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Heritage Destinations of Karnataka – Kittur

Kittur – Heritage Destinations of Karnataka

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.

Heritage Destinations in Karnataka – Gulbarga

Gulbarga – Heritage Destinations in Karnataka

You might have heard about the recent discovery of the sculpted portrait of the Great Asoka at the excavation site near the Buddhist stupa in Karnataka recently in 2009, haven’t you? The discovery has been accomplished at one of the most remarkable locations of Karnataka, which is Gulbarga. The Buddhist stupa is located at the Kanganahalli (Chittapur), and this discovery is the first inscribed relic of the great king Asoka. It had an image of Asoka with his wife, being attended their chauri bearers. Below it, there was an inscription called ‘Rayo Asoka’ meaning ‘King Asoka’. This is a very important discovery from the historical point of view. It not only manifests the lifestyle of King Asoka but also reveals a great deal about the painting art of the Buddhist of those times.

Situated on the Deccan plateau, Gulbarga lies in the northeast of the state of Karnataka (previously used to be known as Mysore) and forms a major heritage destinations in the southern India. Two rivers, Bhima and Krishna flow through the place. It is one of the biggest cities in the state of Karnataka, and is only a few hundred kilometers from Bangalore and Hyderabad. Being one of the most advanced places in Karnataka, Gulbarga comes with an enriched historical and cultural background. It was the seat of the great Bahamani dynasty in the 14th century AD, and was a part of the Nizam’s. It is also known as ‘Kalburgi’, which is a Kannada word for ‘stony land’.

Gulbarga has a rich history behind it that dates back to the 6th century. At first, it was under the control of the Rashtrakuta dynasty that was succeeded by the Chalukya dynasty. After ruling for about 200 years, the Chalukyas ceded the rule to the Kalachuri dynasty. Later, after the twelfth century, the reigns were handed over to the Yadavas (Devagiri), Hoysalas (Halebid) and Kakatiyas (Warangal). At last, it came under the control of the Nizam of Hyderabad. And it can be said that most of the development of the place was during this time. It was a center of knowledge and education of the contemporary times. You would find the Nrupatunga’s Kavirajamarga, Viganeeshwara’s Mitakshara, and Nagai University over here. The legacy of Hyder Ali, Banda Nawaz (Sufi saint), Purandasa Das (great Carnatic musician -poet-philosopher), Sri Sharanabasaveshwara and the Shivsharanas all originate from this place.

Yes, there are some great tourist attractions in Gulbarga as well, which make it one of the best heritage destinations in Karnataka.

In the outskirts of the city, Buddha Vihar is one of the biggest and one of its kinds. Built by the Siddhartha Vihar Trust, it is a big 70-acre of land (the main structure covers around 33000 ft of land) with pillared structures and blocks, and exquisite decorations reflecting the Ellora and Ajanta style of art. Inside you will two excellent idols of Lord Buddha, one being carved out of glossy black stone. These date back to the reign of the Great Asoka. This not only shows the excellence of the artisanship of that period, and a great symbol of those periods.

As a tourist, you will also love the golden smiling Buddha idol and the marvelously sculpted ‘panchaloha’ idol. You will marvel at the beauty of the stupendously carved teak and rosewood doors and windows.

The complex also consists of a museum with an auditorium, a dining hall and guesthouses.

Next comes, the Bahamani fort. It was originally built by Raja Gulchand, a feudatory of Kakatiyas (Warangal). The Allah-ud-din (Bahamani) rebuilt it. Inside the fort, you find a beautiful mosque built by Mohammed Bahamani and several other mosques and monuments as well. You will also find the tomb of Banda Nawaz as well. Those who love history will be amazed by the Durga library over there.

Gulbarga, being one of the best heritage destinations in Karnataka, cannot be missed while you are on your tour over there.

Heritage Destinations in Karnataka – Bijapur

Bijapur – Heritage Destinations in Karnataka

You must have heard about the mysterious whispers of Gol Gumbaz, haven’t you? That’s one of the historical attractions of this place called Bijapur. Bijapur is a ‘must’ destination when you are thinking of having a tour to Karnataka. Don’t forget Karnataka, though it is evolving as one of the IT center hubs in the world, is still renowned as a great historical destination to go to in India. Karnataka has a unique traditional charm on its own and every tourist comes to love and devour that charm. And Bijapur is a big part of that charm.

Bijapur is aligned to the northwestern side of the Indian city of Bangalore, and northeastern side of the Indian state of Karnataka. It was the seat of the mighty Bahamani dynasty, and it carries with its enriched historical and cultural heritage along with it. One proof that stands to demonstrate that is the Gol Gumbaz tomb. Bijapur is the capital of the Adil Shah dynasty. Bijapur, near to Belgaum, lies on the gateway to the state of Karnataka, from Bombay and Goa.

