It was Byresagara lake that
showed up first as we manoeuvered our way along the narrow village road. The
lake was placid, had a few storks, rising mist and a lone fisherman, which made
the frame absolutely breathtaking. The towering Gudibande fort atop the hillock
loomed in front of us as we drove towards the village that was waking up. It
was a race between the sun and us the moment we drove out of Bengaluru in the
wee hours of a Sunday morning. By the time we took a detour on to the village
road, the sun was had already spread its hues over the horizon.
Gudibande fort located in Chikballapur
district, north of Bengaluru was built in the 17th century by a local
chieftain Byre Gowda. Byrasagara lake at the base too was built by him, who was considered a robin hood by the locals as he often robbed the
rich and helped the poor. The fort is considered to be built as a replica of
Madhugiri fort.
It is an easy climb all the way
with a line of steps initially which turns into narrow rock chiseled pathways
as you go higher. The hillock is strewn with boulders and some look
precariously placed with a pathway beneath. The views from the vantage
points enroute are an absolute delight with panoramic vistas of the
surrounding areas. The rock cut slabs which act as steps at many places make
sure that the climb is adventurous as well. A large part of the climb is a
gradual ascent, with some short steep stretches.
The fort has seven levels with
fortifications, ruined structures, small shrines, entrance gates with carvings, many bastions, and a rocky terrain throughout. Most of the structures are in a dilapidated
state with overgrown bushes. The fort also has a few escape routes and rainwater
harvesting ponds that you cross on the way up. Dodging past the large boulders,
once you reach the top, the views are spectacular. Distant boulder strewn
hillocks, miniature houses, Byrasagara lake and the barren brown landscape
are an eye soother. Atop the hillock, there is a temple dedicated to Shiva.
Though the temple isn’t attractive enough, carvings on the lamp post in the front
are intricate and beautiful.
It is quite windy at the top and
be prepared to face it once you reach the summit. Start as early as possible to
avoid the harsh sun. While the climb took us less than an hour with multiple stops,
we reached the base in half an hour. Gudibande fort is an ideal place for
people who are new to treks and those who love landscape photography. It is
still not so popular on the tourist’s map, and that’s another reason to visit
this fort.
Travel Tips:
- Start the trek before 7 AM
- There are no shops at the top or at the base
- There is space to park vehicles at the base
How to Reach Gudibande fort:
Gudibande is 95 kms from
Bengaluru. Take NH 44 and take a left at Perasandra to reach Gudibande fort.
