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Talakadu is a small town in Karnataka, India, famous for its rich history and heritage. The town is situated on the banks of the river Kaveri and is surrounded by sand dunes, making it a unique and beautiful place to visit. Talakadu is also known as the “City of Temples,” as it is home to several ancient temples that date back to the 11th century.

History of Talakadu

Talakadu has a fascinating and mysterious history that attracts tourists from all over the world. According to legends, Talakadu was once a prosperous city ruled by the powerful Ganga dynasty. However, a curse was placed on the city by a vengeful queen, and the entire city was buried under sand dunes, leaving only the temples behind.

Best Places to Visit in and around Talakadu

1. Vaidyeshwara Temple: This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one of the most popular temples in Talakadu. The temple’s architecture is breathtaking, and it is a great place to learn about the history and culture of the city.
2. Maruleshwara Temple: This temple is also dedicated to Lord Shiva and is known for its beautiful carvings and sculptures. The temple is located on the banks of the river Kaveri, making it a peaceful and serene place to visit.
3. Gaganachukki and Bharachukki Falls: These two waterfalls are located a few kilometers from Talakadu and are a must-visit for nature lovers. The falls are surrounded by lush green forests and offer a breathtaking view.

Distance from Major Cities

• Talakadu is located around 135 kilometers from Bangalore
• The distance between Talakadu and Mysore is around 50 kilometers

Nearest Hotels

• KSTDC Hotel Mayura Sangama Talakadu: This hotel is located in the heart of the city and offers comfortable rooms and excellent service.
• Shrikrishna River View: This hotel is located on the banks of the river Kaveri and offers beautiful views of the river and the surrounding landscape.

Entry Fee and Timings

• The entry fee for most of the temples in Talakadu is free.
• The temples are open from 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM.

Activities

• Explore the ancient temples and learn about the rich history and culture of the city.
• Take a dip in the river Kaveri and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.
• Visit the nearby waterfalls and enjoy the scenic beauty of the region.

In conclusion, Talakadu is a hidden gem that offers a unique blend of history, culture, and nature. It is a must-visit for anyone who is interested in exploring the rich heritage of India. So pack your bags and get ready to unravel the mysteries of this ancient city!

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Melukote is a small town located in the Mandya district of Karnataka, India. Known for its rich cultural heritage and religious significance, Melukote is a popular destination for both devotees and tourists. The town is home to several ancient temples and historical sites that attract visitors from all over the world.

History

Melukote has a rich history that dates back to the 12th century when it was ruled by the Hoysala dynasty. The town was a center of learning and culture during the reign of the Hoysalas and was known for its artistic and architectural excellence. It was later conquered by the Vijayanagara Empire and the Mysore Kingdom before finally becoming a part of independent India.

Must-Visit Places in Melukote

1. Cheluvanarayana Swamy Temple: This ancient temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is one of the most important religious sites in Melukote. The temple is known for its intricate carvings and architecture and is a must-visit for devotees and architecture enthusiasts. The temple is open from 7 am to 8 pm every day.
2. Yoga Narasimha Swamy Temple: Another important temple in Melukote, the Yoga Narasimha Swamy Temple is dedicated to Lord Narasimha, a fierce form of Lord Vishnu. The temple is located on top of a hill and offers stunning views of the surrounding hills and valleys. The temple is open from 7 am to 8 pm every day.
3. Kalyani: Kalyani is a large stepwell located near the Cheluvanarayana Swamy Temple. The stepwell is an architectural marvel and is known for its intricate carvings and design. It is a popular spot for photography and is a must-visit for history and architecture enthusiasts.
4. Melukote Wildlife Sanctuary: The Melukote Wildlife Sanctuary is located on the outskirts of the town and is home to several species of flora and fauna. The sanctuary is known for its scenic beauty and is a popular spot for nature lovers and birdwatchers.

