Places to visit in mahabalipuram : Friends we recently visited Mahabalipuram and in this blog post I am going to share the 2 day itinerary which I have followed during my 2 day trip to Mahabalipuram. This trip was from Bangalore to Mahabalipuram and I will share all the Mahabalipuram tourist places which I visited in these 2 days. Welcome friends to my 2 Day Mahabalipuram itinerary !
Quick facts – Mahabalipuram trip
Distance from Bangalore to Mahabalipuram – Approx 350 Kms one way
Road conditions – Very good trhough out
Food options on the way – Many good options
What to expect – Beaches, Rock cut monuments, Temple , Crocodile bank
Must visit Mahabalipuram tourist places
Our target was to reach mahabailuram by 11.00 AM on saturday and leave mahabalipuram by 4.0 PM on sunday.. And between this 11.00 AM to 4.00 PM, I will share with you how to manage your day so that you can cover maximum spots.
So below are must see places to visit in mahabalipuram !
For that you need to leave atleast by 5.00 AM from Bangalore! The other option is to leave Bangalore by 6.00 PM firday evening and stay in Vellore. This way you can cover half way on Friday and then leave vellore by 7.0 AM to 8 AM and reach Mahabalipura by 11.00 AM
So took second option.. it was more relaxing .. but since I was able to close my office by 6.00 on friday I was able to do that.
If it is not possible , atleast start early morning on saturday.
While returning I left Mahabalipuram by 4.00 and reached back Bengaluru by 11.00 PM on Sunday .. As I mentioned before, roads are all good throughout .. just note that when you are crossing kanchipuram .. you travel through the city and hence expect some jam.
Mahabalipuram itinerary
So now I will share the itinerary which I followed and the tourist places I visited along with the time I spent at each place. Hope this will be helpful.
Mahabalipuram tourist places Day 1 itinerary
We reached Mahabalipuram by 11.00 AM and went directly to shore temple.
Remember all these monuents are ASI maintained and hence you need to take the ticket.. you can take the ticket there itself or online ( The link is at the end of this post ).
Once you reach shore temple, you will find a small parking on left hand side .
We parked there, but there is actually a big parking on right hand side. I recomend you to use that.
We took around an hour to visit shore temple . Its quite impressive!
Then we came out and from left hand side the way leads to beach and then we spent some good 1 hr at the beach.
Don’t spend much time there now becuase you will come back in the evening.. That is what we did!
Please note that you would have taken a left towrds shore tempe .
The place where you took left is bus stand and just behind bust stand is sthalasayana perumal temple and behind that are other monuments!
So bus stand is the center point from which all the places are near by!
So by 1.00 we left the shore temple beach and reached hotel by 1.15 and checked in.
So why went to shore temple first becuase it had adjacent beach and beach after long drive is very relaxing.
Note that wherevever your hotel is, it will not take more than 30 mins to reach the hotel from shore temple.
Our hotel was near the bust stand . So we took some rest and by 2.30 were out for lunch.
Lots of places to eat near the bus stand.. there is VOK resturant, there is A2B and many others . We went to VOK and it was quite good.
We finished our lunch by 3.30 and walked down to bus stand.
I recommend that you leave your car in hotel and take a rickshwa or walk as all of these monuments are next to each other. Rickshaw generally charge Rs20 per person.
Just behind bus stand is the Sthala sayana perumal temple . It is one of the 108 divya desam temples . Very hsitoric and ancient temple and just behind this temple is other famous mahabalipuram rock cut monuments.
Now temple opens by 4.00 and remain open till 8.00 PM. So you can visit temple first and then other monuments are vice versa.
We actually waited for the temple to open and visited the temple first and after the darshan of the lord we moved to other monuments.
So all together visited :
Stahlaysayana temple,
Krishna mandapa,
Arjuna penance,
butter ball ,
Five rathas,
Varaha cave temple,
Raya Gopram,
Triumrthi cave temple etc..
So total we took 3 hrs visiting the temple and the monuments.
By 7.00 , we walked down to shore temple and went to the beach.
We really liked the beach in the evening time.
Very lively and we enjoyed some good time there. You will find lot of rush on the beach in the evening ..
We stayed there till 9.00 .. came back on the main road and had our dinner and went back to hotel!
Mahabalipuram tourist places Day 2 itinerary
On day 2 we got ready a bit early . Infact I went for an early morning walk and it was amazing. By 8.00 we were out.
First we went straight to A2B which is not very far from bust stop. Hardly a km towards ECR ( east coast road). We had quick breakfast and by 9.00 we started for tigers cave ..
From A2B to tigers cave is just 20 mins drive. We reached there by 9.25 or so and spent some 30 mins. Not much to see. But kids will like it.
We left tigers cave area by 10.00 and reached crocodile bank by 10.15. We took the ticket which is 100rs per person ( and for kids 12+ years ). You need atleast 1 hr there, but we stayed there for 2 hrs as we found it very interesting and impressive!
Have a look at the crocodile bank video!
So we left Crocodile bank by 12.00 and by 12.30 we reached Sea shell measuem.
Shell measuem is quite interesting. Nothing much to see though.
So we came out by 1.00 PM and again headed to A2B for lunch. While there are many other good resturants. But we choose A2B as we took thali there which was quick so we were able to complete out luch by maximum 2.30.
We had already checked out by 8.00AM so from here we directly went to Covelong beach.
We spent some good 2 hours there and by 4.30 PM we were on the road back to Bangalore.
So this was the 2 day itineary which we followed. Mahabalipuram is also fmaous for some good beach resorts so in case you want to spoend some good 3 / 4 days there you can book some good beach resorts there. It all depends on what you want to do there. But these are some mandatory places to visit in mahabalipuram !
Hope this 2 Day Mahabalipuram itinerary & list of places to visit in mahabalipuram was helpful!
Honnemardu derived its name from the Honne tree. However, as I mentioned before the literal meaning of Honnemardu is Golden Lake. These islands are perfect for camping.
In And Around Honnemardu there are many tourist attractions. One of Honnemardus main attractions is the island in the middle of the reservoir.
Overnight camping facilities can be found here. The swimming pool with fresh water and the enormous forest area allow campers to indulge in rafting, swimming and trekking.
Where is Honnemaradu located?
Honnemaradu is located in Sagara taluk in Shivamogga district of Karnataka. It is about
35 km from Sagara on the way to Jog Falls,
12 km from Talaguppa and
392 km from Bangalore.
What activities you can do in Honnemaradu ?
Situated in the backwaters of River Sharavathi this place overlooks the Linganamakki Dam. A nice place in the lap of nature and offers activities like
Top things to do
swimming,
trekking,
boating,
canoeing ,
kayaking,
camping.
etc
Honnemaradu is also a paradise for bird watchers. You can literally spend hours watching and identifying the birds and butterflies here. You will love and appreciate the natural beauty of this place.
So what are the top sightseeing places in Honnemaradu?
The top sightseeing places are
Honnemardu Reservoir,
Dabbe Falls,
Gademane Village
Sagar town
Jog Falls
Singadooru Chamundeshwari Temple
Commute Within Honnemaradu
It is a small village and hence travelling options are limited. If you are going to stay at a guest house or adventure camp, you will get a vehicle arranged through them.
Else there are some auto and taxis available and from various part of state there are buses available.
Top 10 beaches in Karnataka to visit in 2023 – Karnataka – One state many world .. True to every word of this tag lines. You want historical places, its there , you think of mythological place, you have it here.
And if you are looking for some cool beaches, you have many here. So freinds , lets look at top 10 beaches in Karnataka you should visit in 2020.
Top 10 beaches in Karnataka
Below is our list of top 10 beaches you should plan to visit (at-least few) in 2023.
