Anegundi- Cradle Of The Glorious Krishnadevaraya Empire

One of the oldest villages in Karnataka, Anegundi is a village older than the town of Hampi, a settlement that dates back to the erstwhile Chalukyas and Nayaka kings. Anegundi is located at the Northern banks of the Tungabadra river. The word Anegundi means 'Elephant Pit in Kannada' and is believed to be the place where elephants of the Vijayanagara kings were placed, opposite the majestic Capital of the Vijayanagara empire. According to popular legend, this settlement is also the monkey kingdom of Kishkindha, or the forest where numerous monkeys reside, in the revered Ramayana epic. Other places of interest are the Anjanadri Hill, birthplace of Hanuman, the monkey-god and the mountain Rishimuka, also an important part of the Ramayana. Anegundi is home to one of the oldest plateaus on the planet, estimated to be over 3,000 million years old.

Adding to its historical significance is that Anegundi is also the cradle of the glorious krishnadevaraya dynasty, most famous ruler of the Vijayanagara age. One can visit Anegundi via flight, road or rail. Visitors can fly to Lellary-Torangally from Bangalore and drive to Anegundi. Tourists can also avail state transport buses from Gadag and Hospet to Anegundi.

The closest railway station is Hospet, about 18 kilometres from Anegundi where tourists from Bangalore, Hubli and Bijapur can alight. Anegundi requires tourists to alight at Hospet, drive to Talawarghatta and cross the Tungabadra river on a coracle.

The best time to visit Anegundi is between October and March. Some of the popular tourist destinations in this village are as follows.

Anegundi Fort

Attraction: Battle station of the Vijayanagara empire The fort has many gates, with a Durga temple at the entrance to one of the gates. The Anegundi fort also houses tombs holding the royal family, courtiers, soldiers and other important members of the King's court. One can also visit the famous Ganesha cave temple.
It is believed that the Vijayanagara Kings and soldiers used to pray at the Ganesha temple before every battle. One can also visit the Pampa Sarovar and the Lakshmi temple. Descendants of the royal Vijayanagra empire still reside in the village of Anegundi, close to this fort.

Navabrindavana

Attraction: Island, housing the tombs of the Madhava saints Located at the Tungabhadra River, in close proximity to Anegundi in the Koppal District of Karnataka, Navabrindavana is famous for the nine Brindavanas or tombs of the nine famous Madhva saints, including that of venerable Vyasatirtha.
	Tourists can reach Navabrindavana on a coracle from Anegundi by crossing the River Tungabhadra. Nimvapuram is a village located close to the Island and is believed to have the cremated remains of the monkey King Bali.

The Archaeological Museum

Attraction: Sculptures and artefacts from the Vijayanagara dynasty This museum, like other edifices in Karnataka houses a collection of finely carved sculptures and artefacts from the ruins of the Vijayanagara palaces, forts and temples and houses neolithic tools, sixteenth century weaponry and a large floor model of the of the Vijayanagar ruins.

Hanuman Temple

Attraction: A unique temple dedicated to the Lord of monkeys, Hanuman Perched on top of the prominent Anjanadri Hill, the Hanuman temple is a sacred structure dedicated to the monkey God Hanuman. One can witness fine architecture and carvings depicting scenes from the life of the Lord of monkeys. Visit Anegundi for an enriching and fun-filled vacation with friends and family.

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.

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.

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.