Gadag- Witness Exquisite Architecture Steeped In Spellbinding History At Gadag

Gadag- Witness Exquisite Architecture Steeped In Spellbinding History At Gadag

This idyllic temple city is dotted with exquisite monuments and temples showcasing the grandeur of the age of the Chalukyas. The temples in the city were built between the eleventh and twelfth centuries during the Kalyani-Chalukya period. Gadag is famous as a Jain stronghold. Among the many revered temples are the two most important structures that draw thousands of pilgrims every year - The Jain temples dedicated to Mahaveera and Parshvanatha Thirthankara. One can visit Gadag by road or rail. Visitors to Gadag can avail Karnataka state transport buses or take the train from Bangalore, Hospet and Hubli to the Gadag railway station.

 Some of the popular tourist destinations in and around Gadag are as follows. 

Trikuteshwara temple complex

Attraction: Architectural finesse of the Chalukya reign

Bearing witness to the grandeur and grace of Chalukya architecture, The Trikuteshwara temple is a marvellous structure dedicated to the Goddess Saraswati, the goddess of learning and knowledge. This temple was built between the sixth and eighth century by the Chalukyas and is known all over the South for its beauty and majesty.

Veeranarayana Temple

Attraction: Holy Pilgrimage centre

This temple draws thousands of devotees from all over the country. Built in the early eleventh century, the temple also has a Matha founded by the Saint Tontada Siddalingeshwar Swamiji who was an accomplished Yogi. The Matha was built in the twelfth century.

Jumma Masjid

Attraction: Exquisite Islamic monument

The Jumma Masjid is a finely constructed monument where over six hundred Muslim devotees can offer prayers to the Lord. The masjid was built during the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries when Gadag was ruled by the Mohammadean Kings before the reins were passed on to the Marathas and later the East India Company.

Lakkundi

Attraction: Famous for 101 stepped wells

Lakkundi is located about 12 kilometres from Gadag. Once the grand Capital city of the Chalukya empire, this city is famous for its 101 stepped wells known as Pushkarni or Kalyani. Lakkundi is also famous for a multitude of beautiful temples and the famous Jain Basadi. The  Archaeological Survey of India has maintained a rich collection of sculptures from the age of the Chalukyas in the sculpture gallery.

Magadi Bird Sanctuary

Attraction: Biodiversity and bird watching

Magadi Bird Sanctuary is one of the most popular biodiversity spots in the South. It is located about 26 kilometres from Gagad, created at the Magadi tank. Besides lush flora and fauna, one can also indulge in bird watching, a popular hobby for nature enthusiasts. Gadag is home to remarkable migratory and non-migratory birds and is a hotspot for spotters and bird enthusiasts. The sanctuary is well maintained and offers tourists and interesting visit when on a trip to this pretty city.

Entry Fee:

Citizens of India and visitors from the nations of  SAARC  which include Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Maldives, Pakistan and Afghanistan and BIMSTEC Countries including Thailand and Myanmar are charged Rs. 5/- per head. Visitors from other countries are charged US $2 or Indian Rs. 100/- per head. Also, Gadag provides free entry for children up to 15 years.

Enjoy the sights and sounds of Gadag, home to beautiful Chalukya temples and monuments.