4 DAYS TRIP FROM BANGALORE | CHIKMAGALUR - KARKALA - DHARMASTHALA - KUKKE

At a distance of 0.5 km from Belur Bus Station, Sri Chennakesava Temple is an ancient temple situated at Belur, Karnataka. The temple is listed as a UNESCO World heritage Site and is one of the must-visit places as part of Belur Tour Packages.

Also referred to as Kesava or Vijayanarayana Temple of Belur, Chennakesava Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The temple was commissioned by King Vishnuvardhana of the Hoysala dynasty in 1117 CE, on the banks of the Yagachi River in Belur, an early Hoysala Empire capital. The temple was built over three generations and took 103 years to complete. It was repeatedly damaged and plundered during wars, repeatedly rebuilt and repaired over its history.

Among the famous places to visit in Belur, the temple is very famous for extensive carvings, stone sculptures, artwork and its unique architecture. .....

At a distance of 2.5 km from Belur Bus Stand, Yagachi Dam is an earthen gravity dam situated near Belur in Hassan district of Karnataka. Famous for its water sports, the dam is one of the beautiful dams in Karnataka and also one of the popular places to visit in Belur.

The Yagachi Dam is built in 2001 across the River Yagachi, a tributary of River Kaveri. The length of the dam is 1280 m and the height is 26 meters. Situated at an altitude of 965 feet, the dam was constructed with the objective to harness water resource for the purpose of irrigation and to meet the demands for drinking water in Belur, Chikmagalur and Hassan districts.

The natural beauty of the landscape mesmerizes visitors. Tourists flock in large numbers to enjoy the beauty of the dam and the surrounding areas. The place is ideal to spend time away from the hustle and bustle of the city life. The cool breeze of the dam rejuvenates the mind and the body. Just sitting near the reservoir and watching the calm .....

At a distance of 10 km from Chikmagalur & 50 km from Kemmanagundi, Hirekolale Lake is a beautiful manmade lake situated in Chikmagalur. It is one of the well-known tourist places in Chikmagalur.

Surrounded by high mountains, this beautiful lake is awe-striking for every spectator, and mustinclude places in Chikmagalur Tour Packages. This lake was built to supply water to Chikmagalur town and assist in the irrigation of lands in all the villages situated nearby.

The lake is encompassed by gorgeous surroundings and offers a serene retreat for people coming along with friends and family wishing to have a great time. It also offers the most fascinating views of the landscape during sunset and is a delight for photography lovers who are looking to add an idyllic sunset shot to their travel .....

At a distance of 5 Kms from Chikmagalur, 66 Kms from Kemmangundi, 81 Kms from Sringeri, the Kodanda Rama Temple located in Hiremagalur is an ancient temple build during Hoysala's period. It is one of the well known Chikmagalur places to visit.

Though the central structure of the temple is built in Hoysala style, the remaining portions were the additions of subsequent rulers including Vijayanagara's. The navagrahas were added in14th century & Mukhamantapa was added in 16th century. The images of Kodanda Rama, Sita & Lakshmana are worshipped at this temple.

According to the Sthalapurana, Rama along with Sita & Lakshmana gave darshana to Parashurama at this holy place.

Timings: 6 AM - 8 PM

About Mullayanagiri

At a distance of 20 km from Chikmagalur and 23 km from Baba Budangiri (by road), Mullayanagiri is a mountain peak located in Chikmagalur. With an altitude of 1950 m, it is the highest peak in Karnataka, and among the must-include places in Chikmagalur Packages. Known for its serene ambiance and nature's raw beauty, this peak is adorned with verdant grassland, rugged rocks, and a good trek path that is also quite popular among adventure enthusiasts. Mullayanagiri is also known for coffee plantations that are situated nearby.

History of Mullayanagiri

Regarded as the highest peak between the Himalayas and Nilgiris, Mullayanagiri is one of the best places for trekking in Karnataka. The peak gets its name from a small temple at the summit, which is dedicated to a Tapasvi Mullappa Swamy, who is believed to have meditated at the cave near the summit.

Mullayanagiri .....

At a distance of 11 km from Baba Budangiri, 11 km from Mullayanagiri and 18 km from Chikmagalur, Kavikal Gandi, also known as Horse Shoe Viewpoint, is a popular viewpoint in Chikmagalur district of Karnataka.

