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Travel Bucket List: India – Andaman & Nicobar Islands Part 2

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Starting from Port Blair, we will explore the Union Territory of Andaman & Nicobar Islands. Port Blair is the capital city of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, as well as the local administrative sub-division or tehsil of the islands, the headquarters for the district of South Andaman, and the territory’s only notified town. The city serves as the entry point for visiting the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and is connected with mainland India by both air and sea. It is a 2-3 hour flight from mainland India to Port Blair’s Veer Savarkar International Airport, and 3–4 days by sea to reach Kolkata, Chennai or Visakhapatnam from Haddo Wharf in Port Blair. It is home to several museums and a major naval base INS Jarawa of the Indian Navy, along with sea and air bases of the Indian Coast Guard, Andaman and Nicobar Police, Andaman and Nicobar Command, the first integrated tri-command of the Indian Armed Forces and the Indian Air Force.

Since their migration out of North Africa 60,000 years ago, Andaman tribes have lived in close-knit communities. Genome studies prove that the Andamane tribes split from the tree of human evolution of their out of Africa ancestors 30,000 years ago, and radiocarbon dating studies of the kitchen refuse dumps from the mounds excavated by the Anthropological Survey of India at Choladari near Port Blair provide another proof that the Andaman tribes have been living here for at least 2,000 years. In 1789 the Government of Bengal established a penal colony on Chatham Island in the southeast bay of Great Andaman, named Port Blair in the honour of Archibald Blair of the East India Company. After two years, the colony moved to the northeast part of Great Andaman and was named Port Cornwallis after Admiral William Cornwallis. However, there was much disease and death in the penal colony that the government ceased operating it in May 1796.

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In 1824 Port Cornwallis was the rendezvous of the fleet carrying the army to the First Anglo-Burmese War. In the 1830s and 1840s, shipwrecked crews who landed on the Andamans were often attacked and killed by the natives, alarming the British government. In 1855, the government proposed another settlement on the islands, including a convict establishment, but the Indian Rebellion forced a delay in its construction. Since the rebellion provided the British with a lot of new prisoners, it made the new Andaman settlement and prison an urgent necessity. Construction began in November 1857 at the renovated Port Blair, avoiding the vicinity of a salt swamp which seemed to have been the source of many of the old colony’s problems. The penal colony was originally on Viper Island. The convicts, mostly political prisoners, suffered life imprisonment at hard labour under cruel and degrading conditions. Many were hanged, while others died of disease and starvation. Between 1864 and 1867 a penal establishment was also built with convict labour on the northern side of Ross Island which lie in ruins today.

As the Indian freedom movement continued to grow in the late 19th century, the enormous Cellular Jail was constructed between 1896 and 1906 to house Indian convicts, mostly political prisoners, in solitary confinement. The Cellular Jail is also known as Kala Pani in Hindi, which translates to Black Waters, a name given to it due to the torture and general ill-treatment towards its Indian convicts. During World War II the islands were occupied by the Japanese on 23 March 1942 without opposition from the garrison and the British forces returned to the islands in October 1945. From 1943–44 during World War II, Port Blair served as the headquarters of the Azad Hind government under Subhas Chandra Bose.

Although affected by the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami, Port Blair survived sufficiently to act as a base for relief efforts in the islands.

So what can we see while we base ourselves out of Port Blair?

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Cellular Jail: Cellular Jail is one of the most historically significant monuments in the Andaman Islands, as it used to be the place where Britisher officers used to send prisoners for exile, during the period of their rule. The walls of this jail hold many stories of the brave Indian freedom fighters and prisoners who have withstood torment in the cells of this very building. The jail is also referred to as Kala Pani, meaning black water in Hindi, and what was the term for prison cell confinement during that period. The construction of the jail took place the years of 1896 and 1906, however, the British officers had been using the prison as an exile for prisoners right from the period of the Sepoy mutiny, during the late 1950s. The mutiny caused the death of a large number of Indian soldiers by the hands of the British, and those who were managed to survive were sent to the islands to live the rest of their days there. This prison, in particular, was considered to be the best place to send the soldiers who protested against the British, as they were completely isolated from their homes, their families and all their loved ones. Therefore, sending the rebels here was considered the highest form of punishment as it not only received torment in the form of physical punishments and torture, but their spirit was broken as well due to the fact that they were far from everything that was familiar to them. Honoring the struggle of those fighting for India’s independence, the prison was dedicated to the nation on 11th February 1979. Today, the stories and struggles of the freedom and political fighters of our country are proudly displayed on the walls of the prison, and there is even a gallery dedicated to the photos and exhibitions of the movement of the freedom fighters. Apart from the gallery, the prison also houses a library on the first floor, which has a lot of books related to the freedom movement, and a gallery showcasing the important moments from the first war of Independence. One of the key attractions the prison is the eternal Flame of the Freedom or the Swatantrya Jyot that has been built in honor of the soldiers who have given their lives to the freedom movement. The Cellular Jail also has a light and sound show which takes place daily in the evening with shows in both English and Hindi. The show in English runs on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays between 8 to 9 pm while the Hindi version of the show runs on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays for an hour each at 5:30 pm, 6:45 pm, 8:00 pm and 9:15 pm. Visitors pay around INR 30 per head, for both adults and children, and you pay an extra INR 200 for a photo camera while a video camera will cost you INR 1000 to use inside the jail. The Cellular Jail is closed on Mondays while on other days it is open from 9 am to 1 pm and then again between 2 to 5 pm.

