Rayakottai, which is around 75 km from Banglore near Hosur , was one of the most vantage points for Vijayanagar and Mysore kings. The Hill fort, from which this place derives its name holds utmost importance in the history of Mysore wars.
History:[Reference/Excerpt from ASI: [asi.nic.in/ncf/Tamil_Nadu.pdf]
Possibly a place of considerable antiquity,Rayakkottai came into prominence during the post Vijayanagara period. The place was fortified by a local chieftain, Jagadeva Raya during the troubled times after the fall of
Vijayanagara Empire. The hill had a strategic advantage commanding the Palaghat pass linking this area with the Mysore country. It was held by the Mysore rulers from AD 1652 to 1791. Then it was captured by Major Gowdie of the British army as a part of Lord Cornwallis’ assault on the Mysore country. In the subsequent wars with Tipu, it was never ceded to them because of its strategic importance.The remains of the fort on the hill are marked by a strong curtain wall and few structures identified as Havildar and Subedar
bungalows and a magazine. It is quite likely that the ramparts were erected by Tipu Sultan
Trail and Trek:
The trek to this historical fort, starts at around 600 m from the Rayakkotai bus stand. The entrance is clearly maked by a ASI board, stating this to be a historical protected monument and any damage to it would put you back by 1,00,000 :). The place is fenced and the only entrance to the proper trail head is through the gate. The gate is open from 9AM to 6PM.
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| The vaishnava Cave temple |
The trail is pretty clear and any first time trekkers can easily make out the way up. This can be classified as an Easy to intermediate trek. Though initially you gain a lot of altitude, later it smoothens out and it turns out to be a very easy trek. About half round on this trail, you see the trail splitting to two.
Taking the left would be a detour to a small Vaishnava cave temple and some small caves. Take this diversion and it serves as good resting point before you get soaked into the wonderful view at the top. The place , being a temple, is a bit unclean compared to the trail which is clean.
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| View from the top |
Continuing the trek(tracing your steps back to the diversion and taking the right now), one starts to see the remanents of the old fort, the dilapidated fort entrance, the precauriously balanced rock near the entrance, the pool formed with the rain water and finally ruins of old fort buildings ,walls, greet you at the top.
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| Entrance to the fort at the top |
Once you are at the top, you realize why this fort was of great importance to the rulers, the top gives you unrestricted view of areas of krishnagiri reservoir, around 20 kms away to the east and a spectacular view 360 degrees. It is not very often that such an easy hike would give you such great views.
As you sit near one of the ruins in the top and soak yourself in the views as gentle breeze cool your body down, one loses track of all time.
The descent is pretty quick and is not that strenous.
The most interesting and best part of this trek was that, going up and down, I never crossed another human soul. It was as if I was owning the fort. Though a very easy trek, it was a very memorable one.
Fact File:
Trek difficulty - Easy to intermediate
Trek Elevation gain : 400ft.
Trek Safety: The fort hill is surrounded by houses, so it is not a desolate place to be around, but the best part is that inspite of being admist houses, the trek path is pretty empty and clean you would not find very less people on the trail compared to other fort treks like Savan Durga.
How to Get There:
Rayakotta lies on Hosur - Dharmapuri State Highway.
Bike/Car: From Bangalore->Hosur-> At hosur take right at the first signal after the bus stand-> Reach Rayakkota bus stand and travel as per map
Bus: Take a bus to Hosur from Bangalore city market/sattelite bus stand->At hosur take any dharmapuri bus travelling via Rayakkotai. Both the buses are pretty frequent.
Map from Rayakkotai bus stand to Rayakottai fort hill:
Foot note Tip:
You will find a gazzillion of these things there
