Top 20 Must Visit Temples in Karnataka

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5 Best Tourist Attractions to Visit in and around Bagepalli

Places to visit near Bagepalli – 5 Best tourist attractions and sightseeing in and around Bagepalli are Gadidam Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple, Gummanayaka Fort, Sri Sunkalamma Devi Temple, Chitravathi Dam, Shani Mahatma Swamy Temple, Panduranga Swamy Temple, Lepakshi, Kadiri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple  etc.

Bagepalli (Bagepalli Taluk) is a town located in Chikballapur District, Karnataka, India. It lies on the banks of River Chitravathi. It is 100 kms away from the state capital city Bangalore and 49 kms towards North from District head quarters Chikballapur on the Bangalore-Hyderabad National Highway (NH-7). The locale is simply underneath the southern outskirt of the Rayalaseema in Andhra Pradesh, South India. It is semi-dry and dry season inclined with 535 mm of sporadic and spatial precipitation.

The region is a semi arid drought prone one with low, erratic and spatial rainfall. The dust brown rocky terrain is severely undulating, with small hill ranges and outcrops that stud the topography. There is no mineral wealth and only a very thin and fragile soil cover. The average rainfall is 535 mm a year and this is, moreover, erratic and spatial. As a result there is only 1 rain-fed crop a year, whose stand is from late June till December.

1. Venkateswara Swamy Temple, Gadidam

Gadidam Venkateswara Swamy Temple (Sri Lakshmi Venkataramana Swamy Temple Gadidam, Devaragudi Palli) is located in Bagepalli. Gadidam Sri Lakshmi Venkataramana Swamy Temple is situated in Devaragudipalli Village, Bagepalli Taluk of Chikkaballapura District, Karnataka. It is about 100 km away from Bangalore and 3 km from Bagepalli. The presiding deities are Sri Venkataramana Swamy, Goddess Bhudevi and Goddess Niladevi. This temple is managed by Muzrai Department of Government of Karnataka.

There are references in the records that Gadidam Sri Venkataramana Swamy Temple was built by Emperor Janamejaya who rule Bharata Khanda (Indian Sub-Continent) in the beginning Kali Yuga. Janamejaya is son of Pariskhit. Pariskhit is son of Abhimanyu, son of Arjuna. This proves the antiquity of this amazing temple.

Gadidam Venkateswara  Swamy Temple Timings
6:00 AM to 1:00 PM, 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM

Festivals and Special Ritual Day Timings
6:00 AM to 8:00 PM.

How to Reach?

By Road : The nearest town to the temple is Bagepalli. It is around 3 km away. From Bangalore, it is around 100 Kms and 49 Kms from Chikkaballapur via Bangalore – Hyderabad Highway (NH-7).

By Rail : Chikkaballapura Railway Station is 35 km away. Hindupura Railway Station in Andhra Pradesh is 50 km away.

By Air : Bengaluru International Airport is around 65 kms away

Address
Gadidam Shree Lakshmi Venkataramana Swamy Temple
Devaragudi palli, Mallasandra Post, Bagepalli Taluk, Chikkaballapura District – 561207.

Videos: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aIfFTBplu00

Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kF3jZvTKo_U

Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XlvvgNiH8gM

For more information, visit: https://yensures.com/2019/04/30/gadidam-venkataramana-swamy-temple-2nd-tirumala/

2. Gummanayaka Fort

Gummanayaka Fort is situated 16 km from Bagepalli. This fort is believed to have been founded around 1350 by a feudal chieftain of the Vijayanagara kingdom, Byregowda or palyagara. As many as 26 palegars (chieftains) ruled from this fort. They built temples dedicated to Sita, Rama, Lakshman and Hanuman. The temples of the Gummanayakane Kote have been built using boulders. It’s layered fort with many stages of entrance. Initially stage is 1st entry towards the fort hill where we find Maruthi (Hanuman Temple) and Ganapathi Temple. Still all rituals are performed to both temples by priest. 

Next stage is ruined Fortress where villagers are cultivating few daily need vegetables inside fort. Later part there are steps (covered with bushes) to hill and temple.Right side of Steps leads to Temple and left to the Granary and Straight leads to the hill top.

Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=njQtx2nWiTA

3. Bagepalli Hill (Gadidam Betta)

This hill is attached to Bagepalli Town. It is one of the best place for Trekking, there are many adventure and hidden things in this hill. There are many temples in this hill such as: Sri Shaneshwara Swamy Temple, Panduranga Swamy Temple etc.

Sri Shaneshwara Swamy Temple

Sri Shaneshwara Swamy Temple is 3 kms distance from Bagepalli town. Temple is located on the Mountain (Pathabagepalli).

Sri Panduranga Swamy Temple

Sri Panduranga Swamy Temple is 2 kms distance from Bagepalli town. Temple is located on the Bagepalli Hill.

4. Sunkalamma Devi Temple

Sunkulamma Temple, It is situated on the Bangalore – Hyderabad highway (NH-7 Before Bagepalli), a temple dedicated to Sri Sunkulamma Devi, 8 km from Bagepalli Town.

Sri Sunkalamma Devi temple is a powerful temple have large temple and parking area it’s visited by large number of devotes.

5. Chitravathi Dam Reservoir (Paragodu Dam)

Chitravathi Dam is located 8 kms before Bagepalli Town on Bangalore-Hyderabad highway (NH-7) near Paragodu Village. The dam across River Chitravathi near Paragodu, situated on the outskirts of Bagepalli to provide water to Bagepalli and Gudibande taluks, is already a decade old.