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Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park: Tucked away from the buzzing city streets in the northwestern coast of the island, the Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park is situated in Wandoor village which is about 29 kilometres away from the capital city of Port Blair. The wildlife sanctuary consists of a group of 12 islands which are situated in a labyrinthine shape and are home to some of the most exquisite marine life in the world including corals and resting sea turtles among other species. Established in 1983, the Marine National Park features lush mangrove cover and peaceful beaches which add to its aesthetic appeal. The park sprawls over an area of 281 square kilometres encompasses coral reefs, mangrove creek, rainforests, and lagoons with most of the islands here protected and inaccessible by the general public. The coral reefs are the highlight of the park exhibiting their glorious forms and enchanting one and all. The famous islands to visit are Jolly buoy Islands, Redskin Island, Grub Island, Rangat Island, Neil Island and Long Island. The park is open daily except on Mondays between 9 am and 3 pm and it is advisable to get prior permission from the relevant authorities before accessing the park. Entry fees to the park for an adult is INR 50 per person, while that for a child is INR 25 and foreigners pay INR 500. If you want to take a camera inside, you need to pay INR 25 per person, per camera.

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Chatham Saw Mill: The oldest and largest sawmill, not just in India, but in Asia, the Chatham Saw Mill which was built in the 19th century, is the largest production of timber with raw materials being obtained from the forest of Chatham island. The museum inside the mill gives tourists an insight into the history of Chatham island and also explains the biodiversity it is blessed with. It also showcases an interesting collection of wood-work and carvings that depict the excellence of craftsmanship. The mill is open for tourists in the first half of the day that is from 8 am to 2:30 pm every day, except on Sundays and public holidays. Tourists ideally require an hour or two for a tour inside. The entry fee is INR 10 per person and INR 50 for a tour with a guide.

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The Forest Museum which is located inside the Saw Mill showcases the beautiful amalgamation of art and plant life. It displays a huge collection of wooden art, carvings, and artifacts prepared by the workers of Saw Mill that altogether represent the rich flora and fauna of the region. Visitors get to see various sculptures, carvings and art pieces made of different types of wood – oak, satin, timber – all from local trees that are abundantly grown in the Andaman islands. The museum also houses a range of endangered species of plants that make sure to spellbound nature enthusiasts. Moreover, the mini zoological garden inside the same premises surely adds value to the place. The museum is open on all days, except Sundays and public holidays from 8 am to 12 noon and then again from 2:30 to 5 pm. A nominal amount of INR 2 is charged per head at the entrance of the museum, as an entry fee. However photography is not allowed inside the museum.

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Samudrika Marine Museum: Run by the Indian Navy, the popular Samudrika Marine Museum is one of its kind in Port Blair showcasing different marine life forms. It has a huge collection of corals, seashells, fishes and different species of sea animals in distinct hues and sizes. The museum has been divided into five prominent sections viz. marine archaeology, history of Andaman, marine life, geographical information and the people of Andaman. A major objective of the museum is to generate awareness towards the oceanic environment and marine life. The major attraction of the museum is the skeleton of a baby blue whale that was washed ashore on the coast of Andaman & Nicobar. A tiny zoo within the museum premises boasts of a few saltwater crocodiles in Haddo of Andaman. Another speciality of the museum is its inbuilt aquarium featuring regional varieties of the sea plants and animals. The shop within the premises stocks local handicraft, bamboo craft, sea shell knick-knacks and other souvenir The entry fee for the museum is Rs.50/- for adults and Rs.20/- for children per head and cameras are charged at Rs.50. Entry is free for senior citizens and specially-abled citizens on providing a valid identity card. The museum is open every day from 9 am to 5 pm except on Mondays. It takes approximately 2-3 hours to explore the museum.

