Jamalabad

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Jamalabad fort, located 8 km north of Beltangadi town, (65 km from Mangalore) is 1788 ft above sea level and was formerly called Narasimha Gudde, which refers to the granite hill on which the fort is built. It is also referred locally as 'Jamalagadda'.

The fort was built by Tippu Sultan in 1794 and named after his mother, Jamalabee. The fort is said to have been built over the ruins of an older structure.

The fort is inaccessible other than via a narrow path, with nearly 1876 steps to the fort that are cut out of this granite hill (probably with the help from French Engineers) and lead all the way to the top through the fort to the summit. This would mean that a small but well armed group could indefinitely block a much larger force from entering the fort.

Inside the citadel, there are two small fresh-water springs and some tanks to store their water. Some of the bastions have dismantled iron cannons with European markings. The rest of the fort consists of ruins of walls and parapets. There is also a microwave repeater station on top of the hill. (Mostly unmanned)

The fort was captured by the British in 1799 during the 4th Mysore war. Legend has it that those out of favour with Tipu were hurled down this fort to their death. (Such 'Tipu drop's are a feature in most hill-top forts built by Tipu.)

These days, Jamalabad is a trekking destination, with the climb up to the fort being classified as 'medium difficulty level' and the top of the fort offers good views of the surrounding landscape and the Kudremukh range.

There is a forest check post at the base of the hill where visitors have to pay a nominal entry fee. Visitors should carry plenty of water since there is no potable fresh water available on top. The nearest town with any communication and medical facilities is Belthangady. (Beltangadi)

Officially entry to the fort is restricted to between 6am to 6pm . Overnight stay at the fort is prohibited.