Chitradurga is a town in Karnataka in India.

Get in

By road

Chitradurga is 200 km northwest from Bangalore. You can reach the city via the NH4, which takes approximately 3.5 hr by car. You can also take any number of public buses that run from Bangalore to the Davanagere side which is a five-hour journey.

Understand

Chitradurga derives its name from Chitrakaldurga. History dates Chitradurga District to the period of the Ramayana and Mahabharata. Located at the base of a chain of lofty peaks, Chitradurga is characterized by boulder-strewn landscape. The whole district lies in the valley of the Vedavati River, with the Tungabhadra river flowing in the Northwest.

History

Chitradurga has its name embedded in the Indian Epic, Mahabaratha. As per the epic, a man-eating giant named Hidimbasura lived in the Chitradurga hills. When Pandavas were exiled, Bhima and the giant had a war and he killed Hidimbasura. The boulders there were used as part of the arsenal. The city rests on boulders which are the oldest rock formation in the country.

Get around

Local transportation from the main bus station to the Fort is available. This will suffice for backpacker and a low budget traveller. It is always preferable to travel around in a car. There is safe and sufficient parking available at the entrance of the fort.

See

• Chitradurga is famous for its Fort. The Fort build on the north eastern base of a cluster of rocky hills commenced during the 10th century AD. Under the rule of Palegars, the fort came under the rule of Hyder Ali in the 19th century later inherited by Tipu Sultan.
• Jogimatti : 10 km south of Chitradurga is this hill resort, at a height of 3803 ft (1160m). Himavatkedra, a waterfall that flows through the rocks, has created a natural cave, that has a Shiva Linga and idols of Veerabhadra and Basavanna. There is a zoo and a garden here.
• Chandavalli: Chandavalli Lake Garden (Chandavalli Vana) is 13 km away from Chitradurga bus station. You can reach there by auto rickshaw. If you are coming by private vehicle then ask the local people they will guide you properly.
• 1 Vani Vilasa Sagara Dam. 9AM to 5:30PM. While driving from Bangalore to Chitradurga, it is kind of on the way. This is a very old dam, built in 1907. The view is incredible from here. You are allowed to walk on the dam. There is also a temple close by. (updated Oct 2015)

Eat

Famous for Churmuri, Menasinkayi bajji (Chilli Bonda). There are some good hotels and restaurants in and near Chitradurga. You can visit Lakshmi Bhavan Tiffen Room on the way from the bus stand to the fort. Hotel is famous for Dose (a traditional breakfast option of Karnataka)

• Town 16 Cafe, Highway Junction. (updated Sep 2022)
• Krishna Bhavan Cafe, Highway Junction. Vegetarian restaurant. (updated Sep 2022)
• Venketeshwara Cafe (Maniyoor.). The best non-vegetarian restaurant in Majestic Circle area. (updated May 2023)

Sleep

Hotel Ravi Mayur International, NH4 near by Rural Police station. Luxury rooms with AC and Non-AC rooms

• Sri Shanthi Comforts, Chicken Market, Near Santhe Maidan, ☏ +91 9071621235. Very average rooms without TV. 800₹. (updated May 2023)

Go next

• The historic Hampi ruins are 150 km to the north.