Misty Manjarabad Fort Trek Sakleshpur

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Manjarabad Fort is a star-shaped fort that is tucked away on the outskirts of a small hill town Sakleshpur, Hassan. This Strategic fort stuck on a hillock at 3240 ft above sea level in western ghats was built by Tipu Sultan. Manjarabad is possibly one of the most cinematic forts in Karnataka that is always covered with mist. Hence, it is called Manjarabad Ford. which is derived from the Kannada word ”Manju” which translates to fog or mist. 

Surrounded by green plains, steep valleys, dense shola forest, lofty peaks, and of course pungent coffee plantations make it an ideal picnic spot among travelers. As you are hiking to the top, a cool breeze and a pinch of drizzle will mostly be waiting to welcome you with open arms. Outside of this, if you are lucky and the weather is good then you can even spot glittering Arabian sea.

 About  Manjarabad Fortress Architecture

Manjarabad Fort was designed by French architect Sebastian Le Prestre De Vauban during the Tipu Sultan reign in 1792 AD. Fort displays a mixture of European and Islamic styles of architecture and it is one of its kind. When looked from the sky this fort looks like an eight-point star-shaped or octagonal star-shaped. It is a strategic fort built mainly to prevent British, Nizams, Marathas, and Kodagu empire’s army encroachment into Mysore territory ruled by Tipu sultan.

This fort has only one level which is in contrast when compared to other forts that have many levels. External Fort walls are made of granite chunks and lime mortars. A cross-shaped pond is built in the center of the fort to harvest rainwater. They were also used to store ammunition. Besides this, there are 2 underground cellars that store gunpowders and you can also spot musket holes and cannon mounts.

Above all, as per local people, there are secret tunnels that lead to Srirangapatna and Mysore, The Capital of the Tipu Sultan empire.

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 How To Reach Manjarabad Fort

You can head to Sakleshpur in a car, it is just 4 hours long drive from Bangalore. Else you can always hop into a train or frequently available buses from Bangalore. From Saklespur you can either take an auto-rickshaw or bus to reach Manjarabad fort that is 10 km away, Get down near Donegal stop, take a muddy path that leads you to concrete steps and from there fort is just 250 steps away.

Manjarabad Fort Information

Timings: 8:00 Am to 6 Pm.

Entry Fee: Rs 10 / person.

Duration: 4 Hours.

Best Time To Visit: September To March.

Distance From Sakleshpur: 10 Km.

Distance From Bangalore: 230 Km.

Also, read: Murudeshwara Town

Aihole – cradle of Indian temple architecture

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Aihole is an untroubled village that sits amidst red sandstone hills. on the banks of Malaprabha River. Located in Bagalkot, this place is home to over 125 beautiful temples that majorly belong to the Chalukyan and others. You can find Hindu, Jains, and Buddhist.temples, and most of them date back to 6th to 8th AD. No doubt, monuments here have all the power to take you back in time through its pristine beauty.

Besides this, Aihole was the capital of the mighty Chalukyas Empire before they shifted it to Badami. Earlier, this place was known as  “Ayyahole” or Aryapura” and played a major significance in Indian Mythology. Also, known as the “ cradle of Indian temple architecture” because first experiments with temple architecture styles began here in the 6th century. 

Indeed, there are inscriptions that tell about the cultural richness and strength of empires that ruled in this period. Above all, structures here speak for themselves and telling us this town was certainly flooded with highly skilled architectures.

Even though Aihole was ruled by many rulers after Chaluyans, it still retains the label of Chalukyan Kingdom due to their great contribution.

You can either stroll on your foot or take a bicycle to get around the town, as places are not far away.

Durga temple 

This is possibly one of the famous temples in Aihole that is built-in authentic Dravidian style.  Although this temple is called the Durga temple, it is dedicated to Lord Shiva and Vishnu. In fact, this is named after the “Durg fort” nearby and not the Deity “Durga Goddess”.

It is a horseshoe-shaped temple that resembles a Buddhist chaitya and has carvings of Ramayana on its walls. However, most of the temples are in ruins.as of now. You can also witness figures of Lord Shiva, Vishnu, Narasimha, and Mahishasuramardini on the temple walls.

