Start at the fort at first useful daylight, when the exposed climb is coolest. Allow time to descend carefully rather than treating the summit as a quick photo stop.
Midday reset
Return to town for food and water. Published visitor infrastructure is thin, so do not depend on finding refreshments at the hill or reservoir.
Afternoon water landscape
Drive toward Shanti Sagara with enough daylight to locate a safe established viewpoint and return. Do not combine Santhebennur as well unless you have a driver and an early start.