Fort Jamalabad

Karnataka, India

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Fort Jamalabad, located near Belthangady in Dakshina Kannada District, Karnataka, was built by Tipu Sultan in 1794 and named after his mother, Jamalabee.

The fort, perched atop a massive granite hill known as Gadaikallu, sits about 1,700 feet above sea level and was designed as a strategic watchtower to monitor enemy movements across the Western Ghats.

It has around 1,876 stone steps cut into the granite hill leading to the top, where remnants of a water tank and a cannon remain. Although much of the fortifications have crumbled, the parapet walls are still visible.

The fort was captured by the British in 1799 during the Fourth Mysore War. Today, Fort Jamalabad is a popular trekking destination, offering stunning panoramic views and a glimpse into Tipu Sultan's military architecture.