The Chitravathi barrage and the area surrounding it was expected to be developed into a primary tourism spot in the district as it not only hosts a very expansive body of water but is also situated in the midst of naturally rich environment.

Chitravathi river originates at Chikkaballapur and flows through the Chikkaballapur district of Karnataka before entering Andhra Pradesh where it drains the districts of Anantapur and Cuddapah before joining the Pennar.

The Chitravati river basin covers an area of 5,908 km2. Among the mandals that it drains in the two states are Bagepalli, Gorantla, Hindupur, Bukkapatnam, Dharmavaram, Tadipatri and Kadiri.

The river joins the Pennar at Gandikota in Kadapa district where the Gandikota irrigation project is being undertaken by the Government of Andhra Pradesh as part of its Jalayagnam project. Chitravathi is a seasonal river that comes alive after the monsoons. Along with the Papagni, it forms a part of the middle Pennar sub-basin and is a right bank tributary of the Pennar.

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Hassan Dist, Karnataka – Hoysala Architecture

Belur is a beautiful town located in the Hassan district of Indian state of Karnataka in the Indian subcontinent. The geographical coordinates puts this place at 13.1629⁰N and 75.8571⁰E. Belur is situated at 738 meters above sea level. The temperature in summer season ranges from 29⁰ C to 39⁰ C and in winter season the temperature ranges from 24⁰ C to 31⁰ C. Belur spans over a total area of 897 hectares.

The town is known for its temples with magnificent architecture built during ancient times.

History of Belur

Belur once formed the centre of operation of the Hoysala Empire. In the ancient scriptures Belur is known as Velapuri. The Vijayanagar kings highly regarded the idol in the Channakeshava temple as their family god. The temple was built in the year 1117, under the reign of King Vishnuvardhana. There is a belief, the making of the temple took 104 years to complete. The final task of completion was over seen by Veera Ballala II who was the grandson of King Vishnuvardhana. The temple is enclosed by another temple named Kappe Chennigraya, created under the order of the Queen of King Vishnuvardhana.

The Chennakeshava Temple depicts one of the finest marvels created by early craftsmen. The temple is situated on the river Yagachi. The height of the temple is 38 meters. This temple happens to be the first greatest Hoysala temple built during the Hoysala reign.

The creation of this remarkable Chennakeshava temple by King Vishnuvardhana is not clearly known. Some theory points to the celebration of King Vishnuvardhana’s successful conquering of various parts of Tamil Nadu in the battle of Talakad from the Chola Empire. Another theory mentions about the King Vishnuvardhana’s decision of changing his religion from Jainism to Vaishnavism.

People & Culture in Belur

Belur has a rich and diverse culture with people from all religion, caste and sect reside in and around the place. The languages spoken by the people are Kannada, Hindi and English with Kannada being the official language.

Many festivals such as Ganesh Chathurti, Diwali, Ugadi etc., are celebrated in a grand way throughout Belur

Agriculture happens to be the main occupation of the people of Belur.

Food and Shopping Belur

Belur offers a wide range of Multi – cuisine, vegetarian and non- vegetarian. Vegetarian food happens to be the traditional food of Belur. Coffee happens to be the favorite pastime drink in the local region and the aroma is pretty strong.

Belur is filled with shops selling beautifully handcrafted silk sarees and sandalwood artifacts. There are also wonderfully crafted wooden toys. There are few emporium shops selling wonderful handcrafted stone idols and terracotta artifacts. All these products are sold at a reasonable price.

Tourist Places in Belur

The place has Temples with amazing architects and beautiful ancient monuments of interest. Some of them are listed below

• Jain Temples
• Belur Math
• Kedareshwara Temple
• Chennakesava Temple
• Shantaleswara Temple
• Veeranarayana Temple
• Hoysaleswara Temple
• Archaeological Museum
• Shravanabelagola
• Yagachi Dam
• Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary
• Shantaleswara Temple
• Basdi Halli

Means of Commutation to Belur

Belur is well connected to many places in the country. The distance of Belur by road from nearby cities and cities from neighboring states are mentioned below

• Hassan is located at a distance of 40 km
• Mysore is located at a distance of 160 km
• Mangalore is located at a distance of 163 km
• Kochi is located at a distance of 352 km
• Pune is located at a distance of 635 km
• Mumbai is located at a distance of 724 km

Some of the railway station near to Belur along with their distance is mentioned below

Hassan railway station is located at a distance of 40 km. Trains moving from Bangalore to Mangalore do halt at Hassan railway station

Belur is also connected to the rest of the places in India via airways. Some of the airports near to Belur along with their distance are mentioned below

• Mangalore International Airport is located at a distance of 194 km
• Bangalore International Airport is located at a distance of 222 km

Accommodation Options at Belur

There are plenty of hotels with beautiful interior and finest décor in and around Belur. Some of them are mentioned below

• Vishnu Regency Deluxe Boarding
• Hotel Mayura Velapuri
• Vishnu Krupa Lodge
• Mayura Shantala Hotel
• The Green Pastures
• Sumukha Residency
• Hotel Ashrita
• Mallige Residency
• Suvarna Regency Hotel
• Southern Star Hotel
• Sri Krishna Hotel
• Hassan Ashok Hotel
• Stay Simple Riverdale
• Hotel Chiranth Lodging and Boarding
• Hotel Priyadarshini

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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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