Chitradurga- Magnificent City Of Rocks

One of the oldest cities in Karnataka, Chitradurga is a landmark historical tourist destination famous for its grand forts and buildings. The city has been ruled by multiple Kings and dynasties, each leaving their imprint on its lifestyle, art, architecture and religious beliefs.  The highlight of the city is its geographical wonder, an entire settlement resting on boulders, the oldest rock formation in India. The city is popularly known as the Stone Fortress or the Kallina Kote, a testimony to its massive towering boulders, rocky hills and picturesque valleys surrounded by ancient boulders dating back many eras. One can reach the fortress city via road or rail. Road transport is via state tourist buses from Bangalore or via private vehicles.  One can alight at the Hubli junction for travellers visiting the rock city via rail.

Some of the important tourist destinations in this scenic tourist destination in Karnataka are as follows.

Chitradurga Fort

Attraction: Historical tourist spot, a stronghold of several dynasties

One of the most famous landmarks in Karnataka, the Chitradurga fort is ensconced among several hills, overlooking the flat valley in the Chirtadurga district. The fort has been christened 'Chitrakaldurga', meaning picturesque fort in Kannada. Built between the tenth and eighteen centuries, the architecture as well as construction of the fort is of historical interest. The fort was carefully built in stages by the most powerful rulers in the South, including the Hoysalas, Chalukyas and the Rashtrakutas, all of the empires famed across the country for their architectural prowess and glorious reign. The Nayakas of Chitradurga and the Vijayanagara empire were instrumental in the construction of the fort with its eighteen magnificent temples. Besides being a stronghold during the rule of several empires, the fort is of stupendous importance for its beauty and splendour. Poems of praise have been sung in honour of this majestic creation, with the most popular poets having dedicated a few lines as a tribute to this marvel. 

Jamia Masjid

Attraction: A splendid masjid built to honour Tipu Sultan

The Jamia Masjid was built by Tipu Sultan, in honour of his religion and creative prowess. This is a splendid creation in league with the famous Masjids and creations of the Moghuls. It is a grand edifice with marvellous architecture and fantastic interior design.

Ashoka Siddapura

Attraction: Emperor Ashoka's Edit Store

One of Chitradurga's main attractions is the Ashoka Siddapura, an important archaeological site famous for housing  Emperor Ashoka's edits. Close to this site is Ramagiri, a hillock with mythical relation to the revered Indian Epic, the Ramayana. A temple dedicated to the venerable Rameshwara Lord was built in 926 A.D. at this destination.

Brahmagiri Village

Attraction: Emperor Ashoka's rock edits

This village, the Brahmagiri is an ancient site of Ishila, one of grand Emperor Ashoka's provincial capitals.  The earliest rock edits made by King Ashoka in Brahmi script as well as in the Prakriti language made in 3 BC were discovered here. His scripts contain verses in Kannada, elevating this quiet, peaceful village into a bustling tourist spot for the historically inclined.

Chandravalli                                      

Attraction: Satavahana stronghold

Chandravalli is an ancient archaeological site, famous for its vast and magnificent collection of coins, pottery, and artefacts traced back to the prosperous Satavahana period. The site is located near a large, shimmering, picturesque lake. A popular tourist spot in this destination is the Ankali Matt, located close to the caves dotting this site, and houses big Shivalingas for devotees of Lord Shiva.

 Hiriyur

Attraction: Tirumalleshwara temple

Situated on the right bank of revered river Vedavathi, Hiriyur is famous for its grand Tirumalleshwara temple. The temple is a magnificent edifice, with a lofty Gopura and artistic, colourful paintings on the ceiling of the main hall depicting scenes from the Ramayana and the Shivapurana.

Entry Fee:

Citizens of India and visitors from SAARC countries like Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Afghanistan and Maldives and BIMSTEC Countries including Thailand and Myanmar is Rs. 5 per head. Free entry to children up to 15 years

Other countries:

US $2 or Indian Rs. 100/- per head

Visit the rock city of Chitradurga with friends and family for a beautiful vacation among destinations of historical and religious importance.

