Chitradurga Fort

The Chitradurga fort is a massive and striking fort about some 200 odd kms from Bangalore. The name itself is derived from Kannada word which means picturesque. It is a perfect destination for a one-day outing taking you close to India's rich history.

At Chitradurga fort

For quite sometime, visiting the Chitradurga fort was in my mind but since the place was not such of a popular spot, it used to go down the list everytime. Infact Chitradurga was the place where my bike first broke down while returning solo to Bangalore from Mumbai back in Oct 2008 and since then name had been in my mind. Finally in April 2011 I made it to the fort. 

As usual I had planned a weekend ride along with Arun. Our plan was to ride to Pondicherry for the weekend. However, it got cancelled at the last moment. While we were about to leave for Pondicherry at about 7:00 am, it struck us that there were elections in Tamil Nadu and the last thing what we wanted was a Dry-day in Pondicherry. To avoid that disappointment, we made a last minute plan to visit Chitradurga fort.

One of the entrance of the fort, strategically made in
zig-zag fashion so that armies cannot stomp in with full momentum

We started off via Nice road then onto Mumbai-Bangalore road. The fort is located in Chitradurga town also know by the locals as 'Durga' which is about 170 kms from Bangalore. A trip from Electronic City should make it to 200kms.On our way we stopped for some snacks near Tumkur and then continued till Chitradurga. The town being small the fort is easy to locate. Some help from locals should make it an easy task. The fort is around 10 mins drive off the highway.

There were a few carts selling snacks and lemon juice at the gate entrance. Since the fort is a protected monument, it is under the ASI. There is a nominal entry charge after which we were approached by a guide. Just by looking around we could guess that the place was very vast and to know about it's historic significance, we hired a guide. The guide charged us Rs.150 and took us around the fort showing us the various strategic points and places of importance. It was a pleasant experience to listen to him. However, carrying all the biking gear along made it tiring in the hot sun.

There was a small temple on an elevated rock which was a beautiful point to get a 360 view of the place. Also there was a place near the fort where you need to trek up a steep rock which looked really good. But with all the gear with us we opted not to cover it. 

On our way back we met this guy known as 'Monkey Man'. Got a chance to see him conquer the steep walls of the fort without any safety gear. A humble man, never asks for money, performs his feats. If one is happy and offers money, he takes it after a bit of hesitation. Spoke to him for a while and he narrated his story. Seem this man now called Kothi Raj came from Salem in search of work. Earned his living as a daily wage worker. Unable to find job he sat idle near the fort in frustration. That is when he saw a group of monkeys climbing the fort walls. After watching them move around so easily, Kothi Raj himself tried to do so. A tourist around saw it and was happy and offered him money. That is when he realized what he wanted to do for living. Now he scales the wall like an expert, learning it by watching nature's experts- the monkeys.
There are certain times every weeks he performs for the tourist. When we went there we just saw him by chance and requested he to perform. Without hesitation he obliged. He did hesitate when i offered him money!

The pillar was hit by lightning about 10 years back

Mud walls

Temple with secret room

Hidden room to hide away treasure

It took us about 3 hours to look around the whole fort and surely this last minute trip which we made was worth it.

Myself With Kothi Raj

Things to carry:

Light snacks and water is available at the fort entrance.
The walk around the fort is quite much and it is advisable to carry Relispray just in case one has joint pains 

Route Map:


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Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary

The Ranganathithu Bird Sanctuary is located about 3 kms near Srirangapatna and approximately 15kms from Mysore. It is formed by a cluster of 5 islets on river Cauvery and is breeding and nesting ground for a varied species of birds. Also, can be spotted are marsh crocodiles, Indian Mongoose and monitor lizard. Being a protected area and undisturbed, the place if heaven for migratory birds.
 

Marsh Crocodile resting along banks

I visited Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary in first week of December mainly to test my new camera. Although I am not a big bird lover, the number and variety of bird that I saw int his place truly amazed me. The place is very near to Srirangapatna and when approaching Mysore from Bangalore on Mysore Bangalore Highway. Once you enter Srirangapatna, continue on the highway and just when you are to exit Srirangapatna toward Mysore, you need to take right turn and travel about 3 kms to get to the sanctuary. There is a gate indicating the sanctuary after you take the turn and travel about 1 km. Vehicles have an entry fee which are subject to change but charges are not too high.

Eurasian spoonbill

The place is ideal for a family picnic and food and other stuff is available inside. The calm vicinity of the place makes it a favourite for couples. The area near boating is well maintained with garden and picnic area. There are also bird watching towers surrounding the water. The islets make the place look like a big lake, birds and crocs are easy to spot from the towers. Shutter bugs will have a good time clicking around. 

To have a close look at the birds and crocs, the boat ride is a must. There are two options available, a common boat which charges Rs.25 per person. This boat ride will be around 45 mins and in the main waters. If you are planning to get some good shots, better take the other option of hiring a private boat as the common boat is very crowded. Hiring a separate boat is expensive around Rs.400 if I remember it right. I also promised the boatman a good tip for taking me between the islets.

