Devanahalli Fort, Bangalore - Timings, History, Best Time to Visit

At a distance of 37 km from Bangalontral Railway Station, Devanahalli Fort is an ancient fort situated at Devanahalli near Bangalore. Situated on the side of National Highway 7, near the Bengaluru International Airport, it is one of the popular places of heritage in Karnataka, and among the must-include places in Bangalore packages.

Devanahalli Fort was originally a mud fort built in the year 1501 by Chieftain Malla Byre Gowda of Avathi, who came from Kanchipuram as fleeing refugees and settled around the area. It remained under the rule of the descendants of Malla Byre Gowda until 1749, when Nanjarajaiah, the then Dalwai of Mysore, attacked the fort and occupied it. Later, the fort passed into the hands of Hyder Ali and subsequently Tipu Sultan. In 1760, Hyder Ali re-constructed the fort in stone resulting in the current structure. In 1791, Lord Cornwallis, the British officer, laid siege to the fort and took possession during the Anglo-Mysore War. The fort remained under the British rulers until India gained independence in 1947.

The formidable walls of the fortress have remained witness to many attacks and events that helped shape the region's history and rich heritage. Lately, in ruins, the fort once was the birthplace and residence of the great warrior Tipu Sultan. Spreads over a vast area of 20 acres of land, the fort is essentially built of stone and mortar. The structure has small entrances decorated with cut plasterwork at the east and west. The fort boasts of twelve semi-circular bastions, each with a gun-point view and a spacious battlement.

The main attraction of Devanahalli Fort is the chief residence of Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan. The birthplace of Tipu Sultan is marked by a small plaque near the fort. One can also see Venugopalaswamy temple, Siddalingeshwara Temple, and Chandramouleshwara Temple inside the fort complex. The fort is currently a residence for many as several families inhabit the place.

Fort Timings: 24 Hours

Temple Timings : 7 AM - 1 PM & 6 PM - 8 PM

Entry: Free