Murudeshwar- Lord Shiva's Divine Abode

The vibrant temple town, known for its scenic beauty and rich history, Murudeshwar, is a popular tourist destination in Karnataka located in the Bhatkal Taluk of North Karnataka, overlooking the Arabian Sea. 

This township is famous world over for its massive Shiva statue, second tallest in the country. This town is well connected by road, rail and air, making it easy for travellers to access the temple town. The nearest airport is Mangalore where flights are operated from Bangalore, Mumbai and Chennai. One can also reach Murudeshwar through state buses plying from Bangalore. One of the best journeys reported by numerous tourists is through the Indian Railways, passing through the scenic cities of Mangalore or through picturesque Goa via Konkan Railway. Those travelling via private vehicles can catch NH-17 between Mangalore and Mumbai to Murudeshwar.  Tourists can visit this lovely destination throughout the year.

 Murudeshwar is a pilgrim's haven, offering those on a religious excursion a chance to witness a splendid art and architecture through monumental entrance arches, exquisite temple carving and beautiful sculptures. The Murudeshwar temple and beach are the main tourist attractions in this township. The temple is guarded by finely crafted life-sized elephants created in concrete, making for a spectacular entrance. The elephants are a part of a pilgrim's progress through Karnataka and are revered by devotees for the strength they display in protecting and securing the temple. One can witness terrific attention to detail paid by the sculptors while creating the temple, the arches and the elephants. The deity residing in the temple is the Shivalinga, believed to have been formed when Ravana, arch enemy of Lord Rama threw aside the cloth covering the Atmalinga at Gokarana. This temple has magnificent carvings and statuettes dating back thousands of years. The Rajagopura at the temple entrance is the tallest in the world, standing at a height of 249 feet. The Gopura has twenty two floors and is the only Gopura in the world fit with elevators for public convenience.

One can also visit Kanduka Hill to view fabulous sculptures of the age. These are exquisite creations, made by the most skilled craftsmen and sculptors residing in the town, in honour of Royal Kings and Queens and revered Gods and Goddesses. The Geetopadesha,  young Ganesh receiving the Atmalinga from Ravana and the Sun Chariot are a few magnificent structures that dot the picturesque landscape of the hill. At the hilltop is the famous Shiva statue, drawing devotees from all over the world each year. Underneath the statue is a large cavern with life-size sculptures depicting the story of Murudeshwar, narrated to visitors through an interesting light and sound show.

Tourists looking to relax on sandy shores can visit the Murudeshwar beach, with warm white sands bordering the azure waters of the Arabian Sea, roaring to the West, and the calm, placid waters of a gentle river, flowing to the East.

Entry Fee:

No entry fee.

Visit Murudeshwar with friends and family for a relaxing day out at the beach or a visit to the historically important temple, a marvel in Indian architecture.

Pattadakal- Picturesque Temple Town Of The Chalukyas

Pattadakal is a world heritage site in Karnataka, and is situated on the bank of the Malaprabha River in Bagalkot district, located in close proximity to the township of Aihole and the temple city of Badami.  Pattadakal was also a Chalukya stronghold, housing a number of beautifully constructed monuments. This town is famous not only for magnificent Chalukyan creations but was also a holy site as the Royal coronation was held here. In 1987, UNESCO placed Pattadakal on its list of World Heritage sites.

One can visit this town via air, rail or road. The nearest airport is Belgaum, where airline from Bangalore, Mumbai and Chennai operate flights. Badami is the closest rail head, with trains from Solapur and Ahmedabad arriving here. State tourist buses operate regular buses to Pattadakal from Bijapur, Bengaluru, Hubli and Belgaum.

A few places of interest in Pattadakal are outlined as follows.

