Anchetty Durgam

For the past few years, I’ve been on a journey through the historical fort hills nestled in the picturesque landscapes of Hosur and Krishnagiri districts. Previous expeditions have led me to sites such as Rayakottai fort, Ratnagiri, Balagondarayanadurgam, and Udedurgam. Recently, Chaya and I visited Anchetty Duragam, a fort hill near Hosur.

Drive to Anchetty Durgam

Our journey to Anchetty Duragam began with an uneventful drive, bypassing the busy town of Hosur and continuing along Rayakottai road. After passing through Kelamangalam, we made a deviation towards our destination, where the hill stood prominently against the horizon.

At Anchetty Duragam

Upon reaching Anchetty Duragam, we navigated through narrow village streets to reach its center. Adorned with a temple and a majestic peepal tree, this place seemed to be the place for villagers to loiter. We were not happy with the hygiene conditions of the villager, but the inhabitants were helpful. Language was not a problem as everyone in the village spoke Kannada. Following their guidance, we set off on foot to begin our trek.

Climbing the hill

Climbing towards the hill’s summit, we encountered rock-cut steps and witnessed the surrounding scenery unfold before us. However, the sight of mindless quarrying around the village cast a shadow over the natural beauty of the landscape.

Most of the fort walls are gone, and only a few parts are left. Along the path, we spotted a small temple hidden beneath a rock. It looked like a spot where people used to offer chickens for rituals, judging by the surroundings.

Fortifications

A missed turn led us to an unexpected discovery, where we encountered remnants of fortifications and breathtaking views of the hill’s upper sections.

There are steps built on the middle and top parts of the fort. We passed through a narrow passage between rocks, which I’d consider a big landmark of the fort. After a bit more climbing, we reached the hill’s summit.

At the top

Reaching the summit, we found a small temple and ponds, with the newly renovated Shiva Temple standing above. The temple was closed, but we enjoyed panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, including the highway and railway line below. A Vande Bharat train passed by while we were looking at the scenery around.