KARNATAKA HERITAGE

Karnataka’s history dates back to the 3 rd century BC. The succession of able administrators from the Hoysalas, Chalukyas and the mighty Vijayanagar rulers, to the arrival of Mughals in the 17 th century and the British in the 18 th century have contributed to the mix of culture and heritage that is as rich as it is ancient.

PATTADAKAL

Located on the banks of the Malaprabha, 29 km from Badami, Pattadakal functioned as a royal commemorative site and a place for coronation ceremonies. The town was well known even in the 1 st century AD when Ptolemy referred to it as Petrigal.It reached its pinnacle of glory under the Chalukya kings from 7 th to 9 th centuries. The queen Lokamahadevi and Trailokyamahadevi brought sculptors from Kanchipuram and created fantasies in stone.Pattadakal is unique in having temple architecture of the northern Nagara and southern Dravida style. The oldest temple is Sanghameswara temple. The largest Virupaksha temple has sculptures and panels depicting scenes from the epics, the Ramayana and Mahabharata. The Padmanatha temple in the northern style has impressive carvings on pillars and on the ceiling. Archaeological Survey of India maintains a gallery in the temple.

Take a journey through time to Pattadakal. This world Heritage site was the place where all the coronations of the Badimi Chalukyans took place during the 7 th and 8 th centuries. Site on the banks of the Malaprabha River with beautifully chiseled 10 temples. This place is believed to be the ceremonial centre where the kings were crowned and commemorated. The Sangameshwara Temple constructed during the reign of King Vijayaditya (696–733 AD) is the earliest temple in this complex

Location : - From Aihole 22 km and from Bangalore 495 km

Hotels : - Hotel Badami Court , Hotel Mookambika Deluxe, KSTDC Mayura Chalukya, and Hotel Anand Deluxe, Shri Laxmi Vilas Hotel

HAMPI

Hampi, Vijaynagara - was once the capital of the largest Hindu empires in the Indian history. Founded by the Telugu princes Harihara and Bukka in 1336, it reached the height of its glory under Krishnadevaraya (1509-29) when it controlled the whole of peninsula, except for a string of commercial principalities along the Malabar coast . Hampi had trade connections with international markets. Hindu, Muslim and Jain religions were practiced. The Brahmins were a privileged class. Sati (burning of the wife on husband's pyre) and Devdasi system (temple prostitution) were common and widely practiced. Brahmini inscriptions discovered on the site date the first settlement here back to the 1st century AD and suggest that there was a Buddhist centre nearby. The empire came to a sudden end a-Fter the battle of Talikota when the city was ransacked by the confederacy of the Deccan Sultans.

A world heritage centre, Hampi is the most beautiful and evocative of all ruins in Karnataka The

erstwhile capital of the Vijayanagara kingdom, Hampi is full of delightful surprises like the King's Balance where Kings were weighed against grain, gold or money which was then distributed amongst the poor, the Queen's bath with its arched corridors projecting balconies and lotus-shaped fountains that once sprouted perfumed water, the two storied Lotus Mahal with recessed archways, the huge Elephant Stables, the Splendid Vithala temple with its 'Musical pillars' and the stone chariot, the Vrupaksha Temple, still used for worship, Ugra Narasimha, the 6.7 m tall monolith and the Pushkarini the Mahanavami Dibba.Once-powerful Vijaynagara empire was compared to Rome by the Portuguese traveller Paes.

King's Palace : - The largest enclosure, including two major platform structures, an underground chamber, several other platforms and other interesting architectural elements

Lotus Mahal : - An elegant example of the fusion of the Hindu and Muslim styles of architecture

Elephant Stables : - Arched entrances with many domes once house for the elephants.

Pushkarni : - This excavated in 1980s believed to be inside the palace complex. A water tank crafted from granite

Hazara Rama Temple : - A royal temple reserved for ceremonial use. The walls are richly craved with friezes depicting processions of horses, elephants, dancing girls, and soldiers attired in splendid weaponry.

Vithala Temple : - A very important master piece of the by gone era. Its large mandapa with 56 music pillars is still a wonder to experience.

