From the summer home of the Tiger of Mysore to a 1,000-year-old military complex – flip the metaphoric pages of history by dropping by the garden city’s most old-school structures. Here’s looking at must-visit forts in and around Bangalore. By Eshita Srinivas
Despite boasting intricate carvings and picturesque temples – forts are a highly underrated tourist attraction. In fact, they often get passed up for the more ubiquitous palaces and gardens. However, these structures have seen a great deal of history – having been the base of operations during wars or summer retreats for the country’s greatest royals. Add to this expansive gardens, picturesque hill-top views, and exciting trekking and photography opportunities and you’ve got yourself the perfect weekend destination. If you’re in Bengaluru, don’t miss out on these remnants of the past.
Best forts in and around Bangalore to head to this weekend
Bangalore Fort
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Believed to be one of the oldest structures in Bangalore, this fort is located within the bustling KR Market. It started out as a mud fort in 1537 and was built by Kempe Gowda 1 of the Vijayanagar Empire – a.k.a the founder of Bangalore. This was later replaced by Hyder Ali with a stone fort in 1761 only to be further improved by his son Tipu Sultan in the late 18th century. During this time, it served as a stellar example of military fortification, especially during the invasion of the British army in 1791. While here, spot the intricate architecture (now limited to a gate and two bastions), abandoned temple, balconies that were used to address state officials, museum with unique artefacts, and the plaque holding details of the British invasion.
Timings: 8:30 am – 5:30 pm (Monday-Sunday)
Fee: INR 15
Address: New Tharagupet, Bangalore
How to reach: From central Bangalore, take an auto or bus to KR Market and walk to the fort.
Tipu Sultan’s Summer Palace
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Hailed for being a stellar example of Indo-Islamic architecture – this structure, as the name suggests, was the summer residence of Tipu Sultan. Located within the Bangalore fort premises, it was completed in 1791 and was passed on to the British administration post Tipu Sultan’s death. Featured here is a breathtaking example of Indo-Islamic architecture – complete with pillars, arches, balconies, walls with motifs, and a painting of a grand throne. There’s also a museum here that’s worth visiting.
Timings: 8:30 am – 5:30 pm (Monday – Sunday)
Fee: INR 20
Address: New Tharagupet, Bangalore
How to reach: From central Bangalore, take an auto or bus to KR Market and walk to the fort.
Book a stay at ITC Windsor here
Devanahalli Fort
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Just beyond the Kempegowda International Airport, the Devanahalli Fort is believed to be Tipu Sultan’s birthplace. It’s located within the Nanjundeshwara Temple. The story goes that during the time of the Vijayanagara rule, chieftain Malla Byre Gowda constructed the initial mud fort, sometime around 1501. Later, it was improved upon, being passed on to the Wodeyars of Mysore and later being captured by Haider Ali and Tipu Sultan. The latter renamed the fort ‘Yousafabad,’ but it didn’t catch on. During the Anglo-Mysore wars, the fort was Lord Cornwallis’ responsibility. Spot the garden – or khas bagh – around the enclosure.
Timings: Open 24 hours (Monday – Sunday)
Fee: Free entry
Address: Devanahalli District, Bangalore – Hyderabad Highway, Devanahally
How to reach: From central Bangalore, hop on a cab for a 40-minute ride and head to the fort
Madhugiri Betta
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A small town not too far from Bengaluru, Madhugiri is a single hill – believed to be one of the largest in Asia. It’s also known for its eponymous fort, built by the Vijayanagara dynasty. Perched on a steep slope with intricate architecture – it takes a bit of a trek to reach here. The monolithic hill is adorned with stone carvings that are worth taking note of. Along the way you could spot caves, temples, and semi-ruined structures. Remember to carry a photograph and identification card to register yourself with the guards before embarking on the trek. Heading to this spot for sunrise comes highly recommended.
Timings: Open 24 hours (Monday – Sunday)
Fee: Free entry
Address: Madhugiri, Tumkur
How to reach: This spot is about 100 kilometres away from the city. Hop on a bus to Tumkur or drive down.
Book a stay at Taj West End here
Skandagiri Fort
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Another popular spot for trekking, Skandagiri is a part of the hills of Chikkaballapur district. While the views alone are worth the drive up, the ruins of an 18th century fort draw tourists and locals in scores. Reportedly Tipu Sultan had conquered the fort from a local ruler and later used it as a military base during the British invasion. The mountain fortress features carved pillars and stones – alluding to a time of strength and grandeur. Not to mention, the view from the top is breathtaking. Spot Nandi Hills and Kanivenarayanapura from here.
Timings: Open 24 hours (Monday – Sunday)
Fee: Free entry
Address: Suddahalli, Karnataka
How to reach: This spot is about 62 kilometres from Bangalore city. Drive down to the spot or hop on the KSR Bengaluru – Kolar DEMU Express train.
Nandi Durga – Tippu Summer House Fort
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Located 4,851 feet above sea level, this structure is unmissable for anyone heading to Nandi Hills. The structure closely resembles Dariya Daulat in Srirangapatna. Construction commenced under the guidance of the Chikkaballapur chieftains, only to be completed in 1791 by Tipu Sultan who would head here over the summer. Owing to the pleasant weather and the beauty of the structure, he named the site ‘Tashk-e-Jannat’ (translated, envy of heaven). Made of wood, the towers and arches are engraved, with the walls featuring several portraits. And although the general public isn’t permitted to step inside, the visit alone is both picturesque and enthralling.
