Hidden Gems, History, and Hiking Should be Your Weekend Agenda
Are you looking for hidden gems away from the hustle-bustle of the city to spend your weekend? If yes, then you should visit Gudibande Fort with your friends. Located in the town of Gudibande in the Chikkaballapur district of Karnataka lies the old Gudibande Fort. As a historical landmark, it is often visited by tourists and ranks high on lists of attractions to see in Bangalore. So, trek to this great fort and soak in the panoramic views of this rocky landscape. Read on to learn more about this fantastic hidden gem near Chikkaballapur.
About Gudibande Fort
In the 17th century, Byre Gowda, a native chieftain who dominated the area for about three years, constructed Gudibande Fort. The Tuluva dynasty of the Vijayanagar empire, or so the rumour went, was his family tree of origin. It’s a miniature version of the Madhugiri Fort.
There are seven floors in all, all of which are connected by escape tunnels in case the garrison ever needs to evacuate. Two temples, one to Shiva and one to Parvathi, can be found inside the fort. It is widely said that Lord Rama himself built the Shiva temple, presently known as Sir Rameshwara Temple. Stone sculptures of Nandi, Shanmukha and the Shiva Linga adorn the nandisthambha in front of the temple. Moreover, the fort’s 19 rock ponds, located at various tiers and connected by dhones, collected and stored almost 3,000,000 gallons of rainfall.
The Chola-built Lakshmi Venkataramana Swamy Temple in Gudibande town is well worth a visit. The settlement of Gudibande takes its name from the temple, whose name derives from the words “Gudi,” meaning “temple,” and “Bande,” meaning “rock.” About three kilometres before reaching the fort, there is a beautiful lake known as Bhairasagara Lake, whose unusual form resembles the map of India.
The ascent from the bottom of the slope requires around 500 steps. Ascending to the peak takes about 30–40 minutes. The path generally rises gently but has some more challenging sections. The view from the summit of Gudibande Fort of the surrounding town, the enormous Byrasagara lake, and the rocky terrain peppered with green plains is well worth the hike, even if it is not as challenging as the path to Madhugiri fort.
This fantastic hidden gem is just 30 km from the Adi Farms, the ideal destination to retreat from the chaos of regular city life.
History of Gudibande Fort
The fort’s history is fascinating. According to myths, when Gods and Demons became angry, the ocean became a raging place from which many species sprang, both good and evil. Pious Cows are said to have originated from this extinction event and made their way to Earth from somewhere else. To others who don’t believe the narrative, the rocks bear the imprints of the cow’s hooves.
Best Time to Visit Gudibande Fort
Monsoon and winter are ideal times to visit Gudibande Fort since the weather is mild and the natural scenery is stunning.
Is It Worth the Wait?
There is a Shiva shrine on top of the Gudibande fort. From that vantage point, you can see for miles. Opening out before you at the crest are a few fortifications and, beyond them, a vast, meadowlike landscape dotted with picturesque hills. From there, you may take in stunning vistas of Bhirasagara and the surrounding lakes. A fantastic night’s sleep is guaranteed among the rocks, providing shade. You may start your decline after you’ve spent an emotionally fulfilling length of time doing nothing. The trip back down from the top of Gudibande Fort should take at most 15 minutes.
Bring a picnic and enjoy the soothing shade the stony home and the temple provide. A little snooze to revitalise the body and mind seems like a dream come true.
What Can You Do at Gudibande Fort?
As said, Gudibande Fort is quickly becoming the top hiking destination in India, attracting tens of thousands of visitors each year. The vista and other nearby sights make visiting the fort an even more incredible experience than it already is. For sure, this is the perfect site for a weekend break and modest hiking, as affirmed by the majority of tourists.
Now that you’ve reached the bottom of the fort, have a look at the steps leading up to the top. The trail consists of at least 300 stairs with a few resting points along the way. For average hikers, the ascent takes around an hour. A fast hiker may do it in 30–45 minutes at most.
Seeing more of the surrounding area increases the intensity and surreality of the experience. The climb will be enjoyable because of all the verdant landscape features you’ll see along the way. Upon arrival, fresh air will blow on your tired face, revitalising you and taking you to an entirely different location. Hikers who make it to the hill’s summit will be rewarded with a breathtaking panorama. And from that vantage point, visitors may take in the breathtaking panorama of the Byrasagara Reservoir below.
Useful Tips When Visiting Gudibande Fort
Here are some of the tips which will help you on your visit to Gudibande Fort:
- Get an early start on your trip so you can reach the top before the sunlight gets strong.
- Bring plenty of snacks, fruits, and water if you start to flag in the middle. And after you get to the top of the hill, there won’t be any restaurants or stands selling food.
- The Gudibande Fort is usually deserted since so few people visit it. Since your safety is not assured, it is best to tour the fort with other people.
Final Words
Explore Gudibande Fort, see the terrain around the ancient fort, and see if you can locate any ponds or tunnels that have survived the collapse. Chikkaballapur is a beautiful area packed with interesting landmarks and destinations. To unwind after a day of farming, channel your inner explorer by visiting the area’s hiking trails and sacred sites. Well, don’t forget to check out Adi Farms, a perfect destination to reimagine your lifestyle away from the hustle-bustle of the city.