#1 Murudeshwar Beach, Murudeshwar, Karnataka
Distance from Bangalore: 493 km
Murudeshwar is a religious city but also offers one of the most beautiful beaches in Karnataka which you can visit. The big Shiva statue next to the beach looks majestic and the visiting temple is divine experience
Siva Statue next to Murudeshwar beach
Water is generally warm and you can allow kids to jump in water. There are many on beach activities like boat ride, speed boat, parasailing etc.
How to reach: The beach is about 10 km from the Murudeshwar bus stand and you can take auto or taxi. If you are in Bangalore, you can also drive down to Murudeshwar which takes approx 12 to 14 hours
Om beach is another famous beach in Karnataka and is located in Gokarna which is around 80 Kms from Murudeshwar.
Gokarna is famous for Mahabaleshwara temple, but is also famous for couple of fantastic beaches and OM beach is one of them.
OM Beach Gokarna
This beach is called as OM beach because of its shape. When looked from top, the beach looks like it is of “OM” shape and that is just wonderful.
The beach water is clean and not that crowded is what we have found when we visited. Not sure the situation now. But this is a must visit if you are in town.
Distance from Bangalore : 485 Kms
Distance from Murudeshwar : 80 Kms
You can first got to Gokarana and then to Murudeshwar, or first travel to Murudeshwar and then to Gokarna.
If you reach Gokarna by bus, it is almost 15 kms from bus stop and you can take an auto or taxi from there.
#3 Kudle Beach, Gokarna, Karnataka
This is another famous beach in Gokarna.
Kudule Beach – Gokarna
This is probably the most serene and tranquil Beach. Quiet environs and silent surroundings will impress you.
If you want to get away from hustle and bustle of the city this is the best beach for you.
Just sit on benches on the beach or lying down in sun.. you will find the relaxing environment. There are restaurants on the beach which serves nice food and drinks.
If you reach Gokarna by bus, it is almost 5 kms from bus stop and you can take an auto from there.
#4 Paradise Beach, Gokarna, karnataka
One of the last beaches in Gokarna, also called as full moon beach, this wonderful beach is aroud 150 mts long. Most part of the beach is covered in rock but the remaining part is covered with white sand.
And just go on this beach on a full moon day. You will be impressed with the shining white beach.
This beach is not that crowded. So if you are looking for some solace, this is the best one for you to go. A perfect place for stunning photography, this can be a good visit.
#5 Karwar Beach, Karwar, Karnataka
Distance from Bangalore: Approx 500 kms
Karwar has around 5 beaches and Karwar beach is famous for various sports activities. It is one of the few beaches in India where we can experience snorkelling and sea diving.
There are lot of food options on the beach. You get some local fish delicacies at reasonable price.
If you love wildlife, then Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary is near by and there are also some good picnic spots which you can cover if you are in town.
If you are travelling by bus, then Karwar beach is around 5 kms from bus stand and can be reached by auto / taxi.
#6 Maravanthe Beach, Udupi
This is probably one of the most beautiful beaches of India. It is around 50 Kms from Udupi and 40 Kms from Bhatkal. The beach is quite famous for Maraswamy temple which is on the beach.
But the other reason for this beach being famous is NH-66 which runs parallel to beach and river Suparnika on other side of the road, giving it a spectacular view.
This place is around 470 kms from Bangalore
#7 Panambur Beach, Mangalore, Karnataka
One of the best, clean and safest beaches in India, Panambur beach is a must visit places if you are crossing Managalore.
The beach is around 10 Kms from city center and is located at a place called as Panambur.
You can do various sports activities here. Also since the beach is quite flat it is a popular sunset destination.
International Kite Festival is one of the major tourist attraction on the beach.
#8 Devbagh Beach Karwar
This beach is 8th on our list. The beach is more famous for various sports activities on offer here.
If you are interested in Parasailing, kayaking, snorkelling, banana boat rides, water scooter rides, speedboating, fishing, dolphin watching, visiting this beach can be real fun.
Located at around 12 kms from Mangalore, Surathkal beach is one of the unspoiled natural beauty. This beach is very near to the engineering college.
The beach makes it to my list of top 10 because of the scenic beauty is has to offer but also because of less tourist inflow, the beach is quite and clean.
If you are in Mangalore, this can be one of your best visits.
#10 Ullal Beach, Mangalore, Karnataka
Another one of the best beaches of Karnataka and India, Ullal beach is one of the prime tourist attraction of the region and one of the Top 10 beaches in Karnataka !
Ullal beach is famous for being clean and calm and offers tranquil beauty.
This place is also quite famous for Sri Someshwara Temple, St, Sabestian Church and Fort at Ranipura.
Planning to visit Hassan and looking for some famous Hassan tourist places ?
Friends today I will take you to Hassan, a beautiful city in Karnataka. It is the headquarters of the Hassan district and is known for its rich cultural heritage, beautiful landscapes, and historical significance.
Hassan was once the capital of the Hoysala empire, a powerful dynasty that ruled over the region from the 10th to the 14th century.
The city is home to several ancient temples that serve as a testament to the Hoysala’s architectural prowess.
The most famous of these is the Chennakesava Temple, located in the nearby town of Belur.
This temple, along with the Hoysaleswara Temple in Halebidu, are considered to be some of the finest examples of Hoysala architecture and are now recognized as World Heritage Sites by UNESCO.
The city is surrounded by rolling hills, lush forests, and pristine lakes, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.
The nearby Shravanabelagola, a hilltop Jain pilgrimage center, is one of the largest monolithic statues in the world and a major tourist attraction.
The city has a rich cultural heritage, and several festivals and traditions are celebrated with great zeal and enthusiasm.
The famous car festival, held annually in the city’s temples, is one of the most important events in the local calendar and attracts thousands of visitors from across the region.
The city also has a vibrant music and dance scene, with several classical and folk performances held regularly.
Hassan is a city that is proud of its heritage and history. Despite the rapid development and modernization that has taken place in recent years, the city has managed to preserve its traditional charm and character.
Whether you are interested in history, culture, or nature, Hassan is a city that has something to offer everyone. So today let us look at some popular Hassan tourist places which you must visit if you are in town.
Hassan tourist places
Hassan has everything – from rich culture to historical sites to natural beauty, it has some thing to offer. Whether you are on a pilgrimage or on a adventure trip with family and friends, you will never get disappointed.
Hassanaba temple
The temple is dedicated to the goddess Hasanamba. Ma Hassanaba is the presiding diety of the city of Hassan. You can read more about this temple here.
It is considered to be one of the oldest temples in the region and is revered by locals as a place of spiritual significance.
The temple is known for its unique architectural style, which is a fusion of the Hoysala and Vijayanagara styles.
The temple complex is surrounded by a beautiful garden, and the temple’s annual festival, held during the Hindu month of Kartik, attracts large crowds of devotees from across the region.
The temple is a must-visit for anyone interested in the rich cultural heritage of Hassan and the surrounding area.
Shravanabelagola
Shravanabelagola is a Jain pilgrimage center known for the towering statue of Gommateshwara Bahubali.
It is a holy place for Jains and very important Jain pilgrimage center in the country.
It is considered to be one of the oldest temples in the region and is revered by locals as a place of spiritual significance.
Please read more about the temple here – click here.
Chennakesava Temple
A historic temple in Belur that is considered to be one of the finest examples of Hoysala architecture.
Sri Chennakesava temple is considered to be one of the finest examples of Hoysala architecture and is a masterpiece of South Indian temple art and architecture.
The temple is dedicated to Lord Chennakesava, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, and is known for its intricate carvings, sculptures, and intricate architectural details.
The temple complex is surrounded by a beautiful garden, and the temple’s annual festival, held during the Hindu month of Vaishakha, attracts large crowds of devotees from across the region.
The Chennakesava Temple is a must-visit for anyone interested in the rich cultural heritage of Belur and the surrounding area, and is considered to be one of the most important landmarks of Hoysala architecture.
