Mention the word “Devanahalli” to someone in Bangalore, and you’ll probably get this reaction: a destination for tourists! For those who have been bitten by a travel bug and are looking for a special day trip destination, or Moving to the green part of town -Devanahalli is a place to consider strongly for residential or having a holiday spot.
Here are some of the reasons:
How about moving from the city of Bangalore to Devanahalli. Devanahalli is fast emerging as a modern town, attracting numerous industries ranging from aerospace, logistics, Information technology, and is in the midst of a real estate boom, with an increasing number of people considering moving to the green part of town and settling here. However, the town itself has a varied history going back many centuries and reflects the history of the state and the country.
Devanahalli Fort: Magnificent and well-maintained
Devanahalli also boasts of a large and well-maintained fort. Covering an area of 20 acres, the fort has its fortresses still intact and provides a magnificent appearance to a visitor. Having been built as a mud fort by Mallabaire Gowda in 1501, the fort has subsequently changed hands moving to the Wodeyar dynasty of Mysore, the Marathas, then to Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan, and finally, to the British, which is an apt reflection of the turbulent times.
The fort’s walls can be easily climbed and serve as good viewing/selfie points with views of the adjacent highway, Moving to the green part of town -Devanahalli gives you the opportunity to often visit these selfie points. Watchtowers, guardrooms, and gun holes used for firing rifles are all still present inside the fort. The fort also has a thriving town within its walls, with some beautiful and historical temples.
Devanahalli: A Town of Temple
Devanahalli boasts of some of the oldest temples in the region, all of them are in good condition and attract tourists and worshippers alike. The most popular temple is that of Sri Venugopala Swamy, which you come across after entering the fort’s main gate. This temple has beautiful sculptures and wall-carvings, which depict events of the Ramayana as well as the life of Lord Krishna. A chariot is present in the temple courtyard, which is used to parade the idol of the Lord through the town once a year.
Next door to the Venugopala Swamy Temple is the equally eye-catching Siddhalingeshwara Temple. Other temples of historical and architectural merit include the Chandramouleshwar Temple, Mariamman Temple, and the Raghavendra Swamy Matha. All these temples and the fort walls are within walking distance from each other and can be easily covered on foot.
Devanahalli: Tipu Sultan was born and lived here
Yes, Devanahalli was the birthplace of Tipu Sultan and a memorial plaque, with a surrounding garden, marks the exact spot. Tipu also known as the Tiger of Mysore, was the ruler of the Kingdom of Mysore based in South India and a pioneer of rocket artillery. His father, Hyder Ali, was employed here prior to joining the ranks of warriors of the Mysore army and Tipu spent his initial years here as well. The house, where Hyder and Tipu lived, is still present inside Devanahalli Fort and many heritage walks cover both the birthplace and this house.
Nandi Hills: A short drive away
Nandi Hills is one of the most popular excursion destinations for residents of the city of Bangalore, who flock there in large numbers during holidays and weekends. This place is renowned for its myriad of attractions. If the amazing rock-cut temple of Bhoga Nandeeshwara does not take one’s breath away, the views of the surrounding valleys, particularly during sunrise will. For those with a love of history, there is Nandidurga, a key hill fort of Tipu Sultan which boasts of Tipu’s Drop, a cliff from where Tipu had his prisoners thrown to their death. Nehru Nilaya and Gandhi House are where Pandit Nehru and Mahatma Gandhi respectively stayed. These hills also contain the source of four rivers: Palar, Arkavathy, Penner, and Ponnaiyar.