Lad Khan Temple

One of the oldest temples in Aihole and it was built by Chalukyas in 5th century AD. There are 2 shrines called Gaudhargudi and Chikkigudi dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is built in Panchayat hall style with 2 sanctums that resemble the royal assembly hall or marriage hall. There are two storeys to this sanctum and the upper one can be reached by a stone ladder. Roofs are decorated with Lord Surya, Vishnu, and Shiva carvings. As you walk in you can notice goddess Ganga and Yamuna at the entrance of the temple.

Last but not the least, this temple is named after an Islam prince who stayed in the temple before British archaeologists took over.

Ravana Phadi Cave Temple

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These are rock-cut cave temples that are older than that of Badami caves which were built in 6th century AD. There are 3 entrances to this temple and even this one is dedicated to Lord Shiva. You can see carvings of dancing Shiva(Nataraja) along with Ganesha, Sapta Kanimars, and Mahishasuramardini on walls.

Hucchimalli Temple

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Located to the north of the village, Hucchimalli temple was built-in 7th century AD. This temple dedicated to creator destroyer and preserver i.e. Lord Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva respectively. Sculpture of Lord Vishnu sitting on top of a cobra is popular among all others. Not just that, there is a stepwell with is filled with water and has carvings of Lord Subramanya and his attendants. You can also spot carvings of Surya, Garuda, Ganga, and the Yamuna in here.

Huchappayyagudi Temple

You can find this temple on your way to Malaprabha River. Interestingly, the whole temple is carved out of a monolithic rock and it shows us the skills of Chalukyas. Even this temple is desiccated to Shiva and intricacies of Nataraja ( dancing Shiva) can be seen on the ceilings.

Konti Group of Temples

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Konti temples can be found in the middle of the bazaar in the village. It is a group of 4 temples and each date back to different dates. Of course, two temples here belong to Ratrakutas dynasties. This temple has an open hall with slopping roofs and carving of Shiva, Brahma, and reverted Vishnu can be noted on ceilings.

Suryanarayana Temple

Suryanarayan temple is built during the 7th century and has 4 pillared inner sanctums. You can see 2 feet long statue of Lord Surya along with his consorts Usha and Sandhya.

Archeological Museum

The museum is under the maintenance of the Indian Archeological department and it was established in 1987. In fact, this place is right behind the famous Durga temple of Aihole. You can see stone sculptures,  inscriptions, statues, and antiques that belong to the Chalukyan and era after that.

 How To Reach Aihole?

This town is well connected with roads and hence you can get a lot of buses from Bangalore and Bagalkot. 

Aihole information:

Distance From Bangalore: 450 Km.

Duration To Visit All Places: 6  to 8 hours.

Entry Fee: Rs 10/ head (Not applicable to all places)

Places To Visit Near Aihole: Badami 35 Km and Pattadakalu 10 Km.

Also, read: Badami Caves

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Banavasi – The Oldest Town Of Karnataka

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Banavasi is the oldest town of Karnataka and the first capital of native Kannada empire  Kadambas. This is a laid back temple town near Sirsi in the Malenadu region of Uttara Kannada. The place is set amidst thick forest, ancient village and river Varada flowing around it on three sides. Earlier the Banavasi was known with many names like “Konkanapura”, Vaijayanthipura”, “Jayanthipura”, “Vanavasika”, etc.

Blessed with pristine nature, ancient temples, paddy fields, wild rivers, and tumbling waterfalls this is Sureshot heaven for travellers.

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History of Banavasi

First native rulers of Karnataka, who happened to rule the entire state. Kadambas ruled from 345 AD for about 2 centuries and made Banavasi as their capital. They were the ones to make Kannada as the official language of the state. Recently, a 5th-century copper coin belonging to Krishna Verma with the inscription of Kannada scripts was discovered. This is one of the oldest coins and it’s used during Kadambas for trade purpose.

After Kadambas, the kingdom fell into hands of a lot of other dynasties like Ratrakutas, Chalukyas, the Hoysalas, Sonda, Vijayanagar, and Yadavas who played their part in developing the town.

