Manjirabad Fort, Karnatka, India

The star-shaped Manjirabad Fort can be found on a hill near Sakleshpur in Karnatka, India. 

It was built in 1792, commissioned by Tipu Sultan, the then ruler of Mysore. Tipu Sultan, also called the Tiger of Mysore, fought alongside the French against the East India Company. To better defend his country against the British, he sought the help of French engineers who designed this fort, influenced by plans of Sebastien Le Prestre de Vauban, France's famous military engineer. It is built from large granite blocks and mud, surrounded by a deep moat, that was probably filled with crocodiles and snakes at the time.

Legend has it, that Tipu Sultan came to the fort for the first time when it was covered in thick fog, and hence named it Manjirabad, after the word Manju which translates as fog.

Unfortunately, the fort now lies in ruin, but the 250 steps up to its walls will reward you with a breathtaking view of the wonderful landscape surrounding the hill. It is said, that on a clear day you can even see all the way to the Arabian sea.

Thank you very much Deepak for this great card !!!!