Ballalarayanadurga ~ Chikkamagalur - An obscure place.
Facts
- Distance from Bangalore: 280 km (5hrs 50 minutes via NH-75)
- Terrain: Steep ascent
- Type: Forest And Grassland Trail With Moderately Steep Ascent
- Total Trek/Hike Km: 6.5km
- Forest Type: Dense Forest of Western Ghats
- Difficulty Level: Difficult
- Altitude: 4,895ft
About this place:
When it comes to exploring forts, there always exists a mysterious aura around them. Most of them are anecdotes from the bygone era and every fort has a history associated with it. Ballalarayana Durga fort is situated amidst the dense forest and is situated atop a hillock in the Western Ghats. This fort in the district of Chikmagalur is one of the amazing forts to visit in Karnataka.
This secluded fort can be reached only by trekking through the hilly forest region. Located in Bettabalige, this fort stands amidst Chikmagalur’s kottegehara village and Kalasa temple-town. It is one of the few forts that can be found in the Western Ghats.
History of Ballalarayanadurga Fort
The Ballalarayana Durga Fort was built by the wife of the Hoysala king Veera Ballala – 1 in the era of the 12th century. There is even a flowing waterfall near the fort. The Hoysalas were passionate about art and architecture and had established numerous temples and forts during their sway. The Ballalarayana fort was built in the Karnataka Dravida style of architecture. This architectural style was popular in the Hoysala Empire during their rule. There is also an ancient Kalabyraveshwara temple below the fort. As per a legend, it is believed that Ballala-1 and his wife used to visit this temple daily.
The Panaromic view from the Ballalarayanadurga Fort
Situated on the peak that is 4,895ft high, the fort misses out on the town of Sunkasale. Presently, the fort has lost its eminence and remains as a distant reminder of its wonderful past. Visitors can just find the broken fragments of the fort walls that still exist as proof of the grand edifice that had once stood with glory. Due to the lack of proper maintenance, this ancient fort is completely ruined and has tumbled down.
However, the beauty of the surrounding lush green forests with precipitous slopes has not lost its sheen over time. The dilapidated fort offers a spectacular view around. The engulfing greenery attracts visitors at all the time of the year. If you love watching sunsets, Ballarayana Durga is an ideal place for you. During sunset time, the whole place comes alive with different hues of nature. Another major attraction of this fort is the calm atmosphere it offers to the visitors. The surrounding of this fort will be silent with the wind blowing gently. This makes the place serene.
Trekking the Ballalarayanadurga Fort
Apart from its historical importance, Ballarayana Durga fort is also a renowned trekking spot. The most common trek route is the one that begins from Mundaje and continues towards Bandaje Arbi before proceeding to the ruined fort. The trek is a difficult one and is filled with new challenges en route. Trek this hillock only if you are an experienced trekker. This is not meant for inexperienced/budding trekkers.
Some call it Ballarayana Durga trek, nevertheless a few terms this as Bandaje falls trek. Arbi in the local language means “waterfalls” hence the words Bandaje Arbi, Bandaje Arbi Falls, Bandaje Falls are used interchangeably. The sight of the water gushing down the stream almost 1000ft below is magnificent. The best time to visit this hillock is from July-March. Do not attempt this trek in the season of Summer or Autumn.
What to explore
- The Initial Forest Section: Even though the forest area is short, it is superb. You can discover various age-old trees and an array of insects, birds, and flora. Monsoon is the best season to visit the Ballarayana Durga Fort trek.
- The Himalayan meadow-like Shola Grasslands with Shola forests: The grasslands on the hillock are so picturesque, they almost resemble the Ali and Bedni meadows of the Himalayas.
Trail information
Ballarayana Durga trek begins from a comparatively higher altitude. Therefore, ascending to this fort is not so tiring. Nonetheless, you will descend almost 1,300 feet to Bandaje waterfalls and get back up the same way, covering approximately 6.5 kilometers overall.
How to reach there
As the transport facility is well-connected between Bangalore to Chikmagalur, there are frequent buses available. You can even travel on a daily passenger train from Bangalore to Chikmagalur. However, as there is no airport in Chikmagalur, the nearest airport is in Mangalore. To reach the Ballalarayana Durga fort one can even journey in the KSRTC buses that operate from Dharmasthala to Mundaje or Sunkasaale. Usually, the trek to the fort starts from Mundaje or Sunkasaale.
Though it is difficult to climb this hillock, the scenic beauty around the fort makes it worthwhile to visit. As this fort is situated in an isolated place, there are no eateries or restaurants available there, so carry your own food and water. The nearest point where decent food can be bought is at Mundaje. The nearest petrol pump stands at Ujire, more than 8 km from the fort. Ujire is also the place where the nearest hospital can be found. Though the place is not preferred for setting up tents and passing the night there, Bandeje Arbi is a popular choice for camping. Hence, tents must also be carried if one intends to spend the night in one of the two places.
Chose the below options to plan your holiday
Other places to visit nearby:
- Meruthi Peak
- Kyathanamakki waterfalls.
- Horanadu temple.
- Kalaseshwara temple.
- Sringeri
- Deveramanne betta
- Yettinabhujja
- Kudremukha
- Kurinjala gudda.
