Kavaledurga Fort

 Initially built in the 9th century, the Kavaledurga Fort is a historical monument that is located about 18 km from Thirthahalli in the Shimoga district of the state of Karnataka.

History of Kavaledurga Fort
Renovated in the 14th century by Cheluvarangappa, the Kavaledurga Fort was then called Bhuvanagiri, which was a stronghold of the Nayakas of Keladi. They had a feud with the Vijayanagara rulers but soon gained independence after their fall. Venkatappa Nayaka fortified the place and built a palace. The Kavaledurga Fort has three lines of walls, which are constructed of huge granite blocks following the natural contour of the hillock. Each fortification has a gateway flanked by guard rooms on either side and in between these fortifications, there are temples, a ruined palace site and basement of structures.

The remains of the palace have been unearthed from the ground, and it is possible to view the Durbar Hall, the swimming pools, the ammunition house, the jail, the horse and elephant stables, and even a Ghalige Battalu (a copper pot used to measure time). Recent excavations have unearthed a spacious veranda, a kitchen with a five-burner stone stove, a pooja room, and a bathroom with water supply system.