Virupaksha Temple : - The only temple of those days still having worship, Dedicated to Lord Shiva. It has 9 storied gopuram.Lakshminarasimha, Badavilinga and Ganesha Images are also land mark of this site.

The other places of tourist interest are the sacred Pampa Sarovara, Aramane (a ruined palace,) and the Ranganatha Temple . In the case of Hampi, it’s best just to go there and see for yourself. There is a lot more to say about Hampi.

 Location : 13 km from Hospet and 365 km from Bangalore .

Hotels : - Hotel Malligi, Hotel Pola Paradise,Shanbhag Towers International,Kishkinda Heritage Resort, Hotel Priyadarshini, Hotel Nagarjuna,and Hotel,Nagarjuna Residency

BIDAR

In 1424, following the break – up of the Bahmani dynasty into five rival factions Ahmad Shah I shifted his court from Gulbarga to a less constricted site at Bidar,spurred,it is said, by grief at the death of his beloved spiritual mentor,Bandah Nawaz Gesu Daraz.Revamping the town with a new fort, splendid palaces, mosques and ornamental gardens, the Bahmanis ruled from here until 1487,when the Barid Shahis took control. They were succeeded by the Adil Shahis from Bajapur, and later the Moghuls under Aurangzed, who annexed the region in 1656, before the Nizam of Hyderabad finally, acquired the territory in the early eighteenth century.

Lost in the far northwest of Karnataka,Bidar,248 km northwest of Bijapur,is nowadays a provincial backwater, better known for its fighter – pilot training base than the monuments gently decaying in, and within sight of, its medieval walls. The crumbling ruins of the bastions and gates, royal baths and kitchens, audience halls, and pleasure pavilions stand as silent testimonies to Bidar’s past glory.

Bidar Fort : A15th century fort exhibits the rich history of Karnataka in the 15 th century. Interiors were shows the careful work of Muslim paintings. Rang Mahal has elaborately carved wooden pillars.

Location : 120 km from Gulbarga and 720 km from Bangalore .

Hotels : - Hotel Kailash, Hotel Kaveri, Hotel Ashoka, Hotel Mayura, New Sri Venkateshwara Lodge

COORG (MADIKERI)

252 km from Bangalore and 120 km west of Mysore lies Mercara,the district headquarters of Coorg known as “ The Scotland of India”.Mercara has enchanted the visitors with its misty hills, lush forests, a trekker’s delight with lovely mountain trails.Coorg district is in the south – west of Karnataka bordering with Kerala.

The Fort : The fort houses the palace which was built in 1812 by King Lingaraja II.The palace now houses the government offices.
Raja’s Seat : The Kodava Kings used to spend their evenings here witnessing the panoramic view of the meandering roads going down the Western Ghats .

Sri Omkareshwara Temple : Situated to the west of the fort lies Shiva temple built in 1820 is a mixture of Islamic and Gothic styles.

How to Reach : Mysore - 120km; Mangalore - 136km; Bangalore - 260km

Where to stay :  Orange County Resort, Hotel Coorg International, Capitol Village, Hotel Rajdarshan, Hotel Sangam & Sri Brahmagiri Comfort Deluxe Lodge, KSTDC Mayura Valley View, Hotel Cauvery, Palace Estate, Rain Forest Retreat, Alath-Cad Estate Bunglow, Sand Banks, Pearl Garden.

GULBARGA

Gulbarga,165 km northeast of Bijapur, was the founding capital of the Bahmani dynasty and the region's principal city before the court moved to Bidar in 1424.Later captured by the AdiI Shahis and Moghuls, it has remained a staunchly Muslim town, and bulbous onion-domes and mosque minarets still soar prominently above its ramshackle concrete-box skyline. The town is also famous as the birthplace of the chisti, or saint, Hazrat Bandah Nawaz Gesu (1320 – 1422), whose tomb, situated next to one of India's foremost Islamic theological colleges, is a major shrine.