Distance from Major Cities:

Melukote is well-connected to the major cities of Karnataka. It is around 140 km from Bangalore, 48 km from Mysore, and 16 km from Mandya. The town can be easily reached by road or rail. The nearest railway station is Mandya, which is around 16 km away.

Timings and Entry Fees:

The temples in Melukote are open to visitors from 6:00 am to 8:30 pm. The entry fee to the temples is free of cost. However, visitors are expected to dress modestly and follow the temple norms.

Entry Ticket:

There is no entry fee for visiting the Cheluvanarayana Swamy Temple and the Yoga Narasimha Swamy Temple. However, there is a nominal fee for parking and for taking cameras inside the temples.

In Conclusion:

Melukote is a serene and peaceful destination that offers a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of Karnataka. With its ancient temples, beautiful landscapes, and serene surroundings, Melukote is an ideal destination for those seeking a spiritual and cultural experience. A visit to Melukote is a must for anyone interested in exploring the history and traditions of Karnataka.

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Mesmerizing and Unforgettable Heritage Tourist Destination

Badami previously known as Vatapi is a town in Bagalkot district Karnataka, India. Badami is very well known for its rock carvings and temple planning. Badami symbolizes the rich traditional heritage of Karnataka. The Chalukyas sovereign Pulakeshi I founded it in the year 540 A D. the caves temples characterizes the  temperament of the rulers then with religious tolerance  that predispose towards Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism.

History of Badami

Badami was the primordial center of the early Chalukyas who ruled most of Karnataka and the neighboring Andhra Pradesh amid the 6th and 8th century. The celebrated Badami Rock-Cut Temples were engraved largely within this period. Badami became a spectator of chief authority resistance between the Pallavas, Chalukyas and the Rashtrakutas, in the epoch between the 7th and 12th century. It was later occupied by the Vijaynagar Empire, the Marathas and Hyder Ali before the British incorporated it in the Bombay government.

Tourist Attractions in Badami

1. Bhuthanatha Temples

The two temples facing the Agastya Lake, are known as the Bhuthanatha Temples. Built of local sandstone, they are dedicated to Lord Shiva, in the form of Bhuthanatha. The sandstone used to build these temples gives them a beautiful glittering tint in the afternoon sun.

2. Cave Temples of Badami

The four cave temples of Badami have elaborate carvings, alluding to the legendary proceedings and spiritual experience of Buddhism, Jainism and Hinduism.

Cave Temple 1 – It is dedicated to lord Shiva. One can find the statuette of Shiva in his various avatars such as Nataraja, Harihara and Ardhanareeswara etc. the cave has enormous hall with many bastions.

Cave Temple 2 – It is devoted to Lord Vishnu,one can find his avatars of Trivikrama and Varaha. One has to climb the flight of stairs from the previous temple to reach here. The upper limit of the cave is put up with carvings of Vishnu from prospect of Puranas.

Cave Temple 3 – One has to climb the flight of stairs from the previous temple to reach here. This 100 feet unfathomable cave temple was constructed during the period of Chalukya  Kritivarma approximately 578 AD. In the interior of the temple one can find Lord Vishnu in carved avatars of Narasimha and Trivikrama. It also houses mural paintings that showcase the wedding ceremony of Shiva and Parvati.

Cave Temple 4 – It is committed to Jainism. One can find statuette of Tirthankaras carved within the cave.

3. Badami Fort

The Badami Fort is seated on the top of a hill adjoining two Shivalaya multifaceted. In the 5^th era emperor Pulakeshi II constructed these Shivalayas. The greater Shivalaya is dedicated to Lord Shiva while the lesser one is dedicated to Lord Ganesh.

Badami Fort is was built by Chalukyan King Pulakesgi in 543 AD. Perched on the top of a cliff, this fort is accompanied by two Shivalaya complexes dating back to the 5th century. A 16th century and a 14th century watchtower are also featured atop this hill.

4. Open Air Museum

The museum is positioned at the northern citadel. It was established in the year 1979. The museum mostly comprises of primordial rock tools and statuette which dates back to 6^th to 16^th AD.