Hoysaleswara Temple and Kedareshwara temple
A temple dedicated to Lord Shiva in Halebidu, known for its intricate carvings and sculptures.
The temple is located in the town of Halebidu, near Hassan. It was built during the Hoysala Empire in the 12th century and is considered to be one of the finest examples of Hoysala architecture.
The temple is known for its intricate carvings and sculptures, including intricate depictions of Hindu deities and scenes from Hindu mythology.
The temple is surrounded by a large courtyard, and the interior walls of the temple are adorned with elaborate carvings and sculptures.
The Hoysaleswara Temple is a must-visit for anyone interested in the rich cultural heritage of the Hoysala era and the history of South Indian temple architecture.
It is considered to be one of the most important landmarks of Hoysala architecture and is a popular tourist destination in the region.
Jain Basadi Moodubidiri
A Jain temple complex in the town of Moodbidri, known for its rich history and cultural significance.
One of the most important of the 18 Jain temples at Moodubidiri, Karnataka, is Saavira Kambada Basadi (Thousand Pillars Temple).
The best of these is the Chandranatha Basadi, commonly known as the Thousand Pillars Basadi, which dates from the 15th century.
The distinguishing feature of this basadi is that no two pillars are similar. Tribhuvana Thilaka Chudamani temple is the official name. The principal deity at the Thousand Pillars Temple is Jain tirthankara Chandraprabha.
Moodabidri is referred to as the “Jain Varanasi” of South India.
The basadis, or Jain temples, may be found throughout the Dakshina Kannada area, but the basadis here are more significant and considered to be the most ornate.
Moodabidri, along with Venur and Dharmastala, is a major Jain pilgrimage site in Dakshina Kannada.
Lakshmi Narasimha Temple
The Lakshmi Narasimha Temple is a spectacular 13th-century shrine temple built by Bommanna Dandanayaka, a Hoysala Dynasty commander.
The bas-relief and sculptural work on the temple add to its architectural splendour and are a tourist attraction. The temple is made of soapstone and is another testament of the dynasty’s rich culture.
Shettihalli Church
A 19th-century church located in the town of Shettihalli, now in ruins but still a popular tourist destination.
The Shettihalli Church is a 19th-century Gothic-style church. The church was built by the French missionaries in 1860 and was once a bustling center of religious activity.
However, it was abandoned in the 1960s due to the construction of a dam that submerged the surrounding area.
Today, only the ruins of the church remain, but it has become a popular tourist destination for its picturesque setting and fascinating history.
The church is a popular spot for photography, and its partially submerged ruins provide a unique and eerie contrast against the surrounding landscape.
The Shettihalli Church is a must-visit for anyone interested in the history of the region and the impact of modernization on its cultural heritage.
Hulikere Pond
Hulikere Pond is a magnificent piece of Hoysala architecture.
The pond is surrounded by beautiful flora and has stone steps descending to the water.
The gorgeous edifice is surrounded by shrines that are thought to reflect the constellations.
Kabbaligere Betta
A hilltop that offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape and is a popular spot for trekking and picnics.
The hill is known for its scenic views of the surrounding landscape, and is a popular spot for trekking and picnics.
The area is surrounded by lush forests and is home to a variety of flora and fauna, making it a popular destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
The hill is also known for its serene and peaceful atmosphere, making it an ideal place for meditation and reflection.
Kabbaligere Betta is a must-visit for anyone looking for a unique and memorable outdoor experience in the Hassan area.
Gorur Dam ( Hemavati Dam )
A large dam located on the river Hemavati, offering recreational opportunities such as boating and fishing.
Gorur Dam is also known as the Hemavathi Dam and is one of the most popular tourist sites in Karnataka.
The dam was erected in 1979 on the river Hemavathi (a tributary of the Kaveri). It has a length of 4,692 metres and a height of 58.5 metres. This, combined with its six gigantic spillway gates, makes it an impressive sight.
The dam features beautiful scenery and is surrounded by thick foliage. This makes it an excellent location for birdwatchers, as many different species of birds live in the surrounding area.
The Hemavati dam is a sight to behold for visitors, especially during the rainy season, when the spillway gates are opened to release the overflowing waters, which gush out like froth. A garden with a beautiful lawn right next to the dam adds to the charm of the mood and setting.
A visit to the dam in the early morning hours is extremely gracious, pleasant, and uplifting. Various aquatic birds continue to soar and dive into the water.
The shrines of Sri Paravasudeva and Sri Yoganarasimha are prominent tourist destinations near to the dam.
The months of October through March are ideal for visiting Hemavati reservoir.
If you are living in Bangalore and are looking for a 2 day itinerary from Bnagalore to Hassan, this article will help. Click Here
You have weekend coming up and you are looking for a long outing with friends and family! Welcome friends to – Bangalore to Hassan – a historical and Archeological paradise – Belur – Halebidu – shravanabelagola – 2 days trip.
There are many good places around Hassan and on the way from Bangalore to Hassan. In the blog below I would like to cover the itinerary which we have done in 2 days.
If you have 3 days in hand, you can do it in a more relaxed way. But 2 days are also good enough.
So first and foremost below are quick facts: No of days needed = 3 days for a relaxed trip and 2 days for a packed one. Distance = approx. 600 Kms in total (for round trip) Road condition = very good till Hassan
Hassan a district in Karnataka has lots of gems to offer. It is a paradise for history lovers. It has everything an historian, an archaeologist or someone interested in culture.
And hence it is definitely well placed on the Karnataka’s and India’s tourist map.
There is lots and lots which can be written about this amazing place, but the aim of this blog for today is to write about the popular tourist places which people tend to cover in 2 to 3 days of time.
We started around 7.00 AM in the morning. Well could have done a bit earlier but this is earliest we could start.
Shravanabelagola is on the way to Hassan but we planned to cover it while returning.
Below is the route to follow for reaching Hassan (Belur – Halebidu – shravanabelagola – 2 days trip)
Head towards Yeshvantpur
Take NH4 towards Neelamangala/Tumkur
After you cross Neelamanga, look out for the marking for “Mangalore”
You have to take left towards Mangalore. This road is also called as NH48 or “Bangalore – Mangalore” expressway.
You have to drive approx 150 Kms on this road when you see markings for Hassan
Bangalore to Hassan – Day 1:
So we started by 7.00 AM from Bangalore.
By 11.30 AM we reached Hassan. Being tourists spots, everything is well marked. We decided first to head towards Halebidu.
Halebidu
We had some rest in Hassan. Had some light lunch and decided to head towards Halebidu. By 1.00 we reached Halebidu.
Halebidu has two main temple premises. Hoysaleswara temple and Kedareshwara temple. Both are some distance apart. Both the temples are dedicated to Lord Shiva. Below is the entrance of Hoysaleswara temple premises.
Though there is a enough open ground in the front of the temple. The whole temple is built on an elevated platform and is built of soap-stone.
During summer the stones become very hot and are difficult to walk. Temple authorities put mats around the temple so that it becomes easier go around.
Kedareshwara temple is also as beatuful as previous one, but less frequented. Bothe the temples are maintained by ASI.
Both the temples are an excellent example of Hoysala architecture.
Minimum time needed to visit these 2 temple premises = approx 2 hours. (1 hour each). If you are a person with lot of interest in history and architecture you will find a day less for these magnificent temples.
Belur
We were able to finish Halebidu by 3.00 PM. We started for Belur wich is apporx 15 kms from Halebidu. Belur is famous for Sri Chennakeshava temple. Again an excellent example of Hoysala architecture.
The temple known for its grandeur and dedicated carvings.
Below are some snaps from Belur Visit.
These two temples took 4 to 5 hours. By 6.00 we were free and headed back to Hassan. Checked in to the hotel. Rest for few minutes and headed out to explore the surroundings. Hassan is a lively town. We had nice dinner and by 9.00 were back to our room. It was time to call off the day!