Patadkkal temple complex

Attraction: Blend of Nagara and Dravidian style temple architecture

Built in the early eighth century, the temples in Pattadakal are a result of the Chalukya experimentation on temple architecture. The temple complex is a finely woven artistic web of the Dravidian or Southern style of temple architecture and the Nagara or the Northern style of temple architecture. Also famous are the temples including a Jain sanctuary, surrounded by a number of plinths and shrines, an experimental fusion of various architectural styles of the country. The town is famous for Chalukya art and temple inscriptions. The biggest temple in the complex is the Virupaksha, enclosed by a large Prakara. Historians who have deciphered the inscriptions believe that the temple was built by Lokamahadevi, the famous consort of King Vikramaditya to commemorate his victories over the Pallava Kings and his occupation of Kanchi.

Sangameshwara Temple

Attraction: Oldest temple in Pattadakal

Previously known as Vijayewara, the Sangameshwara temple is the oldest temple in the Pattadakal temple complex. A grand structure, with the outer walls painted and carved with the figurines of Lords Nataraja and Ugranarasimha.

The Mallikarjuna Temple

Attraction: An edifice built to honour King Vikramaditya II

This temple is an architectural wonder, albeit a smaller version of the Virupaksha temple. Built by the second queen of King Vikramaditya II, the temple was constructed by Rani Trilokyamahadevi in 745 AD in honour of her King's victory over the Pallavas. The temple was built immediately after the construction of the Virupaksha temple and in close proximity to it. This temple, though small is very beautiful and attests the skill and craftsmanship of the sculptors of the age.

Other noteworthy temples in the complex include the Kashivisvanatha Temple, the Kadasiddhesvara and Jambulingeswara temples, the Galganatha temple and a Jain Temple.

Sculpture Gallery

Attraction: Storehouse of sculptures

This gallery is maintained by the Archaeological survey of India within the temple complex and houses finely carved artefacts from the period of King Vikramaditya.

Entry Fee: Entry fee for those above 12 years is Rs. 5.00, free entry on Fridays.

Visit the Pattadakal temple complex to witness the splendour and magnificence of the Kings of the South.

Bangalore Palace- A treat to the sore eye!

The ever so majestic Bangalore Palace- A treat to the sore eye!

Ever so often we find that in our eagerness to visit new places we tend to forget places that are almost in our neighborhood. One such place that many people living in Bangalore will come across is the Bangalore Palace. 

The famous Mysore Palace which people from Bangalore frequent so often has taken away most of this palace’s sheen. Though it isn’t in anyway comparable to the palace in Mysore, there are a few nuances that might manage to get your attention. For anyone wanting to spend a good evening in Bangalore this palace can provide more than what you expect from it.

The Bangalore Palace is aptly placed according to its name in the center of the city. The Tudor style architectural manner and resemblance to the Windsor Castle in England has managed to attract a lot of history lovers here. Built in the year 1887, the place belongs to the Woodeyar dynasty and is currently owned by Srikantha Datta Narasimharaja Wodeyar from Mysore. The verdant gardens surrounding the castle seem to be a very nice place for some leisure. The fact that it is placed in between the urban environment of the city gives it a stunning contrast from the other buildings.

The beauty of the castle begins right from its door which is marvelously carved. As you enter the castle you will notice a wide variety of woodwork of the 19^th century which is sure to take the breath out of anyone. The castle is extremely well furnished and the extensive paintings and carvings found in its walls is indeed a treat to the eye. The interior of the palace is filled with intricate artwork, ceiling paintings, floral décor etc. 

The courtyard is the first thing you will come across upon entering the palace followed by a Ballroom. The rooms of notice in the first floor were the Durbar Hall where the King mostly held private parties. Plus there are other antiques present here including an elephant head and art displays that have been wonderfully placed to add to the beauty of the room and the palace.

The palace is widely used today for events like concerts, programs and other exhibitions and they are open to the public. Certain preferred groups are allowed to hold private parties within the palace and the place is also rented to movie groups as it proves to be a great location to shoot films and advertisements.

To get to Bangalore Palace one can simply board a bus heading towards Carmel College from Kempegowda bus station. From Carmel College the place is just a few walks away. 