Other Interesting Places in and around Badami

• Sangameshwara temple
• Banashankari Temple
• Aihole
• Ravanaphadi Cave
• Pattadakkal
• Agastya Lake
• Tipu’s Fort
• Durga Temple

Best season to visit Badami

September to March is reasonable and the perfect time to visit Badami. The summers are very hot and not suitable for travelling. The monsoon reason has heavy rain falls. The winter is fairly good for excursion. In the spring time it looks enchanted.

Accessibility to Badami

• By Road: Badami is connected to major towns in and around Karnataka. Numerous KSRTC and private buses ply to Badami.
• By Rail: The nearest rail head is Bagalkot Railway Station situated 38 kms away and Hubli Railway Station 103 km away from the city. The station connects the city to the northern and southern parts of India.
• By Air: The nearest airport is Belgaum Airport 139 km away from the city. The Bangalore International Airport is 509 km away from the city and connects it to the major towns around the globe.

Accommodations in Badami

Badami is the best tourist spot in Karnataka. It has many hotels, resorts, guest house, home stay and lodges that provide indispensable facilities at reasonable prices. The charges may differ from hotel to hotel and most of them offer advanced booking and reservations for safe and comfortable stay of the visitors. List of hotels located in Badami are:

• Badami Court Hotel
• Rajsangam International Hotel
• Anugraha Deluxe Hotel
• Mayura Chalukya Hotel
• Hotel Geeta
• Ayodhya Hotel
• Sanman Hotel
• Akashata Darshini Hotel
• Hotel Mookambika Deluxe
• Hotel Travel Inn
• Pulakeshi Hotel
• New Satkar Delux Hotel
• Homestay-inn And Guesthouse
• Hotel New Satkar
• Anand Deluxe Hotel

Full History

Badami is one of the most important centers of temple architecture, related to the Early Chalukyan period of rule. It is situated around 500 kilometers away from Bangalore (the Karnataka capital) and is well connected by any means of transport.

You have always heard how Karnataka is one of the ultimate heritage destinations in the whole India. When you are looking to taste some rich cultural and historical flavor of India, Karnataka is one of the best tourist destinations to where most people flock. Yes, the place, being a modern IT sector hub albeit, has a mystical charm about it when it comes to old traditions, customs and heritage. And when you visit Karnataka, how can you not visit one of the most popular heritage destinations in Karnataka, that is, Badami. Today, Badami stands as a crumple of ruins of the archaic monuments and temples on a red ridge of sandstone. Once, Badami was a manifestation of the glorious early Chalukyan age. It was founded and made the capital of the Chalukyan kingdom during the reign of Pulakeshi I.

According to Indian mythological legend, there lived two demons called Ilvala and Vatapi, who used to trick and eat passing mendicants. But when they were demolished by the ‘Agastya muni’, they turned into twin hills of Badami. This place saw much bloodshed, mainly between the Pallava and the Chalukyan dynasties. But during this bloodshed, there was also a glorious phase for the Indian temple architecture where both the dynasties contributed their part and evolved there was a Dravidian style of architecture that blended north Indian and south Indian styles.

Out of all the main temples, there are a group of four cave temples that the main historical attraction of Karnataka. The four caves are dedicated to Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu, Goddess Parvati and Adinath (Jain thirthankara).

In the first cave temple, you will find the different carvings and paintings of Lord Shiva in his ‘Nataraja’ pose. Dating back to that 5th century CE, it has some manifestations of Lord Shiva in his ‘Ardhanareeswara’ and ‘Harihara’ incarnations. You will find reliefs of Shanmukha, Ganapati and Mahishasuramardhini reliefs over there as well.

In second cave temple, you will find the images of Trivikrama and Varaha incarnations of Lord Vishnu. Covering the flight of sixty-four stairs, you reach the cave temple where you find images of Garuda and Vishnu, and so forth.

