CHANNARAYANA DURGA - THE FORGOTTEN FORT

I highly recommend to drive with personal vehicle as public transportations is not available to the end point.

Nearest Bus Stop : Channrayana Durga Bus Stop

We left Malleshwara at 6:30 AM and reached the village at 8:40AM. Parked the car under the banyan tree and reached the starting point of trail.

Food : Carry your own food.

HISTORY

Channarayana Durga was strategic fortress during medieval times and many battles were fought for its possession. The fort was originally built by Channapa Gouda in the 17th-century, a feudal lord from Madhugiri. Later the fort fell into the hands of the Marathas. But in subsequent year’s control of the fort changed several times between Marathas and Mysore Wodeyars. The British took over the fort during third Mysore war and then abandoned it.

HIKING ROUTE

HIKE

So it was 8:40 AM when we reached the village and weather as cloudy. Filled our waterbags,picked up lunch box and we were all set to hike.Thanks to nature we found some sun just when we started the climb.

I break this hike into 3 phases.

PHASE ONE

This is the most difficult part out of the three phases.The climb begins with 35deg inclination and you see an arrow mark painted on rock to show direction in which you have to climb.Just a few meters of climb and first flat area opens up.Look behind once to understand the inclination.

You find one more arrow sign on the boulder and it is the last sign.Follow the map I have given as it is the least steep climb route.Few meters up and you see the MANTAPA and fort wall.These were the Soldiers station built at every level.

From here the climb gets even steeper than before till the next ridge you see.Enjoy the view and start climbing.I couldn't believe the elevation we gained in 15min of climb.Fort wall looked so near but Prasanna said " Look for water paths and do not step on it". These are black in color and you know it can get slippery because of water coming down the mountain.

At this place we were feeling bit exhausted and decided to take a break for 10min. Had some water and hydrated ourselves. Carry plenty water as there is none at the top of the hill.

So we finally reach the first entrance of the fort after 50 min of climbing. We decided to have our breakfast and then do the rest later. Prasanna had brought Chapati and sabji which gave some energy while cool breeze helped beat the heat.

PHASE TWO

Just thru the first entrance, me and Prasanna got quite excited to see the large water body with huge tree kissing the water.

This part of the fort contains a pond, temple, oil well, grain storage room, jail and soldier's shelter rooms.

Spent little time here and started heading to the second fort.

PHASE THREE

This is the easiest part as you have to work yourself thru the doors and its a grass trail later that lead to the steps to reach the third fort.

By this time it got cloudy and drizzled for 10min.

This second fort guards the main area where people use to live and stored all ingredients.This includes a large kitchen as well.

Climb up the stairs and you enter the 3rd fort entrance.

Finally we reach the top of the hill to where you get to see the whole village below and 2nd fort blueprint.

We called it a snack time and had some veggies. there were some showers every few min but hey its the coolest thing to find and relax.

How can you end the trip without funny photos?

Please do not litter the fort.

Till next time...ciao ciao

FEEL FREE TO ASK ANY QUESTIONs WHEN YOU PLAN TO VISIT CHANNARAYANA DURGA.