Mesmerizing Karnataka : Chandragutti Fort with Cave Temple of Godess Renukambha, Soraba Taluk Shimoga District

Chandragutti is actually a pilgrimage centre popular for a 'Tortoise Shaped' cave temple dedicated to Goddess Renukambha which is believed to be laid down by Parashurama whereas the outer temple was built during Vijayanagara kingdom... The Temple is built below the hill on which the fort is built and which can be approached by a flight of steps... A huge procession takes place every year when thousands of people throng the place... In fact, the rock like structure which one gets see inside the cave is actually believed to be the 'hip' of Renukambha, mother of Parashurama... An amazing sight indeed!!!

However, the fort is said to have been built by Kadambas of Banavasi in 03-04th BC and later renovated by Vijayanagara kingdom in around 13th century AD...
The fort has been built on top of a hill offering stunning views of pristine forests and clear blue skies... One may get a feeling of being lost in their own world!!!

The 'Tortoise Shaped' Cave Temple of Sri Renukambha along with Fortress though in ruined condition as the case with Fab Four Forts of Shimoga District, is an ASI protected monument...

Trekking to Chandragutti Fort is really an awesome experience as we have to Trek through Forest... It takes almost an hour to Trek one-way as we have to climb the hill on which the Fort is built... Anyone who is interested in trekking will surely gonna love this place & have to try once... Awesome place!!!

Route From Bangalore (Approx 410 Kms):
Bangalore - Tumkur - Arasikere - Kadur - Shimoga (Approx 120Kms) - Shikaripura - Shiralakoppa - Soraba - Chandragutti (Harishi Road).
After you pass Soraba town towards Siddapura, you get a 'V' type Junction, while continuing straight leads to Siddapura, take right turn which leads to Chandragutti and finally Harishi...

Places of Interest nearby:

Burude Falls near Kyadagi at Siddapura (45Kms)

Group of monuments at Bilgi, an ASI protected historical site near Siddapura (35Kms)

Gudavi Bird Sanctuary (20Kms)

Banavasi Madhukeshwara Temple, an architectural gem (20Kms)

Kuppagadde monuments, an ASI protected historical site (25Kms)