Chikmagalur district 200 Km (124 miles) North of Bangalore,
dramatically positioned at the base of a rugged chain of hills, this
town rose to prominence as an outpost of the Vijayanagar Empire.
Later, in the 17th-18th centuries, it became the headquarters of a line
of local chiefs known as Bedas, until it was occupied by Haider Ali in
1799 and then by the British. The Fort, defined by walls of huge
granite blocks, rises above the town. A series of three gates leads
into the irregular inner zone, strewn with striking granite boulders.
There are several small temples here, as well as a number of
ceremonial gateways erected by the Bedas. The platforms and pavilions
within the compound of the Sampige Siddheshvara Temple mark the spot
where the Bedas were crowned. The remains of rubble and mud built
granaries and residences, and a large circular well can be seen
nearby.
In the town below, the local Government museum, housed in a
guardroom besides a gateway, displays artifacts from surrounding
sites. The 17th-century Ucchalingamma temple is on the main street.
HOW TO GET THERE
Air : The nearest airport is Mangalore (170 kms).
Rail : Chikmanglur is connected to Bangalore , Hassan and Mangalore
by train.
Road : The place is well connected by good motorable roads to the
neighboring
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