Penukonda Fort (14th c CE).
Penukonda was the Vijayanagara empire's summer capital after the 1565 Talikota battle — the fort spans a 1100m hill with 365 temples (one for each day) according to inscription. Most Lepakshi day-trippers from Bangalore turn back after the village temple. The fort's upper plateau is reached by a 1.5km trek + 600 steps; only 4-5 visitor groups per day.WHY NOBODY KNOWS
A 14th c CE Vijayanagara hill fort (3 walls, 30km perimeter, 11 gateways). The upper plateau holds the Yoganarasimha temple (10th c CE Chola, predating the fort) + Babayya Dargah (15th c CE Sufi shrine, syncretic worship continues). The view from Sikharam (top) covers 60km — clear days show the Penukonda-Hindupur-Lepakshi triangle. Open sunrise-sunset; free; bring 2L water + sun cover.
