One of the main highlights of the Devanahalli Fort is its easy accessibility. Situated at just about 35km from the main city of Bangalore, Devanahalli Fort is a living example of the yesteryear’s rich culture. History has it that this fort was constructed during 1501 by the then ruler, Mallabairegowda. The fort has a close association with famous ruler, Tipu Sultan. The place where Tipu Sultan was born is located very close to this fort. The areas of his birthplace and the fort are today considered as protected monuments by the Archaeological Survey of India.

History

During the 15th century, this fort was constructed by Mallabairegowda, who belonged to the famous Morasu Wokkalu clan. This was the same clan to which Kempegowda, founder of Bangalore, belonged to. During this time, the family of Mallabairegowda, led by the leader, Rana Baire Gowda, fled from Kanchipuram in Tamil Nadu and sought refuge in this area that was located towards the east of the famous Nandi Hills. The area of Devanahalli was founded by Mallabairegowda.

Fearing attacks to the place, he built a mud fort around this town during 1501 after getting the required approvals from the Devaraya of Devanadodi. After the Gowda, the town witnessed the rule of many dynasties like Palavas, Cholas, Hoysalas, Nolambas, Rashtrakutas etc. During 1747 AD, the fort came under the control of the powerful and famous Mysore Wodeyars when Nanja Raja was ruling over the place. The Maratha empires conquered the fort from the Wodeyars later on and eventually, the fort came under the strong control of Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan, who changed the mud structure to stone. Tipu Sultan, nicknamed “Tiger of Mysore” ruled over this place for quite some time and even renamed it as Yousufabad. However, during 1791, the historic Mysore War happened, in which Tipu Sultan was defeated by the British Army, due to which Lord Cornwallis took control of the fort.

Architecture

Visitors to the fort can find around 12 bastions in semi-circle shape inside the stone structure of Devanahalli Fort that was constructed by Tipu Sultan and Hyder Ali. These bastions are living evidences of the battles of yesteryears. Even today, gun stands, built of lime and brick and are found here at regular space intervals. Though the entrances are smaller compared to other forts, they have intricate masonry work and plasterwork cut out on them with all finery. Towards the interiors of the fort, one can find sprawling battlements. The fort itself is set up on an expansive area of 20 acres.

Currently the fort houses the house in which Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan used to live, house of one of their highly respected official, Dewan Purnaiah, Tipu Sultan’s memorial towards the south west corner and the Khas Bhag. The memorial is constructed at a height of 6 feet, has pillars enclosing it and contains a stone tablet covered with a ceiling in the shape of a square.

Devanahalli Fort is also famous for its temples. There are many ancient temples with impressive architecture found here. The most reputed of them is the Venugopalaswamy temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu. This huge temple, with a huge Gopura, contains lots of sculptures explaining Lord Krishna’s achievements as a kid. There are huge pillars surrounding the temple and the Garbagriha is constructed in Vijayanagara style. There are four huge pillars made of black stone, with intricate sculptures of a female dancer, conch blower, musicians, flowers and other gods and goddesses in the Navrang. Some of the other famous temples here are Siddhalingeshwara, Raghavendraswamy temple, Chandramouleshwara temple, Sarovaranjaneya temple and the Najundeshwara temples. All these temples are spacious and have amazing sculptures depicting the rich patterns of ancient Hindu culture on them.

Best Time to Visit

Bangalore is one of the few places in the country that has a pleasant climate all through the year. Even during the peak summer months of April and May, when the rest of the country is reeling under the scorching heat rays of the sun, Bangalore is very tourist-friendly. Hence the Devanahalli Fort can be visited during any month of your choice.

Timings & Tickets

The fort is open all through the day as there are no specific hours during it which it is open or closed. Similarly, entry is free for kids and adults who come to enjoy the splendors of the fort.

How to Reach

Air

Bangalore international airport, which is just about 2km from the Devanahalli Fort is the closest.

Rail

The nearest railway junction is Bangalore. This station is well-connected with all the important cities in the north, south, east and west of India.

Road

Located on National Highway 7, this fort is easily accessible by government and private sector buses that ply to the fort frequently from the main city of Bangalore.