Kabbaldurga: It is a ruined fort located in Ramanagara district, Karnataka. Kabbaldurga is situated at a distance of 75 km from Bangalore. Murari Rao Ghorpade was an 18th-century Maratha chieftain who had controlled Gooty; he was defeated by Hyder Ali in 1776 AD and kept in the Kabbaldurga fort till death. Murari Rao had surrendered and sent this fort along with his family members. This port was used to throw off the cliff of British Raj convicts as a punishment. As it is near Bangalore, it is a favorite trekking destination , which is relatively easy trekking and private groups also undertake night trekking. Old and crumbling buildings on top of the fort represent a prison, garrison, and ammunition storage, and there are small temples, such as Bheemalilngeshwara and Kabbalamma temple. Also, this is one of the notable trekking places near bangalore, which can be visited during the day and at night. Undertaking a trek on the trail up the hill on a night of full moon is one of the adventurous things that you can do at kabbaladurga. At the top of the mountain, the display of natural beauty around you will be an enchantment to cherish!Kabbaladurga has a long history since its establishment. The place is thought to have been built in the 15th century  under the regime of the Vijayanagara Empire. It stood atop a rocky hilltop, enabling it to get a very good vantage point on defense and domination of surrounding areas. The architecture of this fort portrays how the  brains of the  old builders would work in its construction through strong stone walls, some watchtowers, and remnants of gateways that point to the earlier glory. The name is taken from the local deity, Kabbalamma, worshipped at a temple located atop the hill. The temple dedicated to Goddess Kabbalamma attracts numerous devotees and adds a spiritual dimension to this site. Besides that, the historical significance of the fort is enhanced by its association with several local legends and stories told over generations. KABBALADURGA HIGHLIGHTS:Kabbaladurga offers  trekking as its main interest. The trek to the fort itself is moderately challenging;  one  need  not be a trekker to reach the fort. Trekkers must face steep inclinations, rocky terrains, and narrow paths while following the winding trail - an adventure in itself. It takes approximately 1 to 2 hours to reach  the summit, but  you can enjoy a panoramic view from there. As you ascend, you can see some of the beauty surrounding  the  trekking place, with rolling hills, green valleys, and distant villages. Standing atop Kabbaladurga, enjoying the vast expanse of nature, is a rewarding experience. At the peak of Kabbaladurga stands the religious Kabbalamma Temple, an important pilgrimage center for  all the devotees. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Kabbalamma and constitutes an integral part of the local culture as well as traditions. She is said to protect the region and its people, and people visit the temple to seek fortunes and fulfill vows. The architecture of the temple presents traditional styles, and stone structures are intricately carved and  serene. It is full of life on festivals and attracts a crowd of thousands of  devotees,  performing rituals and  ceremonies. This spiritual energy is enhanced, making the overall experience richer for the visitor. The Kabbaladurga region has diverse ecosystems with a rich mixture of flora and fauna. The hills are  decked with  different varieties of trees, shrubs, and wildflowers, making it a beautiful place for nature lovers and photographers. Bird watchers will be highly pleased with the number of bird species that inhabit  there. This space  surrounding Kabbaladurga remains less disturbed, with experience and beauty  in the  setting for one.  It  encourages practices for responsible tourism in the conservation and protection of the natural splendor and biodiversity of this place. Kabbaladurga is not just the beauty of nature, but it is also the epitome of cultural heritage. The land has lots of  local tales and folklore because the place is associated with several stories about the fort and  the  surrounding areas. The natives are proud of keeping their local customs, as many traditions include  festivals  and rituals  along  with celebrations as part of the rich texture of Karnataka's culture. There is an  opportunity  for  interaction  with  the local people and a feel of their lifestyle, besides the warmth of Karnataka hospitality.  The villages  around  can  be visited to have deeper insights into the regional agro-practice, crafts, and cuisine. Check Out: One Day Trip From Bangalore | Trekking Near Bangalore | Two Day Trip From BangaloreBEST TIME TO VISIT :The best time to visit Kabbaladurga is between April and June and between November and March. During this time, the weather is quite pleasant, and the atmosphere turns into a lovely display of ambient colours. From July to October, the hilltop witnesses the rainy season, which must be avoided when visiting Kabbaladurga.TIPS FOR VISITING KABBALADURGA:The monsoon season is not one of the best times to visit Kabbaladurga. The wet roads and slippery trails make it very tiresome and difficult to stay afoot, and the terrain can be a major problem to traverse.Always carry enough water with you to avoid incidents of dehydration.Ensure you wear comfortable clothes and footwear to avoid unease.Since the trail is long, ensure you are physically fit to undertake the trek. Exercising and stretching activities a few days before the trek might be helpful.For a night trek, make sure that you are equipped with adequate torches and batteries, which will be very useful.HOW TO REACH: Kabbaladurga is located in the Karnataka state, which comprises rocky hills, vast greenery, and arable fields. The distance from Bangalore is about 70 kilometers, and  the town of Tumkur  is at a distance of 15 kilometers. The region  consists mainly of granite hills, and Kabbaladurga is  about 1,200 meters above sea level. Read: Bilikal Rangeswany Betta |Shivagange |Skandagiri |Uttari Betta |Kaurava Kunda