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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Dharmasthala is a temple town on the banks of the river Nethravathi in Belthangady Taluk, Karnataka. It represents religious tolerance wherein caste, creed and faith of pilgrims are no bars. For here, the Jain Theerthankara is worshipped on the same consecrated grounds as the native Daivas and Lord Manjunatha (Lord Shiva).

Shri Kshetra Dharmasthala, the land of righteousness and piety, is one of south India’s most renowned religious landmarks with a history as old as 800 years. Manjunatheshwara, the chief deity of the spiritual abode, has taken the form of a shivalinga and made immaculate, the temple town of Dharmasthala since and forever. Lord Manjunatheshwara, is being worshipped in a very unusual yet exceptionally inordinate manner in Shree kshetra dharmasthala, as this Shaiva temple is beseeched by Vaishnava priests and administered by Jain descendants.

“Dharmasthala”, the abode of dharma, is the quintessence of humanity and faith. As the name suggests, the word dharma in its truest sense means righteousness, it is the embodiment of the world’s most divine emotions in spite of one’s cast, creed or religion.

The town is known for its centuries old Dharmasthala Temple devoted to the Hindu god Manjunatha. There are other temples and shrines that are dedicated to Ammanavaru, Chandranath and the Dharma Daivas (guardian spirits of Dharma) – Kalarahu, Kalarkayi, Kumaraswamy and Kanyakumari.

Social Service by the Temple Administration

• Rural Development
• Mass Marriages
• Anna dana (ಅನ್ನದಾನ)
• Vidya dana (ವಿದ್ಯಾ ದಾನ)

Places to Visit in Dharmasthala

• Shrine of Lord Manjunatha Swamy
• Shrine of Shri Ammanavaru
• Shrine of Shri Annappa Swamy
• Shrine of Shri Ganapathi
• Shri Chandranatha Swamy Basadi
• Shri Manjunatheshwara Cultural Research Foundation
• Nelyadi Beedu
• Lord Shri Bahubali statue
• Annapoorna Dining Hall
• Lalitodyan
• Manjusha Museum
• Manjusha Car Museum

How to Reach?

By Road: Dharmasthala is well connected by road. State-owned KSRTC & also private companies provide bus service from several centers of Karnataka.

By Train: Mangalore Railway Station is the nearest railway junction to Dharmasthala, situated at a distance of about 74 km.

By Road: Mangalore Airport serves as the nearest domestic and international airport for tourists heading to Dharmasthala. Earlier known as the Bajpe Airport, it is situated at a distance of about 65 km from Dharmasthala.

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Dodda Basavana Gudi (the Nandhi Temple) is situated in Bull Temple Road, Basavanagudi, area of South Bengaluru, part of the largest city of the Indian state of Karnataka. The Hindu temple is inside a park called Bugle Rock. This bull temple is dedicated to Nandi who is the biggest devotee of Lord Shiva. It is very big and stands out because of its unique architecture.

The bull referred to is a sacred Hindu demi-god, known as Nandi; Nandi is a close devotee and attendant of Shiva. Dodda Basavana Gudi is said to be the biggest temple to Nandi in the World. The stone cult image of Nandi is continually covered with new layers of butter, benne in the local language of Kannada. There is a cult image of the elephant-headed Hindu deity son of Shiva Ganesha close by.

Basavana Gudi is a regular place of visit for tourists and is covered by most of the tour operators including the Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation.

The temple is a small one, consisting of only the Vijayanagara-style shrine facing a porch. Built in the early 20th century, the current tower (vimana) above the shrine is adorned with Saivite figures and motifs. It’s said to house one of the world’s largest Nandi murtis. The murthi is about 15 ft (4.6 m) big and about 20 feet (6.1 m) long.

Bull Temple Timings: The temple stays open daily, including public holidays, from 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM.

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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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Murudeshwar Beach –  Murudeshwar is small town in Bhatkal taluk in Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka, India. Murudeshwar is famed for the world’s second biggest Shiva idol along the Arabian Sea. Populace of this region depend on tourism, fishing and cultivation for their livelihood. Murudeshwar is surrounded by Bhatkal, Shiruru, Kollur, Honnavar, Haldipur, Sagara and Uppunda regions. Pin code of Murudeshwar is 581350 and coordinates are 14.0943° N, 74.4845° E.

This is a holy place for the Hindus as there is a Murudeshwara Temple in this place. Disables from all over the world come here to worship Lord Murudeshwara. There are many tourists visiting this place.

This place is completely surrounded by the Arabian Sea in the west, the thick green hills in the east and the coconut areca trees in the other parts. This makes the place look more beautiful and serene. You can come across the best delicious foodstuffs like the sweet coconut waters and the spicy fish gravy’s and a variety of rice items too. There are some fruits like the mangoes, jackfruits, cashews and bananas.

