was guarded by five gates at various levels.
The fourth gate of the Kavaledurga Fort opens into Kashi Vishwanath Temple which still retains its magnificence.
Two towering pillars stand in its courtyard leading to the temple that showcases the brilliance of temple architecture, during the reign of the Keladi kings.
This temple has carvings of armed warriors, three-headed birds, snakes, the sun, the moon, and elephants on the outer wall.
Perched on a weathered rock and facing the Kashi Vishwanath Temple is a small shrine known as the Lakshminarayana Temple.
From here, one can relish the outstanding view of the Kashi Vishwanath Temple and the fort walls along with a backdrop of gentle undulating hills peppered with small ponds.
Leaving behind the temple complex and walking towards the summit, one comes across the ruins of the palace.
Though only the foundation of the Palace and fallen pillars survives, it still provides an idea of the layout of the palace like the main hall, bathroom, kitchen and other rooms.
Behind the palace a stepwell with a peculiar T-shape also survives which was supposed to be used for water storage for occupants of Palace.
Quick Facts:
Opening Time: : 8:00 am to 5:00 pm
Entry Fee : Free
Exploring Time : 2 to 3 hours
Best Period to visit : October to February
How to Reach Kavaledurga Fort?
The village of Kavaledurga is around 16 km from the town of Thirthahalli located on the Shivamogga-Udupi highway and frequent buses are available from Shivamogga, which is also the nearest railway station to Thirthahalli. The bus frequency from Thirthahalli to Kavaledurga is very limited and hiring a taxi would be more convenient.
Where to stay
Kavaledurga does not have any options for accommodation and visitors can stay in Thirthahalli, Shivamogga or Agumbe and plan a day trip to the fort.
Other Essentials:
• Carry sufficient food, eatables, energy bars, fruits and water. At the same time don’t make your bag bulky.
• Wear shoe which has good grip
• Sunblock or sunscreen and a hat to protect you from the sun.
• Monsoon season don’t miss to carry umbrella.
• Drone cameras are not allowed at this place. Security will check before entry
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Google Map Location:
Kavaledurga Fort: goo.gl/maps/HAz4YxcoZJQZXjGG9
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Sound effects obtained from www.zapsplat.com
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