Bangalore to Hassan – Day 2:
Woke up early in the morning. We knew that its going to be hot so early morning drive is better. Moreover we were headed towards shravanabelagola which will need us to climb some good number of steps and hence its better to be there before it becomes too hot.
Shravanabelagola is one of the most important pilgrimage centers for jains. It is famous for Sri Gommateshvara Bahubali statue which is a 57 feet tall structure and is just magnificent.
There has been a lot written about this place on internet and various texts, but one needs to visit this place to really appreciate it’s rich culture and history.
Shravanabelagola is a holy place for Jains. It is one of the most important pilgrimage destinations of Jainism. Much of it was created under the Ganga Dynasty of Talakad. It’s also said that king Chandragupta has lived here after becoming a Jain monk and died here in 298 BC.
There are ancient monuments in and around Shravanabelagola. The finest monuments are found in two sacred hills, Vindhyagiri and the Chandragiri.
There is a tank in the midst of this town called “Belagola” In Kannada, ‘Bela’ means white and ‘kola’ means the pond. . Vindhyagiri is the main hill. It is is solid rock hill apprx 500 feet above the ground. This hill has the statue of Lord Gomateshwara also called as Bahubali.
This again is a 57 feet high monolithic structure and is considered to be the largest monolithic structure in the world.
To visit the temple at the top of the hill, one has to climb apprx 650 setps. First 550 steps take you to the base of the temple and then a another 100 steps will take you to the top where the statue of Lord Goamteshwara is installed.
You have to leave your shoes down the hill and there is a shoe locker where you can deposit your shoes for a nominal fee.
However the steps are carved out of stones and hence are hard and become hot as the day progresses.
During summer they become very very hot and it becomes difficult to climb up. Hence it’s recommended to keep a fresh/clean pair of socks or buy one at the base of the hill. Socks are allowed.
If you have a old person along with you who does not have a possibility of climbing up, you can hire a “Doli” available at the bottom of the hill. “Doli” is nothing but a chair carried by set of four people.
They can help carrying old persons or any one who have a difficulty climbing to the top of the hill. However you have to pay to hire this service. At the time of writing, I believe the fees is Rs600/- per trip. But please verify this information.
One the top of the hill, it’s not just Lord Bahubali, but there are other temples with in the premises.
We were able to cover Vindhyagiri by 2.00 PM. Came down, had some lunch in the city and started back for Bangalore. We were back home by 7.00 PM.
A nice and fulfilled trip. Though a bit hectic.
There are lot many other places which can be covered around Hassan, but next time.
December is one such time of year when we have kids holidays , office holidays etc and we all want to make good use of this time to travel around with family and friends.
So if you are based out Bangalore here are some beautiful destinations around Bangalore which you can visit during this time of year.
During the rainy season, there are many places around Bangalore which becomes alive with lot of greenery and are a treat to eyes. Add to it the fresh air, the sound of birds, flowing water and your weekend becomes a wonderful experience.
The area towards Tumkuru, which is around 2 hrs from Bangalore offers some good destination because some some good forest cover around this area and small hills which also offer some nice trekking options.
Here I am listing down few beautiful destinations around Bangalore. which you can try visiting over upcoming weekends or long weekends.
Devarayanadurga : Around 70Kms from Bengaluru, it is a 3 hrs drive one way. This place offers some amazing trekking experience. There are 2 temples also one at the bottom of hill and other one at top of hill. Both the temples are very old. An you can trek to the top or take your car up as there is a proper road. During rainy season this hill and forest around this hill looks so good.
Shivgange: Another beautiful place around 55Kms from Bangalore. Shivaganga is a hill which boasts a monolithic granite hill which is around 1380 meters above sea level. The hill top offers a picturesque view of the villages around. If you plan to trek to the top of the hill, it is almost a 2 hours walk. There are various temples to visit here and then there is a fresh water spring, also called as Patal Ganga.
SavanDurga: If you love long drive in the lap of nature, you love fresh air , you love trekking and adventure. This place is for you during this time of year. Around 60Kms from Bengaluru, this offers everything you love.
Shivanasamudram: You would have heard of these falls many time. This is one of the major water falls near Bangalore. It is more than 12Kms from Bangalore, but still can be done as a one day trip.
Talkadu: The last one of my list is another place towards Tumkur and is called as Talakadu. This place is also more than 120Ksm from Bangalore, but is a amazing place to visit. Most interesting fact about this place is, it is full of sand. It is actually a desert like area, almost 1000 acres next to river Caveri. No one really knows from where the sand came. But there is an interesting legend which points to this. Infact there are more than 30 temples and a palace which all were buried below the sand. Out of which 5 has been excavated. All these monument belong to Ganga Dynasity.
And hence this place make perfect sense to visit during rainy season. The drive towards Talakadu is wonderful and place itself is amazing and mysterious.
Pear Valley Anekal: If you love driving through nature, greenry etc and if you are looking for a perfect one day getaway from Bangalore, this weekend getaway from Bangalore – Pearl Valley, Anekal is one the best place for you to visit post rainy season and winters.
I hope you will definitely like these places. All the places are kids friendly as well. What I mean is that kids will also like these places. And if you have adventurous side, you will love trekking here.
Famous for its beautifull carved and rock cute cave temples , Mamallapuram or Mahabalipuram as it is popularly called, is a historically important and well-known tourist location situated on the Coromandel Coast along the Bay of Bengal, which us n Tamil Nadu.
Once the abode of the famous demon king Mahabali, Mamallapuram is famous across the world as UNESCO world heritage site ..
Shore temple is once of the many amazing monuments we have in Mahabalipuram
All these monuments are UNSECO world heritage site And all these are maintained by ASI So in this video we will tell you about all those moments which make Mahabalipuram special and make it a world famous tourist destination..
\All these monuments are nearby.. You can consider the Mahabalipuram bus stand as the center point.. From there all the monument are at walking distance.
Kodaikanal tourist places – The odometer read 1100 Kms. I have just been back to Bangalore from a nice trip to Kodaikonal. A beautiful hill station in Tamilnadu, near Dindigul. There is lots and lots of material available on internet on the history of Kodaikonal, so I will not cover it here.
Originally published – May 2016
What I would say is that, this is such a nice place to visit with friends and family.
I feel that you should plan to go there at least once. Below is some quick information on Kodaikanal tourist places , before I talk about what you can do in 2 days in Kodaikonal.
Quick facts before you go to Kodaikanal
Distance
From Bangalore = Approx 450 Kms , Time taken 8 to 9 hours one way
Distance from Chennai = Approx 550 Kms, TIme taken 9 to 10 hours one way
Road Condition : Very good throughout. Both from Bangalore and Chennai.
Food: Many options on the way and also in Kodaikanal
Time needed for Visit: Minimum 2 days. 3 would be better.
What you can do: Sight seeing / Nature
Transportation with in City: Mostly taxis. No autorikshaw. Or your own vehicle if you are comfortable driving over the hills
Driving direction
From Bangalore its NH7 all the way and then turn from Dindigul towards Kodai
From Chennai its Chennai Theni Hwy/NH45.
Note: It get colder during night even during summers. So please carry blanket/shawl/jacket.
OK, that was quick fact. Three things to remember
In Kodaikonal there are some main spots with in the city which you must visit and spend some time.
Then there are spots which you can visit, spend a little time and move on
Then there are spots outside city which you can plan.
There are taxis available for single day. Minimum rate is Rs1400/- for Indica as of now. All hotels or taxi guys have a list of spot which they cover in one day. But remember if hire taxi, you get bound by the time limit of taxi guy.
With in two spots the taxis generally charge Rs 200/-. You can also negotiate for half day.
Places to visit in kodaikanal
In Kodai, with in City there are 5 places where you should spend some good time. These are
Kodaikonal Lake,
Brynt Park/Botanical Garden,
Coakers Walk,
Chettiar Park and
Krunji Andavar temple.