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This is possibly one of the oldest towns in Karnataka. The mere existence of the town can be dated back to 4000 BC. as.it finds a mention in Hindu Mythology Mahabharat. It was referred to as “ Vanavasika” in  Mahabharat.

Besides this, Banavasi has found a mention in books of ancient travellers and philosophers from other countries. Claudius Ptolemy, a Roman geographer has mentioned about the beauty of the town in one of his work during 2nd century AD,

Huen Tsang, a Chinese traveller, had visited Banavasi during (630 – 644AD) and has mentioned about it in Chinese script. Also, traces can be found in works of the Persian scholar Alberuni.

In Fact, Banavasi was the home to great Kannada poet Adikavi Pampa. And it is believed that he wrote many of his epics sitting on the banks of river Varada. 

Pampa has mentioned about this place in one of his works telling-

It is pure bliss to be born in Banavasi as a human being. If not as a human being, then at least one should be born as a bee or a cuckoo in the garden of Banavasi.- Pampa

 Madhukeshwara Temple explanation

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Madhukeshwara temple dedicated to Lord Shiva was built by Mayura Sharma of Kadamba dynasty in the 9th century The Shivalinga here is in honey colour and “Madhu” in Kannada literally means honey,  hence the name Madhukeshwara, Unlike most of the temples which follow a specific style, this temple does not deflect any particular architecture. As the temple has undergone many changes with the change of rule.

In Addition to this, we can also notice temples of Parvati, Narasimha, Veerabadra,  and Basavalinga.

Not just that, there are mandapas like Sankalpa, Nritya, and Triloka Mantapa which beautifies the temple. Sankalpa Mantapa or meeting hall was built by Chalukyas and Nritya  Mantapa was built during the Hoyalas period. Triloka Mantapa that depicts the 3 worlds can be seen in carvings.

Nagadevatha sculptures that are carved with an inscription of Brahmi and Prakrit can also be seen. You can also witness a cot made out of stone within the temple.

Chandragutti fort, Gundapura lake, Unchalli falls, Yana caves, and Pampavana are some of the places you can pay a visit when you are here.

Banavasi- one of the main centres arts and Culture In Karnataka

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Banavasi has been a prominent place for arts and cultural activities right from the days of Kadamba dynasty. Hence, to continue the legacy,” Kadambamahatsava” a cultural festival is organised for 3 days every year. You can witness dancers, musicians, folk artists, Yakshagana troupes, drama artists etc, performing to showcase the rich history of the town.

Food To Eat

Undoubtedly, this town produces one of the juiciest pineapples in the whole of Karnataka. As a result, you would see pineapples being used in most of their dishes. Other than this, people here are fond of having rice, Jowar or cornbread with lots of veggies, pickles, and chutneys. If you have a sweet-tooth then never missout on “Obattu with ghee” the local favourite. 

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In conclusion, if you are looking for a bag full of nature along with history and picture-perfect landscapes, then head to Banavasi.so, if you have any fond memories of spending your time in this quaint little temple town, please do share your stories in the comment section below.

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Bylakuppe – The Tibetian Home In South India.

Bylakuppe – The Tibetian Home In South India

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If you thought beautiful Buddhist monasteries were only on top of the misty mountains of India, think again. You will be surprised to hear about the ones that are present in the Coorg – Mysore border in Karnataka. We think many of you would have guessed the place by now. Yes, we are talking about the Monasteries in Bylakuppe.

Brimming with the coffee aroma all along the way, Bylakuppe is a quaint Tibetian settlement town near Kushalnagar, Coorg. This town is formed by the amalgamation of twenty-odd villages.

As you walk into the town,  you will feel as if you have set your foot in a different country. The scenery changes for every 100 m and tranquillity fills the atmosphere in abundance as you make your way. Long rows of multi-colored prayer flags dancing in the air, colorful monasteries, distinctive houses with tiled roofs, signboards with Tibetian scripts along with Kannada and English, and ever-smiling faces of nuns adds to the charm of Bylakuppe.

Story Behind the  Tibetian settlement In Bylakuppe

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As China invaded Tibet,  a lot of Tibetian left their country and came to India to seek refuge. The Indian government helped them by allotting lands in different parts of India and Bylakuppe is one of the places.