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Anthropological Museum: The Anthropological Museum is an ethnographic museum detailing the lives and cultures of the various tribes that have lived in the Andaman islands. Within the museum, one has the opportunity to learn about the history of the Jarawas, the Onges, the Sentinelese, the Shompens, and the Nicobarese, making it a cultural hotspot of this region. Spread across two floors, there is a great deal of importance given to the history and ancestry of the tribal people of the island, and is a testament to the indigenous human diversity that has coexisted here for centuries. Among the highlights of this museum are an ancient Jarawa chest guard, a skull originating from the Sentinelese region, and the shamanic sculptures created by the Nicobarese. A keen observation of these exhibits helps visitors understand the beliefs, traditions, and styles of adapting to the environment used by pre-historic tribals of this attractive island nation. Other minor displays are inclusive of handicrafts, arts and crafts, tools, photographs, implements, and clothing. Displays at the museum date back to the era when the six major local tribes were prominently present here. After completing your tour through the exhibits, make it a point check out the clay displays. The museum is home to some astounding clay displays for which showcase homes, ornaments, utensils, and equipment used by these communities. The museum is open from 9 am to 4:30 pm with a lunch break where the museum is shut between 1 and 1:30 pm on all days except Mondays and public holidays. Entry fee to the museum is INR per person.

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Sri Vetrimalai Murugan Temple: The biggest temple in the islands, the Sri Vetrimalai Murugan Temple is renowned for its spectacular nuances of Dravidian architecture and intricate artwork that leave one spellbound. Situated behind the Governor’s Palace, the temple is dedicated to Lord Murugan or Karthikeyan, the son of Lord Shiva. The history of the temple dates back to the time of pre-independent India and was built in 1926 in the Ross Islands by the British rulers to win the loyalty of the Tamilians. Later it was shifted to Port Blair post-independence. Thousands of tourists and pilgrims visit this temple to participate in the main festivals which are Panguni Uthram, Kanda Shasthi and Thai Poosam. The typical Dravidian architecture and paintings on the interior of the temple resemble those in the Kanda Kotta temple at Chennai, Tamil Nadu. The temple is open every day from 5 am to 12 noon and then again in the evening between 4 to 9 pm.

In the next few posts, we will discover the plethora of beaches and the different islands plus some other interesting destinations which we can find in the Andaman & Nicober Islands. Keep watching this space…

In My Hands Today…

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The Geography of Bliss: One Grump’s Search for the Happiest Places in the World – Eric Weiner

Weiner spent a decade as a foreign correspondent reporting from such discontented locales as Iraq, Afghanistan, and Indonesia. Unhappy people living in profoundly unstable states, he notes, inspire pathos and make for good copy, but not for good karma. So Weiner, admitted grump and self-help book aficionado, undertook a year’s research to travel the globe, looking for the “unheralded happy places.” The result is this book, equal parts laugh-out-loud funny and philosophical, a journey into both the definition of and the destination for true contentment.

Apparently, the happiest places on earth include, somewhat unexpectedly, Iceland, Bhutan, and India. Weiner also visits the country deemed most malcontent, Moldova, and finds real merit in the claim.

But the question remains: What makes people happy? Is it the freedom of the West or the myriad restrictions of Singapore? The simple ashrams of India or the glittering shopping malls of Qatar?

From the youthful drunkenness of Iceland to the despond of Slough, a sad but resilient town in Heathrow’s flight path, Weiner offers wry yet profound observations about the way people relate to circumstance and fate.

Travel Bucket List: India – Andaman & Nicobar Islands Part 1

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One place that’s been forever in my bucket list has been the island chain known as the Andaman & Nicobar Islands. A Union territory of India comprising 572 islands of which 37 are inhabited, the Andaman & Nicobar Islands are a group of islands at the juncture of the Bay of Bengal and the Andaman Sea.