In the third cave temple, reached over 60 steps into a 100-feet cave, you will find the Trivikrama and Narasimha avatar images of Lord Vishnu. Dating back to around 578 CE, this cave temple also contains images of the Lord Shiva-Goddess Parvati divine marriage. It all flourished during the age of Kiritivarma Chalukya.

In the fourth one, you will get a glimpse of the sixth Jain culture. You will find the carving of the Parshavnatha thirthankara, Mahavira and Adinath thirthankara in this temple.

Apart from these temple caves, there are two other noteworthy temples of Dattatreya and Mallikarjuna, especially the latter one that was built on star shaped platform.

Then you cannot miss the Badami archaeological museum with the Nandi (bull of Lord Shiva) at the entrance. Moreover, you will get some of the best demonstrations of the Lajja-Gauri (fertility cult). You will also find the Shivalayas on the nearby hillocks. While the upper one, formed during the reign of Pulakeshi II, is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the lower one is dedicated to Lord Ganesh. You get to see the firsthand show of Indian artillery (cannon) and a watchtower over there.

Constructed during the 5th century, there was a temple raised to the Lord Shiva, the lord of the five ‘Bhuta’ elements, and was called the Bhutanatha temple.

Well, that was quite a demonstration of the heritage destination, Badami of Karnataka.

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Well, if you are a tourist who has done some research on India before he comes here, you will already know that one of favorite places for history buffs is the state of Karnataka. Though you have a city like Bangalore that is considered to be a main Information Technology hub, Karnataka stills holds its place as one of the best heritage destinations in India. Bringing out the complete flavor of the true traditional India in all its colors, Karnataka mesmerizes not only the international tourists but also the domestic tourists.

And when it comes to the best heritage destinations in Karnataka, how can we ever forget the name of Srirangapatna? Originally spelt as Srirangapatnam, this place is a mark to the great era of Tipu Sultan and Hyder Ali. Located in the Mandya district on the Mysore Highway coming from Bangalore, this is a must see place of Karnataka. The beauty of the town is that it is enwrapped within the river Cauvery and that separates it from the other places. It is a place of great historical, cultural and religious importance. If you are new to the state of Karnataka and want to taste the flavor of old and young India, you have to visit here, after Bangalore.

What you find in Srirangapatna is a question now. It sure sounds to be a small town, but it bears the bravado and glory of the great Hyder Ali and his legendary son, Tipu Sultan, who fought single-handed with the British with his legendary sword. Even the place where he fell dead is delineated with an obelisk. Within the main fort, you will be able to find the museum and the famous Sri Ranganathaswamy temple.

This is one of the oldest and most important Vaishnavi temples in the whole of the southern India. It was initiated by the rulers of the Ganga dynasty during the ninth century. It was renovated by the rulers of Vijayanagar and Hoysala dynasties. This temple is dedicated to the Lord Vishnu (Ranganatha). You will find these at the three pilgrimages, viz. Antya Ranga, Madhya Ranga and Adi Ranga. Even the western flowing section of the river Cauvery is considered to be sacred waters and pulls tourists from far and wide.

Haven’t you heard of the Masjid-E-Ala or the Jamia Masjid? This is the first monument that Tipu Sultan built. With around ninety-nine names of Allah carved on the wall of the monument, this is built in the middle of the 18th century. The spacious domes coupled with the minarets are what add to the mystical charm of the monument.

Amidst the famous Lal Bagh garden, you will come across the Gumbaz. Standing on a high plinth, this is the mausoleum of Tipu Sultan and his parents, Hyder Ali and Fatima Begum. You will love to watch the scenic beauty around from the verandah, surrounded by polished pillars. The typical dome shape, ivory inlaid windows and doors, carved stoned windows, and the favorite tiger stripes makes this monument a must watch for every tourist visiting Srirangapatna.

Would you like to see the prison that led to fear of the British? This is where Colonel Baird, Captain Rulay, Colonel Braithwaite, Lindsay, Samson and Frazer were imprisoned. Even the cannon ball that fell from the ceiling during a war is being kept with utmost care.