Upon reaching the place the entry to the palace is Rs.100 followed by a recommended audio guide which costs around 175 bucks. If you want to make use of cameras then you will have to pay Rs.500 extra and around 1000 bucks if it is a video camera. The rates are completely revised for the foreigners and seem a bit on the higher side. The entrance fee is around 300 and other rates are comparatively higher for non-Indians which is a let down if you are a tourist. 

Agasthya Teertha

Agasthya Teertha is a lake in Badami, in Bagalkot district of Karnataka. The lake has been named after one of the saptarishis in Hindi tradition- Agasthya. 

There are some legends regarding the lake as well. It's a rather beautiful lake and if you're in Badami, you should most certainly visit it. There are some local traditions and myths attached to the Agasthya Teertha- it is beleived that the waters of this lake have healing powers, especially since they have been named after Agasthya, the greate sage.

You actually have no choice but to visit it, as it is located where the two Bhootanatha Temples are located. The Agasthya Teertha, along with the Bhootanatha temples form one of the most picturesque sights in all of India. If you're visiting Agasthya Teertha, you are visiting the Bhootanatha Temple- they are not exclusive, for sure. The Bhootanatha temples are dedicated to the Lord Shiva. It's supposed to be dedicated to Lord Shiva in the form of ghosts, spirits and souls. The temple is made of rich red sandstone and is incredibly beautiful to behold. There are two of these temples and both of them are placed on the eastern and the western banks of the Agasthya Teertha, respectively.

 In order to get to the Agasthya Teertha, you could take the scenic road from the Badami Caves. The path is winding and slightly narrow- with a mystical feeling to it. This path also passes right through a village. You will be able to see the Badami Caves from the Agasthya Teertha, actually. There are some sandstone rocks around the cave that actually feel like steps- you can make use of these rocks and climb up a nearby hill to get a better look of the Teertha and the temples- an aerial view of the place would certainly be breathtaking. It's, of course, beneficial, that all the caves in the area face Agasthya Lake.

The Beautiful Badami caves are located quite close to the lake. Ideally, you should visit the caves in the morning and then head down to the Bhootnath Temple and the lake. This way, you will reach the lake by evening- you will be able to enjoy the beautiful sunset and the amazing weather, as well.

The best time to visit the Agasthya Teertha is between November and March, when the temperature is sufficiently low and the humidity is also quite low. Badami is well connected to all other major cities of Karnataka. The nearest airport is in Belgaum, which is around 150 km away. You can access this area through the Hubli- Sholapur rail route. If you're coming from Bangalore, the nearest train station for you is Hospet. There are buses directly connecting Bangalore and Mysore to Badami as well. You could always choose to take one of those tourist buses to Badami as well.

Some of the best restaurants you could o to enjoy a meal after the wonderful evening in Agasthya Lake include olden Caves Cuisine, Banashree, Geeta Darshini, Hotel Sanman and Pulikeshi Dinner Room as well.

Bagalkot

Bagalkot is a small town in Northern Karnataka. It's a beautiful town full of rich heritage.

There are stone inscriptions from a long time back that suggest that the name of the town is Bagadige. It is said that the town was actually gifted to Bajantries (or musicians) by the kind of Lanka, Ravana. A king of Bijapur is supposed to have offered this town as dowry money for his daughter. Later on, the town came to be known as Bagdikot and this name soon became Bgalkot.

Bagalkot is an area that has been controlled by lots of emperors and empires- it was ruled by the Vijayanagar emperors, the Peshwas, Hyder Ali from Mysore, the Marathas and then finally, the British. Bagalkot is actually one of the most important southern towns when it comes to the study of the unification movement as well.

Bagalkot is one of the most popular tourist destinations in all of Karnataka because of the fact that it has a rich cultural heritage. Some of the most popular tourist locations in Karnataka, such as Aihole, Pattadakkal, Badami, etc. are in Badami. The Jain Temple of Pattadakkal is one of the most beautiful places in the entire district- it is located on the banks of the river Malaprabha and it's a 9th century table with amazing architecture. You should not miss the Badami Cave Temples when you are there either. Badami was a Chalukya capital and it boasts tonnes of beautiful monuments that are over a 1000 years olf! The Virupaksha temple in Hampi is probably the most important one of these temples, followed by the Mallikarjuna temple. The Archaeological Museum is also really impressive.

