Skanda Giri, Chikballapur

Skanda Giri, popularly known as the Kalavara Durga, is a hill fortress that dates back to the time of Tipu Sultan, the famous ruler of the kingdom of Mysore. This ancient structure stands at an elevation of 1350 m on the Nandi Hill ranges in Chikballapur, Karnataka. Visitors can see the ruins of the Tipu Sultan's Fort from Skanda Giri. The fortress was constructed by a local king, who according to a legend successfully defended it from Tipu Sultan for several days.

There are two caves in Skanda Giri which might also merit a peek while visiting the fortress. The two caves are yet to be properly explored, but locals say that one of them leads to the fort. The locals also believe that the cave has 6 samadhis or mausoleums. Besides, the locals are of the opinion that the caves are home to pythons that devour goats and other small animals that stray into the caves.