In spite of Gulbarga ’s religious and historical significance, its monuments pale In comparison with those at Bijapur, and even Bidar. Unless you're particularly interested in medieval Muslim architecture, few are worth breaking a journey to see. The one exception is the tomb complex on the northeast edge of town, known as the Dargah. Approached via a broad bazaar, this marble-lined enclosure, plastered in mildew-streaked lime wash, centre on the tomb of Hazrat Gesu

With several ancient temples and rich cultural heritage, Karnataka celebrates various colorful temples. Having a multi-religious population, many festivals are celebrated here.

Daraz, affectionately known to his devotees as Bandah Nawaz, or "the long haired one who brings comfort to others". The saint was spiritual mentor to the Bahmani rulers, and it was they who erected his beautiful double-storey mausoleum, now visited by hundreds of thousands of Muslim pilgrims’ each year. Women are not allowed inside, and must peek at the tomb - which is surrounded by a mother-of-pearl inlaid wooden screen and draped with green silk ­the pierced-stone windows. Men, however, can enter to leave offerings and admire the elaborate mirror-mosaic ceiling.

After mingling with the crowds at the Dargah, escape across town to Gulbarga 's deserted fort. Encircled by sixteen-meter-thick crenellated walls, fifteen watchtowers and an evil-smelling, stagnant moat, the great citadel now lies in ruin behind the town’s artificial lake.

Gulbarga Fort : - Originally built by Raja Gulchand and later fortified by Ala-ud-din BahmanIt contains large buildings, temples, mosques, ammunition dumps and several courtyards etc. The ruins of Gulbarga Fort tell Karnataka’s glorious past.

Location : 120 km from Bidar and 600 km from Bangalore and 80 km from Gularga.

Hotels :- Hotel Pariwar, Hotel Aditya, Hotel Santosh, Hotel Shri Nagarjun, Hotel Panchami,International, Mohan Lodge, Hotel Panchami International, New Vadiraj Bhavan Lodge and Hotel Southern Star.

BIJAPUR

Bijapur, a medieval Muslim walled city, 530 km north-west of Bangalore , is characterized by domes and minarets. Its founder called it Vijayapura or Bijapur, the city of victory. Bijapur capital of the Adil Shahi kings experienced a great deal of architectural activity under the Adil Shahi dynasty between 10 th and 11 th centuries. The Adil Shahis encouraged building activities to such an extent that Bijapur itself has over 50 mosques, more than 20 tombs and a number of palaces.

Gol Gumbaz : It contains the mausoleum tomb of Mohammed Adil Shah (1626 - 56 AD), the seventh ruler of dynasty, and is the fourth largest dome in the world. This has the floor area of 1700 sq.m, a height of 51 m. and diameters 37 m. The walls are three meter thick. The interior of the dome, mysteriously unsupported, has a whispering gallery, where the sound returns to the listener nine times. Even the tick of the watch or the rustle of paper can be heard across a distance of 37m in the whispering gallery.

Gagan Mahal : Royal Palace constructed by Ali Adil Shah I in 1561. There are three magnificent arches, the central one being the widest. The ground floor was the Durbar Hall and the first floor is the private residence of the royal family.

Asar Mahal : Constructed by Muhammad Adil Shah in 1646 to serve as a hall for justice. The Mahal contains some relics of Prophet Mohammed.

The Fort : Built by Yusuf Adil Shah I, the fort is six and a quarter mile long, with deep moats all around and five massive gates.

Jumma Masjid : Built between 1557 and 1686, it is still used for worship. It is believed to be one of the first mosques in India and holds an exquisite copy of the Koran written in gold letters.

Ibrahim Roza : It was probably the inspiration for Agra 's Taj Mahal. It is a delicately designed structure.

Mallik – E – Maidan : An enormous cannon, 14 feet-long and weighing 55 ton, it is one of the largest bell metal guns in the world. A unique feature is that it is always cool, even under blazing sun and when tapped gently it tinkles softy like a bell. It was cast in 1549 AD by Mohammed Bin Hasan Rumi, a Turkish officer. It was brought to Bijapur as a trophy of war and was set up here with the help of 100 elephants, 400 oxen and hundreds of men.

