Chitradurga Fort and Hills Weekend

A Vijayanagara era Shiva temple on the Vedavati river, with a tall painted gopura and a stone lamp pillar in front. Free entry. One listing says it is open about 6 AM to 10 AM and 6 PM to 8 PM, so we come in the morning. Shoes off at the gate.

Karnataka's oldest dam, built in 1907 across the Vedavati in a gap between two hills, about 21 km from Hiriyur. Walk along the old stone dam and look over a big blue lake with wind turbines on the hills. Free entry, open in the day. There are no eateries here, so carry water and a snack.

A quiet lake under the rocky hills about 3 km from the fort, and the Ankali Mutt caves beside it, where narrow rock passages lead to old prayer chambers. A local guide is needed inside the cave, paid by us. The caves are dark, low and tight in places, so skip the inside if you dislike small spaces. Watch out for monkeys and keep food in the car.

A forested hill about 10 km from town and the highest point in the district, a few degrees cooler than the plains. Your driver takes you up to the viewpoint for a wide look over Chitradurga. Entry is approx Rs 25 per adult and Rs 50 for the car, paid by us. The forest office sometimes closes it in the hot, dry months to prevent fires. If it is closed, we spend the time at Chandravalli lake instead.

Chitradurga's 'Elusuttina Kote', the fort of seven rings, spread over a rocky hill. Walk up through the gateways to Onake Obavva's window, the small gap in the rock where she is said to have stopped Hyder Ali's soldiers with a pestle, then on to the Hidimbeshwara temple, old ponds and grinding stones. Entry Rs 25. It is a lot of walking over smooth rock and old steps, so wear shoes with grip. Morning is cooler.