You can witness two Tibetian refugee settlements here. And these were set up in the years 1961 and 1969 by  Lugsum Samdupling and Dickyi Larson respectively. Indeed, this is the 2nd largest Tibetian settlement after Dharmshala in India. Even though the place only started with hundreds of refugees but now it is home to 70,000 odd Tibetans.

To know more about Tibetian culture and lifestyle, you can interact with the locals and they will be ready to help you with a big smile on their faces.

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Places To Visit In Bylakuppe

You can explore towns that are structured similar to that of Tibet, also visit 12 monasteries and 13  Tibetian settlements areas. Among these monasteries Namdroling, Sera Jay, Sera Mey, and Tashi Lhunpo are popular once.

Namdroling Monastery( Golden Temple)

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Namdroling Monastery is located in camp 4 of settlement and is renowned for its Golden temple. There are 3 golden statues that are 60 ft tall and they represent 3 forms of Buddha. Temples here are vibrant, peaceful, and colorful with exotic paintings, huge halls to meditate, and tall statues. You can witness mass prayers of monks, gaze around the monasteries, and watch hundreds of monks in conversation with one other. But if you are looking for a peaceful environment certainly this is not the place. Because, this place is flooded with 100’s of tourists every day.

Namdroling Monastery Timings: 7 Am To 8 Pm

Sena Jay And Sera Mey Monastery

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Just 2 km from Golden temple, you can call this place a hidden gem. This is situated in camp 1 and you can go through towns that are structured similar to that of Lhasa Tibet. Exotic paintings on walls and peaceful atmosphere is what makes this place a hit among travelers. You can hardly find any tourists here and it is the best place to meditate. You can witness religious debates and discussions happening here. In addition, you can even strike a conversation with locals and try to know more about their lifestyle and practices.

Where and What To Eat In Bylakuppe

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This is one of the best places in south India to eat authentic Tibetian cuisines. Never missout on a steamy bowl of Thukpa ( noodles) and momos with spicy chutneys. Also, try out Phing, Shabhalay, Thendunk, Shapta, lemon tea, and butter tea. Local restaurants and cafes around Golden temple and some bakeries near Sera Jay monasteries are the best places to munch on Tibetian food.

Locals referred Malaya restaurant inside the shopping complex as the best in the locality.

Shopping In Bylakuppe

If you like shopping and stuffing your house unique things then there is so much waiting for you.  Head to the shopping complex opposite Golden temple to lay your hands on antiques, handicrafts, jewels, apparels, and little buddha or monk statues.  

Best Time To visit Bylakuppe

You can visit this place any time of the year as its doors are always open to travelers. But if you intend to be part of their culture then go during the Tibetian newyear Losar. It is a 2-week festival that happens in the month of Feb or March. During the festival whole town comes alive with people donning lively masks, wearing traditional costumes, swaying to the traditional music, and munching on yummy Tibetian delicacies.

How To reach Bylakuppe

There are plenty of buses to Kushalnagar from Bangalore and Mysore. Kushalnagar is just 6 km from Bylakuppe, either you can take an autorickshaw or local buses that are available frequently, However, if you want to get cozy with nature, then walk and enjoy the surprises throws at you by nature.

Additional Information

Distance from Kushalnagar: 6 km

Bus ticket cost: Rs. 20 / person one way.

Autorickshaw Cost: RS 100 / ride one way.

Monastery timings: 7 Am to 8 Pm.

Distance from Bangalore: 220 km.

In Conclusion, if you want to experience the Tibetian culture and rejuvenate yourself in a calm and peaceful environment, then head to Bylakuppe. This town is sure to bring in a lot of positive energy and a refreshing change in you. So, what are you waiting for? Just pack your bags and leave

Do you have any interesting or memorable stories relating to Bylakuppe? Please do share it in the comment section below.

Also Read: 
Things To Do And Places To Visit  In Dandeli.

