Tourist Destinations In Karnataka
Sringeri
Situated on the banks of Tungabhadra, was established by Sri Adi Shankara in 9th Century A.D. It’s famous for Vidyashankara Temple and Sharada Temple.
Halebeedu
Just 17km away from Belur is Halebid, the ancient capital of the Hoysalas. The temple, perched on a star-shaped base amidst lawns, is a sculptural extravaganza. Its walls are richly carved with an endless variety of Hindu deities, sages, stylised animals, birds, and friezes depicting the life of the Hoysala kings. The temple complex has a museum which houses the idols, statues, busts, and sculptures excavated by the Archaeological Department from the ruins. It is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Closed on Fridays.
Belur
What the Parthenon is to Greece and the pyramids to Egypt, the Hoysala temples at Belur are to South Indian architecture. Belur's main temple, Chennakeshava was in 1117 AD to celebrate Hoysala military victories and took over a hundred years to complete. Stories from the Puranas, the Upanishads and other mythological sources have been executed in the most exquisite and authentic detail, as have tales from the Ramayana and the Mahabharata.
Friezes of charging elephants, each different from the other, mythological figures, military scenes, dancers and musicians, and elaborate decorative motifs… The winged figure of Garuda, Lord Vishnu’s carrier, stands at the entrance facing the temple, palms touching in homage... The angled bracket figures depicting celestial nymphs, singing, dancing or executing daily chores… Each work has significance, a tale to tell.
The temples at Belur and Halebid are the cream of what remains of the Hoysala Dynasty. The most photographed and perhaps the best there ever were, they are a must on every tourist's temple itinerary.
Hampi
Hampi was the magnificent capital of the mighty Vijayanagar kingdom. “The city is such that the pupil of the eye has never seen a place like it, and the ear of intelligence has never been informed that there existed anything to equal it in the
world,” marvelled a 15th century Persian ambassador. There were opulent palaces, marvellous temples, massive fortifications, baths, markets, aquaducts, pavilions, stables for royal elephants, and elegantly carved pillars. This was a city whose merchants offered diamonds, pearls, fine silks, brocades, horses, and, according to
one Portuguese visitor, “every sort of thing on earth.” A visit to Hampi is a sojourn into the past. The best way to experience this World Heritage Site is to take a leisurely stroll through the eloquent ruins. Most of the important structures and ruins are located in two areas, which are generally referred to as the Royal Centre and the Sacred Centre. The Royal Centre in the southwest part of the site contains structures that seem to have been palaces, baths, pavilions, royal stables, and temples for ceremonial use. The Sacred Centre is situated on the northern edge of the city along the banks of the holy Tungabhadra river. The ruins of Hampi are extensive and fascinating enough to absorb your attention for several days. There is always something new to discover in Hampi.
Bijapur
The one-time capital of the Adil Shahi kings (1489-1686) is dotted with mosques, mausoleums, palaces, fortifications, watchtowers, and strong gateways, with the massive Gol Gumbaz dominating the landscape for miles around.
Dharmasthala
Dharmasthala, as the name suggests is a place of Truth,Faith, Communal harmony and Cultural Tolerance. Manjunatha Temple attracts a large number of pilgrims from all parts and of all cast and creed.
Kukke Subramanya Temple
Kukke Subramanya is one of the beautiful and religiously auspicious place, located amidst hills of western ghats. Lord Subramanya is the deity worshiped in the form of a Cobra in the temple of Kukke Subramanya.
Srirangapatna
You will come across this island fortress of Tipu Sultan on the Bangalore-Mysore Highway. This history-rich town was the capital of the Warrior-Kings Hyder Ali and his son Tipu Sultan - The Tiger of Mysore.
Fort: It is from here that Tipu charged at the British soldiers with his legendry sword. An obelisk in the Fort marks the place where he fell - betrayed by his own men. Within the Fort is a Mosque and the Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple.
Daria Daulat Bagh: Built in 1784, this Summer Palace was one of Tipu's favourite retreats. Made of teak, this Indo-Saracenic structure has ornate and beautiful frescoes.
Gumbaz: Housing the mortal remains of Tipu Sultan, his father Hyder Ali and his mother, the Gumbaz has splendid ebony doors inlaid with ivory. Tipu's favourite Tiger stripes cover the walls.
Dandeli
Undulating streams, whispering bamboo, diverse wildlife, and innumerable trekking trails make Dandeli a dream destination. River Kali and its tributaries, Kaneri and
Nagajhari, meander through the moist deciduous and semi-evergreen forests. The Dandeli forests also play host to the graceful Virnoli Rapids, the magnificent Supa Dam, the sinister Syntheri Rocks, Nagajhari Viewpoint, the Kulgi Nature Education Camp, the Kavla Caves with their Shivling-like stalagmites, and Sykes Point which offers a stunning view of the Kalinadi Valley.
Devbagh
Dev Bagh could have been a designer beach: designed for effortless unwinding. A gentle, secluded island totally cut off from the world. From the Karwar coast, speedboat across an estuary to a casuarina-whispering island. Walk around, laze in a casuarina grove, lie in a hammock, play beach volleyball, or just take a swim in the waters. Live in a bark-clad, thatched, cottage raised on stilts. Dine on a starlit strand while the sea softly whispers its eternal serenade.
And that's just the beginning.
Come morning, don your swimming gear and head for a tiny secluded cove on Lady's Island where even non-swimmers are encouraged to snorkel, wearing life- jackets. Experience first hand the submarine life beneath the sparkling azure waters. |
