Kavaledurga is a hidden gem that showcases the rich history of Karnataka and it is located near Thirthahalli town, Shimoga. This Fort in western ghats is perched on top of a hillock at about 1,541 meters above sea level. It is a beautiful fort with architectures hidden behind misty clouds and pools filled with blueish water. Not just architecture, this place is also popular among nature lovers and trekkers who wish to get lost amidst nature. Kavaledurga is a short trek of 3 Km to the peak and it might take about 2 hours to reach the summit. Above all, in most parts of the trek, you will be walking through the thick mist-filled clouds.
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Kavaledurga Trek
Initially, you will be walking a few yards through a stretch of green paddy fields. After that, you will come across a wooden gate passed by a well-paved stone pathway that leads you to the fort entrance. All the walls of the fort are covered with green grass and patches of fungus. While hiking you will notice tiny waterfalls that join the streams beneath the hill.
After about 45 mins of the trek, you will enter the 4th entrance of the fort. And you will be stunned by the beauty of the ancient temple and the tiny pond behind it. If you move further up you will come across remains of a huge huge palace on the top of the hill. Most of the travelers don’t go beyond this point as it appears like a peak. Actually, that is not the case, the best surprise awaits you only beyond this point.
You need to take a muddy track that is steep and narrow amidst thick forest trails to reach the peak. In fact, the view of the fort, wandering streams, panoramic view of the valley, a stretch of greenery filled rolling hills, and misty surroundings make this place look like heaven on earth.
No eateries or shops, except for a small shop near the entrance that serves snacks and water bottles. Hence, it is always better to carry your packed food when you are heading to Kavaledurga.
History And Architecture Of Kavaledurga Fort
Kavaledurga fort acted as the fourth and last capital of the Keladi Dynasty. This fort was built in the 9th century and was later restructured by Cheluvarangappa in the 14th century. In Total, there are about 7 entrances or gates to the fort. As you enter the gates What you can see are ruins and remnants of a long-lost kingdom that had rich cultural and traditional essence in the past.
There is a popular Kashi Vishwanatha Temple with two huge pillars on the top of the hill, dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is built in a typical Keladi style of architecture. This temple has carvings of snakes, elephants, warriors, birds, sun, and moon on the outer walls.
In addition to that, you can spot a lot of ponds filled with blueish-green water at various stages of Fort. In fact, these ponds were used to store water in the olden days. These ponds have well laid out steps, to make the process of water fetching easy.
You will even come across a cave that holds years of freshwater in it. Apparently, as per legends, Bheema of Pandavas during their exile period had dug the cave using his “Gadaa”.Hence, these caves are known as” Gadaa Theertha”.
Apart from this, you will also come across the ruins of a huge palace. You can witness remains of the palace in the form of hundreds of stone pillars that are widely spread over a large area. By observing it properly, you will be able to easily distinguish between darbar hall, ammunition room, jail, kitchen, pooja room, and swimming pool in the backyard of the Palace.
How To Reach Kavaledurga Trek Point
Thirthahalli is 18 Km away from Kavaledurga and it is the only major town near Fort. There are plenty of buses to Thirthahalli from Agumbe, Shimoga, or Udupi. After you reach Thirthahalli you can hire an auto-rickshaw or jeep to reach the fort.
Kavaledurga Trek Information
Entry Fee: NA
Timings: 7 Am to 5:30 Pm
Trek DURATION: 3 TO 4 Hours
Trek Distance: 6 Km( to & fro)
Camping: Not Allowed.
Location: 18 Km From Thirthahalli
Distance From Bangalore: 365 Km
Also, read: Hidlumane Falls Trek
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