Devanahalli fort at Bangalore, Karnataka, India

Karnataka

Devanahalli Fort

Devanahalli, Bangalore, Karnataka, India - June 12 2022 :  Devanahalli fort image. Tourist places in Bangalore.  Historical monuments in Karnataka India.
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Devanahalli, Bangalore, Karnataka, India - June 12 2022 :  Devanahalli fort image. Tourist places in Bangalore.  Historical monuments in Karnataka India.
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Devanahalli fort at Bangalore, Karnataka, India
Devanahalli, Bangalore, Karnataka, India - June 12 2022 :  Devanahalli fort image. Tourist places in Bangalore.  Historical monuments in Karnataka India.
devanahalli-fort-bangaluru-karnataka-1-musthead-hero
Devanahalli, Bangalore, Karnataka, India - June 12 2022 :  Devanahalli fort image. Tourist places in Bangalore.  Historical monuments in Karnataka India.
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DCIM\100MEDIA\DJI_0483.JPG
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map

January

13.4 - 31.2 °C

February

14.7 - 33.7 °C

March

16.6 - 35.7 °C

April

19.4 - 36.5 °C

May

19.4 - 36.2 °C

June

19.2 - 33.2 °C

July

18.9 - 31.1 °C

August

18.8 - 30.7 °C

September

18.4 - 31.4 °C

October

17.5 - 31 °C

November

14.9 - 30.1 °C

December

13.3 - 29.5 °C


Major Airports :

Kempegowda International Airport (BLR), Bengaluru

Nearest Railway Station :

Bangalore City Railway Station (SBC)

Major Airports :

Kempegowda International Airport (BLR), Bengaluru

A grand citadel and the birthplace of Tipu Sultan

Tucked away in the hushed outskirts of Bengaluru lies a centuries-old citadel with weathered granite walls and intricate architecture. The Devanahalli Fort, once home to great kings, holds the secrets of empires long gone. From its humble mud-brick origins to its dramatic transformations under the rule of illustrious figures, the fort's story is one of resilience, conflict, and the ebb and flow of power.

But perhaps no one is more associated with this famed fort than Tipu Sultan, the legendary ruler of the Kingdom of Mysore, known as the "Tiger of Mysore." Tipu Sultan was born in Devanahalli in 1750, very close to the Devanahalli Fort. A memorial known as 'the birthplace of Tipu Sultan' now stands as a testament to this historic event. This memorial is a small pillared enclosure with a stone tablet declaring it as Tipu Sultan's birthplace. The area surrounding this enclosure is known as Khas Bagh. This simple yet significant site serves as a poignant reminder of the fort's deep connection to one of India's most formidable leaders, even though Tipu Sultan himself eventually conquered this fort later in his life.

A fortress of tales

The fort's origins trace back to 1501, when a chieftain named Malla Byre Gowda, a vassal of the Vijayanagara Empire, constructed a mud structure on this very ground. According to local lore, Malla Byre Gowda's family were fleeing refugees from Kanchipuram who settled in the region after the clan leader, Rana Byre Gowda, was instructed in a dream to build a settlement here. The fort remained under the control of Malla Byre Gowda's descendants until the mid-18th century, when the Dalwai of Mysore, Nanjarajaiah, captured it. The fort's story took a dramatic turn when it passed into the hands of the legendary Hyder Ali and his son, Tipu Sultan. Tipu even renamed the town Yousafabad, though the new moniker never gained widespread use. During the Anglo-Mysore War in 1791, the fort was eventually conquered by Lord Cornwallis, thus ending the reign of the last Indian ruler.

A glorious history told in stone

The fort's architectural grandeur truly shines through in the detailed masonry. Its arched entryway is like a portal that transports you to a bygone era. As you wander the fort's roughly 20-acre oval expanse, you can almost feel the echoes of the past reverberating through the air. The granite walls, punctuated by 12 semi-circular bastions, stand as silent sentinels, each equipped with a gunpoint to guard against invaders. The elaborate cut-plasterwork adorning the east and west entrances draws the eye, hinting at the regal ambitions of its former occupants. Within the walls, the remnants of Hyder Ali's residence and the Hindu temples that dot the complex symbolise the fort's diverse cultural heritage. Yet, for all its historical significance, Devanahalli Fort has a certain air of melancholy, making it a unique visit that will stay in your mind for a long time.


Devanahalli, Bangalore, Karnataka, India - June 12 2022 :  Devanahalli fort image. Tourist places in Bangalore.  Historical monuments in Karnataka India.
Timings

Opening time - Open 24 hours

Temples and their treasures

The fortress also offers a treasure trove of architectural and historical wonders. Among the must-see attractions is the Venugopalaswamy Temple, one of the oldest within the fort complex. This temple features a Dravidian-style spire and an idol of Lord Krishna that showcases the Vijayanagara artistic influence. Intricately carved pillars, a Garuda monument in the courtyard, and wall panels depicting scenes from Hindu epics like the Ramayana further attract visitors. Additionally, the fort houses the revered Siddalingeshwara Temple, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva, and the Chandramouleshwara Temple, whose Vijayanagara-style inner sanctum shelters a Shiva Lingam.

As you explore this remarkable citadel, carry with you the weight of its history, the echoes of its stories, and the bittersweet realization that even the mightiest of fortresses cannot withstand the relentless march of time.

Beyond the fort

Beyond the historic fort's walls, the Devanahalli region offers a wealth of additional sights and experiences to discover. Nature enthusiasts can venture to the Nandi Hills, an idyllic hill station offering panoramic vistas and hiking trails that wind through lush, verdant landscapes. Just a few kilometres away, the Devanahalli Palace is a relic of the region's royal past, offering a glimpse into the architectural grandeur of bygone eras. Culture buffs can explore the ancient Dravidian Bhoga Nandeeshwara Temple with intricate stone carvings and a towering granite spire.