Rayakottah, Krishnagiri

Rayakottah, also known as Rayakottai, is a town which houses a protected monument by the Archeological Survey of India, Rayakottah Fort. Rayakottah Hill marks the periphery of the Palghat plateau. An ancient fort that has seen and withstood numerous wars, currently in ruins, is definitely worth a visit. The fort itself, not accessible by road, is a two-hour hike from the bottom. The hike slowly takes the traveller away from the noise and pollution of city life.

Halfway through the hike is the Rayakottah cave temple that is possibly as old as the fort itself. Onwards from the cave temple are brick structures that were possibly used to house ammunition or horses or maybe both. The summit of the fort has a giant lamp that locals light during festivals. The elevation of the fort makes for stunning views of the town, with waterbodies and railway tracks meandering through town. Rayakottah is not an extremely popular tourist destination, but for travellers seeking solitude with a little exercise thrown in, the fort makes for a perfect Sunday getaway.