Madhugiri Fort - Hillocks galore (2)

 Later at mid-noon we headed to the next level. Our next trail became more steeper and dry. Climbing the huge boulders was tiring and few places it’s very deep too, an awesome hike we reached middle part of the fortress. I was tired and hot and felt my tummy saying hungry. It was a stunning adventure to do just having half liter water without any food at mid-noon is at it challenging, although also at its loveliest.

 Round and round went my feet, and for each several revolutions the elevation would gain another foot or two. Soon I was gasping, and then resting. The view down to my surroundings grew more and more panoramic and after a hard attempt we reached top at 3pm. I did feel some small sense of accomplishment at having made it, but I was too weary at the time to appreciate it much.

 We had shared last drop of water on top, and then began the walk along the cliffs up towards the north, where there was rest of an ancient castle. I admired the view while ascended to the slightly higher view from the top. A 360 degrees panoramic picture will add to the spectacular view of the fort.

History:

The original construction of the fort can be attributed to The Ganga Dynasty. They were great builders and had built a number of temples all over Karnataka. Before the fort could be completed they were overthrown by Nolamba dynasty. The Reign of Nolamba dynasty lasted a short time before they were defeated by Vijaynagar Empire.

An interesting incident prompted the Gowda family to considering building a fortress. A stray sheep went missing around the Madhugiri hillock only to return late in the night dripping with water. This was music to the ears since a spring would definitely be welcome sign for rain deficient area. A decision to construct a fortress was arrived and the task was completed. The Gowdas started ruling this region based at Madhugiri Fort. Genesis of the name Madhugiri is derived from the Honeybee colonies which were prevalent in those days towards the northern parts of the Madhugiri fortress.

In 1678, The Gowda’s got into a disagreement with the Wadiyars of Mysore over non submission of revenue collected being feudatory. The Devaraja of Dalavoy dynasty, who was the commanders under Wodeyar’s of Mysore soon invaded the fort and captured it. However the Gowda’s on agreeing to part with the tax were restored their title and fort. The Maratha’s invaded the territory and captured the fort. They held the fort for 7 years before they were defeated by Hyder Ali in year 1764.

 Hyder Ali ordered the restoration of the mud fort by building huge arches and watch towers. The highlight of the new fort after the restoration was the huge circular granaries which were used to store Ragi, oil and ghee. After the death of Tipu Sultan in 1799 the British manned the fort for a brief period and used the premises to jail the mutineers in 1857.  Since the Fort was built in an impregnable manner, it served as barracks and prison.

Final Stage of the Fort...

We find one small pond on top of the hill but water was not drinkable its filled with plastics and junks, I can’t say this enough but keep in mind that we are spoiling the beauty of the place by leaving our junk everywhere we stop. We find few places people spoiled the walls to write their name rubbish things on the walls. A lot of the natural historical beauty has been destroyed like such foolish activities by uncivilized humans.

 The surroundings of Madhugiri are dotted with several hills like Anandarayana Betta, Midigeshi durga and Bhasmangi Betta. The nearby popular trekking rocks Siddarabetta and Chennarayanadurga, now part of Koratagere taluk, were once part of Madhugiri.

 Siddeshwara Gavi, Pataladammana Gavi, Meke Gavi and Saddhu Gavi are the cave rocks located at the foothill of Bolibetta. Bolibetta hillock is near Chikka Madhugiri Betta on the outskirts of Madhugiri.

I could see the many birds soaring near the cliff face on the updrafts of air that must have been present. It was quite a sight.  I wouldn’t like to stay very long on the peak, but it was also time to be on our way back, after an enjoyable time on top we turned down, and went down a steep hill passing by the same rout coming down the hill is fairly quick. 

At the bottom of the hill we came to the town as usual, it was a puzzle finding something that could serve as lunch, but we had seasonal Mango juice 4 cups each so this was the end of our wonderful adventure.