The islands are about 150 km north of Aceh in Indonesia and separated from Thailand and Myanmar by the Andaman Sea. It comprises two island groups, the Andaman Islands and the Nicobar Islands, separated by the 150 km wide Ten Degree Channel, on the 10°N parallel, with the Andamans to the north of this latitude, and the Nicobars to the south by 179 km. The Andaman Sea lies to the east and the Bay of Bengal to the west of the islands.

The capital of the entire Union Territory is the city of Port Blair. The total land area of the islands is approximately 8,249 sq km and is divided into three districts: Nicobar District with Car Nicobar as capital, South Andaman district with Port Blair as capital and North and Middle Andaman district with Mayabunder as capital. The islands host the Andaman and Nicobar Command, the only tri-service geographical command of the Indian Armed Forces.

The Andaman Islands are home to the Sentinelese people, an uncontacted people. The Sentinelese might be the only people currently known to not have reached further than a Paleolithic level of technology, however, this is disputed, as evidence of metalwork was found in their island.

The earliest archaeological evidence of life in the islands go back some 2,200 years. However, genetic and cultural studies suggest that the indigenous Andamanese people may have been isolated from other populations during the Middle Paleolithic, which ended 30,000 years ago. Since that time, the Andamanese have diversified into linguistically and culturally distinct, territorial groups.

The Nicobar Islands appear to have been populated by people of various backgrounds. By the time of European contact, the indigenous inhabitants had coalesced into the Nicobarese people, speaking a Mon-Khmer language, and the Shompen, whose language is of uncertain affiliation. Neither language is related to Andamanese.

King Rajendra Chola I or Rajendra I was a Tamil Chola emperor of South India who ruled between 1014 to 1042 AD, used the Andaman and Nicobar Islands as a strategic naval base to launch an expedition against the Srivijaya Empire, which is modern-day Indonesia. The Cholas called the island Ma-Nakkavaram or the great open or naked land, which can be found in the Thanjavur inscription of 1050 AD. The European traveller Marco Polo also referred to this island as ‘Necuverann’ and a corrupted form of the Tamil name Nakkavaram would have possibly led to the modern name Nicobar during the British colonial period.

The history of organised European colonisation on the islands began when settlers from the Danish East India Company arrived in the Nicobar Islands on 12 December 1755. On 1 January 1756, the Nicobar Islands were made a Danish colony, first named New Denmark, and later in December of the same year as Frederick’s Islands. Between 1754–1756 they were administrated from Tranquebar, in continental Danish India. The islands were repeatedly abandoned due to outbreaks of malaria between 14 April 1759 and 19 August 1768, from 1787 to 1807/05, 1814 to 1831, 1830 to 1834 and gradually from 1848 for good. From 1 June 1778 to 1784, Austria mistakenly assumed that Denmark had abandoned its claims to the Nicobar Islands and attempted to establish a colony on them, renaming them Theresia Islands. In 1789 the British set up a naval base and penal colony on Chatham Island next to Great Andaman, where now lies the town of Port Blair. Two years later the colony was moved to Port Cornwallis on Great Andaman, but it was abandoned in 1796 due to disease. Denmark’s presence in the territory ended formally on 16 October 1868 when it sold the rights to the Nicobar Islands to Britain, which made them part of British India in 1869. In 1858 the British again established a colony at Port Blair, which proved to be more permanent. The primary purpose was to set up a penal colony for criminal convicts from the Indian subcontinent. The colony came to include the infamous Cellular Jail. In 1872 the Andaman and Nicobar islands were united under a single chief commissioner at Port Blair.

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During World War II, the islands were practically under Japanese control, only nominally under the authority of the Arzi Hukumate Azad Hind of Subhash Chandra Bose. Bose visited the islands during the war and renamed them as Shaheed-Dweep or Martyr Island and Swaraj-Dweep or Self-rule Island. The Japanese surrendered the islands to the British on 7 October 1945 in Port Blair. During the independence of both India in 1947 and what was then known as Burma in 1948, the departing British announced their intention to resettle all Anglo-Indians and Anglo-Burmese on these islands to form their own nation, although this never materialised. The islands became a part of India in 1950 and was declared as a union territory of the nation in 1956. Since the 1980s, India has been developing defence facilities on the islands and the islands now play a key role in India’s strategic role in the Bay of Bengal and the Malacca Strait.

