AREA ATTRACTIONS
Chikmagalur, literally means the 'town of younger daughter', placed amid scenic landscape in a fertile valley, it is surrounded by lush green coffee plantation hills. The town is a major trade and commercial centre in Karnataka. The breathtaking views and unpolluted ambiance makes the town a relaxing haven for travelers.
Chennakeshava temple in Belur
The old temples of Karnataka’s Hassan district are an architectural wonder. And the town of Belur is home to one of the grandest examples of Hoysala architecture, the Chennakesava Temple (Also Chennakeshava). The temple was built in the early 12th century by the Hoysala ruler, Vishnuvardhana, when the town of Belur was the site for the capital of the Hoysala kingdom.
Quick facts about Temple:
- Timing: 7.00 AM to 8.00 PM
- Entry Fee: NA
- Visit Duration: 2 Hours
- Photography: Allowed
- Best Time to Visit: November to February
- Address: Hassan District, Belur – 573115
Halebidu Temple
Halebeedu or Halebidu is an important temple town, situated about 200 KMs from Bengaluru in Karnataka. It was the capital city of the Hoysala Empire, who were great patrons of art and literature. The name “Halebeedu” literally means an old camp in Kannada. It is also referred to as “Dwarasamudra” due to the presence of a large water body near the temple. This ruined city is famous for Hoysaleshwar temple, Jain Basadis, and many other historical temples which are examples of a glorious past of the city.
- The best time to visit is between October to March when the weather is cool.
- Early morning and late afternoon are preferred times of visit.
- Decent restaurants are near the temple for snacks and lunch.
- Advisable to hire a guide. Guide charges are fixed by the association @Rs 300/-
- No entry fee for the temple complex.
- Temple timings – 6:30 AM to 9:00 PM.
- Museum Timings – Monday to Friday – 9 AM to 5 PM.
Hebbe Falls
Among the exotic hill stations at Kemmangundi are the beautiful Hebbe falls in Karnataka. It is in Chikamagalur district in West Karnataka, 8 hour drive from Bangalore.
Kemmangundi hill station is said to be the summer retreat for the erstwhile Wodeyar ruler, Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV. It has beautifully laid gardens, magnificent mountain ranges and splendid valleys, and is an excellent visual treat for the tourists. One can take 8 kms trek to reach the Hebbe falls.
This falls is created by the waters from the mountains. It plunges cascades down from 250 feet to Dodda Hebbe and Chikka Hebbe, in 2 stages.
The nearest town is Tarikere which is about 35 kms from Kemmangundi.
Kudremukh National Park
Kudremukh National Park is in Chikmagalur (district) in Karnataka. It offers the visitor 600 km² of undulating mountains and tropical wet evergreen forest. It is noted for its scenic beauty. Owing to the dense forests, sighting wildlife can be challenging, though the area is rich in wildlife. Nonetheless the drive through the forest ranges can be enchanting and exhilarating.
It began its existence as a Reserved Forest in 1916, and was designated a national park in 1987. Kudremukha means 'horse face', and is in reference to the appearance of a mountain peak in the park. The town of Kudremukh is primarily an iron ore mining town where the government run Public Sector Kudremukh Iron Ore Company Ltd. (KIOCL) operated till the last decade. Three important rivers, the Tunga, the Bhadra and the Nethravathi are said to have their origin here. The animals found there include the malabar civet, wild dogs, sloth bear and spotted deer.