Badami – The Rock-Cut Cave Temples Of Karnataka

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Badami is a small temple town that is nestled near a ravine with rocky sandstone hills on either side. This town is located in the Bagalkot district of Karnataka and it is home to iconic rock-cut cave temples. Formerly known as the “Vatapi Badami” was once the capital of the mighty Chalukyan kingdom from 5 to 7 centuries. Later, the city changed hands from Rashtrakutas to Hoysalas, Vijayanagar dynasty, The Marathas,  and even Adil Shahi dynasty. But it still retains the label of Chalukya Kingdom due to their great contributions.

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Most of the structures are created using sandstone and date back to the 6th century. The temples are built in the Dravidian style of architecture which had traces of North as well as south India. Badami owes its complete credit to the Chalukyan rulers who made this place look nothing short of heaven.

There are forts on a hilltop, rock-cut cave temples, Bhutanatha group of temples, Jain temples, and Agastya lake that take you back to a different era. You can spot a lot of temples dedicated to Shiva as  Shiva was the family deity of the Chalukyan family. 

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Best Places To Visit In Badami

Badami cave temples

There are four caves, three of the caves are dedicated to Hindu temples and one to a Jain temple. You need to take a small flight of stairs to reach these caves.

Cave 1:

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This cave is dedicated to Lord Shiva. You can spot carvings of dancing Shiva (Nataraja) in different poses along with Ganesh and Karthikayas carvings.on the walls.

Cave 2:

You can spot life-size structures of Vishnu in the form of Trivikrama, Vamana, and Lord Krishna.

Cave 3:

The largest cave among all the caves in Badami. It has the lord Vishnu as the main deity. Carvings of half shiva and half Vishnu structure is the famous one in the room.

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Cave 4:

This is the smallest cave among all and is dedicated to Jain Tirthankaras. You can witness a lot of figures that belong to Jainism.

Not just this, there is another cave that was discovered recently. And, this cave is just 500 m away from Bhutanatha temples and is studded with 27 Hindu sculptures.

Badami Fort

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The fortress is perched on the clifftop that sits opposite to the famous Badami caves. This fort was built by Chalukya ruler Pulakesi in the year 543 AD. You need to hike through the steep step-like structures to reach the top. The Fort is studded with two very old Shivalayas, double fort walls, a watchtower, and a huge cannon that watches the town. Malegitti Shivalaya near the summit is the oldest as well as the most famous one. Sunsets are pleasant as the rocky boulders blush and red sandstones glitter when the rays hit them.

Bhutanatha group of temples

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These temples are situated on the banks of Agastya lake or thirtha, adjacent to the cave temples. Bhutanatha temples are built using local sandstone and most of the shrines here are dedicated to Lord Shiva. Emerald green colored Agastya lake is formed by water flowing from the top of a ravine.

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If you love rock climbing then this place got to be on the top of your list. Climbing a red sandstone hill that is almost vertical is sure to satisfy the adventurer in you.

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Also Read:

Bijapur The Architectural Marvel Of Karnataka.

Bijapur The Architectural Marvel Of Karnataka

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Historically rich city Bijapur (or Vijayapura) is known for its Humongous medieval monument, which is an epitome of Deccan’s Islamic era. Kalyani Chalukyas laid foundations in this city during the 10th to 11th centuries. Later, it was followed by Yadhavas, Sultanate of Delhi, Bahamani rulers,  Shah dynasty, Mughals, Nizams of Hyderabad, Marathas, and Britishers who added their bits and pieces to develop this town. But, Bijapur owes to the Shah dynasty rulers who made this place their capital from the 15th to 17th century and made way for beautiful Structures that have stood the test of times. Because of the architectural significance, it upholds. Bijapur is called the “Agra Of South India”. 

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Vijayapura is blessed with ancient monuments, mosques,  palaces, mausoleums, tombs, and fortifications. Amongst those, Gol Gumbaz remains the most iconic structure of Bijapur. Just a glimpse of these magnificent structures in the city will take you back in time to medieval eras.

 

Bijapur The Architectural Marvel Of Karnataka

Gol Gumbaz, Bijapur

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Gol Gumbaz is a tomb of Mohammed Adil Shah, the seventh ruler of the Adil Shah empire. Yaqut of Dabul constructed this monument in the Deccan Indo Islamic style of architecture and completed it in 1656. Apparently, it took nearly 30 years to complete it. Gol Gumbaz derives its name from “Gol Gobadh” or “Gola Gummata” which literally means circle Circular dome. It has the largest dome in India with a diameter of 144 ft and it is the 2nd largest dome in the world. Along with Mohammed Adil Shah, this place is also home to the remains of his wives and daughters.