Some of the best tourists attraction spots in this place are the centuries-old temple that has 2 elephants at the entrance that seem to be of the original size. The lord Shiva idol that is placed next to the temple and it is at a height of 124 feet high. You can view this idol from the Arabian Sea and it is the world’s tallest Shiva idol. The shrine of Jattiga is placed on the horse. Tippu the warrior-prince reconstructed the fort that is situated just behind the temple. The other places are Sultan of Mysore, Bhuta worship, the Kambala and the Korikatta that is the cock fight.

This temple is a peninsula and it has the Linga that was fallen by Ravana who is the great devotee of Lord Shiva. This is the place that is located 387 kms from Bangalore and 150 kms from Karwar. The climate is calm and serene hence it can be visited at any time. Its closest airport is in Goa and the Hubli has its nearest railway station. Bhatkal is just 15 kms away from the town and you can travel by bus.

Tourism in Murudeshwar:

Murudeshwar is one of the major pilgrimage hubs in Uttara Kannada district, where thousands of devotes from all over the world visit this temple throughout the year. Murudeshwar represents the historic splendor of Hinduism and it is centered on the superb Murudeshwar temple, located on the hill top next to the Arabian Sea. There are various other tourists attractions near Murudeshwar, tourists can visit beach, and can enjoy the sports activities in the beach.

Things to do in Murudeshwar:

Murudeshwar is one of the famed tourists destinations for those who enjoys the outdoor activates, swim, snorkeling and boat rides among other activities, trekking is obtainable at Yana, situated close to the Sahyadri ranges  Bhairaveshwara Shikhara and the Mohini Shikhara.

Murudeshwar Temple

Murudeshwar Temple is the major attraction in this region and devotes from various parts of India visit this temple to watch the 123 feet in height of Lord Shiva idol and this is one of the oldest temples in Karnataka, as there is a Shiva Linga which is ancient of all and Statue of Lord Shiva was constructed by Shivamogga’s Kashinath and his son Sridhar.e 13^th century and this Masjid was built in Dravidian method of structural design, this Masjid is an admired destination.

Murudeshwar Beach

This beach is located next to the Murudeshwar Temple and it is one of the prime attractions in Murudeshwar and tourists can see the clear view of Huge Shiva Statue. This beach is located along the Arabian Sea and on the other side there are various trees along the beach.

Other interesting places to visit near Murudeshwar:

• Idagunji
• Jamia Masjid
• Statue Park
• Noor Masjid
• Khalifa Masjid
• Bhatkal Light House
• Kadavinakatta Dam
• Kethapayya Narayan Temple

Best Time to Visit Murudeshwar:

Murudeshwar is one of the major pilgrimage hubs in Karnataka and tourists from all over the world pave a visit and the best time to visit Murudeshwar is between the months of October to May and avoid the months of June to September due to heavy rainfall.

How to Reach Murudeshwar?

By Air: The nearest Airport is Mangalore International Airport located at the distance of 154 Kms from Murudeshwar and it connects to cities like Bangalore, cochin, Goa, Mumbai, Chennai and Delhi and few other cities and  tourists can get taxis and private vehicles from airport to Murudeshwar.

By Train: Murudeshwar is served by the Murudeshwar Railway Station, which is located at the distance of 2.5 Kms from centre of the town and it connects to various cities and towns in state of Karnataka and neighboring state as well.

By Road: National Highway 17 passes through Murudeshwar and from National highway it is just 2 Kms to Murudeshwar temple. Government of Karnataka ply KSRTC buses to Murudeshwar from nook and corner of the state along with private organizations serves with the best services to Murudeshwar from various cities and towns in state of Karnataka and neighboring states as well.

Hotels in Murudeshwar:

Murudeshwar is a pilgrimage and major tourists destination in Uttara Kannada district in Karnataka, India. Hotels are booked during peak season and tourists need to book the hotel rooms before visiting Murudeshwar and rooms in Murudeshwar may cost from Rs. 400 to 3,000 per night and hotels here provides world class facilities to the tourists. Some of the prominent hotels in Murudeshwar are listed here below:

• Kamath Hotel
• RNS Highway
• Murudeshwara International Hotel
• Nisarga Regency Hotel
• Benzy Intercontinental
• Hotel Kawari’s Palm Grove
• Murudeshwar Guest House
• Sea View Beach Resort
• Gomes Yatri Niwas
• RNS Guesthouse
• Naveen Beach Resort
• RNS Golf Resort
• Murudeshwar Resort
• RNS Residency

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Keshava temple that was constructed in the 12^th century is known for its architectural creativity of the Hoysala Kings. Samantha a General officer during the rule of King Narasimha III took up the initiative of Keshava Temple. Hoysala had many splendid rock cut temples but only Keshava Temple is surviving at present.

