Rayakottai Fort

* is located 36 kms from Hosur and it is a hill trek. It is a culmination of climbing stairs, walking on a normal path, visiting temples, exploring caves. It is declared a protected monument by the ASI of India. It is offbeat and gives incredible views with a throwback to history. It is said that the fort was initially built by Jagadeva Raya, a Palegara of Channapatna town in Ramanagara district, thus the name ‘Raya Kottai’. Later, Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan ruled this fort in the 18th century. The fort was captured by Major Gowdie during the Third Anglo-Mysore War in 1791. According to the Treaty of Srirangapatna, this fort came into the hands of the British. The trek is meant for people who appreciate raw nature, history buffs, photographers and trekkers. Being an easy trek, it is equally suitable for beginners and experts.

Krishnagiri Fort

is about 50 kms from Hosur. It is a formidable historical stronghold that has witnessed the ebb and flow of various dynasties and colonial powers. This fortification, now preserved as a national monument under the auspices of the ASI holds a rich history dating back centuries. The fort and its surroundings were commonly referred to as "Baramahal," a term that linguistically translates to "twelve forts." This nomenclature reflects the presence of twelve hilltop forts in the region, including Krishnagiri Fort. This majestic fort was built under the aegis of the Vijayanagara Empire. Jagadevarayar-I, a prominent chief of the Vijayanagara Empire, undertook a strategic migration from Hyderabad to Penukonda. Renowned for his exemplary valor, he played a crucial role in confronting and defeating the forces of the Bijapur army. The extraordinary bravery displayed by Jagadevarayar-I caught the attention of Ranga Raya-II, a representative of the Vijayanagara Empire stationed at Chandragiri.

In recognition of his exceptional contributions, Ranga Raya-II granted him the governance of the Baramahal territory. Under his leadership, this formidable fortress, alongside other Baramahal forts, played a pivotal role in securing the region from invading armies, earning it the title 'Gateway of Tamil Nadu' and leaving an enduring imprint on the historical legacy of the Vijayanagara Empire. In the 1670s, the Maratha leader Shivaji captured the Krishnagiri Fort during his Deccan expedition and the nearby MaharajaKadai Fort served as a trade post for the Marathas during this period.

During the 18th century, the fort faced yet another change in rulership when Hyder Ali, on the orders of Chikka Devaraja Wodeyar, the King of Mysore, captured the fort and the wider Baramahal region. Later, Hyder Ali usurped control of these territories from the Mysorean monarchy and established his own capital in Srirangapatna. In 1768 AD, Krishnagiri Fort surrendered to the British forces following a protracted blockade during the First Anglo-Mysore War. Subsequently, Hyder Ali reclaimed control of the fort, culminating in the Treaty of Madras. In 1792 AD, following Tipu Sultan's defeat in the Third Anglo-Mysore War at the hands of the Presidency armies and the subsequent signing of the Treaty of Srirangapatna, the East India Company assumed control of Krishnagiri Fort.

Captain Alexander Reed was appointed as the first District Collector of the region. The British strategically maintained Krishnagiri Fort as an arsenal, employing it as a pivotal defense structure to safeguard the region. However, following the events of the Sepoy Mutiny in 1857 AD and the subsequent transfer of control of India from the East India Company to the British Empire, the fort gradually lost its military significance. By 1900s, with the British rule firmly established in the region and no imminent threats, the fort fell into disuse. Finally, in the aftermath of India's independence in 1947 AD, Krishnagiri Fort came under the jurisdiction of the Indian government.

Mallachandram

is a protected site maintained by the ASI and is a must visit site for lovers of history and archaeology. It is 36 kms from Hosur is well-known for the Megalithic (large stone that is used to construct a structure) specimens called dolmens. It is world-renowned for being the site of more than a 100 dolmens. These dolmens are the burial chambers of the megalithic people. The Ancestors cult was worshiped by the Megalithic people in the ancient period. As the term megalithic suggests, the dolmens usually have a large capstone that is supported by three or more stone pillars. The structures, however, vary in their complexity and numbers across the world. Mallachandram has clusters of dolmens and one may observe a large dolmen surrounded by smaller dolmens in concentric circles. Three kinds of memorials are observed and they were named a Cairn circle, Dolmen and Urnburials. Few dolmens are having white colour painting in the western orthostatic and it is facing in the eastern side. These painting are painted in the megalithic period.

Rajaji Memorial House

in Thorapalli (11 kms from Hosur) is the house that Chakravarthi Rajagopalachari (10 December 1878–25 December 1972) was born and raised till he was 11 years old. Rajaji was a freedom fighter, chief minister of Tamil Nadu, leader of the Indian National Congress, minister for home affairs of the Indian union, the governor of West Bengal and premier of the Madras Presidency. C. Rajagopalachari was the first Indian viceroy and the last governor general of India. Rajaji, fondly remembered as the Mango of Salem, was the recipient of the Bharath Ratna award. Rajaji was a virtuous leader who did complete justice to whatever position he occupied. The memorial, with his belongings and his life story, immortalised in photographs, keeps his legacy alive.

Government Museum, Krishnagiri

It is 50 kms from Hosur and exhibits objects of Art and Archaeology, Anthropology, Geology, Botany and Zoology disciplines. Most important exhibits of this Museum are the Hero Stones, which were collected from different parts of this district. Visitors can have the Knowledge of history of Krishnagiri district from as early as Paleolithic period through Neolithic and Megalithic to modern period by the exhibits displayed here. Paleolithic tools collected from Varattanappalli and Kappalvadi, Neolithic tools collected from Katheri, Gangaleri, Thogarapplli, Paiyur, Kokkikalpodu, Modhur, Gollahalli and Vellolai are displayed.

Two Cannons of about 18th century from Bujjagoundanpudur and Hosur are displayed here. Swords, Dagger, Knife with cover, Cannon balls made of stone, Gun powder Gun are other weapons displayed In this Museum. Photographs of Krishnagiri, Thattakkal, Jegadevi and Maharajakadai forts tell the story of militancy of this area during 16th to 19th centuries. One can also see Centuries old Terracotta figurines, Tiles of roofs and Palm leaf Manuscripts displayed here.