One of the well-known fort hills of the State is Madhugiri in Tumkur district, which has the distinction of being the biggest monolith in the whole of Asia .
A fort was built around 1678 during the reign of Raja Hera Gowda. According to historical records, this was further fortified by Hyder Ali, taken over in succession by Marathas and again by Tipu before becoming a part of the erstwhile Mysore empire. Though the historical significance has faded with time, it is today a fascinating tourist spot enticing trekkers and climbers.
To climb the hill that climbs up a height of 3930 feet, walk through the entrance from the east between the buildings housing government offices and a series of well laid wide steps leading to the top. Several circular bastions on the way, provide place for rest, apart from a great view of the town below.
The most thrilling part of the climb is a steep section just below the top where small ledges have been carved to serve as footholds. With the wind trying to below you off, you feel greatly relieved to overcome this stretch.
On the summit is a temple of Gopalakrishna which is ruined but the circular granaries which were used to store ragi, oil and ghee are intact. It is well worth spending some time at the top looking at the smaller hills around and fields in the villages below. But the solitude is broken by the honking of buses below.
Tentative Schedule:
Sunday 16th Nov 2008:
6:30AM Depart from Symphony Theater, MG Road, Bangalore 9:00AM Have breakfast on the way and pack lunch. 10:00AM Start Trekkingon Madhugiri Fort 02:00PM Start trekking down 05:00PM Depart to Bangalore.
Things to Carry: 1. Min 3 litter of Water each 2.Snacks, Juice packs etc. 3. Hat, sunscreen location, sunglasses. 4. Personal medication
Participation Fees: Rs. 500.00 Above charges includes: Transport, 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, Evening Snacks, First aid kit, safety gears, guide, permission charges and miscellaneous. Please deposit Cheque/Cash to transfer online to BMC Bank Account before registering for this event, or pay cash at BMC address:
Please mail your transaction details to team@bmcindia. org for final confirmations.
Bank Name
Axis Bank
Account Holder
Bangalore Mountaineering Club
Account Type
Saving
Bank Account Number
300010100030913
Branch
Marathahalli
IFSC
UTIB0000300
BMC Office Address
No, 69, K. R. Garden, 3rd Main,
Bank colony, Murgeshpalya, Vimanapura Post, Bangalore - 560017
Airport Road -> ISRO office Signal - > Wing Tunnel Road -> Left turn from Airport compound wall -> Left turn to KR Garden 3rd Main -> Left hand side 3rd House. See MAP for detailed route
Please transfer the Participation fees before you register.