Belur
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Originally the capital of the Hoysala kings, Belur is today
famous for its Keshava temple built by Vishnuvardhana. Situated
38 kms from Hassan, the artistic greatness of this temple attracts
large crowds of visitors from all parts of the world. The charm
of the sculptures, the variety of ornamental details and minute,
delicate carvings on the pillars and panels, doorways and ceilings
should be seen to be appreciated |
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| Also known
as Dwarasamudra, this famous historical site is located is 15
kms from Belur. It was once the seat of Hoysala Empire. Like
Belur, there are two famous temples here - Hoysaleshwara and
Shanteshwara, both dedicated to Shiva. The star shaped temples
stand unrivalled in the region, for sheer magnitude of plan
and exuberance in carving. On the outer walls are carved innumerable
figures and groups, rising from basement and following its contours.
Kedareshwara temple is another temple worthy of visit. There
are a few Jain Basadis in this area with exquisite sculptured
pillars and ceilings. |
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Helebeedu
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Bhadra Wild Life Sanctuary |
| Located
38 kms from Chikmagalur, this area surrounded by hills and tributaries
of Bhadra river has been converted into a wild life sanctuary.
Several types of forest animals can be seen in the sanctuary.
A long road has been made to drive through the forest for viewing
the wild life. |
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| Baba
Budanagiri / Datta Peeta |
The Chandradrona
Parvatha, also known as Baba Budan Giri, is located 30 kms from
Chikmagalur. Standing 1895 metres high, the loftiest point of
the range is Mullainagiri, at 1926 metres. The three caves here
said to have been sanctified by the three Siddhas contain their
icons and Gaddiges (tombs). An annual festival is held in their
honour. A becon lighted during Deepavali can be seen at Chikmagalur.
The peak takes the name from the Muslim saint, Baba Budan, who
took up his residence here more than 200 years ago and reared
coffee from the seeds he brought from Arabia. Nearby are the
three famous water- falls with epic associations - Gada Teertha,
Kamana Teertha and Nellikati Teertha. The Manikyadhara water
fall is a popular place of picnic.
Situated in the Baba Budan Hills is a cave shrine venerated
by Hindus and Muslims alike and is the place of penance attributed
to Dattatreya. An annual celebration takes place in December
along with the Urs when thousands of piligrims participate with
great fervor. A laterite cave here is believed to have been
sanctified by the residence of Dattatreya Swamy as well as Hazrat
Dada Hayat Mir Khalandar. |
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| Gangamula |
| Located
110 kms from Chikmagalur, this spot in the hills is said to
be the origin of rivers Tunga, Bhadra and Netravathi. Surrounded
by natural scenery, it is a wonderful place for picnic and holidaying.
A shrine dedicated to goddess Bhagavathi and Varaha are the
chief attractions |
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The Adi Satyatmaka Annapurneshwari temple is located 100 kms
from Chickmagalur. A popular place of pilgrimage, the temple
attracts many devotees every day. A consecrated Sri Chakra was
installed in the form of a Koorma and accompanied by Adishesha
carved in stone. |
Hornadu  |
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Kudremukh National
Park
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Overlooking the Arabian Sea this wildlife sanctuary gets its
name because of a prominent peak shaped like the face of a horse.
Located 95 kms from Chikmagalur, the Kudremukh township is a
beautiful place with excellent guest houses. The national park
harabours various wildlife like deer, sambar, bison, leopard,
tiger etc. There are excellent trekking routes and also a camping
spot managed by the forest department. |
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Located
90 kms from Chikmagalur, Shringeri is situated on the left bank
of River Tunga. This is one of the four Peethas set up by Adi
Shankaracharya for the propagation of Hindu philosophy over
2000 years ago. There are several temples here of which the
Sharada temple is said to have been established by Shankaracharya
himself.  The
Pontiff and his disciples stay here. There is also a Hoysala
temple dedicated to Vidya Shankara. It several specimens of
beautiful sculpture. A small 14th century temple of Janardhana
is attributed to the Vijayanagar period. Sringeri also has an
old Jain Basadi dedicated to Parswanatha Teerthankara. There
is a Sanskrit college where pupils are trained on the ancient
Gurukala system in Vedanta and other spiritual subjects. The
Mutt has an excellent guest house and choultries for the pilgrims
and visitors |
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Belur
