Bhalki Fort is a historic fort located in the town of Bhalki in the Bidar district of Karnataka, India. The defence is believed to have been built during the 15th century by the Bahmani Sultanate and has since been the site of many battles and conflicts. Today, the fort is a popular tourist attraction known for its impressive architecture and rich history.
The fort is on a small hill surrounded by a moat, which was used to protect it from invaders. The fort walls are made of stone and are about 40 feet high. The fort has four main entrances, each guarded by massive wooden doors. The doors are decorated with intricate carvings and designs; some have metal spikes to prevent elephants from breaking them down.
Inside the fort are several buildings and structures, including a palace, a mosque, and a temple. The court was used by the rulers of the Bahmani Sultanate and had several rooms and courtyards. The mosque is impressive, with a large prayer hall and several minarets. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is a popular place of worship for locals and visitors alike.
One of the main attractions of the fort is the Baoli, a stepwell used for storing water. The Baoli is located inside the fort and is a beautiful structure with several steps leading down to the water. The walls of the Baoli are decorated with carvings and designs, and visitors can still see the water at the bottom of the well.
The fort also has several watchtowers and bastions, which were used by soldiers to keep an eye on the surrounding area and to defend the fort. Visitors can climb to the top of the watchtowers and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
Bhalki Fort has a rich history and has witnessed many battles and conflicts. The Vijayanagara Empire captured the fort in the 16th century, which the Maratha Empire later took over. The fort was eventually abandoned in the 19th century and fell into disrepair. Today, the defence is a protected monument under the Archaeological Survey of India and is a popular tourist attraction.
Bidar Fort is a massive hill fort about 45 km from Bhalki Fort. The defence has several interesting attractions, including ancient mosques, tombs, and palaces.
Basavakalyan is a historic town about 50 km from Bhalki Fort. The city is known for its ancient temples and is a popular pilgrimage destination for Hindus.
Papnash Shiva Temple:
Papnash Shiva Temple is an ancient temple about 70 km from Bhalki Fort. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is known for its unique architecture and beautiful surroundings.
Gulbarga Fort is a historical fort located about 100 km from Bhalki Fort. The defence has several interesting attractions, including ancient mosques, tombs, and palaces.
Anubhava Mantapa:
Anubhava Mantapa is an ancient monument about 110 km from Bhalki Fort. The memorial is a testimony to the legacy of Basavanna, a 12th-century philosopher and social reformer.