Nestled at the base of a chain of lofty peaks, Chitradurga is characterized by its stunning boulder-strewn landscape. Natives believe that these massive boulders are remnants of the arsenal used during the duel between Pandava Bhima and the demon Hidimbasura, an event mentioned in the Epic Mahabharata. Chitradurga derives its name from Chitrakaldurga, an umbrella-shaped lofty hill found here.
For a considerable period, Chitradurga remained a part of the dominions of the Vijayanagar Empire. Timmana Nayaka, a chieftain under the Vijayanagar Empire, established the rule of the Nayakas in Chitradurga. Later, in the 17th-18th centuries, Chitradurga became the headquaters of Bedas, until it was occupied by Haider Ali in 1799 and then annexed by the British.
The boulders that lie scattered in and around Chitradurga belong to the oldest rock formation in the country. The district is rich in mineral deposits, including gold prospecting at Halekal, Kotemardi or Bedimaradi, etc., and open cast copper mines at Ingaldhal. The Kallina Fort is a major attraction here and tourists travel to Chitradurga from all over India.
Places to See:
Ankali Math
The ancient monastery of Ankali Math is also called Paradeshappana Guhe. A number of caves, located underneath the Kallu Mantapa (stone sanctum) of this mutt, might have served as refuges for monks and mendicants indulged in penance and praying.
Chandravalli
A tour of Chitradurga will take you to the scenic valley of Chandravalli located to the north west of Chitradurga. Chandravalli is an ancient archeological site and coins, inscriptions, ruins, stone images belonging to the Hoisala-Kadamb and Sathavahana period have been discovered at Huligondi, Basavanagondi, Baralagondi and other locations of Chandravalli. A rock inscription seen near Bhairaweshvara temple here links Chandravalli to the reign of Kadamba Mayura Verma.
Kallina Kote
The imposing fort in Chitradurga is known as the Kallina Kote or the Palace of Stone. This massive fort, regarded a marvel of military architecture, stood guard against marauding enemies. Encircled by seven massive walls, the fort has 19 gateways, 38 posterior entrances, four of which are secret. The approach to each gate is uphill and through passages that twist and turn, thus making it impossible to use elephants or battering rams to break down the gates.
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