The Prominence of Kittur

Kittur is a historically significant site known for legendary freedom fighters such as India’s first lady independence activist, Kittur Rani Chennamma. Sangolli Rayanna, Rani’s military commander during her reign, was also a legendary warrior. When we hear the name Kittur, we are reminded of the history of these liberation fighters.

It is a Taluk on the Pune-Bangalore highway, about 40-50 kilometres from Belgaum and Dharwad. Kittur Fort, also known as Rani Chennamma Palace, is a historic site near Belgaum, Dharwad, and Hubli.

Kittur Fort

The fort contains the ruins of a palace that was once Rani Chennama’s home. Allappa Gowda Sardesai of the Desai dynasty built this fort. A statue of Rani Chennamma on her horse stands at the entrance to the arch that leads to the Kittur Palace and Fort. We’ll be able to see the fort after about 1.5 km on the road. Inside the fort, we can see the museum, palace, garden, field, and stage.

Museum

On the left side of the entrance gate, there is an archaeological museum. The archaeological and museum department of the Karnataka government manages this museum. Indira Gandhi inaugurated it on January 10, 1967. It has a collection of antique weapons such as swords, shields, metal armour, carved wooden doors and windows, inscriptions, and costumes from the time of Kings, Queens, Soldiers, and common people. There is a room inside the museum with the ruins of various idols from that time period. The surrounding area of the museum also includes a small garden with various idols from various regions, including Mahakuta at the time. A rest area is located behind the museum.

At the fort’s left entrance, in front of the museum, there is a stage and a large field. Every year on Rani Chennamma’s birthday, Kittur Utsav will be held there. It is a three-day festival that includes a variety of cultural programmes such as dance and songs.

Kittur Palace And Fort

If we go a little further ahead, we can see Rani Chennamma’s palace. Because all of the palace’s partitions have nameplates, even without guides, it will be easy to get a sense of the palace. We also didn’t see any guides during our visit. The palace includes, among other things, a dining hall, a darbar hall, a secret room, a waiting room, bathrooms, and a kitchen. It also has a massive stage with a few pillars and a grassy area in front of the Darbar Hall.

At the opposite end of the fort, soldiers have access to large rooms. It has steps leading to the roof of the palace. In its early days, it served as a palace watch tower. The main fort is observable in front of the palace’s wall. There are also steps on this wall that provide a view of the immediate surroundings.

Travel Tips

• You can get around Kittur by bus or auto.
• The fort is open from 8 am to 5.30 pm and there is no entry fee.
• It is open to the public throughout the year.
• At the fort, there is plenty of parking space available.
• It’s a good idea to bring sunglasses and hats with you on your visit because the only place with a roof is the museum inside the fort. The surrounding area is a tranquil place to spend some time.
• There aren’t many good restaurants close to the fort. As a result, it is best to bring your own food.
• You can also pay a visit to the nearby Bailhongal fort where Rani Chennamma was captured and imprisoned by the British Raj.
• If you have a long weekend, you can also visit Belgaum and Gokak.