On 26 December 2004, the coasts of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands were devastated by a 10 m massive tsunami following the undersea earthquake off the Indian Ocean. More than 2,000 people lost their lives, more than 4,000 children were orphaned or suffered the loss of one parent, and a minimum of 40,000 people were rendered homeless. More than 46,000 people were injured with the Nicobar Islands of Katchal and Indira Point being the worst affected. Indira Point actually subsided almost 14 feet and was partially submerged in the ocean. The lighthouse at Indira Point was damaged but has been repaired since then. The territory lost nearly ten percent of its area which is now submerged. While locals and tourists of the islands suffered the greatest casualties from the tsunami, most of the aboriginal people survived because oral traditions which was passed down from generations warning them to evacuate when large waves follow large earthquakes.

There are 572 islands in the union territory, with about 38 being permanently inhabited. The Andaman group has 325 islands covering an area of 6,170 sq km while the Nicobar group has 247 islands with an area of 1,765 sq km. The highest point is located in North Andaman Island is Saddle Peak at a height of 2,402 ft. The northernmost point of the Andaman and Nicobars group is Landfall Island lying 220 km north of Port Blair, and 300 km south of Myanmar and is home to the Kari tribe. Indira Point at the southern tip of the southernmost island, Great Nicobar, is the southernmost point of India and lies only 200 km from Sumatra island in Indonesia. The only volcano in India, Barren Island, is an active volcano which last erupted in 2017 and is located in the union territory. It also has a mud volcano situated in Baratang island and these mud volcanoes have erupted sporadically, with recent eruptions in 2005 believed to have been associated with the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake. This island’s beaches, mangrove creeks, limestone caves, and mud volcanoes are some of the physical features.

The Sisters are two small uninhabited islands, East Sister Island and West Sister Island, in the Andaman Archipelago, at the northern side of the Duncan Passage, about 6 km southeast of Passage Island and 18 km north of North Brother. The islands are about 820.21 feet apart, connected by a coral reef; they are covered by forests and have rocky shores except for a beach on the northwest side of East Sister Island. Before the British established a colony on the Andaman, the Sisters were visited occasionally by the Onge people of Little Andaman Island for fishing. The islands may have been a waystation on the way to their temporary settlement of Rutland Island between 1890 and 1930. The islands have been designated as a wildlife refuge since 1987, with an area of 0.36 sq km.

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The Andaman and Nicobar Islands have a tropical rainforest canopy, made of a mixed flora with elements from Indian, Myanmar, Malaysian and endemic floral strains. So far, about 2,200 varieties of plants have been recorded, out of which 200 are endemic and 1,300 are unique to the islands and do not occur in mainland India. About 50 varieties of forest mammals are found to occur in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Some are endemic, including the Andaman wild boar. The State Animal of Andaman is the dugong, also known as the sea cow, which can be found in Little Andaman. There are 96 wildlife sanctuaries, nine national parks and one biosphere reserve in these islands.

Tourism to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands is increasing due to the popularity of beaches and adventure sports like snorkelling and sea-walking. There are also plans to develop various islands including luxury resorts being constructed with participation from the government in Avis Island, Smith Island and Long Island. Indian tourists do not require a permit to visit the Andaman Islands, but if they wish to visit any tribal areas they need a special permit from the Deputy Commissioner in Port Blair. Permits are required for foreign nationals. For foreign nationals arriving by air, these are granted upon arrival at Port Blair.

The best time to vist the Andaman & Nicobar Islands is during the months of April to June which is the summer season. The weather is quite sunny and warm at this time, but since this is the best time to hit the beaches, make sure you go during this time. The rainy season in this region begins in the month of June and goes on till the month of November. This is usually the offseason in the islands and there are not many tourists during this period. This is also the cheapest time to visit the island as all the hotels and resorts offer great discounts during this period. Tourists can also consider this season if they don’t mind getting wet. The most popular season to visit the islands among the tourists is the winter season, during the months of November to March. The climate during this season is optimal for tourists, as it is not too hot to explore the tourist attraction in the towns, but also still warm and pleasant enough to spend time at the beaches.

So without further ado, lets start our journey in the union territory’s capital of Port Blair.

In My Hands Today…

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Ghost Train to the Eastern Star – Paul Theroux

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In Ghost Train to the Eastern Star, Theroux recreates an epic journey he took thirty years ago, a giant loop by train (mostly) through Eastern Europe, Turkey, the Caucasus, Central Asia, the Indian Subcontinent, China, Japan, and Siberia.