Then there are other minor spots which you can visit. Spend a little time and move on. These are –
Jain temple,
Moirs Point,
Pine Forest,
Upper Lake view,
Pambar Falls,
Wax Measeum,
Shenbaganur Museum (Science Measeum),
Silver Cascade Falls,
Pillar rock,
Green Valley view , G
una Caves (Devils Kitchen).
If you do a taxi for day, they try to cover almost all main spots and majority of other spots with in a day and hence you don’t get to spend the time you want at every spot. So after doing some research, we made a itenary and that is below.
Before we do that. One more point to note, if you have 3rd day in hand, you can also plan for Palani temples and Berijam Lake. Berijam Lake is 19Kms from Kodai and Palani temples are 65Kms. Palani is town full of temples dedicated to lord Muruga and is on of the very important religious places for Hindus in whole of India. Apart from these two famous ones there are other places as well and taxis guys have a itenary for that as well.
We had 2 days in hand in Kodai. We wanted to spend some time on the Major spots so first day we decided to do it ourselves. Our hotel was near Chettiar park so we walked down up a little bit to Kruni Andavar Tample from them walked down to Chettiar park. From Chettiar Park we hired a cab till Kodaikonal Lake, after some boating went to Botanical Park which is opposite or Lake and then to Coakers Walk which is nearby.
Kodaikanal tourist places – Day 1 @ Kodaikanal
Day 1 => Krunji Andavar temple -> Chettiar Park -> Kodaikonal Lake -> Botanical Garden -> Coakers Walk
Krunji Andavar TempleKodaikanal
This temple takes its name from the indigenous Kurinji flower that blooms once in 12 years. 2016 is the year.
The temple is dedicated to Lord Muruga (son of Lord Shiva).
Our first stop was this temple. The temple is at the top of the hill and Kurunji plants surround the temple. From the top you can also see Palani Hills.
Chettiar Park
A beautiful park near the Kurunji temple. You can easily spend an hour or more here.
Kodaikonal Lake
This is a man made lake, star shaped, built in 1863. You can do boating here. You can also take a stroll around the lake or rent a cycle and go around the lake. It is around 6Km stroll.
Brynt Park/Botanical Garden
Next to the lake is botanical garden. A very nice place to spend couple of hours. Kids enjoyed this place a lot. There are lots of flower here.
Coakers Walk
Paved way on the side of the hill near the lake which gives a nice view of the valley. It is at such a great height that during winter you will find yourselves covered in clouds. Look at the photograph below. You will see clouds coming up.
Coakers walk was the last place we covered on day 1.
We had spend good 1 hour at the lake. Around 2 hours in Botanical garden and 1 hour at Coakers walk.
In between we had nice lunch at one of the many food options near the lake. There is Domino’s , Subway and other Indian restaurants.
Places to visit in kodaikanal -Day 2 @ Kodaikonal
Day 2: Jain temple -> Moyrs Point -> Pine Forest -> Suicide point -> Pillar rock > Guna Caves (Devils Kitchen) -> Pambar Falls -Upper Lake view – > Wax Measeum -> Shenbaganur Museum (Science Measeum) -> Silver Cascade Falls .
Jain temple @ Kodaikonal
Moyers Point
Offers a nice view of the surroundings
Pine Forest at Kodaikonal
Is the area which is quite famous for many movie shootings. It pine trees all around so tall as if they are touching the sky.
Suicide Point
Another point which offers a nice view of surrounding. Also famous as suicide point, People are not allowed to go till the end.
Pillar Rocks
These are around 125 meters high rocks standing tall. Famous Tamil movie, Guna was shot around this location.
Guna Caves
This place got its name from the famous Tamil movie Guna. But it was called as Devils Kitchen before. These are deep caves difficult to traverse. These are closed for public now, but you have visit the area and it also offers a nice view of the valley.
Pambar Falls
Nice little fall. Offers a good spot for kids to enjoy.
Upper Lake view in Kodaikonal
Offers a good view of Kodaikonal lake
Wax Measeum
Small , but good initiative by its creators. Good to visit once.
Shenbaganur Museum
Meuseum is home to a few archaeological finds, especially prehistoric finds unearthed in the Dolmen Circle (18km away) region.
Silver Cascade Falls
You will find this fall at the entrance of Kodaikonal. You can also cover it while going back.
That concluded our Day 2. A good nights sleep and we were back to Bangalore.
Some more points to note – May and June are highly crowded. Weekends are also very crowded. Driving is very difficult due to steep hills so be care full. Be aware of monkeys. There are lots. Carry some warm clothes as it get chilly in the nights.
Hope above information, Kodaikanal tourist places was useful. Enjoy your trip to Kodai.
If you live in Karnataka and specifically in Bangalore, Chikmagalur must have crossed your mind many a times. Chikmagalur is one of the best weekend destinations from Bangalore.
So today I will take you from namma Bangalore to Chikmagalur and share my experience. This will be a 2 and Half day weekend itinerary inclding the travel time. I will also tell you, how you can save some travel time and enjoy your full day in Chikmaglur.
Quick facts about Chikmagalur
So let us look at the quick facts first:
Bangalore to chikmagalur distance
Approx 240 Kms
Time taken from Bangalore
Approx 5 hours with short breaks. Around 6 to 7 hrs with some long breaks for lunch etc
Road Conditions
Very good throughout ( NH 75 )
Food options
Many on the way
Stay
Many good hotels with in city. You can also book some good home stays or resorts.
Famous for
Nice view points. Highest peak in Karnataka – Muliyangiri peak, Nice water falls, Lakes, and a must visit Lord Ram temple called as Kondanrama Temple
Places to visit in Chikmagalur
This place offers a lot. It depends what you want to do there.
Resorts in chikmagalur – If you just want to relax in the lap of nature, you can book some nice resort and spend some quality time with your family and friends.
You can take a jungle walk or do some off-roading. All these experiences are provided by resorts ( though may be charged separately).
Homestay in chikmagalur – You can also may be book a home stay and just stroll around the city visiting some key tourist spots and enjoy the Chikmaglur Coffee.
Chikmglur is famous for coffee estates and visiting the Coffee Museum is one of the cool experiences in the city.
Apart from Home Stays and Resorts, hotels in Chikmaglur is also best option if you want to be in city. But first lets look at the list of places to visit in Chikamagalur.
Chikamagalur Tourist Places
There are many places in and around the city, but below is the list of spots which you may consider to cover. I will give you the itinerary which I have followed and with just 2 days in hand it is difficult to cover all the places. But you can if you have more time on hand.
Top 15 tourist places in Chikmagalur ( 30 Kms range )
Mullayangiri ( Tallest peak in Karnataka – around 25 kms from city center)
Seethalayana Mata temple ( famous goddess temple, just 5 kms before Mullayangiri)
Honamanna Falls & Jhari falls ( also called as Butter Milk Falls ) – A nice water fall ( last 5 kms will be on a Jeep ride, you cannot take you car till the falls)
Baba Budan Giri peeth ( around 33 Kms from city center)
Z point ( Must visit view point a couple of Kms from Baba Budan giri)
NirvanaSwamy Mata
Devi Ramma Temple
Coffee Measeum ( A must for coffe lovers)
Hirekolale Lake ( 4 kms from city center – A nice lake with nice view point around)
Ayyankere Lake ( around 20 Kms from center – 2nd largest lake of Karnataka )
Kondanrama temple at Hiremaglur ( 8 kms from center, A must visit Lord Rama temple)
Belvadi Hoysala temples ( 30 Kms from Center)
Belur Hoysala Temples ( 23 kms from city center)
Halebidu Hoysal Temples ( 35 Kms from city center)
Yagachi Dam and Water Sports ( 20 Kms from city center)
Other tourist attractions around Chikmagalur
As I have mentioned before, Chikamagalur has lots to offer to its tourist and there are many other tourist spots which you can plan to visit if you have more time on hand. But these are a bit far from the city center so you need to plan accordingly. These were not part of my itineary.
