Article Published On - 16-01-2025
Channarayana Durga Trek is a fortified structure with multiple levels of defense and various buildings, including bastions, watchtowers, water tanks, and temples. The trek to the fort is moderately challenging, covering a distance of approximately 5 kilometers and ascending 300 meters in elevation. The trek offers breathtaking views of the surrounding hills and valleys and a glimpse into the history and architecture of the fort. If you want to explore Channarayana Durga, prepare for an adventure!
Found in the Tumkur district of Karnataka, the Channarayana Durga Trek is a practical, nestled near the SH 9 state highway that links Madhugiri and Dabaspet. This Middle Ages fort, similar to a bygone period, was as soon as a tactical fortress and is now among the Navadurgas around Bangalore.
The fort’s style and structure, integrated in the 16th century, display the resourcefulness of its developers, with several layers and sections to check out. As you start your trek from the base, the fort’s magnificence becomes progressively apparent, with a thrilling climb through granite rocks that results in incorrect doors, a tank, and ancient corridors.
The view from the top is breathtaking, providing a spectacular point of view of the surrounding hillocks and the well-known monolith of Madhugiri. Perfect for households, pals, and associates, this trek is appropriate for any age group and physical fitness level. While healthy trekkers can finish the trek in several hours, those who choose a more leisurely speed can invest half a day checking out the fort and its environments.
Channarayana Durga Day Trek is a captivating outdoor trekking activity that offers breathtaking views and a thrilling hiking experience. The trek takes you through scenic trails, lush forests, and rocky terrains, culminating in the Channarayana Durga Fort. This historical fort provides a glimpse into the region’s rich heritage and rewards trekkers with stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Embarking on the Channarayana Durga Day Trek is an excellent way to immerse yourself in nature and discover the historical charm of this picturesque destination.
Channarayana Durga, a hill fort positioned near Madhugiri in Karnataka’s Tumkur district, was constructed by regional king Chikkappa Gowda, who ruled Madhugiri and surrounding locations, in the 17th century. The fort, which includes a couple of temples and old structures, was a tactical fortress throughout the Middle Ages and was the website of many fights. Over the centuries, control of the fort moved in between the Marathas and Mysore Wodeyars before eventually falling under the hands of the British throughout the Third Mysore War. Today, it is considered among the leading trekking locations near Bangalore.
For an extraordinary experience, strategize your Channarayana Durga Trek between September and February. Post-monsoon months use the most beneficial conditions, with rich plants covering the location and including a lively touch to the landscape. The trail comes alive with little streams streaming through the rocky surface, making the trek much more pleasurable.
Throughout the winter, the weather condition is satisfying, making it a perfect time to start the trek. It’s recommended to prevent going to throughout the height of the monsoon season, as the rocks can be extremely slippery, making it a dangerous time to check out. Instead, watch the weather report and strategize your checkout appropriately.
In the summer, this trek is practical; however, it can become tiring and sweltering if there is not enough shade or defense along the course. This can adversely affect your trekking experience. Considering that restricted trees supply cover on the trail, we recommend using a cap or hat to protect yourself from the sun if you trek throughout summertime.
Starting at the bottom of the Hillock and leading up to the very first level of the fort, the journey begins from the primary street of the Channarayana Durga village area. The trail starts immediately after the water tank, where the villagers get their water supply. This will be the last chance to fill your water bottles unless you pick to ask nearby residents for help.
Continue down the lane adjacent to the water tank on the right-hand side, directing yourself towards the Hillock. There is no designated trail at the starting point of the trek; instead, it starts with a climb from this place. On the granite rocks, you’ll see painted arrows revealing the method. As you increase, you’ll experience an area of solid granite rock. To get a much better hold, lean somewhat to the right and utilize the smaller-sized stones and bushes because of location.
You can climb straight to the very first level or divert a little to the left, where the rock development looks like a crack and showcases the fantastic geology at work. We suggest choosing this alternative course and enjoying the experience of steering your method onto the rocky surface. Remember the noticeable markings on the rocks, as you will witness water carefully streaming down these sections throughout the rainy and post-rainy seasons.
In a few minutes, you’ll reach the outstanding entryway of the fort’s first level. Take a minute to appreciate the complex carvings on a few surrounding rocks before going through the grand entrance, flanked by towering granite pillars. When within, you can stop briefly for a short rest in the shade and revitalize yourself with a water beverage.
Start your journey by heading to the Northeastern side, where you’ll discover a pond or tank filled with water all year. Take a leisurely walk along the pond’s edges, and you’ll encounter several bastions of the fort. Strolling along the pond will take roughly 10-15 minutes. If you’re feeling daring, check out the North-western side, where you’ll discover a little door that might have caused an incorrect route or another part of the fort in the past. It’s possible that this was a trap set for soldiers, as it would have offered a helpful position for finding and assaulting soldiers from above.
Return to the primary trail, and you’ll go into a flatter fort area. The trail broadens here, looking like a meadow. If you’re going in the fall or throughout the evening, watch for the stunning sight of sunshine striking the golden-colored yard. Continue checking out the fort by walking its border and finding its ruins.
As you relocate to the 2nd level of the fort, you’ll experience functions such as stables and gallery sections utilized by the armies. From this point, it will take you about 15 minutes to arrive at the fort. Climb the last stretch and get through the previous entrance to find yourself on a rectangle-shaped flat surrounded by the fort’s structure on all sides.
The view is at first concealed from your sight as you get in. To completely value the surroundings and get a bird’s eye view, you must climb onto the fort’s walls. Take a walk around the upper area of the fort, and you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the surrounding location, consisting of the excellent monolith mountain of Madhugiri to the north, Siddarabetta, and other nearby hillocks.
The fort has numerous openings for canon positioning, so watch out for those as you check out. You’ll likewise see stone actions that cause the top, skillfully concealed amongst the trees growing in the rocks’ crevices. Tread thoroughly and prevent harming the ancient trees growing there for centuries.
Beware and take your time going up and down, as the granite stones can be slippery when damp. If the weather looks unsure, it’s best to head and pull back while the rock surface area is still dry. You’ll be back in the base village after a leisurely 45 minutes to an hour.
This turn has to do with 5 km from the center of Koratagere.
If you’re counting on public transit, your journey will start with a bus from Majestic that will take you to Tumkur. From there, you have two choices: the first bus leaves around 9:30 am and follows the Siddarabetta and Tovinakere route, while the 2nd bus leaves at 11:30 am from Koratagere and returns to the base village around 12:45 pm. Understand that the last public bus from Channarayana Durga to Tumkur is at 1:30 a.m. There are no additional buses from the base village after that.
Mountain Expert
Adhish was born and brought up in the Pauri Garhwal region. Since childhood, he has had an inclination towards Mountains. To fulfil this dream, Adhish did his Basic mountaineering Courses from Nehru institute of mountaineering, Advance mountaineering courses from Himalayan mountaineering institute Darjeeling and Skiing courses from ABVIM Manali. He has done various expeditions in the Himalayan region. And his love for mountains and adventure is never-ending. Make sure to get detailed help related to the Himalayan trek from him.