In short, he traverses all of Asia top to bottom, and end to end. In the three decades since he first travelled this route, Asia has undergone phenomenal change. The Soviet Union has collapsed, China has risen, India booms, Burma slowly smothers, and Vietnam prospers despite the havoc unleashed upon it the last time Theroux passed through. He witnesses all this and so much more in a 25,000 mile journey, travelling as the locals do, by train, car, bus, and foot.

His odyssey takes him from Eastern Europe, still hungover from Communism, through tense but thriving Turkey, into the Caucasus, where Georgia limps back toward feudalism while its neighbour Azerbaijan revels in oil-driven capitalism. As he penetrates deeper into Asia’s heart, his encounters take on an otherworldly cast. The two chapters that follow show us Turkmenistan, a profoundly isolated society at the mercy of an almost comically egotistical dictator, and Uzbekistan, a ruthless authoritarian state. From there, he retraces his steps through India, Mayanmar, China, and Japan, providing his penetrating observations on the changes these countries have undergone.

Travel Bucket List – India: Karnataka Part 6

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In this last part about Karnataka, let’s turn inwards towards spirituality. Today we will have a look at some of the smaller towns which are well known for their temples and other spiritual locations.

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Udipi
When we hear the name Udupi, the first thing that comes to mind is the string of restaurants all over India and the world that bear the name of this town. But this is also a temple town on the coast which has beautifully carved ancient temples, laidback beaches and unexplored forests. Surrounded by the Arabian Sea on one side and the Western ghats on the other, this pilgrim centre and holy town is also known as Lord Parashurama Kshetra and is famous for its Krishna Temple. Udupi is also known as Rajata Peetha and Shivalli locally.

Udupi has many interesting legends intertwined with its history. It is believed that Chandra, the moon god, received redemption for his sins from Lord Shiva after doing penance here, which led to the naming of the city as Udupi. Udu essentially means star, and pa means leader – hence referring to the god of the stars or God Chandra. There are also many lores surrounding the city’s most popular attraction, the Krishna Temple. According to the most famous legend, the great saint Sri Madhvacharya was meditating on the coast when he saw a ship about to capsize. He guided the ship to safety away from the waters, and in return, the grateful sailors offered him anything he wished from the ship as a gift. The sage asked for gopichandana, or clay, which unbeknownst to the sailors, covered a majestic statue of Lord Krishna that they had been transporting from Dwaraka, which is Lord Krishna’s birthplace. Sri Madhvacharya unearthed the statue and placed it in its current place of worship in the temple. Udupi is extremely famous for its religious architecture devoted to the Gods and saints of the Hindu religion. The Krishna temple includes, in addition to its majestic statue of Lord Krishna, beautiful chariot structures or rathas. All deities in the temple face the west, and a unique feature associated with them is that they are worshipped through windows. These windows are plated with silver and have nine holes – also known as Navagraha kindi. Next to the Krishna Temple lies the Udupi Anantheshwara temple, which is believed to be over 1000 years old. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The city also has the Tulu Ashta Mathas, which are Hindu monasteries set up by the saint Sri Madhvacharya. These group of 8 monasteries preach the Dvaita school of Hindu philosophy.

You should begin ideally with the Udupi Krishna Temple. Then, you can proceed to the famous Coin Museum, which houses an exquisite collection in the coins, from ancient to modern history. Don’t forget to visit the Shri Ananteshwar & Shri Kundeshwar Temples. Finally end your trip to Udipi with a visit to its many beaches, be it Malpe beache, Kodi beach or Kapu beach with a trip to St. Mary’s Island and it’s famous black rocks as a must see place when in Udipi.

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Kollur
Kolluru or Kollur is a small temple-town near Udupi and is about 74 km north of Udipi at the foot of the Western Ghats on the banks of Souparnika river and is famous for the Mookambika temple. , a Hindu pilgrim center. Kollur also called Kolapura which is the name of a sage called Kola Maharshi . The goddess Durga is called Mookambika is said to have slain the demon Mookasura here. The goddess is described as in the form of a jyotirlinga incorporating both Shiva and Shakti. The panchaloha image of the goddess on Shri Chakra is stated to have been consecrated by Shri Adi Shankaracharya. The Divine Mother is said to be a manifestation of trigunas or triple forms such as Mahakali, Mahalakshmi & Mahasaraswati. The shikhara of the temple which is well gilded with gold is said to have been donated by Sankanna Savantha. Around the chief shrine of Mookambika, there are many other shrines. The idol of Chandramaulishvara is said to have been installed by Shri Adi Shankara and the temple has been renovated by Keladi rulers.

