Saundatti - Two Forts & A Temple

Introduction

Saundatti is a small but significant town located in Northern Karnataka. The temple of Yellamma (Renuka) located on a hill nearby sees quite an influx of tourists/pilgrims and has been famously associated with the 'Devdasi' cult. Apart from that, Saundatti region houses the two forts of Saundatti and Parasgad of the Ratta dynasty, of which the town once served as a capital. The Renuka-Sagar Dam is located to the north of the town, across the Malprabha river, and is a beautiful place.

 

The Renuka-Sagar as seen from Saundatti Fort

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Getting There And About

Saundatti is best approached by road. Belgaum is 80km to the West and Dharwad is 40km to the South. Both cities have frequent bus connections to Saundatti.

 Saundatti on the map - zoom in for Parasgad

The Saundatti fort is inside the limits of the main town and can be approached on foot. Yellamma Temple is about 5-6 km away, but share rickshaws are available for a princely sum of Rs. 10. Parasgad is located close the the temple, but sufficiently off-route to warrant special rickshaw rates. One can easily walk from the road-junction to the fort though, the open plateau and wind-mills make it a pleasant walk.

 

The windmills are a constant presence

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Saundatti Fort

The fort belongs to the 18th century ans is located in the main town. The fort has a temple of Kadasiddheshwar at the highest point. The fort is uniquely built in white-ish sandstone, presenting a very Mediterranean ambience. The palm-fronds at the entrance help too. The top has views of the entire Saundatti town and the Renuka-Sagar Dam in the distance.

 

The entrance of the Saundatti Fort

 

The inner gates with palms for that Mediterranean effect

 

The spire of the Kadasiddheshwar Temple

 

The inner courtyard and the Kadasiddheshwar Temple

 

The town of Saundatti as seen from the fort

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Yellamma Temple

The Yellamma Temple is a very important pilgrimage centre in Northern Karnataka. The main shrine is surrounded by a small walled courtyard, around which the small market radiates. A series of steps descend from the main roads towards the market and the main temple. A couple of deep-maal are also seen. The temple has long been associated with the Devdasi tradition, although it is claimed to have been abolished presently.

 

The wall of the Yellamma shrine covered in haldi-kumkum

 

The entrance to the inner courtyard

 

The main spire of the temple, and the queue of the paid darshan

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Parasgad Fort

The Parasgad fort belongs to the 10th century and probably served as the capital of the Ratta kingdom for some time. The construction is divided in two parts: one part faces the plateau of the Yellamma temple and the approach resembles that of a pure landlocked fort; the other part covers the steep gully that descends to the Ramteerth spring and Yadravi village below. Pictures will give a better idea. We did a trough trek from the Parasgad fort, down via Ramteerth to the Yadravi village and then took a rickshaw back to Saundatti.

The windmills and the walls of Parasgad in the distance

The windmills and the fort

A Maruti (Hanuman) idol at Parasgad

 

 Shepherds keep a watch at Parasgad

 

 A view of the plains below

 

Looking down through the gorge

 

 A monkey cleans off lice from a goat ...

Another monkey analyses contents of a plastic bag in the background

The views were coming up ahead

 We descended these stairs ...

 ... to reach Ramteerth

 ... and this view

 The last view of Parasgad from below ...

The descent path is through the central cleft

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Signing Off

Saundatti is a common day trip for the locals. A balance of religion and history makes this is a good 'package' of sorts. A minor adventure can be had by trekking down from Parasgad, though people bringing their own vehicles will face some trouble here. There are other places like the Renuka-Sagar Dam and the temples of Hooli that can be explored as well. Happy travelling!

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© KP On The Go!