If you have some time, you should certainly go to Badami Fort and spend some time on the river banks. If you are free during March, you could always visit Bagalkot during it's famous "Holi habba". It's celebrated for four whole days and it is celebrated with a lot of pomp and show.

It's quite easy to reach Bagalkot. It is well connected by road to the major cities. It's connected by the NH-218 to cities like Hubli and Belgaum, which, in turn, are connected to Mysore, Bangalore and other major cities. Bagalkot is also well connected by the railway lines. You can easily find trains from Bangalore, Mysore, Hubli, etc. bringing you to various towns in Bagalkot.

The best time to visit Bagalkot would be post August- right after the monsoons. The river would be flowing quite heavily at that point of time and it would look stunning. The weather would also be really pleasant. There are a lot of home-stay options for visitors to this part of town. Almost all of them are really affordable as well.

Some of the best restaurants that you must try out during your travels in Bagalkot include the Mango Tree in Hampi, Pakwan Restaurant in Vidayagiri, Same Place in Vidayagiri, Parag Restaurant, etc. The local restaurants are also quite good. 

Sirsi

Sirsi is a city in the North Kanara district of Karnataka. It's a hill station that is full of lsuh, green forests and beautiful waterfalls.It's located quite close to Hubli, which is the closest large city. Sirsi has a river flowing right through- named Aghanashini. It is born in Sirsi actually- in a place called Donihalla. This river is notable because it forms a lot of waterfalls along it's path across the city. 

Sirsi is a very culture-oriented city. It's really famous for Yakshagana- the dance drama art form that is really popular in Karnataka. Yakshagana involves music, dance, acting, dialogue, stories, costumes and much more. It's elaborate and colourful and Sirsi is quite famous for the same. Traditionally, Yakshagana started late at night and went on for the entire duration of the night, but nowadays, the performance has been shortened to a large extent. If you are lucky, you might be able to see a Yakshagana performance live. Dollu Kunitha is another folk dance that is really popular in Sirsi and it is performed during the Marikamba Jathre and Bedara Vesha. Holi is also celebrated with a lot of pomp and show, with a huge carnival organized for the same. 

Sirsi is popular for a lot of popular tourist spots. It's famous for the Marikamba Temple, which was built in the 17th century. There is a famous procession, called the Marikamba Jathre, that is held every alternate year. 

It's incredibly popular and it draws lacks of worshippers from around the country. Some other popular temples in the area include Maha Ganapathi Temple and Shri Gopalakrishna Temple. The Madhukeshwar temple in Banavasi is also popular.

Sodhe (also known as Sonda or Swadi) is considered to be a holy place by both Hindus and Jains. It's about 15 km away from Sirsi but you should not miss it. Jamiya Masjid and the Sultani Masjid are some of the most popular malls as well. St Anthony's Chruch ins Sirsi is the main church for the Christians in the area. It's the largest one, located in the center of the town.

Sirsi is incredibly popular for it's umpteen number of falls.Some of these popular falls include Shivaganga Falls, Mattighatta Falls, Burude Falls, Benne Hole Falls, Ganesh Paalu, Pancha Linga, etc.

Sirsi is linked to the major cities in the state through the state highways. The nearest railhead is at Talguppa and the Major Railhead is Hubli - but Sirsi is accessible by train as well. The nearest airport is Hubli or Belgaum (2 and a half and 5 hours away ,respectively).

The best time to visit Sirsi is during the months between October and February. This is right after the monsoons so the area is incredibly beautiful. You should avoid going here during the monsoons as this region receives one of the heaviest rainfall in the entire world. Sirsi hotels are small and unassuming, most of the time, but most of them are rather good and home- like. There aren't a lot of restaurants in Sirsi, but some of the best ones include Hotel Samrat, Hotel Sarkar, Hotel Bhavani and Hotel Krishna Bhavan.