Muthodi forest – around 40 kms from city center
Hebbe falls – A nice water falls around 60kms from city
Kalhatti Falls – A nice water fall at around 55 ksm from city
Horanadu & Kalasa ( around 110 kms from chikmaglur)
Sringeri the famous temple ( around 100 Kms)
Dharamsthala – must visit temple town – 90 kms
You can also plan to go to Mangalore from here which is approx 150 kms from here. So in case you have a week in hand you can actually plan this trip :
Bangalore -> Hassan -> Chikmaglur -> Mangalore
How to reach Chikmagalur
Bangalore to chikmagalur distance is approx 240 kms if you go by shortest route.
There are 3 routes which you can take to reach Chikmaglur
Go via NH 75 , you need to take a left on Bangalore Mangalore Highway from Neelamangala. The road takes you straight to Hassan and from there you need to take a turn towards Chikmaglur. This is the shortest way and will be around 240 Kms
The second way is to go via Tumkur and Chitradurga. This is via NH 48 and will be around 300 Kms. You can take this route only if you want to visit Chitradurga on the way. Being NH this route is also very good.
The third rout is via Mysore toad and this I will not recommend as there is a heavy traffic on this road on weekend with lots of people heading to Mysore.
So the first route is best. It is shortest. No much traffic and nice road all along the way with many nice food options through out.
Bangalore to Chikmagalur – 2 Day itinerary
So below is the itinerary which we followed and we instead of taking 2 days, took two and half days instead. That is instead of leaving on Saturday morning, we left by 3.00 PM on Friday. Anticipating a 6 hour drive, we expected to reach by 9.00 PM and check into the hotel.
Which actually went as per plan. We left Bangalore by 3.00 PM and reached hotel by 8.30 PM.
Now this is one suggestion from my side. If you want to stay in a hotel, better to choose one which is near KSRTC bus stand.
Day 1 itinerary
8.30 AM – Have breakfast and leave hotel. Our first stop was Mullayangiri peak.
9.15 AM – Reach Mullayangiri parking lot. Start climbing. Around 450 steps to reach peak. Will take minimum 30 mins.
9.45 AM – Reach the Mullayangiri peak. You will need a minimum of 30 mins there. Visit the small Shiva temple and enjoy the nice view around
10.15 AM – start back to parking lot.
10.45 AM – Reach back to parking lot and head towards next stop. So total of 1 hour and 30 mins climbing up and down.
11.00 AM – while coming back, stop near Seethalayana Mata temple. This is a devi temple and you can spend some 10 to 15 mins here.
11.10 AM – start for the next spot which is Jhari falls also called as butter milk falls and on the way stop at Honnamanna falls for 10 mins
11.45 – Reach Jhari falls starting point , park the car and hire Jeep ( this may include some waiting time if the rush is heavy)
12.00 PM to 12.15 PM- Travel in Jeep to Jhari falls
12.15 PM to 1.15 PM – spent around an hour in Jhari falls and head back to parking. You need to get into Jeep
1.15 to 2.15 PM – Lunch. You need to figure out a place to eat.
2.15 to 2.45 PM – Travel to Baba Budangiri
2.45 to 3.00 PM- Visit the Baba Budangiri Cave
3.00 to 3.05 PM – Drive to Z point
3.05 PM to 3.45 PM – Climb up to Z point and spend some good time there
3.45 to 5.00 PM Drive back to town and Hirekolale Lake
5.00 PM to 6.00 PM – Spend time at Hirekolale Lake
6.00 PM – Get back to hotel, rest for some time and get out in the city. Stroll around the city and have some nice dinner outside.
Day 2 itinerary
On Day 2 we had planned to visit Belvadi, Halebedu , Belur and Yagachi dam and return back to Bangalore. Travel back to Bangalore will take approx 6 hours so we had planned to leave for Bangalore by 3.00 PM at-least. And hence we have to start early.
So, we decided not to have the break fast at hotel and check out early. We checked out by 7.00 AM
7.00 AM to 7.10 AM – travel to Kodandarama temple
7.10 AM to 7.30 AM – Pay darshan to Lord Rama at this ancient temple
7.30 AM to 8.00 AM – Travel to Belvadi
8.00 AM to 8.30 AM – Visit Belvadi temples. There are 2 temples, each will not take more that 15 mins
8.30 to 8.50 AM – Travel to Halebidu.
8.50 AM to 9.20 – Visit Halebidu Hoysala temple
9.20 AM to 10.00 AM – Find a good restaurant and have some nice breakfast
10.00 AM to 10.45 AM – Travel to Yagachi Dam and Yagachi Water Adventure Sports Center
10.45 AM to 12.00 PM – Spend some good time at Yagachi Dam and enjoy some nice water sports at Yagachi Water Adventure Sports Center
12.00 PM to 12.30 PM – Travel to Belur
12.30 PM to 1.15 PM – Spend some good time at the famous Channeksava temple at Belur.
1.15 PM to 2.30 PM – Lunch at Belur
2.30 PM – Head back to Bengaluru
So this was our itinerary for 2 and half days. If you see from my list of Chikamagalur Tourist Places, I was not able to cover all of them. But the itinerary I followed was the best I could in this limited time.
If I had one day more in hand, there are a lot of other places, I could have covered.
Below are some details about the spots which I visited.
Mullayana Giri Peak
This is the highest peak in Karnatka and one of then most visited and must visit tourist spots in Chikmagalur. The road leading to the parking lot of this peak is good. It is a concrete road. Only at some places the road becomes a bit narrow and becomes difficult for 2 large vehicles to pass.
But other wise the drive is ok. For an experienced driver, it will not be much issue.
A panoramic view from the top
The only challenge is if you visit during Monsoon, there is chances of slippery roads and landslides.
From the parking lot, there is a paved way to the top of the hill. These are around 450 steps which you have to climb up.
Another view from the top of the Mullayangiri Peak
At the top of the hill is a small Lord Shiva temple. The view from top is amazing. Just after monsoon the beauty of this place is such that it cannot be described in words.
Seethalayana Mata temple
This is a small but very beautiful Seethalayana Mata temple. You can visit this temple on the way to Mullayangiri.
So you can either visit this temple while going up to Mullayana Giri Peak or while returning back. There is ample parking space and wash room facilities.
After Mulayangir peak and Seethalayana Mata temple you can go to Jhari falls. Honnamanna falls is on the way.
Honnamanna falls is a very small but a beautiful water fall just on the main road. So you do not have to walk a lot to reach at the falls. In monsoon this fall looks very beautiful.
As you can see in the photograph, a proper steps are mad to let water fall through them. Quite safe to go near the water. There are some stalls near by selling some good bhajji and tea. So while going to Jhari falls you stop here.
After Honnamanna falls the move to Jhari falls entry point. Jhari falls cannot be accessed by your own vehicle. So you have to park near the entry point and hire a Jeep to reach till falls.
The Jeep if you book full will cost you 700/- for round trip. You can also go solo ie. the Jeep is shared with other tourist. The cost is generally Rs 150/- per person. But in that case you need to wait till the Jeep is full ( 5 people).
The Jeep guy will give you a token. So once you reach the Jhari falls, the Jeep guy will go and while coming back you need to show the token to the returning Jeep. So the Jeep will be different when you return.
Also since the token is per Jeep if you are going in sharing, you need to make sure that all of you come back at the same time.
The off-roading experience till the Jhari falls is amazing. The fall itself is worth a visit.
Jhari falls close up view
The water falls from a height and you are allowed to go inside the falling water and enjoy some cool water spring. You can go and bath there. It is a nice experience. This water fall is a must visit.
