Kavaledurga Fort: 9th century historical trekking destination nestled in the lap of the Western Ghats
It is a slice of forgotten history amidst the forests of the Western Ghats of Karnataka. From its top point, it offers a stunning 360 degree panorama of the lush greens of the Western Ghats, its rolling hills and its various water bodies. I am talking about the 9th century Kavaledurga Fort, a multi level fort with strong fortifications, palaces, temples and that makes for a fabulous monsoon trekking destination in the Uttara Kannada region of Karnataka. The last capital of the Keladi kingdom, the Kavaledurga fort was built in the 9th century and later renovated in the 14th century. It was a stronghold of the Nayakas of Keladi, who managed the land initially for the Vijayanagara kings and later managed it independently after the fall of the Vijayanagara kingdom. It took prominence in the 16th century under the rule of Venkatappa Nayaka who fortified the place, added a palace, temples, matha, granary, treasury, stables and ponds. Right from the time you buy your parking ticket and walk t