Nagara is a village of historic importance, in Shivamogga district, popular for its fort built by Shivappa Nayak of Keladi Kingdom.
Veerabhadra Nayaka of Keladi dynasty built Nagara fort in 1640, after Ikkeri, Keladi’s original capital was lost to Sultans of Bijapur.
Shivappa Nayaka succeeded Veerabhadra Nayaka and is credited with taking the Keladi Dynasty to its peak and improving the fort. Raja Ram, son of Shivaji Maharaj of Maratha is said to have taken asylum in Nagara Fort. Brave rulers of Keladi such as Shivappa Nayaka and Rani Keladi Chennama successfully defended their land against much powerful enemies. The fort later fell to Haider Ali in 1763.
Visitors to Nagara Fort can see remains of the palace, guard rooms, wells, storage facilities, watch tower and canons. The fort was built next to a lake, had provisions for water circulation and was self sufficient during a war. Nagara fort’s main entrance and exterior walls are largely intact, helping us understand and appreciate the rich history.
Places to visit near Nagara: Kavaledurga (27 kms), Kodachadri Hill (30 kms), Kollur (46 kms), Jog Falls (90 kms), Sigandur temple (60 kms) and Agumbe (60 kms) can be visited along with the fort.
How to reach:
The Fort is 384 kms from Bengaluru and 142 kms from Mangaluru (nearest airport). Sagara city is the nearest railway station (57 kms). The Fort can be reached from various cities in coastal Karnataka and Malenadu region (Western Ghats) such as Thirthahalli, Sagara, Kundapura, Udupi or Kollur. Buses are available from these cities to reach Nagara or taxis can be hired.
Places to stay near Nagara: Hotels are available in Thirthahalli (36 kms), Kollur (45 kms) or Sagara (57 kms).