Location : - Aihole – 110 km; Pattadakal – 130 km and from Bangalore – 570 km

Hotels : - Hotel Kanishka International, Hotel Madhuvan International, Hotel Sagar Deluxe Hotel Samrat, and Hotel Sanman, KSTDC Mayura Adil Shahi, KSTDC Mayura Adil Shahi Annexe, Hotel Blue Diamond

AIHOLE

Known as Ayyavvole in inscriptions, it was the earliest capital of the ChaIukyas. The cradle of Indian temple architecture has 125 temples - intricately carved, rich in details. The oldest temple, the Lad Khan, dates back to 5th century AD. There are 70 temples in this group. The Durga temple is noted for its sculpture. The Meguti temple is built of 630 5Ulall stone blocks. The Arvanaphadi cave has some beautiful carvings. Located on the banks of the Malaprabha river. Two storied
Buddhist Temple is one another important landmark.

Location : - 490 km from Bangalore and 44 km from Badami

Hotels :- Hotel Badami Court , Hotel Mookambika Deluxe, KSTDC Mayura Chalukya, Shri Laxmi Vilas Hotel and Hotel Anand Deluxe.

BADAMI

Standing close to each other (within 13 km radius) these temple towns represent Chalukyan architecture at its best. Badami tells many tale of Yore. Situated between two rocky hills. Climb the steps to reach the four rocks cut caves. The 3 rd is the large one dedicated to lord Vishnu; two sites are North Fort and Mahakuta

Badami was the capital of the Chalukyas in the 6111 and 7111 centuries and is noted for 4 rock caves excavated in the sand stone cliff. The important carvings at the caves are an eight armed dancing Shiva and a two handed Ganesha. The second cave has Vaishnavite influence with panel of Thrivikrama and Bhuvaraha. On the ceiling are carvings of Anantha Shayana, Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva and Ashtadikpalas. The third cave is the largest and has carvings pertaining to both Shaivite and Vaishnavite themes. Panels of Thrivikrama, Narasimha, Shankaracharya, Bhuvarna, Anantha Shayana and Harihara are engraved in vigorous style. In the fourth cave of Jains there is a image of Mahavira. The place is also known for the earliest group of Chalukyan structural temples. Badami Fort, on top of a hill, encloses large granaries, a treasury and a watch tower. The famed Malegitti Shivalaya temple set on the summit is built with stones joined together with mortar.

Location : - 46 km from Aihole,480 km from Bangalore and 150 km from Bijapur.

Hotels : - Hotel Badami Court , Hotel Mookambika Deluxe, KSTDC Mayura Chalukya, Shri Laxmi Vilas Hotel and Hotel Anand Deluxe .

KITTUR

Located on the Pune-Bangalore highway about 50km from Belgaum and 32km from Dharwad, the tiny town of Kittur with its dilapidated palace, monuments, statues and horse tongas (rickshaws) evokes the glories of a bygone era. The fort stands as testimony to the great freedom struggle led by Rani Chennamma.

Location : - 50 km from Belgaum ,32 km from Dharwad and 500 km from Bangalore .

Hotels : - Accommodation is not available in Kittur. The nearest place to stay is Dharwad.

MYSORE

Situated 140 Kms away from Bangalore is the former princely city of Mysore with its magnificent palaces, and a myriad of historical sites. This charming and easy­going city with beautiful parks and shady avenues has always been a favorite with travelers. It enjoys an equable climate and is renowned for its silk, sandalwood and incense industries. Mysore is Kamataka's second largest city.

The Wodeyars, the erstwhile rulers of Mysore returned to power in 1799 when the British reinstated them after defeating the mighty Tipu Sultan. The Wodeyars who were widely recognized as running a model state continued to rule till independence in 1947 rebuilt the city, which was practically in ruins. In 1956 when the new state was formed, the Maharaja was the first to be elected as the governor.  

The Mysore Palace : Henry Irwin the then consulting architect of the colonial government of Madras designed this beautiful Indo-Saracenic palace, the seat of the maharajas of Mysore after a fire burnt down the old wooden palace. It was built at a cost of over Rs. 4.2 million and was completed in 1912. The former maharaja is still in residence at the back of the palace.