Somanthapura

Somanthapura situated on the banks of river Cauvery is a village known for its serene beauty. The major attraction of this place is the Keshava temple. Somanatha who was a commander during the rule of Hoysala dynasty got this temple constructed. Both religious and cultural activities are given equal importance.

The Temple 

It’s a wonderful temple engraved of rocks. It has got a beautiful borderline with interesting adorned campus and a large gate that welcomes all the visitors. You get see the temple which is placed upon an elevated platform in the shape of a star. The temple holds a beautiful art of sculptors. Inscriptions on the rocks portray some scenes of the Hindu mythology. Complete upper row of the temple walls is carved with the images of Lord Vishnu. At the entrance you can find 3 different holy places and 3 sanctums for 3 Lords that is adorned with interesting inscriptions and sculptors. The chamber located in the South is for Lord Venugopala that holds a hugs statue of the Lord Venugopala on a platform. Sanctum in the north is of Lord Janardhana with which has a huge idol of Janardhana and the central hall is for Lord Keshva. Initially it had a statue but later due to some disaster it got demolished. In order to attract the tourists some pillars of exclusive artwork is placed here. The upper part of the sanctums has obscure rock carvings that can be viewed from far distant.

From the above description of the temple it shows the hard work of the architects of the olden days who held both in combination the holy spirits as well as culture and tradition of the people. It showcases beautiful stonework and architecture of ancient Hindu mythology embraced elephants that are considered to be a bearer of the universe. One can say that this temple represents the entire universe.

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South India is known for its ancient artistic temples that represent its culture and tradition. One of the famous temples of Mysore is the Chamundi Temple that is situated on Chamundi Hills. Deity in this temple is Goddess Chamundi or Chamundeshwari.

The description of the temple

The main attraction is the Dravidian style of architecture through out the temple. Quadrangular structural pattern of the temple, the carvings on the pillars of the entrance all this comes under typical Dravidian art that gives a beautiful look for the temple. A huge pyramid style structure welcomes you at the entrance. You will find complicated designs done on the gateway. The temple has also got silver plated doors that hold many mythological figures done with great patience.

At first you get to see Lord Ganesha, the devotees stand in long queues in order to touch the footprints of Goddess Chamundi that is placed at the entrance of the temple. As you enter the temple you can find a beautiful sanctum on upon which you can find the idol of Goddess Chamundeshwari. Goddess Chamundeshwari is worshiped with immense devotion and is believed to protect the entire city from any disaster. An additional attraction to all these is the statue of Maharaja Krishnaraja Wodeyar III facing the idol representing immense devotion he had for the Goddess.

The festivals celebrated in the Temple

Dasara is the main festival celebrated at this place. Takes place for almost 10 days with many ceremonies and spectacular traditional shows done here. At this point of time you get see devotees coming from different parts of the state, senior priests chant Vedic mantras all through the day in front of the deity. Rathothsawa is another attraction of this festival where a huge number of devotees indulge themselves to pull the wooden chariot that was presented by Maharaja Krishnaraja Wodeyar. Here even culture and tradition is given importance as you can find many artists performing during the festival that represents Indian ethnicity. Religion, devotion, culture and tradition all these catch the attention of devotees and make them desperate to visit this place.

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Hill range of Karnataka called Biligiriranga hills or known as BR Hills is famous for its serene beauty and Biligiriranga Swami Temple. A place that holds blue sky, green mountains and blue lakes that creates a perfect picturesque for nature lovers. Located in the midst of Western and Eastern Ghats you can find a unique variety of flora and fauna.

You can find many unusual species of plants and animals in the thick forest of BR Hills. Apart from the sanctuary point of BR Hills it is also known for the Biligiri Ranganna Temple.

The Biligiri Ranganna Temple:

Location: Situated in Chamarajanagar District of Karnataka on the ‘White Cliff’ the highest peak of the BR mountain range.

 History: It was constructed at the ages of Lord Ram and Lord Parashurama found in the epic of Ramayana. It is said that the temple was built at the place where Lord Ram and Lord Parashurama was praying Lord Ranganatha and Sage Vasista installed the deity of this temple.

Description: Temple is beautifully placed on the top of a rock face and the stone pillars have beautiful messages carved that are associated with ancient facts. You also get see the artistic carved figures of Goddess Saraswati, Lord Krishna, Lord Shiva, Lord Hanuman and others mentioned in the epics of Ramayana and Mahabharata.

Lord Ranganatha and Goddess Lakshmi are worshipped here where people stand till the Pooja is completed. The deity of this place is worshipped under three names Srinivasa, Venkataswara and Ranganatha. Thousands of people stand in a long queue for to reach the temple and see the idol.

