Udupi is Sanctum of Madhwacharya.Approximately 60km from Mangalore is the Vaishnavite pilgrimage town of Udupi . This was the sanctum of Madhwacharya, the great Sanskrit philosopher. The town is sacred to the devotees of Lord Krishna and where the Saint Madhwacharya lived and preached 700 years ago. The famous Masala Dosai has its origin here. About 5 km from Udupi at Manipal, there are several professional colleges of which Kasturba Medical College is the most outstanding institution.
Important temple : Udupi Srikrishna temple’s Kanakakindi Dharshan is an important ritual herein Krishna temple. Other sites are Mutt, Anantheshwara temple. Chandramouleeshwara temple, pajakakshetra, Vadabhandeshwara temple. It’s possible to enjoy the temples of Udupi in a day but it would be a rushed affair. A visit to PajakaKshetra the birth place of Madhavacharyais a definite part of pilgrimage. In Srikrishna temple Darshan through all the nine openings is said to ensure prosperity.
Anantheshwara temple : A popular belief is that lighting at the ancient Anantheshwara temple wards off evil.
Chandramouleeshwara temple : The linga here is worshipped as Chandramouleswara, the lord who bears the moon on his head.
Location : On the western coat of Karnataka, 60 km north of Mangalore Udupi has the Arabian sea to its west and western gnats to its east.
Distance : 406 km from Bangalore , 313 km from Mysore .
Hotels : Karavali Hotels, Hotel Sri Rama Residency, Hotel Swadesh Heritage Palm Grove Beach Resort, Hotel Sharada International, and Hotel Kediyoor
KOLLUR
Important Temple : Mookambika.
Known as one of the most sacred sites in Karnataka Adishankara installed the idol of Mookambika in Kollur 1200 years ago. The temple has gold plated crest and copper roofs. The beautiful river Sauparnika flows a kilometer north of the temple. The scenic beauty of kollur makes visiting it a delighted experience.
130km from Mangalore, amid the green canopy of the Western Ghats , lies the village of Kollur . Here, the Mookambika Temple , one of the seven most sacred spots of the coastal region, is dedicated to the goddess of emotional power and strength. The temple has a gold plated crest and copper roofs. Adi Shankaracharya, the great philosopher, is said to have visited this temple to perform penance.
Location : 410 km northwest of Bangalore & 130km North of Mangalore.
Hotels : Bhagirathi Tourist Home and at recently built Lalithambika guest house.
SRINGERI
Important temple : Sarada temple, Vidya-Shankara temple, Mallikarjuna temple.
In Sarada Temple the presiding deity of sringri is revered in popular imagination as the embodiment of goddess Saraswathi.Sarada is Guru Rupini.The pilgrim is memorized by her divine smile and would want nothing more than to gaze at her humble supplication.Vidya Shankara temple was built over the mortal remains of vidyathirtha. The teacher of vidyaranya.The broken wooden image of Saradamba believed to be the original one installed by Shankarachsrya.The ancient Mallikarjuna temple is a shrine to Shiva.
Location : On the left bank of river Tunga. 2789ft altitude in Western ghats in Western Karnataka .
Distances : 330 km Northwest of Banglore, 104 km from, north east of Mangalore and 90 km from
Chickamaglur.
Hotels : - Sringeri Mutt Guest House
DHARMASTHALA
Important temples : Lord Manjunathesvara, Chandranatha swamy, Statue of Bahubali.
Origin of the temple Dharmasthala can be traced back about 1513. Here you will find the manifestation of every aspect of dharma- religion, faith, righteousness, duty charity and justice. Dharma, the philosophy, rules and duties that govern Hinduism can really be seen to reign in this Sthala. In this place irrespective of caste, creed or religion pilgrims are given free meals and lodging. Lakshadeepotsava is worth watching.
Distance : 300 km west of Bangalore and 70 km north east of Mangalore. Transport By road from Mangalore or Bangalore .
Hotels : - Available only in the temple guest house and Dharmasalas. And VIPs guest house- Sannidhi.