Ibrahim Rauza,Bijapur

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Popularly known as “ The Taj Mahal of Deccan India” due to its resemblance to the actual one. Ibrahim Rauza or Roza is home to the remains of Adil Shah ruler Ibrahim and his wife Taj Sultana. Malik Sandal designed the Rouza in the Persian Islamic style of architecture and completed it in 1627. Laidback corridors, tall minarets, and decorated walls, with a mosque on right and tomb on left, make Ibrahim Rouza look great.

The Citadel or Fortress

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 The Citadel has a lofty stone wall and a deep moat filled with water to strengthen the defense system. In addition to that, this fortress houses the palaces, gardens, and durbar halls that belonged to Adil shah rulers. Bara Kaman, Gagan Mahal, Satmanzil, Jalamanzil, and Durbar Hall are some of the beautiful architectural marvels inside the fortress.

Gagan Mahal

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Adil Shah 1 built the Gagan Mahal (Sky Palace) in the year 1561. This place was used as the residence of the royals, as well as  Durbar or audience hall on the ground floor by the rulers. Gagan Mahal is famous for its majestic central arch and it is the tallest arch in and around the city.

Delicacies Of Bijapur

 Vijayapura is also popular for mouth-watering local north Karnataka delicacies. Never miss a chance to have  Akki Rotis or Jolada Roti with chutney powders, Kaipalya and Kalu Palya.

The list does not end here, there is so much to see and experience in the ancient and historic city of Bijapur. So, what are you waiting for, just pack your backpacks and revisit the history in its truest form?

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Hemakuta Hills- The Architectural Wonder Of Hampi

Hemakuta Hills- The Architectural Wonder Of Hampi

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Hemakuta hills are home to a collection of a large number of shrines that belongs to pre Vijayanagar dynasty times. Once upon a time, these hills were topped with beautiful temples, mandapas, pavilions, gateways, galleries, archways, and fort walls. But, what remains now is only the ruins of the architectural wonder that sustained the attacks of various rulers.

It is a short trek of 15 minutes to climb the hill. You need to take steps carved on a humongous rock, to the north of Virupaksha temple to reach the Hilltop. After reaching the top, flat land stuffed with magnificent monuments welcomes you with open arms. 

Never miss those fascinating sunsets and sunrises that will make the whole hill glitter like a bar of gold. Besides this, you can even spot the beauty of Hampi bazaar and Virupaksha temple from the top. If you are a photographer then you would never take your eyes off the lens because there is so much beauty to capture. 

Hemakuta Hills History

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You can spot more than 35 temples and 15 other structures on the top of the hill. Most of the structures here date back to 9th to 14th century, which indicated an era before the Vijayanagar empire 

The architecture here is quite different from that of Vijayanagar Style. Most of the structures are triple chambered with a pyramid-like roof made of granite over the top. Apart from this, you can witness the Trikuta Chola style of architecture towards the north side of the hill. Where three shrines are built perpendicular to each other facing the common hall in the middle.

More number of decorated temples can be spotted on the northside of the hill when compared to the southside. In fact, most of the temples here are dedicated to Lord Shiva, as it was believed that Shiva had performed penance in this region. Interestingly, there is a main or moola Virupaksha temple with a pool in front, on the top of the hill.

Indian Mythology Related To Hemakuta Hills

Like every other hill which has a story or myth attached to it, even this has one. It is believed that when Lord Shiva was in penance, Kama ( the god of lust ) distracted him and helped the local girl Pampa marry him. And, Lord Shiva got angry by this act of Kama and burnt him using the third eye.

Also, when Shiva agreed to marry Pampa, it is believed that the hills received gold rains. Hence, the name Hemakuta, Hema in Sanskrit means “Gold”.

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Hemakuta Hills Additional Information

Location: At the end of Hampi Bazaar there are steps leading to the top of Hill.

