Just a short drive from the bustling city of Bengaluru, lies a historical treasure that many travelers overlook — the Devanahalli Fort. Located around 35 kilometers north of Bengaluru and just a few minutes from Kempegowda International Airport, this fort offers a perfect blend of history, architecture, and heritage.
🕰️ A Glimpse Into the Past
The story of Devanahalli dates back to the 15th century, when a group of refugees from Conjeevaram (present-day Kanchipuram) settled near Ramaswami Betta, east of the Nandi Hills. Guided by a vision in a dream, their leader Rana Baire Gowda established a settlement in this region. His son, Malla Baire Gowda, would go on to found towns like Devanahalli, Chikkaballapura, and Doddaballapura.
In 1501 AD, with permission from the Vijayanagara rulers, Malla Baire Gowda built a mud fort at Devanadoddi, the earlier name for Devanahalli. Over time, the fort changed hands — from the Wodeyars of Mysore to the Marathas, and later to Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan, who strengthened it with stone fortifications. During the Third Anglo-Mysore War in 1791, the fort was captured by Lord Cornwallis of the British forces.
🏯 Architecture and Layout
The stone fort, spread over 20 acres, is roughly oval in shape, oriented eastward. The fort walls are built using dressed masonry and feature twelve semi-circular bastions. Each bastion has gun slots made of lime and brick, a reflection of the fort’s military purpose. The east and west entrances are adorned with decorative plasterwork, and are relatively narrow, designed to accommodate horses.
A battlement walkway lines the inner side of the fort, allowing for strategic defense views.
🛕 Temples Inside the Fort
One of the most captivating aspects of Devanahalli Fort is the presence of ancient temples within its walls. These shrines reflect the architectural grace of the Vijayanagara period, and still remain active places of worship:
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Venugopalaswamy Temple – A beautifully designed temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, featuring intricate carvings and a Dravidian-style gopuram.
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Siddalingeshwara Temple – A shrine devoted to Lord Shiva.
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Chandramouleshwara Temple – Another significant temple inside the fort premises.
These temples not only highlight the religious life within the fort but also serve as a reminder of the region’s deep cultural roots.
📍 How to Reach Devanahalli Fort
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By Road: Devanahalli is well connected via NH 44 from Bengaluru.
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By Air: The fort is just a few kilometers from Kempegowda International Airport.
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Nearest Railway Station: Devanahalli Railway Station.
🕒 Visiting Info
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Timings: Open all day (preferably visit in the morning or late afternoon)
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Entry Fee: Free
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Ideal for: History buffs, architecture lovers, photographers, and weekend explorers
✨ Final Thoughts
Devanahalli Fort may not be as grand or crowded as some of the more famous forts in India, but that’s exactly what makes it special. It’s a place where you can walk through history, away from the chaos, and connect with Karnataka’s regal past.
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