One of the largest palaces in the country, inside it is a kaleidoscope of stained glass, mirrors, guilt, wall paintings and ivory inlaid doors. The solid gold throne studded with jewels is put on display only during the Dussehra festival. This superbly maintained palace has even a selection of temples within its grounds including the Shweta Varahaswamy Temple .

The main rooms of the palace are open to the public every day from 1O.30am to 5.30pm . The residential museum including some of the palace's living quarters is also open for an additional charge. On Sunday nights and during the entire Dussehra festival, 97,000 electric bulbs illuminate the building in a spectacular display between 7 and 8pm .

Jaganmohan Palace & Art Gallery : The Jayachamarajendra Art Gallery is housed in the Jaganmohan

Palace since 1875 just west of the Mysore Palace . It has a collection of Wodeyar memorabilia, including fascinating musical machines, rare instruments and paintings by Raja Ravi Varma and Nicholas Roerich. It was originally built in 1861 as a royal auditorium. Open to public every day, it is also illuminated on Sundays between 7 and 8pm .

St.Philomena’s Cathedral : Built in the neo-gothic style between 1933 and 1941, it is one of the largest churches in India . Although gloomy to look at from the outside, it is white washed and airy inside with beautiful stained glass windows.

Mysore Zoo : The Mysore zoo is particularly interesting for children. Established in 1892, it is set in a landscaped garden, well maintained and houses a good collection of animals including lions, tigers, kangaroos, hyenas, deer, elephants, swan, snakes, crocodiles etc. It is open to public every day from 8am to 6pm .

Museums : Located east of the train station is the Rail Museum . A maharani's saloon, carriage complete with a royal toilet and built in 1899 is displayed here. The museum is open on all days except Tuesday.

At the Mysore University campus is the Folklore Museum that houses a collection of weaponry, jewels, folk toys, utensils etc.

The Art & Archaeology Museum is also located here at the PG Department of Ancient History. Collections include antiques, sculpture inscriptions and coins.

The Medical College Museum houses botanical paintings, charts, models and weapons. Admission is free and it is open to the public on all days from morning till evening except on Sunday's when it is open only for half a day.

Location : 140 KM from Bangalore .

Hotels :- Lalith Mahal Palace, Regaalis, The Green Hotel King’s Kourt, Hotel Best Western Ramashree, Hotel Paradise, The Viceroy, Hotel Siddhartha and Hotel Lucia International.

CHITHRADURGA

Chitradurga is situated on an umbrella-shaped lofty hill and in the valley of the Vedavati River , with the Tungabhadra flowing in the north­west. History dates back to the period of epic Ramayana and Mahabharata. The district was part of the Satvahanas, the Kadambas, Rashtrakutas, Hoysalas, Vijaynagar and later Hyder Ali. The fort built in parts, by the Palegars, Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan has seven series of enclosure walls. Many ancient temples can also be found inside the fort Harihar ; a town located 78 km has the temple of Harihareshwara built in the Hoysala style. Hosdurga town (63) km has the remnants of a hill which was erected by Chikkanna Nayaka, a Palegar of Chitradurga. Molakalmuru was a fortified town of the Kadambas. Situated nearby is a temple, a large reservoir and a rock which produces a chain of echoes. The town is also known for its silk weaving industry.

Location : 200 km from Bangalore and 60 km from Davangere.

Hotels : - Hotel Pooja International, Hotel Amogha International, Hotel Veda Comforts, Hotel Naveen Regency, Vashishta Deluxe Lodge, Hotel Darshan Deluxe Lodge, Hotel Maurya Deluxe Lodge, Hotel Abhiman, Revathi Deluxe Lodge, Hotel Roopavani Paradise, Hotel Brindavana, Janatha Lodge.