Timings: 10:00 am – 6:30 pm (Monday – Sunday)
Fee: INR 100 (to enter Nandi Hills)
Address: Nandi Hills, Chikkaballapur, Karnataka
How to reach: Drive down to the spot or hop on a bus to Thanisandra and hail a cab from there to the hills
Book a stay at The Leela Palace Bengaluru here
Channarayana Durga
A complex, seven-storey fort is a popular option for those looking to head to a spot away from the city on the weekends. As history goes, a local king Chikkappa Gorda built the structure in the 17th century with a few temples within. It was used for strategic purposes and was the centre of many conflicts until it fell into the hands of the Marathas and later the Mysore Wodeyars. Finally, the British took over during the Mysore war. Interestingly, the fort has a complex architecture, with the exit out of sight until visitors have fully explored the region. It takes about a half-day trek to get to this spot.
Timings: Open 24 hours (Monday – Sunday)
Fee: Free entry
Address: Madhugiri, Tumkur, Karnataka
How to reach: This spot is about 100 kilometres from Bengaluru. Drive down early or hire a cab.
Makalidurga Fort
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This hill fort is located about 60 kilometres north of Bengaluru and features an old temple of deity Shiv. Located atop a massive granite hillock – at a height of about 1,117 metres – the structure was reportedly where the Vijayanagara Empire conducted army exercises. It was then taken over by military leader Shahaji Bhonsale. Many trek to the spot on the weekends and the views are stunning to say the least. The view to the fort itself is rocky and difficult to traverse while being picturesque – complete with lakes at the bottom and verdant vegetation.
Timings: 6:00 am – 5:30 pm (Monday – Sunday)
Fee: INR 450 (trekking free)
Address: Makali, Karnataka
How to reach: This spot is at a distance of 61 kilometres from Bangalore City Junction. Hop on a train to the Makalidurga train station or rent a car to drive down.
Book a stay at Four Seasons Hotel Bengaluru at Embassy ONE here
Begur Fort
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An underrated structure, this fort is an old military complex built of mud bricks. The tiny, circular fort was built by the Cholas – with only a 1,100-year-old inscription on the gateway to suggest its age. It features carved stone pillars and encircles a temple – with a few old homes and other antique structures to spot. A lake nearby adds to its picturesque quality and you’ll spot many heading here for a picnic over the weekends. Unfortunately, the upkeep of the place leaves much to be desired. However, come festivals, the temple – still in function – lights up the spot with ceremonies.
Timings: Open 24 hours (Monday – Sunday)
Fee: Free entry
Address: Akshaya Residency, Akshayanagar, Bengaluru
How to reach: Hop on a bus to Begur from Majestic bus stop or drive down.
Medigeshi Fort
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A historical destination – Medigeshi Fort is known to have seen many battles. Reportedly, Hyder Ali -former sultan of Mysore – took charge of the fort for a short time. It sits atop a hill at 2,581 feet and was believed to have been built by Nagga Reddi – a local tribal chief who named the structure after his wife who had long hair that flowed to her ankles (medi translates to ankle and kasha to hair). Featured here are well-designed towers and stairs, artificial ponds, arsenals, and more! Trek up to the spot if you’re in the mood for a bit of an adventure.
Timings: 10:00 am – 10:00 pm (Monday – Sunday)
Fee: Free entry
Address: Tumakuru, Karnataka
How to reach: Hop on a bus to Tumkur from Majestic bus stop or drive down.
Book a stay at Sheraton Grand Bangalore Hotel at Brigade Gateway here
Chikkajala Fort
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This highly underrated spot – which dates back to nearly 3,000 years – is the remains of a larger structure which was demolished for road-widening purposes. Reports state that the walls were built in the 1750s – during Tipu Sultan’s time – and resemble the ones over at the Devanahalli fort. Featured here are mysterious carvings, large stepwell, and intricate Indo-Islamic, Mysore-style architecture. The temple here, well preserved, is worth a visit as well.
Timings: Open 24 hours (Monday – Sunday)
Fee: Free entry
Address: Chikkajala, Bengaluru
How to reach: The spot is just a 15-minute drive from the Kempegowda International Airport
Best time to visit Bangalore
Undoubtedly, the winter months of October-February are ideal to visit Bangalore. The average temperatures hover around 24-28 degrees C and the skies are clear – making it perfect to enjoy the city’s rooftop restaurants, gardens, and lakes. Not to mention, you won’t have to deal with the hassle of booking cabs while it pours outside.
All images: Shutterstock
Related: Explore The Yesteryear Charm Of Hyderabad By Paying A Visit To These Places
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Answer: Bangalore Fort and Chikkajala Fort are some of the oldest of their kind in the city.
Answer: All forts hold their own charm but the Tipu Sultan Summer Palace is favoured by many for its appealing architecture.
Answer: Tipu Sultan had a sprawling residential palace in Seringapatam. However, he also stayed at The Summer Palace and Daria Daulat Bagh Palace.
Answer: Manjarabad Fort was built by Tipu Sultan in 1792.
Answer: Most forts in Bangalore have free entry, however to get a peek of just the exterior of the Nandi Durga – Tippu Summer House Fort, you need to pay about INR 100.
Answer: The Cholas built Begur fort over 1,000 years ago.
Answer: Kempe Gowda 1 of the Vijayanagar Empire - the founder of Bangalore - built the Bangalore fort.
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