Things To Do Near Gudibande Fort

Gudibande Fort was built by a yogi and local chieftain named Byre Gowda nearly 400 years ago in the 17th century. He is believed to be from the Tuluva dynasty of the Vijayanagar empire. It can be considered a short  form of the Madhuri fort. The seven levels of the fort have interlinking escape routes that help soldiers flee in case of emergency. On top of the fort is  a Shiva Temple called "Sir Rameshwara Temple". Sage Vishwamitra and Lord Rama established the temple, which is said to be one of the 108 Jyotirlingas. The well-sculpted images lie on a solid pillar with the base of a square structure. Also , the Byrasagara reservoir can be seen . The rainwater harvesting feature dominates the fort.  There were some 19 rock ponds on different levels of the fort. However , the water channel system designed by Byre Gowda was unique. Connected nineteen water bodies and tanks called drones, they could hold nearly 3 lakh litres of rainwater. 

The Gudibande Fort is said to have been constructed by Raja Venkatappa Nayaka in the 16th century when he  was the ruler of the region under the greater Vijayanagara Empire. However, this strategic locality could have been used much earlier for military purposes. The successive rulers extended and fortified the fort, which is said to have played an essential role during most of the wars concerning the region, including the skirmishes between the powers in the different areas. The fort architecture is quite simple but strategically designed. It has enormous  walls made of stones with a couple of bastions and a big entrance gate. Inside are a few buildings, including temples, water tanks, and minor ruins of the fortification walls. 

The fort lies on a small hill so as not to be easily accessed, and the entrance lies along a curvy path leading up to the top. It is a lesser-known destination for trekkers, though it has slowly gained popularity over the last few years. The hill can be climbed in under an hour. All trekkers are advised to carry their food and replenishments since none is found at the top. Also, it is one of the well-known trekking near Bangalore, which can be visited at night and during the day. Doing a trek on the trail up the hill during the moon night is one of the adventurous things you can do at Gudibande Fort. At the top of the mountain, the display of natural beauty around you will be an enchantment to cherish! 

Gudibande Fort is a beautiful treasure of rich history, architectural beauty, and nature views. Situated in the quiet  Chikkaballapur district, it offers a chance to indulge in peace far away from typical crowds of  tourists. History  lovers, nature lovers, and trekking lovers have a space there because of its strategic location on the hilltop, historic structures,  water reservoirs, and a small Shiva temple. 

GUDIBANDE FORT HIGHLIGHTS 

• This hilltop fort provides panoramic views over the horizon , thus making it an excellent  photography  location and sightseeing spot. 

• Watchtowers and bastions position one for more strategic observation of the surroundings. 

• The fort still boasts  thick walls and defence structures , such as big entrance gates , which are well intact. 

• The fort's architecture is relatively simple yet strategically done to hold up an attack. 

• Multiple water reservoirs inside the fort complex, without which one cannot survive in the dry region, reflect self-sufficiency in the fort. 

• There is a small Shiva temple, which provides religious and cultural excellence to the place. 

• It is not crowded compared to other forts in Karnataka; it is a peaceful place for a history  enthusiast and  one  looking to be left alone. 

• Moderate trek to the fort from the base of the hill. Ideal for hiking enthusiasts and adventure seekers. 

Check Out: One Day Trip From Bangalore & Trekking Near Bangalore & Two Day Trip From Bangalore

BEST TIME TO VISIT : 

The best time to visit the Gudibande Fort is in April and June and between November and March. The weather will be pretty pleasant, and the atmosphere will turn into a lovely display of ambient colours. Between July and October, the hilltop experiences the rainy season, which must be avoided  when visiting Gudibande Fort. 

TIPS FOR VISITING GUDIBANDE FORT : 

• Always carry enough water with you so that incidents of dehydration do not occur. 

•  Wear comfortable clothes and footwear to avoid unease. 

• The trek is long, so ensure you are fit enough to take the trek. Exercise and stretching activities a few days before the trek can be helpful. 

• The trail leading to the fort is slightly trekking on uneven, rocky ground.  Stay on the beaten  track and do not  venture away from the track , as this will help you stay safe. 

• It would be an excellent idea for a night trek to carry proper torches and spare batteries; they would come in  handy. 

• Gudibande Fort is still an underexposed, peaceful place. So, respect the place with a clean environment  and not  litteraround. Ensure you dispose of the trash correctly and do not leave anything behind. 

• Sometimes, the region has local festivals and fairs to make your trip worthwhile, so check them out. 

HOW TO REACH: 

Gudibande is 100 km from Bengaluru (30 km from AP border). You can go to Gudibande on Airport Road. Clear signboards after Chikkaballapur go towards both sides of the road. The roads to the place throughout are in good condition and accessible with minor difficulty. 

The nearest railway station is Chikkaballapur. It is around 15 km from Gudibande. You can get trains from Bangalore City Railway Station or Yeshvantpur to Chikkaballapur. You can  hire a local taxi or an auto-rickshaw or board a bus from Chikkaballapur to get to Gudibande. 

The nearest airport is Kempegowda International Airport in Bangalore , approximately 70-75 km from the Gudibande Fort. You can hire a taxi or rent a car for this trip. 

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