BELUR

Belur in 38 km from Hassan and 222 km from Bangalore . It is styled as Dakshina Varanasi or Southern Benaras.The sanctity of the town is due to Channakeshava temple, one of the finest examples of Hoyasala architecture. Built by the Hoyasala King Vishnuvardhana in 117 AD to commemorate his conversion from Jaina faith to Vaishnava, it took 103 years to complete. The facade of the temple is filled with intricate sculptures and frizzes-with no portion left blank. Elephants, episodes from the epics, sensuous dancers-they are all there-awe-inspiring in their intricate workmanship. Inside are hand-lathe-turned filigreed pillars. The Veeranarayana temple and the smaller shrines are well worth a visit.

Location : -38 Km from Hassan and 220 Km from Bangalore .

Hotels : - Hotel Hassan Ashok, Hoysala Village Resort, Southern Star Hassan, Hotel Sri Krishna, Hotel Ashrita, Hotel Suvarna Regency, Vishnu Regency Deluxe Boarding, Hotel Raghu, Hotel Mahaveer, Sri Tirumala Lodge, Sri Laxmi Lodge.

HALEDID

27 km north-west of Hassan and 17 km east of Belur is Halebid. This old city was the site of the ancient capital city of Dwarasamudra of the wealthy Hoyasalas. The splendor of the city is attested by its architectural monuments which still rank among the masterpieces of the Hindu art. The Hoysaleswara temple dating back to the 12th century is outstanding for its wealth of sculptural details. The walls of the Hoysaleswara temple are covered with an endless variety of goddesses, animals, birds and dancing girls. Yet no two facets of the temple are same. Temple-guarded by the sacred Nandi Bull-was never completed despite 86 years of labour.

Location : 17 Km from Belur, 27 Km from Hassan and 213 Km from Banglore.

Hotels : - KSTDC Mayura Shantala and Hotels in Hassaan.You can also stay at Hassan and cover Belur and Haledid.

SOMNATHPUTHUR
In Somnathpur, a tiny village on the banks of the Cauvery, 140 kms, and south-west of Bangalore stands one of the last and the grandest of Hoysala monuments - the Keshava Temple built 740 years ago.

Frescoed with episodes from the epics on the exterior, the temple is stellar in shape, with three profusely carved pinnacles with a common Navranga. The three sanctums once housed beautifully carved idols of Keshava, Janardhana and Venugopala, two still adorn the sanctums in their original form.
An inscribed stone slab, in old Kannada, at the entrance stands like a milestone to eternity. From this inscription, we know that this magnificent temple was completed and consecrated in 1268 A.D. An annual grant of 3,000 gold coins for the temple's upkeep and maintenance was sanctioned.

Location : - 35 Km from Mysore and 120 Km from Banglore.

Hotels : - accommodation is not available. It would be best to stay at Mysore .

SRIRANGAPATNA

About 16 Kms northeast of Mysore , on ~ Bangalore road, Srirangapatnam is an island town surrounded by the Cauvery. Here stand the ruins of the fort capital from which Hyder Ali and his son Tipu Sultan ruled during the 18th century. The defeat of Tipu referred to as the 'Tiger of Mysore' by the British in 1799 marked the beginning of British territorial expansion in southern India .

The famous Sri Ranganatha Temple originally built in the 9th century is located within the fort. Dedicated to an avatar of Lord Vishnu after whom the town is named, the inner hall of this wonderful temple is the most impressive. Supported by massive pillars, it offers a clear view of the reclining deity in the sanctum.

There are a number of historic sites including the Dungeon where Colonel Baillie was defeated, the Water Gate where Tipu met his end, the Daria Daulat Bagh, the magnificent summer palace of Tipu and the impressive Gumbaz or mausoleum where Tipu was buried. Conveniently located between Mysore and Bangalore , Srirangapattinam is easily accessible by both road and rail from Mysore . Although there is a KSTDC's Hotel Mayuni River View offering accommodation, Srirangapatnam is only a day trip away from Mysore .

About 3kms away is the lovely Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary set around a handful of tiny islands in the Cauvery River . Rowboats are available here for rent.

Location :- 16 Km from Mysore and 122 km from Banglore.

Hotels : Fort View Resorts, Amblee Holiday Resort, Balaji Garden Resort, KSTDC Mayura River View, and Hotel Gururaj Continental.

 
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