Bhairavadurga

Bhairavadurga is located at the outskirts of the kudur village. Once, an impregnable fort, the massive rocky hill with steep gradients on all sides is difficult to climb. Built by the erstwhile ruler and architect of modern Bangalore – Kempegowda II, Bhairavadurga is a conical hill with inclines – almost like cliffs – on three sides. The hill can be climbed only from the western face and one has to be careful while climbing as there are no proper steps.

Halfway up the top of the hill is a cave shrine dedicated to Lord Bhairava. The cave has been formed under a large rock. This, along with three other stone mantapas has been covered with an enclosure to form a large temple. In front of the temple there is also a stone pond, which gets filled with rainwater. The hilltop is fortified and encloses a large plateau and a fresh water spring. Viewed from an angle, the boulders at the apex of the hill appear to be laid out like lotus petals.

There is a deep fresh water spring in the crack between two massive boulders. One of the key features of the place is its climate; during the hottest of summers the weather at the top of Bhairavadurga remains cool. The hill top also offers some of the best views of the surrounding countryside. Lush green paddy fields interspersed with small rocky hills and quaint villages seem to stretch endlessly. The hill fort is also home to wildlife such as mongoose, monitor lizards, fox, sloth bears etc.

A visit to Kudur is therapeutic to the city dwellers. The beauty of the surrounding fields, forests and hills and the pure unpolluted air, laced with the fragrance of wild flowers is well worth every effort that goes into making the trip.