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Bangalore is mostly known as a cosmopolitan city and it is known as the Silicon Valley in India, making it the city of the future. However, few know that the city has a very shining past as well, and it is reflected through the majestic forts in and around the city, which stands tall even today as markers of the city’s splendor. These are great places to explore and very educational for the children as well. Here are some of the most notable forts near Bangalore:
The construction of the palace started under the reign of Haider Ali but was completed under Tipu Sultan in the year 1791 and served as his summer palace. The palace is a fine example of Indo- Islamic architecture and today it is maintained by the ASI. The palace is located in Old Banaglore and stands near the Kalasipalyam bus stand. The structure was built completely in teak and there are innumerable arches, balconies and engraved pillars. The darbar of Tipu Sultan was conducted in the eastern and western balconies of the upper floors and there were four smaller rooms which were used as Zenana Quarters. The palace also holds a magnificent painting of a throne which the Sultan had envisioned himself. The throne had gold sheets wrapped around it and was adorned with precious emeralds but he had vowed not to sit on it till he had completely defeated the British. After his death in the Fourth Anglo Indian War, the British dismantled the throne and sold it in parts as it was too expensive to be bought by a single person. The ground has a museum which, among other things also has his crown and his clothes.
This fort is also known as the Kalavara Durga and is located about 65 km from the city. It is a popular place among the trekkers of the city and the fort can be reached by hiking uphill, from here one can get a magnificent sunrise view. This fort was also built by Tipu Sultan and is at present quite dilapidated. Yet, the palace is noted for as an exciting camping site at night. It is also a great place for photography and bird watching. There is no entry fee but tickets are needed for the trek. The fort remains open from 6 am to 6pm.
Location: Bellary Road, National Highway 7
The Devanahalli Fort had been witness to a number of battles and wars ever since 1501 and this also happens to the birthplace and residence of the great Tipu Sultan, where he lived before he had built his own palace. The fort is stretches for over 20 acres and there are twelve circular bastions within its premises. The fort is notable because of its large gopuras and because of the elaborate stone work that can be seen on the walls. The palace houses a number of temples and the most notable among them are the ones of Venugopalaswamy and the Siddalingeshwar. The art work and engravings on the temple walls are exquisite and art lovers still come here to gaze at them. The palace is located in the outskirts of the city and all kinds of transport are available to take you to it. There is no entry fee.
Location: Near Bangalore- Hyderabad highway
There are nine forts located off the Kunigal highway near Herur and this happens to be the most prominent one. This fort is located on a mountain and has a very peculiar shape because it is indeed shaped like a cup. The fort is mostly in ruins now, located on the hill Kumbi Betta but the locals still visit the temple of Varadaraja, which was built during the reign of the Gowdas. Trekkers find this place quite interesting because visiting the fort entails quite a bit of rock climbing. There are vertical rock patches here which have to be traversed and many trekkers gather here between October to January. There is no entry fee.
Location: Kunigal Taluk of Tumkur district
This fort has a been a witness to the struggles of the Mysore kingdom and was also a fort belonging to Tipu Sultan. The architecture is very impressive. It was first built as a mud fort by Kempe Gowda but was later rebuilt in stone to make it stronger. The fort is adorned with Islamic art work and the interiors are of teak wood. The fort also has a 500 year old Ganpati shrine inside it and there are beautiful murals adorning the walls. There are lovely paintings and the gardens with the temple are still done up. The fort is open for visitors from 9 am to 6 pm and remains closed on Sundays. Entry is INR 5 for Indians and INR 100 for foreigners.
Location: Near KR City market, Chamrajpet
This fort is a wonderful trekking destination as well as a symbol of the conquests and battles fought in the region. The fort has been a spectator to the rise and falls of several kingdoms and still stands tall to tell the story. It was built during the reign of the Gowdas and was subsequently taken over by the Marathas and then the British. The youngsters today trek to this place and it is quite exciting because there are no signboards guiding you to top. You can of course, hire local guides.
Location: Koratagere in Tumkur district
The Madhugiri Betta is a great trekking destination today and the destination is the splendid fort located above it. This fort is also known as the second largest monolithic rock in Asia and that is what is so attractive to the tourists. One can enjoy a splendid view of the whole town from the top of the hill and the fort is surrounded by greenery on all sides. The height of Madhugiri itself is about 4000 meters and there are temples dedicated to Lord Venkataraman Swami and Malleshwaram built on top if it, but during the Vijaynagar kingdom era and boasting splendid Dravidian architecture. The fort is open from 8 am to 5 pm
Location: Tumkur district
The Makali Durga is also a popular trekking destination in Bangalore today and the tranquility of the place is really calming. The fort lies atop a granite hillock and from here one can enjoy a splendid view of the lake. There is a Shiva temple nearby and the trail winds to the bottom of the hill. The fort is also a popular spot for night trek and camping and it will provide you with the perfect locale to get away from the chaos and noise of the city and spend a day amidst history and nature. The fort is open from 8 am to 6 pm. There is no entry fee.
Location: Doddaballapur
This 1100 year old circular fort was built at the time of the Cholas and has been a prominent seat for the Western Ganga dynasty. The city Bengaluru has its etymology in the name of this fort. This circular fort was built encircling a temple and there were only a few old houses at first. The area is quite grassy and there is also a lake nearby which is a great spot to have a picnic and also for bird watching.
Location: Akshaya Residency
This fort is over 3000 years old and has still managed to withstand the ravages of time. Its structure is really mysterious and there is a circular walled compound with a Kalyani, or a pond at the center. The fort is spread over 2 acres and the huge hall of the fort is supported by stone pillars. There is also a Pushkarini temple inside the fort. The pillars are done up in pre- Islamic style but the temple itself has a more modern pattern. There is no entry fee.
Location: Chikkajala.
Located about 120 km from Banaglore, this fort is located on a hill top. This is also a popular trekking spot and those with a sense of adventure, love to explore the fort and enjoy the splendid vistas around. The local flora and fauna is amazing and from here you can still see the grounds in front where battles were fought. There are some artificial ponds, rest areas and also some exquisitely designed tombs of the earlier rulers. The fort is open from 10 am to 10 pm, making it a thrilling spot to visit after sundown.
Location: Madhugiri Taluk
These splendid forts around Bangalore tell the rich history of the region and remind the people of the glorious past, making it a city steeped in history and yet modern in current times. Do visit some of these forts on your next break and your love for the city will only increase further.
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April 15, 2024 
