Huthridurga (Santhepete)

Karnataka, India

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Huthridurga, also known as Santhepete or Uttari Betta, is a fortified hill located about 65 kilometers west of Bangalore in Karnataka, India.

Built in the 16th century by Kempegowda, the founder of Bangalore, the fort served as a major military stronghold used by Tipu Sultan against the British, who captured it in 1791. The fort complex includes ruins visible on two surrounding hillocks, with a small temple dedicated to Shiva called the Shankareshwara temple, a Nandi idol at the summit, and an Anjaneya temple midway up the hill.

The village nearby also has temples like Aadi Narayanaswamy and Veerabhadra. Huthridurga was historically significant as one of the nine fortified hills known as "Nava Durgas" around Bangalore. It features seven tiers of fortifications and served as a summer administrative center with accommodations for the war commander and soldiers.