Clean and green Subramanya soohes mind and body. The hoary temple of Adi Subrahmanya which houses a group of ancient anthills worshipped as Vasuki and adishesha has a simple tiled roof. Its location in the midst of lush green forests and mountain streams is really Scenic.Kumaradhara River is just 2 km west of the main temple where one can have a dip in the cool water. Subrahamanya is represented as serpent deity. The temple is one of the 7 sacred sites of Tulu community
Location : 110 km south east of Mangalore and 290 km south west of Bangalore
Hotels : Akshara Guest House,Ashlesha Guest House,Karthikaya, Kumarakrupa & Skandakrupa GuestHouse, Hotel Mayura Residency and Hotel Seashanaag Ashraya.
GOKARNA(DAKSHINA KASI)
Important temples : Mahabalesvara – Mahaganapathi - Tamra Gauri.
After Varanasi Viswanatha temple, Siva temple here is considered as most holist. It is believed entry into this temple will wash off one’s all sins. The temple might not appear impressive. The liga which appears twisted and pulled up, is only visible three inches above ground. The Tamra Gauri temple is dedicated to Goddess Parvathi. Mahaganapti Temple is dedicated to Lord Ganesha.The black stone idol stands about 1.3 m. in hight.Kotithirtha is believed to be the scared tank and it is considered auspicious to bath in the tank and perform rituals for departed souls.
Gokarna is one of the 3 holiest places in India . Other two are Varanasi and Ramaswaram. The deity here is regarded as the atma (soul) of Shiva himself.
Location : 230 km north of Mangalore and 470 km North West of Bangalore .
Hotels : Gokarna International, Seabird holiday resort, Om beach resort, and Hotel Shiva Prasad..
NANJANGUD
The Kritti Narayana temple also known as Vaideshwara temple is situated on the banks of Cauvery River . Situated on the banks of the river Cauvery, the Kritti Narayana Temple , also known as the Vaideshwara Temple is completely buried beneath sand dunes. The temple comes to life when it is excavated once every 12 years during the Panchalinga Darshan.
Location : 23 km from Mysore
Accommodation : It would be beat to stay at Mysore
MELKOTE
Located 60 km north east of Mysore.This is the temple town one of the best preserved towns. The cultural and religious importance of this ruined temple city is well known from 12 th century AD. Cheluvanarayanaswamy temple and yoganaraimhaswamy temple are the two living examples of the by gone eras rich culture and academic knowledge. The historical studies have shown relatively little change in the present town planning and cultural practice.
Today life in Melkote revolves around the Cheluvanarayanaswamy temple within the township, which enjoyed the patronage of the Mysore Maharajas as well as Tipu Sultan, and the Yoganarasimhaswamy temple on the hill overlooking Melkote. These temples are repositories of Melkote's living tradition as well as storehouses of academic knowledge of our culture.
One of the best - preserved towns, Melkote is unique in that it has retained its traditional character over the centuries. Historical studies have shown relatively little change in the plan of the town, the type and character of the dwellings and its cultural practice. In this sense, a visit to Melkote or Tirunarayanapuram (as it is also called) is a unique experience of our own cultural heritage in its living form.
Location : 60 Km from Mysore and 140 km from Bangalore .
Accommodation : suggested at Mysore .
SRAVANABELAGOLA
It’s a great Jain center. The 18 meter high statue of Gomateswara is the tallest monolithic statue in the world. The statue was created in 983 AD by Chandmundaraya.During the ritual of Mahamastakabhiksheka attracts devotees from all over the world. A little gem of calm, unspoiled township tucked away between the large Indragiri and the smaller Chandragiri hills. Shravanabelagola has remained a great Jain center and the goal of thousands of pilgrims who flock to see the magnificent, gigantic statue of the Jain saint, Lord Gomateswara.
The monolithic statue of Lord Gomateshwara, a Jain saint and an object of worship for centuries, standing atop one of the hills (Indragiri) is 18 meter high and is said to be the tallest monolithic statue in the world.
The symmetry in stone was created around 983 AD by Chamundaraya, a general and minister of the Ganga King Rachamatta. The Mahamastakabhisheka festival, an elaborate ritual, held here once every 12 years, attracts devotees from all over the World. The next Mahamastakabhisheka is going to be in 2006. Try not to miss the spectacle.
Location : 148 km from Bangalore
Accommodation : Suggested at Hassan.