Thick Knee

Cormorant

For about an hour and half the boatman patiently took me between every islets where the other boat did not venture and the place was a total bird paradise. Never in my life had I seen so many variety of birds. The boatman was very informative and told me the names of the birds too and would hold the boat still when I used to click. It was a bit difficult to click long range shots on boat but was very exciting.

White Throated Kingfisher

Black Headed Ibis

The sight of huge marsh crocodiles resting along the banks was amazing. After the boat ride I had some light food and started back for Bangalore. Enjoy looking at some of the shots I managed to click on this trip. I am also looking forward to re-visit this place with a Tripod this time and do some prior homework on names of bird before visiting.

Pied Kingfisher

White Browed Wagtail

Eurasian Spoonbill

Red Wattled Lapwing

Pied Kingfisher

Best time to Visit:
June to November

Suggested to avoid monsoons as shutter bugs won't be able to get good photographs

Timings:
9:00 am to 6:00 pm

Route Map:



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Sinhagad Fort Pune

Probably the most popular weekend destination for Puneites, Sinhagad fort to the southwest of Pune is one historical fort with numerous battles written in it's long history and is most notably known for battle to recapture Sinhagad which was fought by brave Maratha warrior Tanaji Malusare.
It's strategic location made it a coveted fort for the kings in the era.

Sinhagad fort

One can reach Sinhagad either by trekking their way up or drive all the way up to the fort parking area.
Trek during monsoons is a pleasant experience and the light showers and cool breeze add to it.

Khadakwasla lake view from trek route

The telephone towers atop Sinhagad

View on way to fort

Trek to Sinhagad via Atekar Vasti:
The trek via Atekar Vasti route is pretty decent one and newbies can reach to the top in 1.5 hrs comfortably. To reach to the base, one need to take the Paytha Road which leads to Atekar Vasti. When you approach Sinhagad, take the right at Y-Junction. The road uphill to the left is the Sinhagad Ghat road which goes all the way to the top. The road leading to Atekar Vasti is pretty narrow and once you reach the base there are a couple of parking areas. During monsoon, this road is muddy and slippery. Some local tea shops do have place to park behind the houses and might charge for it. Most of the cars are parked at the side of the road or near to a temple near the base where there is a vacant space.

Lokmanya Tilak's Bungalow

People flock this place mostly on weekends and especially during monsoon and finding good parking spot at the base is difficult. Land there early to find a  good parking spot and also to start trek early. Loads of regular trekkers will already be present and making their way up. I have been to this place twice now and have met few people who trek all the way up every Sunday. The trekking route is pretty safe and crowd is pretty decent hence families or couples should not have a problem. I could see a few group of girls trekking their way up and also numerous men in their late 50's who appeared to be regulars. Inspite of the age factor, these men were pretty fast making their way up. Overhearing conversation of these men with youngsters, it seemed that they were quite eager to encourage young trekkers.

Tanaji's Statue

There are a few short cuts on the way up but the path is a bit slippery in monsoon and better to avoid if not wearing proper shoes. Also it's better to reach the base before 6 am to start the trek to avoid daytime heat.

Drive to Sinhagad:
Apart from the trek route, one can directly drive up all the way to fort. At the Y-junction while approaching Sinhagad, take the road uphill to the left. There is a charge to take vehicle to the fort approx Rs.50 for car. Also, your vehicle might be checked for liquor as it is strictly prohibited. This route is called Sinhagad ghat road. The road was in bad shape when I drove back in Dec 2011 and I'm pretty sure it'll be the same now. The road is quite narrow and so better be safe. Also, if a big vehicle come face-to-face one need to get off the tar road to queeze in.

From the base once you pay the toll, it takes about half an hour to drive to the top. The route is very scenic. As I approached the parking area it was almost full with loads of vehicles parked with little space to move them. By the time I returned back, my vehicles was blocked as others had parked all around leaving no space and it took me about 20 mins to find the driver of the other vehicle. Also, since the parking area was full, people had parked their cars on the side of the road making matters worse. If you land up early, you might get good parking slot but at the same time you might get stuck due to other cars parked all around.

Once at the fort, it takes about 2-3 hours to see the fort. There are various points on fort like 'Kade lot'- the cliff from where prisoners were thrown off, 'Hawa point'- was truly awesome with wind literally blowing everyone away when I visited in monsoon and also the famous edge which Tanaji Malusare scaled with his monitor lizard.

The entrance to the fort has various strategically placed doors each having a name and also the stables and water storage tank. Most of the fort stands in ruins but speaks loud and clear of its strength. There are lots of small eateries on the top serving 'kanda bhajji' - onion pakoda, 'jhunka-bhakar' a maharastrian dish, home made curd and kulfi which one can enjoy. Although the cost is on a bit higher side, it is a difficult task for the locals to get the food stuff up to the fort as I have seen most of them walking all the way up carrying load to earn living. The place is kept very clean and there is also a public toilet which one can use free off cost.

There is also another trekking route via Kalyan Darwaza which is to the south which I have not been to yet.

Suggestion:
This fort is of high historic importance and interested people should read a bit beforehand to know more in order to know various points and places on the fort to have a more enjoyable experience.

Distance:
Approx 30kms from heart of Pune

Best time to visit:
June to Feb

Route map:
B: Atekar Vasti
C: Sinhagad Ghat Road


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