Chitradurga Fort is an ancient fort that straddles many hills and a peak overlooking a flat valley in Chitradurga District, Karnataka, India. This fort was known as Chitaldoorg during the British rule in India.

Chitra Durga means picturesque fort in the local language, Kannada. This fort was constructed between the 11th and 13th centuries. Many local dynasty rulers were involved in its construction, namely Chalukyas and Hoysalas. Nayakas of Chitradurga expanded the fort between the 15th and 18th centuries. Vijayanagar dynasty rulers were also engaged in this fort’s renovation or expansion.

Chitaldoorg fort is a series of seven concentric fortification walls with various passages, around seven hills. There is a citadel, masjid, and many temples inside the fort. The upper fort has 18 temples. Lower Fort has a huge temple. Warehouses to store food and oil are also there.

A mosque was constructed inside the fort by Hyder Ali. Hyder Ali’s son, Tipu Sultan, added an administrative office to the lower fort. Maddu Bisuva Kallu, meaning gunpowder grinding stone, was also added to the fort during Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan’s regime. This quadruple mill has four massive grinders for grinding gunpowder.

Water reservoirs are also there inside the Chitaldoorg. This fort has one of the best rainwater harvesting systems that is sufficient to provide water supply all through the year. This fort has never experienced any water shortage.

Apart from those mentioned in the above paragraph, others who occupied this fort include Hyder Ali and his son Tipu Sultan. The British captured this fort from Tipu Sultan.

River Tungabhadra flows to the northwest of this Fortress Temples on the hill.

How do I go to ChitraDurga Fort alias Chitaldoorg?

Chitradurga town is a major town in the state of Karnataka. It is also a district headquarters. There is a railway station at Chitradurga. Bangalore International Airport is the nearest airport at around 200 kilometers distance.

Chitra Durga Fort is at a distance of 120 kilometers from the temple town of Hampi.