About Madhugiri Fort
Madhugiri Fort is a historic hill fort atop Madhugiri Hill, a massive granite monolith in Tumakuru district, Karnataka, about 100 km northwest of Bengaluru. Considered the second-largest monolith in Asia, the fort is notable for its steep trek, fortified gateways, bastions and ruined structures. Built in the 17th century and later expanded under Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan, it offers panoramic views and is a popular trekking and heritage destination.
Visitors guide
Visitors can expect a steep and challenging trek to the summit of the granite monolith via stone steps, fortified gateways, and ruined walls and bastions. The fort complex includes remnants of granaries, watchtowers, and small temples such as the Malleshwara Temple. The hill offers expansive panoramic views of the surrounding plains and town. There are limited facilities at the top, and the climb requires good fitness.
Key highlights
- 01
Second-largest monolith in Asia at about 3,930 feet elevation
- 02
Steep trek with historic fortified gateways and bastions
- 03
Ruins of granaries, storehouses and watchtowers inside the fort
- 04
Malleshwara Temple and other shrines within the fort complex
- 05
Panoramic views of Madhugiri town and surrounding countryside from the summit
History of Madhugiri Fort
Madhugiri Fort was built around 1678 by Raja Heera Gowda, a local chieftain of the Vijayanagara tradition. It was later fortified and expanded by Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan in the 18th century, who added fortifications, gateways and storage structures. The fort served as a strategic hill stronghold due to its commanding height and steep monolithic rock.
Culture & Context
The fort hill is associated with local temples including the Malleshwara Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located on the hill slopes. The site reflects the military architecture of the period and remains an important heritage and trekking landmark for the region.
Route
| By air |
|---|