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Ah, we are speaking of one of the most famous heritage centers of the world and that is Pattadakal. It is about a distance of 500 kilometers from Bangalore and about 22 kilometers from Badami. What do you find in Pattadakal? What makes Pattadakal so special? It is its architectural excellence! It is the paradise for any art historian. With lots of varied styles, this place looks as if it has been carved by God’s own hands. And how come this small relatively unknown place is so beautifully decorated with some of the most wonderful temples out there? Who chose this place? It is what the rulers of the Chalukyan dynasty decided to do, of course, when she shifted their capital to Pattadakal.

Located in the Bagalkot district of northern Karnataka, just near the banks of the Malaprabha River, this place is a living attestation of the Chalukyan architectural brilliance and value. During the 7-8th century, they built around 10 breathtaking examples of temples all around the place as if they were trying to experiment and each of their experiments turned out to be exemplars for the future generation, some form of legacy they set and a new standard they reached.

Four of the main temples are built on the Dravidian (south Indian) style of architecture and four shows a Nagara (north Indian) style of architecture. The Papanatha temple shows a hybrid sort of style. One important characteristic of this place is the sand, which is red in color. And this is why Pattadakal has been named as Kisuvolal, which means red stone.

The main tourist attraction of the place is the Virupaksha temple. Built on a Dravidian style of architecture, it marks the glory of victory of Vikramaditya’s II over the Pallava dynasty in 735 CE. It is extremely beautiful and more beautiful than the others are. The temples were named as Lokeshwara (after Lokadevi) and Trilokeshwara (after Trilokadevi). Later on, they were renamed as Virupaksha and Mallikarjuna respectively. It has nicely carved images and figurines of Ugra Narasimha, Nataraj, Gajendramoksham, Ravananugrahamurthy and Shiva. It is considered to be a replica of the Kailashanatha temple (Kanchi). In fact, this is the largest temple inside the complex.

But then there are precious others such as Sangameshwara temple. The oldest of all, Sangameshwara temple was built by the King Vijayaditya. It is a similar structure as the Virupaksha temple with a inner sanctum, passage and hall. You will find some nice Narasimha and Nataraj figurines carved around on the walls.

If you loved the Virupaksha temple, I bet you will love the Mallikarjuna temple, a smaller version of the former. Trilokadevi built it in the year 745 CE and gave it an excellence artistic historical touch with the ceilings of Nataraj, Parvati and Gajalakshmi, pillars carved of the scenes depicting life of Lord Krishna, and several sculptures of Ugra Narasimha and Mahishasuramardhini.

You will also find the north Indian styled Kasivisveshwara temple to be an appeal to the eye. This was the last early Chalukyan art for that matter. Well, this was built by the Rashtrakuta dynasty. Another one built by the Rashtrakuta dynasty is the Jain temple, in the 9th century. With some excellent sculptures and carvings, this is a beauty to look at.

One of the most beautiful of all is the Papanatha temple. It was started in the north Indian Nagara style but was later shifted to the south Indian Dravidian style. Have you seen the Navabrahma temples (Alampur) built by the Chalukyas (Badami)? It bears a strong resemblance with that. It also has sculptures of the scenes of Mahabharata and Ramayana. You will also love the Jain basadis and the Galaganatha temple, which has a special curvilinear shikhara.

And when you have visited Pattadakal, how can you miss the popular dance festival? Then you have the Virupaksha temple car festival held around March. You will get a feel of the south Indian flavor.

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Name one place that is famous for sandalwood, ivory, silk and wooden carved furniture – It has to be the Mysore of Karnataka. Located a few kilometers from Bangalore, this magnificent city (also the second largest city in the whole state of Karnataka) lies near the Chamundi Hills. It is one of the best-known tourist destinations in India. The most charming thing about it is its mystic appeal. It may have grown modern over the time, but nonetheless the mystical antique charm is still intact. Yet it is renowned for its silk and sandalwood, and that it deserves to be.

