Chitradurga Fort lies in the midst of a valley formed by the Vedavati River. The Tungabhadra River flows to the northwest of the fort. Seven hills constitute the Chinmuladri range. The seven circles of the fort enclose these hills. Features of massive rock hills and scenic valleys, huge towering boulders are seen in the fort precincts. The hills on which major part of the fort and the city rest belong to the oldest rock of granitic formation in the country. The highest hill peak of the area is located at Jogi Matti, 5 kilometres (3.1 mi) to the south of Chitradurga.[2] The highest elevation of the hills at the fort is 976 metres (3,202 ft). The area covered by the fort is reported to be 1,500 acres (607.0 ha).

The fort is located 120 km (74.6 mi) from Hampi, the UNESCO World Heritage Site and 200 km (124.3 mi) from Bangalore. Chitradurga railway line is connected to main line at ChikkajajurBangalore/Mysore – Arasikere broad gauge railway line.

It is believed that Mandangad was built in 12th century by King Bhoja II during the period of Shilahara dynasty. The fort was conquered by Shivaji Maharaj from Adilshah and subsequently taken by British in 1818. The fort complex has three separate fortifications - Mandangad proper to the south, Parkot in the middle while Jamba in the north. Other features of the fort are old canon, Ganpati Mandir and a tank called Thorla Talav. The fort is less explored by tourists and normally visited by trekkers from Pune and Mumbai.