Bijapur, one of the best heritage destinations in Karnataka, is a nice place to visit. With all its glorious relics from the past, it is not going to stop amusing you in your tour to this great place of Karnataka.

Here are most important historical, architectural and cultural objects of interest that you can find in Bijapur.

Gol Gumbaz (Gola Gummata)

It is the second largest tomb all over the world, being over 44 feet in diameter. It has four minarets with four staircases leading to the topmost dome. One of the most noticeable characteristics of the Gol Gumbaz tomb is the clarity of acoustics. Down the corridor, if you make a little sound over one end, you will be able to hear it on the other end. You will be able to watch the physical concept of ‘Echo’ directly.Story goes that Adil Shah was walking with his beloved, and asked her sweetheart jokingly if she loved him enough. If so, she could jump from the balcony, and she did. And Adil Shah pained for it for the rest of his life. Gol Gumbaz is a symbol of eternal love. The excellence and beauty of this place SHOULD be watched at least for once in a lifetime.

Jumma Masjid

Famous for its golden copy of Quran, this Jumma Masjid is larger than any other Masjid in this region. Built by the Adil Shah, Barah Cummon (12 arches) is one center stage with twelve interleaving arches for different festivities on art.

Malik-e-Maiden

You will find the largest cannon from the medieval age here. It is around 14 feet long and weighs around 55 tons. They say that if you touch this gun and make some wish, it comes true! You will also love to watch the Jod Gumbaz, Asar Mahal, Ark-Killa, Ananda Mahal, Afzal Khan’s Cenotaph, etc.

Ibrahim Roza

It was a beautiful tomb… a mausoleum built by Ibrahim Adil Shah II, with nicely carved corridors and interconnected structures, spicily decorated walls and stone windows (perforated). This is supposed to be the inspiration for the Taj Mahal. There are several forts, arches around that bring out its sheer beauty in the moonlight.

This place is something you must visit when you are on your tour to Karnataka. Though it has been under deliberate attack by Aurangzeb, there’s much to this town.

Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary, Karnataka, India

Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary, Karnataka, India

Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary in Karnataka is located in between Chikamagalur and Shimoga districts. A place known for its lush green serene beauty and is one of the famous tourist spots surrounded by Western Ghat mountain ranges. Hebbegiri, Mullaianagiri, Babaudangiri and Gangegiri hills encircle this Sanctuary. The water of the Bhadra’s stream is also found that is used by the wild animals of the sanctuary.

The Origin

The Sanctuary covers an area of about 492 sq. kms. Located around 270 kms north of Bangalore it was declared as Jagara Valley Game Reserve in the year 1951 by Government of Mysore. Later in the year 1974 it came to be called as Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary and in the year 1998 it was affirmed as the 25th Project Tiger of the country.

Salient Features

Plan your trip to Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary to explore a wide range of flora and fauna. It holds the highest peak called the Kallahathigiri, which is about 1872 m in height. You can also take a round in the beautiful Jagara village adjacent to the sanctuary.

The Flora

You find variety of trees of about 122 species that include Rosewood, Teak, Kindal, Nandi, Mathi, Tadasalu, Honne, Bamboo etc. Medicinal plants are also found here. Moist and deciduous forests are part of the sanctuary’s greenery. Green vegetation grown on the slopes of snooty hills forms an interesting beautiful sight.

The Fauna

You get to see wild and giant animals like the Elephants, Tigers, Jackals, Leopards, Sloth Bears, Spotted Deers, Sambar, Barking Deer, Wild Boar, Mouse Deer, Bonnet Macaque, Langur, Gaur, Slender Loris and many other exclusive species.

Reptiles like King Cobra, Vine Snake, Common Cobra, Bamboo Pit Viper, Common Wolf Snake, Russell’s viper, Rat Snake, Gliding Lizard, Common Indian Monitor and Marsh Crocodiles are found here.

Exclusive species of birds like the Red Spur fowl, Painted Bush Quail, Grey Jungle fowl, Southern Green Imperial Pigeon, Emerald Dove, Malabar Parakeet, Great Black Woodpecker, the Ruby-throated Bulbul, the Hill Myna, Hornbill, Whistling Thrush Racquet-tailed Drongo and many more. You also get to watch beautiful and colorful butterflies that enrich the beauty of sanctuary and one can find species of Crimson Roses, Yam Flies, and Southern Bird wings, Baronets, Bamboo Tree Browns, Tailed Jays, Blue Pansies and Great Orange Tips.

Tourist Attractions

One can enjoy the boat ride to small islands present within the Sanctuary. People who love adventure should not be missing the jungle safari.

Time to visit

Ideal time to visit is during October and February.

Reaching Route

By air: Mangalore Airport is the nearest that is about 177 kms and Bangalore Airport of about 273 km far.

By rail: Kadur railway station is the nearest, which is about 36 kms far from destination.

On road: You can find private and government buses from the city of Chikamagalur, just 28 kms far.