Mysore was the capital city of the famous Wodeyar dynasty since the fourteenth century and it was until India got its freedom from the British. For a brief time, it was ruled by Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan, but the Wodeyars again conquered it back from that. And since then, Mysore has always been some kind of fantasyland for all of us. It welcomes tourists from within India and from other parts of the world. It has been hailed as the city of awesome temples, cool shady avenues, high imposing buildings and beautiful gardens. How can we forget the soothing atmosphere of Mysore? Lying at a level of around 770m over sea level, this place enjoys a very soothing and calm climate, neither too hot nor too cold.

The name Mysore comes from the word ‘Mahishashura’ or ‘Mahisur’. It is supposed to be the town of a demon king who lived here. The goddess Chamundeshwari killed the atrocious buffalo headed monster ‘Mahisur’. This place is very rich in history and culture. It dates back to the age of the Mahabharata. We find proofs of the Ganga dynasty who ruled here from the second to the tenth century. Then you have the Cholas, Chalukyas, Hoysalas, Vijayanagar dynasty and then the Yadu dynasty at last in the 13th century.

If you are looking for a great tour to the India’s past, you should visit this place. You will find the Mysore Palace. You will love this mansion of a building, built on a rare Indo-Saracenic style and has seven arches just on the entrance. It is of three storeys but the tower goes up to five storeys and it is about 150ft high. The general people can only see the Gombi Thotti, Kalyana Mandapam, Amba Vila and Durbar Hall. The Kalyana Mandapam is extremely beautiful with lots of scenes of the Dasara festival printed on the walls. You will love the stained glass ceiling with the peacock design. Then there’s the Durbar Hall with some of the most wonderful pictures of the royal family painted by Raja Ravi Varma. On the first floor itself, you get the Amba Vilas with exquisite designs on doors and walls.

How can someone miss the sight of the sumptuous royal throne build fully of gold pillars and umbrella?

Are you willing to cover the 1000 steps to see the Chamundi deity? It is in the famous Chamundi hills. You will also find a giant statue of the demon ‘Mahishashura’ and the Nandi bull as well.

Built by Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV, the Brindavan Gardens stand as a mark of beauty and purity to the tourists. Fraught with pretty flowerbeds, pools, fountains, these place rocks at night when it is illuminated.

Daria Daulat Bagh is one place that you should visit. It contains the memories of the brave Tipu Sultan. It roars of the bravado of Tipu Sultan against the British. Even the place where he fell dead is delineated. Then there’s the museum, the tomb of Tipu Sultan.

It is called one of the best heritage destinations in Karnataka for a reason. When you go out shopping, the sandal soaps, and the incense sticks, silk saris are enough to mesmerize anyone.

You should also visit the Jagan Mohan Art Gallery. Some of the best paintings and sculptures are to be found here.

When it is art, architecture and education, Mysore is the best heritage destination in Karnataka.

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If you really are looking forward to have a historical tour in India, Karnataka is the place for you. Though it is one of the most advanced IT sector hubs in the world, it is also one place that is famous for its connection with the deep roots of the Indian history and culture. This coastal southwestern state of India, with its fuzzy warm tropical climate and awesome scenic beauty, is a great tourist destination and no doubt, a must place to go when you want to explore the south India. When you are going to Karnataka, what is one thing that you DON’T want to miss? You cannot miss Kittur, one of the most historical places in the state of Karnataka. Kittur is rather a small town, interesting and famous for its old monuments, palaces and statues. You must have heard about Queen Chennamma? She was that woman of Kittur who posed a massive resistance to the British.

During the raj of British India, it passed under the Bombay Presidency. It contains the ruined Kittur fort, which was the residence of the chief. During some dispute about succession on who will be the next chief in the year 1824, the St. John Thackeray, the Dharwad commissioner, was killed in the battle. And thus the queen Chennamma was seized and jailed in the BailHongal Jail. She expired away in the jail itself. From then, Chennamma was considered to be a legend.