Located on Mullayanagiri - Baba Budangiri road, Kavikal Gandi is a prominent hill viewpoint in Chikmagalur region. There is a check post on the road. The horse shoe viewpoint can be easily reached by climbing up about 50 steps from this check post.

There is a small idol of Hanuman at the foot of the hill. Atop the hill, someone has recently drawn a painting of Swami Vivekananda. This hill is always windy and pleasant. From the viewpoint one can get a breathtaking view of Chandra Drona mountain range.
Timings: 6 AM - 6 PM

About Baba Budangiri

At a distance of 29 km from Kemmanagundi & 36 km from Chikmagalur, Baba Budangiri is a mountain in the Baba Budan range of Chikmagalur. At an altitude of 1895 meters, Baba Budangiri is the second-highest peak in Karnataka, and among the must-include places in your Chikmagalur Tour Packages. The main peaks in the Baba Budan range are the Mulliyangiri and Baba Budangiri which are collectively known as the Chandra Drona Mountain Range as they naturally form the shape of a crescent moon. This is one of the popular Chickmagalur tourist places.

History of Baba Budangiri

Also known as Dattagiri, the mountain is named after the Muslim saint, Baba Budan who is worshiped by both Hindus and Muslims. Baba Budan was a 17th-century Sufi saint who came to India from Saudi to spread the message of Islam and peace. According to legend, he introduced .....

At a distance of 7 km from Baba Budangiri Dattatreya Peetha, 36 km from Kemmangundi & 29 km from Chikmagalur, Manikya Dhara Falls is situated in the dense forest of Baba Budangiri hills in Western Ghats of India. It is another popular attraction not to miss in a Chikmagalur tour package.

With a height of about 30 feet, the waterfall is situated midst dense Forest offering great views of Baba Budangiri Hills. Locally known as Nellikayi Theertha, this waterfall is considered as a holy site by Hindus as well as Muslims. Manikya Dhara, which literally means a string of pearls, is the ideal site for people looking for a peaceful and scenic atmosphere. According to the legend, saint Baba Budan along with his 4 disciples came to the site in search of water. After their prayers, they were blessed with water flowing from the mountains in the form of this waterfall.

People .....

At a distance of 2.5 km from Karkala Bus Station, 37 Kms from Udupi & 50 Kms from Mangalore, Gomatheshwara Statue (Lord Bahubali) is located on a rocky hillock called Bahubali Betta in Karkala. It is situated near Chaturmukha Basadi (about 1 Km).

This single stone 42-foot statue of Gomateshwara is the second tallest in Karnataka, after Shravanabelagola.Veera Pandya Deva, the King of Bairarava family built this monolithic statue in his honor and also installed the Brahmadeva Pillar in front of the statue in 1436.

The Maha Masthakaabhisheka festival, sacred bathing of the statue with saffron paste, milk and water, held in every 12 years. During this period thousands of Jain devotees visit this place to carry out the Mahamastakabhisheka.

At a distance of 1.5 km from Karkala Bus Station, 37 Kms from Udupi & 50 Kms from Mangalore, Chaturmukha Basadi is a Jain temple, situated on a rocky hill near Karkala.

The primary deity of the temple is Chandranatha. This temple got its name due to the four doorways in four directions lead to the Garbhagriha. It is entirely built of stone and stands on a raised stone platform. The flat roof is constructed with large granite slabs and the temple has a total of 108 pillars. This temple was committed by Vir Pandya Deva, the King of Bairarava family in 1432 and completed in 1586.

This is the most celebrated temple in Karkala and is referred to in the inscriptions as Tribhuvana Tilaka Jina Chaityalaya and Ratnaraya Dhama. Photography is prohibited inside without prior permission.

At a distance of 1 km from Karkala Bus Station, 37 Kms from Udupi & 50 Kms from Mangalore, Sri Ananthashayana Temple is an ancient temple located in Karkala. This temple is dedicated to Lord Ananthapadmanabha (another form of Lord Vishnu). This temple is situated near Sri Venkata Ramana Temple (about 1 Km) & Chaturmukha Basadi (about 1 Km).

This temple was originally a Jain Basadi in 15th century. During that time, Sringeri Jagadguru Sri Narasimha Bharathi Swamiji came to Karkala and the Jain King gave him a warm welcome. But Swamiji said he will stay only if there is a temple with Lord installed in it. The king gave the Jain Basadi to His Holiness Sringeri Swamiji and installed a stone sculptured of Lord Vishnu.

