As people begin their fitness journey, they often start thinking about exciting adventures they can try. I, too, began searching for easy treks around Bangalore. One such trek I discovered is the Madhugiri Fort trek. And this Madhugiri Fort is Asia’s second-largest single piece of rock, and it’s located around 110 km from Bangalore.
The Madhugiri Forts remains sit on a tall hill about 3950 feet high, making it a thrilling trek. Its a two-hour journey from Bangalore, accessible by car or bus. The closest railway station is Tumkur, 40 km from Madhugiri.
Madhugiri can be visited during any hour of the day, there are no timings for entry and exit. However it is recommended not to visit it after evening or when night falls. The fort is closed after 5:00 pm in the evening. So you can plan from morning 6am to evening 5 pm for your trek. It’s best to begin early to avoid the harsh sun, unless it’s raining. However, it’s not advised to trek during the rainy season due to slippery terrain, which can be risky.
We started our trek and it looked so easy and comfortably doable. Just about 200 steps away are the watchtower of the fort. This tower was once used to see at distance during the kingdom. Also lies there a well with steps but is dry now. As you climb higher, the steep and rocky hill becomes very tricky and demanding. Though there are small steps, just enough to rest your toes and a rope along the path for support still it is quite strenuous and scary at a couple of places. The trek till halfway is quite interesting. The real adventure starts after midway. The way upwards from there is not vertical rather horizontal or zig-zag and again without any support.
There are a few points where iron rods and side pillars are there for support but are very scary. I would highly recommend a good pair of shoes with a sturdy grip. There is no support here and the fear of height was killing me from inside. There is a stretch of nearly 20 feet which is almost 80 degrees angle and has only iron bars to rest your feet and walk through. I almost froze here. There is no way you can either look up or down from there. You have to just look at the rods and keep resting your foot one after the other on each vertical bar to cross that path. The distance between the bars also is not uniform. I almost got stuck at one point because of my height and short legs but somehow managed with the help of my co-trekkers. It was a bone-chilling experience.
We headed for the last lap which did not look easier but was fairly okay after that horrendous stretch. This we covered in half an hour to reach atop. There lie the ruins of a temple.
This Fort was built in the 17th century by the Vijayanagara dynasty, under the supervision of Raja Hire Gowda. The fort was later fortified by Hyder Ali and Tippu Sultan during the 18th century. It was an important stronghold for the Mysore rulers and was captured by the British in 1791 during the Anglo- Mysore Wars. The fort has seen many battles and was an important center of resistance against the British during the Indian freedom struggle.
And The fort has unique architecture and is built using granite stones. It has a series of gateways, walls, bastions, and watchtowers, and is a classic example of the military architecture of the bygone era. The fort is surrounded by seven concentric walls, with each wall having a series of gates and enclosures. The walls are so steep that it is almost impossible for an enemy to climb them. One of the most interesting features of the fort is its massive entrance, which is called the ‘Diddibagilu’ or the ‘Gate of Hell’. The entrance is about 25 feet high and 17 feet wide and has a series of chambers, that were used to store ammunition, weapons, and food supplies. The entrance also has a secret escape route that was used by the soldiers to escape in times of danger. The fort also has several water tanks and a temple dedicated to Lord Gopalakrishna. The temple has beautiful carvings and is a fine example of the Hoysala architecture.
So friends, whether you are a seasoned trekker or a novice looking for an adventure, this Madhugiri Fort trek is definitely worth a try. Its a journey that combines history, nature, physical challenge, and, most importantly, a sense of achievement.
This trek is not for the faint of heart, but the breathtaking views and the sense of accomplishment at the summit make it a rewarding experience. If you are up for a physical challenge and, a journey into history, this trek is definitely worth the effort.
Watch Video Tour Here
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