One of the most notable tourist attractions of this place is Kittur Chennamma Fort. Kittur is famous for the Kittur Chennamma Fort. It is an evidence of the great freedom struggle of India. It is situated around 50 kilometers from Belgaum and around 32 kilometers from Dharwad. Not only is it important to the Indian archaeological society but also acts as a sign of women’s pride and bravery. During the revolt of 1857, queen Chennamma led the march against the British, after the launch of ‘Doctrine of Lapse’. It is a great chapter of the Indian history, and though Kittur is a small, unsung town, it still holds an important place in the Indian freedom struggle. Moreover, not only does it mark its place in the Indian freedom history, but also it is a great example of the architectural value and excellence.

Indian government has been taking some protection of the precious monuments and statues, and has been preserving the Indian heritage earnestly. Kittur and Kittur Chennamma Fort is not only a place of pride for the domestic tourists but also a piece of precious historical and cultural heritage for the international tourists. If you are visiting the Karnataka, you have to visit Kittur. And when you visit Kittur, you have to visit one of the best heritage destinations in Karnataka, which is Kittur Chennamma Fort.

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“If dreams were made out of stone, it would be Hampi” – there goes a saying like that. Truly, Hampi was one of the places where you get to find the glance of the golden rule period in India. Hampi was the center seat of the Vijayanagar Empire and was a mark of the beauty and glory of the Vijayanagar dynasty. It was established by the Vidyaranya saint, with his two disciples Bukka and Hakka, in the beginning of the 14th century AD. It was a huge empire covering over the three states of Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra and Karnataka. In fact, it was the largest empire in the post-Mogul era. And it was the center of the music, art and architecture. Temples were re-erected, musicians and scholars were patronized, and a boost was given to the Indian culture as a whole. The rich Indian heritage was being encouraged, the city was flourished and the welfare of the subjects was made the most important priority during the rule of the notable king, Krishnadevaraya.

But all of this ended when the Mogul raiders attacked the empire, ransacking and looting the innocent civilians and the riches of the empire. It was the mark of end of the golden rule of the Vijayanagar Empire. Everything was ruined and turned into dust. Every mark of glory was obliterated from the memory. Due to the sudden, shocking and brutal attack of the raiders, Vijayanagar Empire crumbled down to the savage massacre. The whole joyous city was reduced to rubble of stones, pebbles and vegetation. That’s how you will find the Hampi today. But behind that ruined carcass and wrecked remains, you will feel the sweet smell of the Indian glorious past.

With the turbulent Tungabhadra on one side and surrounded by a rocky granite terrain on the three other sides, this place though as ruined as it may be, it is still a prominent attestation of the splendor, the grandeur of the mighty empire that once reigned over here. The magnificent remains spark of the wealth and riches of what the place was once was. It is not only a matter of pride for the domestic people but also for the international counterparts as well. That’s why Hampi is being considered as a ‘World Heritage Center’ and is being taken proper care by the ‘Hampi World Heritage Area Management Authority’, established in the year 2002.

And you get a notice of that when you are travelling from Kamalapura to Hampi. Just three kilometers in, you will come across the Malyavanta Raghunathaswamy temple. Built on the Dravidian style of art, the weird marine monsters and animals carved on the outer walls are sure to mesmerize you. Then emerge the famous Hampi Bazaar. No dearth of beautiful colorful houses here!

Go a little west of the Hampi Bazaar and you find the Virupaksha temple. The style dates back to the 11-12th century and parts of this temple is well before the Vijayanagar rule even. One of the amazing parts of the temple is the over 100 feet tall tower near the east entrance. And then there’s the single boulder tower called the Ugra Narasimha. Built by the king Krishnadevaraya, it is a great piece of architecture.

Then, how can you miss the 56 musical pillared Vithala Temple Complexes? The stone chariot on the stone wheels…is something you just cannot miss. With some huge pillars cut from only one block of stone, these monument is a spectacle. Though it has been attacked brutally and much of its glory has been lost, it still happens to retain its wrecked beauty, and it is considered to be a protected heritage by the government.