Jhasri falls, view from far
Baba Budan Giri
This is a small cave temple dedicated to Baba Budan. The area around this temple offer a nice view point and immediately around a kilometer from this place is Z Point which offers one of the most amazing view of western ghats.
Baba Budan giri hill range is at 1895 meter and which is more or less same as Mullayangiri peak.
Mullayangiri peak is at 1930 meters. So you can say that both of these hill ranges have the highest peak in Karnataka.
Z Point – view point
Z Point view point is around 1 Kilo meter from Baba Budan Giri temple and offers a amazing view , as I said before of the western ghats.
Once you park the car at the parking lot, you will see 2 peaks. One near the parking lot and other a bit far. You need to the next one which is highest peak there and the Z Point view point is located on the top of this peak.
To go there either you can just take the small route around the fist peak and go to the second peak which has the view point or you can also climb the first peak first and enjoy some tome there and move to the next peak.
This is going to be one of the most amazing experience and if you visit in monsoon or after monsoon you will not want to come back from this place. It is so beautiful and the mist around adds to its beauty.
Hirekolale Lake
This is one the largest lake in Karnataka and offers some good time to its visitors. This is a man made lake and offers a beautiful view of the surroundings. This lake was built to provide the drinking and irrigation water to Chikmaglur and its surrounding areas.
In a way this whole area is photographers paradise, but Hirekolale Lake lake offers some very nice photography options.
Kodandarama temple at Hiremaglur
This is one of the ancient Rama temples in India and one of the must visit Rama temples. The temple itself is more than 1200 years old, but the Lord Rama and Ma Sita idol is from the time of satyuga.
It is said that Lord Rama gave darshan to Lord Parsurama at this place and it is only temple where Ma Sita is at the right hand side of Lord Rama.
Lord Rama and Lord Parshuram
Part of this temple was constructed during Chola dynasty while other parts during Hoysala dynasty. So in a way you can see that the temple has architecture signatures of both the dynasties.
It is a very nice temple and must visit if you are in Chikmagalur. The temple itself is not very far from city center and what I would recommend is to get up early and visit the temple during any of the days of your stay there.
Belvadi Temples
Belvadi is a village around 30 Kms from Chikmagalur. This place has one of the finest temples built during Hoysala empire.
It is said that Bheema from Mahabharat times killed Bkasura at this place. Well there is another place in Karnataka called as Kaivara and it also has the same legend. But anyway this place finds its mention in Mahabharata as Ekachakranagara .
The temple name is Shri Veera Narayana temple and was built during Hoysala dynasty. The temple is one of the finest temples of Hoysala times.
Veera Narayana temple
There is another temple called as Udhbhava Ganpati temple and this temple is also very near to Shri Veera Narayana temple . The idol of Lord Ganaesha is said to Swyambhu and is growing.
Udbhava Ganpati temple Belvadi
So this is also an amazing place to visit and this place is very near to halebidu and belur.
Halebidu Temples
Halebidu is famous for Hoysaleswara Temple. This temple again is one of the most popular temples of Hoysala times.
Halebidu temple entry
Halebidu is said to be the capital of Hoysala empire. This is a 12th century temple and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. There is a large man made lake next to the temple. The temple was built by the king Vishnuvardhana of Hoysala empire.
Carvings at Halebidu temple
Yagchi Dam & Water Sports
In between Halebidu and Belur, you can visit Yagchi Dam. It is built on river Yagchi a tributary to river Kaveri.
Yagchi dam is a popular tourist destinations in the region. It attracts tourist as it also offer some nice water sports options. You can do some cool water sports there like Jetski, Speed Boat, Banana ride and Kayaking.
You can book these activities online like at thrillophilia.
The surrounding of the dam is as beautiful as the dam itself.
It will be a nice place to visit with kids. They will definitely enjoy a lot.
Belur Temples
And one of the most important temples of the region and of Hoysala times is the Chennakeshava Temple, also referred to as Keshava, Kesava or Vijayanarayana Temple.
It is a huge temple premises built during 12th century at the times of Hoysala empire and a must visit temples in India.
It is said that the temple took more than 100 years to build and almost 3 generations of kings. It was started by the king Vishnuvardhana in 1117 CE.
This is one of the finest examples of temple architecture of Hoysala dynasty and South Indian temple architecture.
Where to Stay in Chikmagalur
Chikmagalur has lot of options to stay there. It all depends on what you want to do. Below are some options to choose from
Chikmagalur Resorts
I will recommend booking a hotel if you are there to enjoys some good time in the lap of nature and relax for a couple of days.
Generally these resorts are in Jungle or Coffee estates and offers some good packages on activities like nature walk or off roading experiences. Coffee estate visits etc.
Hence if you are looking for this kind of experience resorts can be the best option.
Chikmagalur Home Stays
I would recommend this if you are travelling with small kids. As home stays offers homely food also many home stays or service apartments have attached kitchen which will help you to lets say boil milk or make some upma, poha , maggi etc for kids as kids kids are not able to eat well outside.
Home stays are also recommended for a long stay like if you are staying for more that 2 – 3 days.
Chikmagalur Hotels
Chikmagalur have tons of options for hotels in all budgets. My recommendation is that you stay near the KSRTC bus stand.
One thing is that if you are not travelling by your own car, being in the city center offers you a good connectivity.
Local Sight seeing cabs at Chikmagalur
Just next to KSRTC bus stand you will find a taxi stand. There you can go and negotiate for a day sight seeing.
Indica / or other hatchback will generally cost you 1300 to 1500 / – and they will take you to 6 to 7 spots.
A sedan like dezire or any other will cost somewhere between 1500 to 1700 / –
A big car like Ertiga will cost around 2000/- to 2500/-
So i think this can also be a good option if you are thinking to book a cab for local sigh seeing.
You can still negotiate the price. And also you can book the cab for near by areas like Yagchi Dam, Bevadi, Belur, Halebidu etc.
So lot of options. With in city attractions you can also take Auto.
Remember one thing. Carry cash as most of these guys prefer cash transactions.
Looking for a nice and relaxing trip this weekend ? Around 200 Kms from Bangalore, Yercaud situated in the shevaroy hills range offers a wonderful weekend getaway option. Read more for a 2 day itinerary and some tips from my side.
Quick facts about Yercaud
Distance from Bangalore
Approx 200 Kms one way
Time taken
Approx 4 hours one way ( excluding the stops for tea/ coffee food etc)
Road condition
Fantastic if you take Route#1 ( via Salem) as described below. Route 2# ( via Deevattipatti )has some rough stretch for 15 to 20 Kms
Food option on the way
Many on NH44
Stay at Yercaud
Many options. But pre book if you are travelling over weekends / Holidays
Famous for
Lake , Natural Beauty, View Points, Resorts, temples
Ideal for
Every one
Yercaud tourist places
As I have mentioned before, Yercaud is famous for its Natural Beauty. Hence you will find a many view points, gardens, water falls, a beautiful lake and some must visit temples.
Below is the list you should choose from if you are planning to visit Yercaud and plan accordingly.
One you have looked at the list below, you can look at the itinerary which I have followed if it works for you.
Yercaud Lake
Pagoda Point
The Servaroyan Temple
Ladies seat
Rose Garden
Silk Farm
Botanical Garden
Gents seat
Killiyur Water falls
Sri Raja Rajeshwari Temple
Sri Annamalaiyar Temple
Anna Park
How to reach Yercaud
Yercaud can be reached by two ways. Either way you have to travel till Dharampuri. After Dharampuri either you take left and go via Deevattipatti or go to salem and then turn towards Yercuad.
Route 1# ( my preferred route ): Bangalore -> Hosur -> Kishangiri -> Dharampuri – > Salem -> Yercaud
Route 1 is preferred as it is NH44 till Salem and after that Salem Yercaud highway.
Yercaud itinerary
So we decided to be there over weekend and as I have mentioned before, majority of tourist who visit Yercaud are there over the weekend and hence pre booking hotel is very important.