SHIVAGANGA
The main Shrines here are Gavi Gangadhareshwara cave temple and Honnadevi temple. This is a four faced hill - Nandi from East, Ganesha from the west, Shiva from South and Cobra from north. This four-faced hill (1368 mts.) resembles a Nandi from the east, a Ganesha from the west, a linga from the south and a cobra from the north. An arduous climb takes you to the two main shrines, Gavi Gangadhareshwara Cave Temple and Honnadevi Temple . You can stop to rest midway between the two at Patalaganga, a natural spring.
Location : 60 Km from Bangalore .
DEVARAYANADURGA
This place is famous for a natural holy spring and Mahalakshmi and Gorayanhalli temples. Set amidst hills and dense forests, Devarayanadurga is dotted with hilltop temples like the Yoganarasimha and the Bhoganarasimha. It is also famed for Namada Chilume, a holy natural spring and the Mahalakshmi Temple at Goravanahalli.
Location : 80Km from Bangalore .
Hotels : Nearest hotels for Shivaganga and Devarayanadurga are at Tumkur - Hotel Woodlands, Hotel Nanjundeshwara, and Hotel Dwaraka.
YELLAMMA TEMPLE
This Shrine is a pilgrimage center especially for people from Karnataka, Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh. The Shakti puja will be conducted on the occasion of Yellamma Jatra. Situated atop a hill near Soundatti in Belgaum , the Renuka Devi Temple , popularly called the Yellamma Devi Temple , is mainly visited by pilgrims from Karnataka, Maharashtra , and Andhra Pradesh. The famous Yellamma jatra takes place on the full moon day known as the ‘Bharat Hunnime.’ On this occasion, the goddess Yellamma is worshipped in the manner of ‘Shakti Puja,’ complete with all its attendant rituals.
Location : 78 km from Belgaum
BANASHANKARI
This temple is built in Dravidian style and dedicated to Banashankari a form of Parvathi.The large pond in front of the temple is known as Harida Theertha.Thousands of devotees attend the annual festival here. En route to Badami is a quaint hamlet that takes its name from the goddess Banashankari. Built in the Dravidian style, the temple is dedicated to Banashankari, a form of Parvati highly revered by the weaver community. The idol depicts the powerful eight-armed goddess seated on a snarling lion. There is a large pond in front of the temple called Harida Theertha, which is enclosed on three sides by stone mantapas with inner colonnades. The annual temple festival in Banashankari is more than a religious event. During this time, the streets around the temple are taken over by a huge fair, marked by color and gaiety, and attended by thousands of devotees.
Location : 5 km from Badami and 490 km from Bangalore .
Hotels : Hotel Badami Court , Hotel Mookambika Deluxe, KSTDC Mayura Chalukya, Hotel Anand Deluxe, and Shri Laxmi Vilas Hotel
KOODALASANGAMA
This place is also known as Kappadi Sangama.The well known pilgrimage center of Basavana Bagewadi is about 30 kms from here. There are many important temples are here. A great religious centre, also known as Kappadi Sangama, Koodalasangama is at the confluence of the Krishna and the Malaprabha in very enchanting surroundings. Koodalasangama has a history that goes back 800 years.
Location: 85 km from Bijapur.
Hotels: At Badami or Bijapur.
MURUDESWAR
The Siva temple with a 15 meter statue of Lord Siva is located in a beautiful surrounding. The temple is covered with Chalukya and Kadamba sculptures in the Dravidian style and is believed to be located on the spot where Ravana flung the cloth covering the Atmatlinga at Gorakana while lifting it. The two life – size elephants in concrete at the steps are very attractive. There is also a huge fort behind the temple said to have been renovated by Tipu sultan, the ruler of Mysore .
Location : 16 km from Batkal, 63 km from kollur and 465 km from Bangalore .
Hotels : RNS Yatrinivas, Naveen Beach Resort, Murudeshwar Guest House, Benzy Intercontinental, Hotel Danish Regency, and Hotel Kola Paradise .