Landmark: Near Virupaksha Temple Or 500 m.near Hampi Bus stand.

Timings To Visit: 6 Am to 6 Pm.

Duration: 3 To 4 hours.

Entry Fee: NA.

Photography: Allowed.

Best Time To Visit: October To February,

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Even though the hill sits right next to the hotspot Virupaksha temple, it still remains untouched among the masses. Because not many people know about it. So, next time when you are heading to Hampi make sure these hills are on the list.

Also Read:

Best Weekend Getaways From Bangalore.

Kanyakumari- Places To Visit

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Pristine looking beaches with multi-coloured sands, deep blue water and of course a place where three seas meet there is definitely something phenomenal about Kanyakumari. the southernmost point of India. Interestingly, this is the only place in India where a person can observe Sun rising and Sun setting over the horizon at the same beach. In addition to this, visiting the beach during the full moon nights is sure to take your breath away.

Triveni Sangam

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Besides this, there is Triveni Sangam, where Arabian sea, Bay of Bengal and the Indian Ocean merges together. Take a dip in Sangam to wash off all your sins.

Vivekananda Rock Memorial, Kanyakumari

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One of the most iconic monuments of Kanyakumari, Swami Vivekananda memorial, sits on top of a 6 acres island which is few metres into the sea and is positioned at 17 metres above sea level. This place is dedicated to Swami Vivekananda, a great philosopher of India, who is believed to have meditated here in his heydays. Not just that, there is sacred Shripada Mandapam blessed by Goddess Kanyakumari, situated on Shridapa Parai (rock) right next to Vivekananda rock. And, It is believed that this spot will bring about positive vibes and good fortunes to any person who steps into the Mandapam.

Thiruvalluvar Statue

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 Apart from this, there is a statue of Tamil poet Thiruvalluvar, which is standing tall at 133 ft, almost near the point where three seas converge. You need to take a ferry ride either to reach Vivekananda rock memorial or Thiruvalluvar statue as there is no land route connecting these cute little islands.

Any traveller going to this place has an endless number of choices as in places to visit or things to do and there is something for every kind of an individual. From scenic beaches to forts, temples, churches, monuments, memorials, mountains, waterfalls, undulating valleys, south Indian cuisines and seafood. There is a temple on the shores of town, which is dedicated to goddess Kanyakumari ( the virgin goddess) after which the place is named. Coastal town Kanyakumari, a part of Tamilnadu, was also known as “Cape Comorin” by Britishers, as they found it hard to pronounce. 

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 Kanyakumari is all about stunning sunsets, beautiful beach walks, gobbling great coastal foods, fascinating full moon nights, and above all, the thrill of being in one of the most beautiful geographical destinations.

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Alleppey, The Venice Of The East.

Halebidu Architectural Beauty Of Karnataka

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Halebidu is a quaint little historic town located in the Hassan district of Karnataka. Earlier this popular town was known as “Dwarasamudra” and it acted as the imperial capital of the Hoysala dynasty from the 12th to 14th centuries. Looking at the city adorned with a collection of shrines, temples, sculptures and Jain sites built in Hoysala style architecture has the power to stun any individual with its beauty. However, what remains now is the ruins of one of the greatest kingdoms in south India.

 

It has been told in history that this place which showcased rich culture, lifestyle, wealth, and architecture was looted and destroyed twice by Malik Kafur a ruler of the Delhi Sultanate empire in the 14th century. Hence, the name Halebidu, which literally means “old capital “ or “city of ruins” in regional language. 

Halebidu is noted for the Hoysaleshwara temple and Kedareshwara temple. Furthermore, most of the structures here were built using soapstone.

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Hoysaleshwara temple constructed on the star-based platform was built by Ketumalla, a chief of Hoysala as a tribute to King Vishnuvardhana and queen, Shantala Devi. One of the most unique features of this temple is it has two shrines, one dedicated to the queen and another to the king  This temple has thousands of carvings which depict the stories of Mahabharata and Ramayana. Not just that this has figures of birds, animals, and various dancing styles that were present in that era  It has been told that it took nearly 105 years to complete this temple.

Also, read about unexplored Gokak Falls.

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