Then there’s the beautiful Victory House that was built on the occasion of the victory of Krishnadevaraya over the Oriya King. He would sit on the throne and watch the Dasara festival. It is elegantly printed and carved along the walls, pillars and corners. On the west side, a path goes to the private royal worship place called the Hazara Ramaswamy temple. Decorated with scenes from the Ramayana, this temple brings back relation of the place to the Kishkindha monkey kingdom.

You will find the King’s Balance over here. He was weighed against gold, money and grain, which were to be distributed among the subjects. Then there’s the private Queen’s Bath. Well, you can peep in there! Do you think it is finished? You are so mistaken. You have the Lotus Mahal, the Elephant Stables (a great example of the mix of Hindu and Muslim style of architecture), the Pushkarini Tank, Mahanavami Dibba (a platform for the royal family during the Mahanadu festival), the figure of Mustard Ganesh, and the recently discovered Noblemen’s Palace.

If you are a great animal lover and you always thought what the Indian sloth bear would look like, the Daraji Bear Sanctuary is the place for you. Launched in 1994, it has been a great residence for the species since then.

The best part is that the government is thinking about introducing the night tourism scheme, whereby the tourists will be ushered into the illuminated remains of the past during the night. It creates a mystical and awesome atmosphere no doubt and some extreme experience for the tourists. You will also love the magic of the Vijayanagar festival as well. Do you think it’s finished now? It NEVER will. That’s Hampi for you.

One of the best heritage destinations in Karnataka, Hampi is the place to go if you want to explore India a bit better.

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A wealthy city and the capital of the Hoysala dynasty, Halebid actually means a ruined city. This city is best known for the remnants of the grandeur and excellence that can be associated with the Hoysala epoch. It is also home to the renowned Hoysaleshwara Temple in honor of Lord Shiva that is a famous pilgrim spot. Halebid is at a distance of 32 kms from the city of Hassan and 17 kms from Belur. It is well connected by air, rail and roadways, the nearest airport being Mangalore and the closest rail station at Banavara.

In the 12th and 13th centuries Halebid was the capital city also referred to as Dwarasamudra. The Hoysaleshwara Temple stands as the epitome of Hoysala art and architectural excellence. Walls of this temple are adorned with beautiful and intricate sculptures of many deities, animals, birds etc. But the faces of the temple are vastly different from each other. It is interesting to note that despite nearly 86 years of hard labor, the temple was never officially completed.

The temple was built by the Chief of Staff of Vishnuvardhana Ketumalla and each in Belur and in Halebid the shrine contains a Shiva lingam. Vishnuvardhana incidentally was also the man behind the famous Chennakeshava Temple in Belur. A mandapam with a bull or Nandi finds a place before each of the Hoysala shrines. A statue of Surya with his seven horses has been established behind this.

Despite its tales of grandeur and rich cultural heritage the city fell a prey many a time to invaders who looted and plundered it of all its wealth reducing it to virtually rubble. It was then that the Hoysalas made a conscious decision to shift their capital city elsewhere and that is how Belur grew in importance. The Hoysaleshwara temple continues to house two shrines dedicated to Vishnuvardhana and his wife Shanthala Devi respectively. This style of temple architecture is called the Vesara style that had been the forte of the Chalukyas and reached its pinnacle during the reign of the Kalayani Chalukyas.

Thus the temples like Hoysaleshwara and Kedareshwara and their architectural brilliance mesmerized thousands and kept attracting pilgrims year after year. The rich cultural background of this city makes it a famous tourist destination and its connectivity with the other remaining cities like Belur; Hassan etc have contributed to a flourishing tourism industry in the state. A museum of busts and statues recovered from the ancient period by the Archaeological Department has also made this a popular tourist halt. And besides the renowned Hoysaleshwara Temple, there are many Jain temples in and around Halebid like those devoted to Shantinath, Adinath, and Parshwanath etc.

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