Festival associated with the temple: Ideal time to visit the temple is during car festival that takes place once in 2 years. People of that place get together and celebrate this festival with great devotion and enthusiasm.

How to reach the temple?

Accessing Mysore is an easy task and BR Hills is about 82kms from Mysore main town. You can find private and government buses to this place from different parts of the state. So please don’t miss this place if you turn up to Mysore.

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Halebidu is one of the oldest regions located in Hassan district in Karnataka, India and it is a historical and ancient town in Karnataka. Halebid was the capital of Hoysala Dynasty, they ruled the region during 12^th and 13^th century and constructed numerous monuments and temples, it is one of the best examples of Hoysala architecture, and the Delhi Sultan between the year 1311 and 1327 shattered this region.

Halebidu is located at the distance of 30 kms from Hassan city and Belur is located 15 Kms away from Halebid and it is 211 kms away from Bangalore, the capital city of Karnataka state. Chikmagalur, Hassan, Tiptur, Channarayapattana, Arsikere, Mudigere, Sakleshpur and Belur surround Halebid. Pin code of Halebid is 518395 and coordinates are 13.2157° N, 75.9914° E.

Tourism in Halebid:

Halebidu is ancient and historical town in Hassan district, Karnataka. Halebidu has numerous beautiful Jain and Hindus Temples and attracts thousands of tourists throughout the year, these sculptural are carved on delicate soft stones, Halebidu is located close to Belur, and Halebidu and Belur are called as the twin town and famed as the temple towns of Karnataka state. Apart from temples, tourist can also enjoy the picnic spot in Yagachi Dam, with family and friends and archaeological society of India has museum, which has a wide collections of sculptures, artifacts, and various other historical evidences.

Places to Visit near Halebid:

Jain Temples: these temples are one of the renowned temples in Halebid and attract numerous tourists. These temples are famous for their decorated pillars, and are highly polished, next to the temples there are various mathas on Chandragiri Hill.

Hoysaleswara Temple: this is one of the major and most attracted temples in Halebid, Hassan and temple is devoted to Lord Shiva and well known for its intricately carved statues and carvings.

Channakeshava Temple: this temple was constructed during the Hoysala era devoted to Lord Vishnu, tourists can come across the finest carvings on the pillars, and these pillars are constructed by using soft soapstone and visited by the tourists around the world.

Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary: this is one of the major attractions among the nature lovers and this sanctuary covers an area around 102 sq Kms, located on the Western Ghats. The dense woods, shola grasslands, landscapes, and home for distinct wild animals bind this forest.

Shravanabelagola Temple: this is one of the renowned temples for the Jain followers and it is located in Shravanabelagola, this temple is situated in the middle of two mountains and renowned for 18 meters high monolithic statue of Lord Gomateshwara.

Other interesting places to Visit near Halebid:

• Kedareshwara Temple
• Archaeological Museum
• Yagachi Dam
• Shantaleswara Temple
• Basdi Halli
• Belur

Best Time to Visit Halebid:

Halebid is historical city in Hassan district in Karnataka, tourist’s visit this region throughout the year, and best time to visit Halebid is between the months of October to March, as climate will be pleasant during this season.

How to Reach Halebid?

By Air: Mangalore Airport is located at the distance of 185 Kms from Halebid and connects to various cities and towns in India, taxis are available from airport to Halebid town, and Bangalore International Airport is located at the distance of 235 Kms from Halebid.

By Train: Hassan Railway Station is the nearest railway station to Halebid, located at the distance of 32 Kms and connects to distinct cities and towns in India.

By Road: Halebid is located on the National Highway 234 and it connects to various towns and cities in Karnataka and government of Karnataka ply public and tourist buses to Halebid frequently from the corners of the state.

Hotels in or around Halebid:

Halebid is renowned for the historical monuments and temples and it is a small village but provides good accommodation facilities. Hotels in Halebid are classified into Budget, Deluxe and Luxury, Budget hotels cost from Rs. 300 to 1,000 and Deluxe Hotels cost from Rs 1,200 to 2,000 and luxury hotels cost from Rs 2,000 and above and provides all the facilities. Some of the prominent hotels in Halebid are listed below:

• KSTDC Mayura Shantala
• The Green Pastures
• Sumukha Residency
• Vishnu Krupa Lodge
• Vishnu Regency
• Shanthi Bhavan
• Sumuk Hotel
• Gayathri Bhavan
• The Green Pastures
• Hoysala Village Resort
• Suvarna Regency
• Stay Simple Riverdale
• Southern Star Hotel
• Sri Krishna Hotel
• Mayura Velapuri Hotel
• Mallige Residency
• Ashrita Hotel
• Gopis Farm

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