Tips for travel
So our first tip ( tip #1 ) will be that book hotel / homestay near Yercaud Lake. Specifically if you are travelling with kids. Well if you want to enjoy resorts, there are many near Yercaud Lake as well, but good ones are deep inside.
Tip 2# – Plan in such a way that your travel time between spots are reduced. Remember in hills driving is a bit challange. I did not find much issue though, but many a places the roads are narrow. So the less you drive, the better it is.
Tip 3# – If you re planning to hire a taxi there, negotiate. The price they as for is almost 40% more. So you can definitely bargain. Also an auto rikshaw will be more economical. But it may not go to certain places like Annamaliyar temple or Shevroy temple as the climb is steep. So you need to check!
Tip 4# – The last 30 to 40 Kms stretch is with out petrol pump. So make sure that you fill sufficient petrol / diesel while you are on national highway 44 ( NH 44) Same with food. Plant to finish your food while your are on NH44.
Tip 5# – While returning back make sure that you leave Yercaud by 5.00 PM in evening so that you cover the ghat area while its still sunlight. A little bit earlier is still better.
As usual we always get late to start. More so if you have kids. And hence our plans of starting at 5 ends up with starting at 7.00 AM.
But if you are able to start early, is it good. In-fact you can start as early as possible. NH44 is always full of traffic. Only advise is to cover the last 30 to 40 Kms stretch in Day time.
Day 1 itinerary
So our first day was – Travel to Yercaud and visit to Killiyur Water falls, Yercaud Lake, Anna park, Pagoda point, Ladies Seat & Rose Garden and a nice dinner.
We were able to start only by 6.30 AM. By 7.15 AM we crossed the Hosur toll and we were into Tamil Nadu. Roads being good through out, it is always a fantastic drive on this road.
We did our breakfast on the way. There is a Food plaza after Kishangiri. There is a Mac Donald on the way so if kids are interested, it is one of the nice places to have breakfast.
We were able to reach Yeracaud only by 11.30 AM. So it took us 5 hours with 1 hour of stop in between for tea / coffee and break fast. Also since we had kids with us, we drove a bit slow.
As soon as we reached Yercuad our first stop was Killiyur Water falls. It is a beautiful water fall around 6 kms from Yercaud lake. Since our hotel was ay Yercaud lake, we thought of directly going to water falls and then coming back and check in to the hotel.
We reached Killiyur Water falls by 11.50 and parked the car at the private parking place available there. The parking fee was Rs 30 /-. From parking lot you need to walk around 500 meters which includes a climb down of around 200 steps.
You will need atleast 60 to 90 mins to visit this place. Climbing down towards falls itself is a wonderful experience. But the best part is the falls itself. You can go and sit below the water fall. The water is cool and refreshing. Have a look at these cool photographs.
We were back by 1.30 and checked in . Out hotel was very near to Yercaud Lake and hence the plan was to cover Yercaud Lake and Anna park together in the evening.
We had some nice lunch at the hotel and by 2.30 PM were ready to go out again. We decided not to take a cab / taxi and drive by our own.
Driving in hills can be a challange some times, but is also fun. Our next stop on Day 1 was pagoda point
2.45 PM – 4.00 PM: Pagoda point, Ladies Seat & Rose Garden: Pagoda Point and Ladies seat – is a nice view point and you can enjoy the scenery all around. I think this place can be maintained a bit better, but any way it is a fun to be there with kids.
Rose Garden is a beautiful place next to Ladies seat. But there we no roses when we went.
You need 1 to 1 hr 30 mins to visit these places. Not much to see except this view point and some nice photography options.
So by 4.30 we were back at hotel. Next was to cover Yercaud Lake and surrounding spots.
The advantage of staying near the lake is that you can just walk down. So this is what we did. Parked our car in hotel parking and walked down the road to Yercaud lake
4.45 PM to 6.45 PM – Yercaud Lake, Boating, Anna park, Eco Park, Aquarium and a nice coffee at Kappi House.
Yercaud Lake is a natural lake and has some good boating options. Entry to lake is nominal price but once you are inside you can buy boating tickets. Ticket ranges from Rs 130 to 500 based on type of boat.
Yercaud Lake
Next to Lake is Eco Garden, Anna Park and Aquarium and you can check out these options as well. All these are in walking distance of each other.
Anna Park
And these spots do not take much time. kids will definitely enjoy these spots. Lot of places for them to run around.
Yercaud Fish Aquarium
By 6.45 we were done visiting these places and a nice boat ride in Yercaud Lake. After that we headed to “Kappi House”. A coffee shop around the corner. They serve some very nice coffee and you will find lot of rush there. We enjoyed a nice cup of coffee , did some shopping of home made chocolates, Masala tea, some soveniours and headed back to hotel by 8.00 PM
We had our dinner at the hotel and called for the day ! It was nice Day 1 over all.
Day 2 itinerary
Our day 2 was more dedicated to the 4 must visit temples – Shri Annamaliyar temple , Sri Raja Rakeshwari Temple, Sri Shevroy temple , Sri Chakra Meru temple and Botanical Garden.
Except Annamaliyar temple, all other spots were on the same side and near to each other.
We wanted to head back to Bangalore by 4.00 PM since we wanted to cover the ghat area while it is still sunlight.
We got up a bit late and by the time we were ready it was already 9.30 AM. We checked out by 10.00 AM. Our plan was to view all above places and then leave for Bangalore.
Our first stop on Day 2 was Sri Annamaliyar temple. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. You get a nice view of surroundings.
Our next stop was Botanical garden. All these spots on day 2 are on same road so it was planned that way. Unfortunately we found the Botanical garden closed.
We enquired at the gate and were told that the Botanical Garden remains closed over the weekend. Not sure if this is true. Please do check this out. It was for sure closed on that day. But I don’t think they will keep it closed on weekends in general as this is one of the major tourist attractions here.
The next stop was Sri Raja Rajeshwari temple. It is a very small but beautiful and power full temple of the area.
Raja Rajeshwari Temple Entrance
The temple is on a small hill top and you need to climb some 20 odd steps to reach to this beautiful temple. Dedicated to goddess Rajeshwari, this temple is said to be very powerful.
The next stop was to visit the most visited, most thrilling and one of the most sacred temples of the region Lord Servarayan Temple (Shevaroy Temple).
Servarayan Temple (Shevaroy Temple).
The drive to the temple is one of the most beautiful and thrilling drive you will ever take. And once you reach at the temple, you are at the topmost area of Yercaud.
Servarayan Temple (Shevaroy Temple) – Main cave temple
The top of the hill on which this temple is located is a flat surface and looks like a plateau. From top the view is so amazing.
The temple is actually a cave temple and is dedicated to Lord Servarayan and Ma Kaveri. Goddess Kaveri is considered to be the protector deity of villages in this area and during month of May a big celebration is done at this temple where all the villagers / tribes of this area gather here.
We spent some good amount of time here.
After the Raja Rajeshwari temple if you go further you would come to a junction where if you go right you will come to Servarayan temple.
You will see all the marking there. It also says that if you go straight you will go to Bangalore.
Well take that route and it will take you to Sri Chakra Meru temple. You will need some 30 mins to visit that temple.
But please do not take that route to Bangalore. Come back to main city and take the way back to Salem and from there come back to Bangalore via NH44.
So our last stop was Sri Chakra Meru Temple. It is a newly built temple with lots of positive energy all around.
Chakra Meru Temple Entrance
We were able to finish all these spots by 2.30 and by 3.00 PM we were back to Yercaud bus stand.
We looked for a nice restaurant for lunch and by 4.30 PM were done and started back for Salem. By 5.30 PM we were crossing Salem and touched NH44.
We stopped at KFC on the way as kids wanted to eat burger and we had a nice cup of team at Sarvana Bhavan.
