For the last weekend in June, we want to take a relaxed approach but still not just stay in our apartment complex. The solution: a weekend trip by car. As destination I have picked out an old fort, which attracts with rich history and beautiful architecture. Or to put it in Stephanie's words "Martin wants to look at old stones." She's right, but spoilers: She's going to really like it, too.
We start early on Saturday to be ahead of the massive traffic on the roads and are thus already after 3.5 hours at our destination in Chitradurga. For Indian conditions, the fort is practically "around the corner" ;-). Also the weather is merciful: A few clouds and light wind provide shade and coolness and make the exploration of the site very pleasant. And one can explore a lot!
Chitradurga Fort
The fort extends over several smaller mountains and was built and expanded between the 13th and 16th centuries. Characteristic are or were seven ring walls with corresponding gates that surround and protect the core of the fort. That's why the fort got its local name Elusuttina Kote - the fort of seven circles.
We take a local guide and cross with him all the still standing gates to the center of the fortification.
On the way, he repeatedly points out details whose significance would probably have escaped us if we walked alone. For example: fish made of stone on the wall showed the direction to drinking
water reservoirs and notches above small living caves served as drip protection in case of rain.
Another highlight for locals is the story of Obavva. She was the wife of a common soldier and is said to have bravely helped defend the fort during a siege:
Namely, when the attackers tried to secretly enter the fort through a small channel, Obavva noticed this, hid in a rock niche and slew several enemies with a pestle. That's what you call women's
power in the Middle Ages...
Around noon we have explored the fort both with the guide as well as alone extensively, made countless selfies with countless Indian, (declined even more selfies thankfully) and notice: The day
is still quite young - and actually the adjacent city does not give so much to spend the night there.
Originally, we booked a hotel room on site to have less stress with sightseeing and driving. But now we change plans spontaneously: Our driver Pawan is ok with driving back to Bangalore in the
afternoon and we can also cancel the hotel without problem.
Caves of Chandravalli
But before we drive home, we visit a historical cave complex nearby. I like to look at dusty stones not only above but also under the ground ;-).
The caves are located a bit away from the city and should best be visited with a guide (and a flashlight). Because inside it is really dark and the paths are low and narrow.
What we then see in the darkness is quite surprising: seating niches, ornaments, small rooms that are connected. Our guide explains that long ago the cave was inhabited by saints and usedas
temple and for meditation.
We pass through various passages, our heads always crouched. 24 meters deep we are now under the earth, it is getting warmer and warmer. In the last room the guide turns off the torch, complete
blackness surrounds us. So we're glad when, after a good half hour, we're back at the cave entrance and in daylight.
Before we say goodbye, the guide does not miss the opportunity to photograph us extensively in front of the stone backdrop: With clear instructions, he get's the maximum poses out of me. I take
it in stride and - as so often in India - just go with the flow and enjoy the moment.
As we sit in the car, it starts to rain - what good timing from us and a fortunate And the best: Since we still arrive Saturday evening at home, we have the entire next day to enjoy in Bangalore.
Are you interested in more experiences? Then join us in the hustle and bustle of the colorful Holi festival.
Read the article 50 Shades of Holi now.
Kommentar schreiben