The magnificent idol of Lord Vishnu is carved out of a single black stone with Lord Brahma coming out of Vishnu's navel, and Sridevi and Bhudevi at his feet.

This temple is under the protection of Archaeological .....

At a distance of 1 km from Karkala Bus Station, 37 Kms from Udupi & 50 Kms from Mangalore, Sri Venkata Ramana Temple located in Karkala is popularly known as Padu Tirupathi, which means Tirupathi of West. This temple is more than 550 years old and houses the ancient idol of Lord Srinivasa of Tirupathi.

According to legend, a family of Gowda Saraswat Brahmins brought Lord Venkat Ramana's statue from Goa, settled in Karkala and built a temple. When the rulers of Mangalore attacked the temple, the temple was destroyed and idol was lost.

It is said that the devotees had a dream directing them to go back to their place where they were directed to receive an idol of Lord Srinivasa from a saint. Their dreams come true when a Brahmin stranger gave them an idol of Srinivasa which he brought from Tirupati. The Lord is name Tirupati Chappara Srinivasa and all the poojas here are performed as in Tirupati.

The Laksha Deepothsava festival, Annual Chariot festival and Chakrotsava .....

At a distance of 4 km from Karkala Bus Station, 37 Kms from Udupi & 50 Kms from Mangalore, Neminath Basadi is a Jain temple constructed in 1329. It is located very close to Bahubali Betta / Gomatheshwara Statue (about 0.5 Km).

The presiding deity of this temple is Mulnayak Bhagvan Neminath. There is a 54 feet Manasthambha, carved out of single rock, which is installed in front of the Basadi. The complex also houses Lord Mahavir, Chandranath Swamy, Adinath Swamy, Ananthanath and Padmavathi basadis, and the Bhujabali Brahmacharya Ashram.

Chaturmukha Basadi (1 Km), Gomatheshwara Statue (0.5 Kms) and Ramasamudra Lake (1 Km) are nearby attractions.

At a distance of 5 Km from Karkala Bus Stand, Durga Waterfall is a scenic waterfall located near Karkala in the Udupi district of Karnataka. It is one of the lesser-known natural gems in Karnataka, and among the must-include places in Karkala leisure packages.

Durga Waterfall is situated along the course of the River Swarna, which originates in the Western Ghats. Commonly referred to as Durga Falls, it is not a waterfall; rather, the water crashes forcefully against the rocks. As it flows downstream, the River Swarna traverses a vast expanse of rugged rocks, providing a stunning visual experience during the monsoon season when the waterfall is at its peak strength.

The name 'Durga' may be connected to the nearby Durga village. Some suggest that the name 'Durga' could also relate to local mythology or the existence of a lookout post or fortress ('Durg') that was constructed in historical times. Nevertheless, there .....

About Dharmasthala Manjunatha Temple

At a distance of 70 km from Mangalore, Dharmasthala is a sacred town in Karnataka. Situated on the banks of the Nethravathi River, it is one of the famous places of pilgrimage in Karnataka, and among the popular places to visit as part of Mangalore packages. The main attraction of Dharmasthala is the famous Manjunatha Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva in the form of Manjunatha or Lokeshwara. This place is also known as Sri Kshetra, and is one of the top places to visit near Mangalore. It is said that the Shiva Linga worshipped at this temple was procured from Kadri Temple in Mangalore.

History & Mythology of Dharmasthala Manjunatha Temple

Dharmasthala Temple is an 800-year-old Hindu temple situated in Dharmasthala. Manjunatheshwara, or Dharmasthala Manjunatha, is the chief and the presiding deity of this .....

About Kukke Subrahmanya Temple

At a distance of 100 km from Mangalore, Kukke Subrahmanya Temple is a sacred Hindu temple located at Kukke near Mangalore. It is one of the most famous temples in Karnataka and among the must-visit places as part of Mangalore holiday packages.
Lord Kartikeya, revered as the deity of all serpents, is worshipped here as Lord Subrahmanya. The Kukke Subrahmanya Temple is regarded as the dwelling place of 'nagas', where worship is conducted for Lord Subrahmanya alongside the serpent king Vasuki. This temple is also viewed as the ultimate destination for achieving salvation for individuals afflicted by various 'naga doshas'. Additionally, devotees hold the belief that taking a sacred bath in the Kumaradhara Thirtha and performing Madesnana can cure severe ailments such as leprosy.

Mythology

Dedicated to Lord Murugan, Kukke Subrahmanya Temple is one of the important temples of .....