Chandravalli: digging into Chitradurga's ancient past

A short drive from the fort, between the Chitradurga, Cholagudda and Kirubanakallu hills, lies the valley of Chandravalli – one of the most important archaeological sites in the district.

What has been found

Excavations here have uncovered pottery, beads and coins indicating that the area was inhabited in the early historic period, including coins associated with the Satavahana era. A rock inscription attributed to the Kadamba king Mayurasharma has also been reported from the area.

The caves

Today most visitors come for the Ankali Matha cave complex – a series of underground chambers once used by ascetics – and for the quiet lake set among boulders.

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