Hidden Gems, History, and Hiking Should be Your Weekend Agenda
Are you looking for hidden gems away from the hustle-bustle of the city to spend your weekend? If yes, then you should visit Gudibande Fort with your friends. Located in the town of Gudibande in the Chikkaballapur district of Karnataka lies the old Gudibande Fort. As a historical landmark, it is often visited by tourists and ranks high on lists of attractions to see in Bangalore. So, trek to this great fort and soak in the panoramic views of this rocky landscape. Read on to learn more about this fantastic hidden gem near Chikkaballapur.
About Gudibande Fort
In the 17th century, Byre Gowda, a native chieftain who dominated the area for about three years, constructed Gudibande Fort. The Tuluva dynasty of the Vijayanagar empire, or so the rumour went, was his family tree of origin. It’s a miniature version of the Madhugiri Fort.
There are seven floors in all, all of which are connected by escape tunnels in case the garrison ever needs to evacuate. Two temples, one to Shiva and one to Parvathi, can be found inside the fort. It is widely said that Lord Rama himself built the Shiva temple, presently known as Sir Rameshwara Temple. Stone sculptures of Nandi, Shanmukha and the Shiva Linga adorn the nandisthambha in front of the temple. Moreover, the fort’s 19 rock ponds, located at various tiers and connected by dhones, collected and stored almost 3,000,000 gallons of rainfall.
The Chola-built Lakshmi Venkataramana Swamy Temple in Gudibande town is well worth a visit. The settlement of Gudibande takes its name from the temple, whose name derives from the words “Gudi,” meaning “temple,” and “Bande,” meaning “rock.” About three kilometres before reaching the fort, there is a beautiful lake known as Bhairasagara Lake, whose unusual form resembles the map of India.
The ascent from the bottom of the slope requires around 500 steps. Ascending to the peak takes about 30–40 minutes. The path generally rises gently but has some more challenging sections. The view from the summit of Gudibande Fort of the surrounding town, the enormous Byrasagara lake, and the rocky terrain peppered with green plains is well worth the hike, even if it is not as challenging as the path to Madhugiri fort.
This fantastic hidden gem is just 30 km from the Adi Farms, the ideal destination to retreat from the chaos of regular city life.
History of Gudibande Fort
The fort’s history is fascinating. According to myths, when Gods and Demons became angry, the ocean became a raging place from which many species sprang, both good and evil. Pious Cows are said to have originated from this extinction event and made their way to Earth from somewhere else. To others who don’t believe the narrative, the rocks bear the imprints of the cow’s hooves.
Best Time to Visit Gudibande Fort
Monsoon and winter are ideal times to visit Gudibande Fort since the weather is mild and the natural scenery is stunning.
Is It Worth the Wait?
There is a Shiva shrine on top of the Gudibande fort. From that vantage point, you can see for miles. Opening out before you at the crest are a few fortifications and, beyond them, a vast, meadowlike landscape dotted with picturesque hills. From there, you may take in stunning vistas of Bhirasagara and the surrounding lakes. A fantastic night’s sleep is guaranteed among the rocks, providing shade. You may start your decline after you’ve spent an emotionally fulfilling length of time doing nothing. The trip back down from the top of Gudibande Fort should take at most 15 minutes.
Bring a picnic and enjoy the soothing shade the stony home and the temple provide. A little snooze to revitalise the body and mind seems like a dream come true.
What Can You Do at Gudibande Fort?
As said, Gudibande Fort is quickly becoming the top hiking destination in India, attracting tens of thousands of visitors each year. The vista and other nearby sights make visiting the fort an even more incredible experience than it already is. For sure, this is the perfect site for a weekend break and modest hiking, as affirmed by the majority of tourists.
Now that you’ve reached the bottom of the fort, have a look at the steps leading up to the top. The trail consists of at least 300 stairs with a few resting points along the way. For average hikers, the ascent takes around an hour. A fast hiker may do it in 30–45 minutes at most.
Seeing more of the surrounding area increases the intensity and surreality of the experience. The climb will be enjoyable because of all the verdant landscape features you’ll see along the way. Upon arrival, fresh air will blow on your tired face, revitalising you and taking you to an entirely different location. Hikers who make it to the hill’s summit will be rewarded with a breathtaking panorama. And from that vantage point, visitors may take in the breathtaking panorama of the Byrasagara Reservoir below.
Useful Tips When Visiting Gudibande Fort
Here are some of the tips which will help you on your visit to Gudibande Fort:
- Get an early start on your trip so you can reach the top before the sunlight gets strong.
- Bring plenty of snacks, fruits, and water if you start to flag in the middle. And after you get to the top of the hill, there won’t be any restaurants or stands selling food.
- The Gudibande Fort is usually deserted since so few people visit it. Since your safety is not assured, it is best to tour the fort with other people.
Final Words
Explore Gudibande Fort, see the terrain around the ancient fort, and see if you can locate any ponds or tunnels that have survived the collapse. Chikkaballapur is a beautiful area packed with interesting landmarks and destinations. To unwind after a day of farming, channel your inner explorer by visiting the area’s hiking trails and sacred sites. Well, don’t forget to check out Adi Farms, a perfect destination to reimagine your lifestyle away from the hustle-bustle of the city.