BASAVAKALYAN
Basavakalyan is in Bidar.Rich in cultural heritage and have many caves. Famous historic and religious place. Once the capital of the Kalyana Chalukyas and the centre of a great social and religious upheaval in the 12th century, Basavakalyan in Bidar district is famed for its cultural heritage. During the time of the social reformer Basaveshwara, it became a seat of learning and an abode of spiritual wisdom. Basavakalyan is renowned for the saints who made the city their home: Basaveshwara, Akka-Mahadevi, Channabasavanna, and Siddarama. You can also see some monuments, caves, and other places of historic and religious importance here.
Location : 80 km from Bidar.
Hotels : At Bidar-Hotel Prince, Hotel Mayura, Hotel Kailash, Hotel Kaveri, and Hotel Ashoka
MUDABIDRI
It’s a pilgrimage center for Jain community. Known as the Jain Varanasi of South India . There are 18 Jain Basadis are here. Thousand pillars basadi is most famous amongst it. The 17th century chowta palace is very famous for its beautifully carved wooden pillars and ceilings. The temple boasts of a valuable collection of jewel-encrusted metallic images of Jain tirthankaras, and superb monolithic columns in the Jain tradition, each with a different carving. The Jain Mutt near the main temple entrance has a library containing some beautiful 12th and 13th century palm leaf manuscripts. It is worth visiting the 17th century Chowta Palace for its beautifully carved wooden pillars and ceilings.
Location: 35 Km from Mangalore and 350 km from Bangalore .
Hotels: Hotel Navami Comforts Mudabidri.
KARKALA
The towering 42ft. monolith of Gomateshwara standing atop a granite outcrop on the outskirts of the town is the main attraction here. The Chaturmukha Basadi, completed in 1586, has four identical Jain tirthankara images facing in four different directions.
Location : 32 Km from Udupi and 370 km from Bangalore .
Hotels : Hotel Shreshta, Hotel Suhag, Hotel Swagath, Hotel King’s Court, Hotel Tulsi.
VENUR
The town is famed for its eight basadis and the ruins of a Mahadeva Temple . An 11m high Bahubali statue, dating back to 1604, stands on the Southern bank of the Gurupur River .
Location : 50 km from Mangalore & 330 km from Bangalore .
Hotels : Accommodation is not available. It is advisable to stay at Mangalore.
BANAVASI
Nestled deep in the forests of the Western Ghats on the border of Uttara Kannada and Shimoga districts, this temple town is located on the Vardha River and is known for its rice, sugarcane, areca nut, spices, and the famous Banavasi pineapple. This is where the eminent poet Pampa wrote his poems. It was the capital of the Kadambas, the first kingdom of ancient Karnataka. The Madhukeshwara Temple , famed for its architecture, derives its name from the honey-colored lingam in the inner sanctum of the temple. An imposing Nandi faces the lingam.
Location: 22 km from Sirsi & 415 km from Bangalore .
Hotels: Accommodation is only available at Sirsi.
BASAVANA BAGEWADI
Basavana Bagedwadi, 30km from Koodalasangama is a well known pilgrim centre and the birth place of Basaveshwara
Location : 85 km from Bijapur & 495 km from Bangalore .
Hotels : Accommodation is only available at Bijapur & Badami.
TALAKAD
Situated on the banks of the river Cauvery, the Kritti Narayana Temple , also known as the Vaideshwara Temple is completely buried beneath sand dunes. The temple comes to life when it is excavated once every 12 years during the Panchalinga Darshan.
Location: 130 km from Bangalore & 50 km from Mysore .
SIDHAGANGA
Originally built by Raja Gulchand and later fortified by Ala-ud-din Bahman, the fort contains large buildings, mosques, temples, stables, ammunition dumps, carriages, 15 towers, 26 guns, and several beautiful courtyards. The piece-deresistance of the sprawling fort is the 38,000 sq. ft. Jumma Masjid with its elegant domes and arched columns reminiscent of the great mosque of Cordoba in Spain. The crumbling ruins of Gulbarga Fort transport you to Karnataka’s glorious past, when kingdoms fell and others rose from their ashes. The Sultan Hasan’s tomb, the tomb of Ghias-ud-din, the fine mausoleum of Feroze Shah and family, the Haft-Gumbaz outside the city, and Gulbarga ’s many elegant mosques are also worth seeing.
Location : 70 km from Bangalore .
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