Gudibande Fort: A Great Sunday Trip from Bangalore
As Bangalore gets more and more crowded, slow and polluted, all of us seem to be craving more for those weekend getaways that take us away from the commotion of the city. While the Mysore and Hassan routes seem to be the most popular owing to great weather, proximity to the Western Ghats and a good many attractions, I kind of like the offbeat getaways on the Bangalore-Hyderabad highway for quick day trips or even a full weekend trip.
Video Note: Watch the panoramic view of Gudibande Fort, Gudibande town, the Byrasagara lake and the rocky outcrops in 4k resolution for best effect.
There is the Jayamangali Blackbuck reserve for those seeking a quick wildlife getaway, the Veerabhadra temple at Lepakshi, the vineyards and farms of rural Chikkaballapur, the beautiful Nandi Hills, Skandagiri and Chandrayana Betta, the gorgeous canyon views at Gandikota, the mesmerizing Belum caves and even the traditional wedding destination and 9th century temple of Bhoga Nandeeswara.
I found one more off-beat attraction during a Sunday morning motorcycle ride on the Bangalore – Hyderabad highway. This is the 17th century Gudibande Fort, which at 100 kms from Bangalore not only offers a relaxing rural getaway, but it also provides you with a short trek to the top of the fort where you can soak in the panoramic views of this rocky landscape.
Believed to be a replica of the Madhugiri Fort, the Gudibande Fort was built by local chieftain Byre Gowda as a small township with watch towers. Designed over a natural hill, the specialities of Gudibande Fort are its rainwater harvesting methods and hidden escape routes. One can catch a glimpse of these specialities through some surviving ponds and tunnel systems even though most of the fort structure is in ruins.
Once you park your vehicle at the bottom of the Gudibande Fort, it takes about 30 to 40 minutes to climb to the very top. Most of the trail is a gradual ascent, but at some stretches, there are steps that can be quite steep. As you climb, the view keeps getting better and once you reach the very top, you are greeted by a heavy gust of a wind, a small Shiva temple and a panoramic view of the colorful walls of Gudibande homes, the massive Byrasagara lake and the rocky landscape interspersed with green flats.
There are no shops at the top, so do remember to carry your water and power snacks with you in case you feel thirsty or hungry on the top. Once you catch your breath after reaching the top, you can go for a walk along the entire circumference of the fort soaking in the different views that it presents. And if you feel like it, you can even read a book on the top while relishing the cool winds.
So, if you have a Saturday or Sunday to spare and would love a short ride or drive and a small trek, Gudibande Fort is that perfect offbeat destination for you!
Preferable time to visit the Gudibande Fort: Early morning or late evening
Nearest place to eat: Chikkaballapur, Hindupur or restaurants on the Bangalore – Hyderabad highway
Nearest petrol bunk (Gas station): Gudibande
Route Options: Bangalore airport Hyderabad highway and then take a left at Peresandra and head straight to Gudibande town or take the Yelahanka –> Doddaballapura –> Ghati Subramanya –> Gauri Bidanur route or take the small village roads between Chikkaballapur and Gudibande after taking the Bangalore – Hyderabad highway.