Legend goes that a sage, Maharishi Kola was enchanted with nature’s beauty and decided to perform a penance on a rock near the Agnitheertha. Lord Shiva, delighted with Kola rishi, appeared before him and blessed him. The Maharishi wished for the welfare of mankind and nothing else. The Lord, happy with Kola, granted him his wish. He assured that a swayambhu or autogenetic Linga would appear for his daily worship. However, Kola wanted to worship Devi also. So, a swarna rekha or a gold line appeared on the Lingam, signifying Shakti. Thus, Shiva and Shakti are worshipped together in the Lingam. Besides this, a unique feature is that the other Gods and Goddess of the Hindu pantheon also believed to reside in aroopa (non-form) in the Linga. It is thus believed to be an abode of the entire celestial congregation. It is believed that Adi Shankaracharya had a vision of Sri Mookambika Devi and installed the deity here. The legend says that Adi Shankara meditated at Kodachadri hills and Devi incarnated before him asking for his wish. He revealed his wish to install the Devi idol in a place in Kerala to worship where he wanted. Devi agreed but put forward a challenge that she will follow Shankara and he should not look back till he reaches his destination. But to test Shankara, Devi deliberately stopped the voice of her anklets when they reached Kollur whereupon Shankara turned and looked back because of doubt. Devi then asked Shankara to install her vigraha, just as he sees her, at that very location in Kollur. The original temple where Shankara meditated and Devi appeared before him is at Kodachadri peak, which is at a distance of about 20 km from Kollur and also visible as a large mountain peak in front of the temple. There also a small temple dedicated to Mookambika near Kodachadri peak

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Sringeri
Commonly known as Sri Kshetra Shringeri, Sringeri is a famed pilgrimage centre nestled in the Chikkamagaluru district, mainly known for the Sharada Peetham which was built by the great Adi Shankara in the 9th century. I have written extensively about Sringeri which is the seat of the spiritual guru we follow, so do read that post for more information about this spiritual seat.

According to experts, Adi Shankaracharya stayed here for 12 years and preached to his disciples. Packed with numerous temples and ancient relics, Sringeri is a hub for Vedic learning and it attracts students from different parts of India. With a historical significance dating back to the 8th century, Sringeri rests on the banks of River Tunga. The town comes alive during the Navaratri festival and it is sheer bliss to take part in the rituals in the holy presence of the Shankaracharya.

According to popular folk tales, Adi Shankaracharya is said to have selected Sringeri to settle and preach because when he was walking by the Tunga river, he saw a cobra with a raised hood, providing shelter from the hot sun to a frog about to spawn. Impressed with the place where natural enemies had gone beyond their instincts, he stayed here for twelve years.

The name ‘Sringeri’ is derived from the name ‘Rishyashringa griri’, a small hill nearby that is said to have contained the heritage of Rishyashringa and his father Rishi Vibhandaka. As per an episode in the Bala-Kanda Ramayana, Guru Vashishtha had narrated as to how Rishyashringa had brought rains to the drought-stricken kingdom of Romapada.

Adi Shankara had created four guardian temples on all four sides of the Sringeri village-
Kala Bhairava temple in the East- dedicated to Lord Kala Bhairava, a fiercer form of Lord Shiva- representing the march of time, Kere Anjaneya temple in the West-dedicated to Sri Anjaneya, carved on a rock inside a cave, Kalikamba temple in the North – dedicated to Devi Kalikamba, a beautiful form of the Goddess and Durgamba temple in the South- dedicated to Devi Durgamba, also known as ‘Vana (forest) Durga’, owing to its remote location in the woods.

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Dharmasthala
Popularly known as the Land of Charity, Dharmasthala is a beautiful temple town with a blend of heritage, culture and religion. Situated on the banks of Nethravathi river in Karnataka, it’s popularly known as a pilgrim site for the Shaiva, Vaishnava and Jaina communities.

The Dharmasthala or Manhunatheshwara Temple is an 800-year-old major pilgrimage site which houses a Shiva Linga and hosts a ‘Lakshadeepa’ – a festival of lights that takes place around November/December. The temple is a beautiful example of religious tolerance and it is maintained by Jain people and the rituals being carried on by Hindu Priests.

Another prime attraction here is the Bahubali statue, carved out of a single stone and 39 ft high. Dharmasthala has natural beauty gifted by its location, and the same is ornamented by the abundant and widespread scents of culture and spirituality in its air. Ancient archaeological artifacts like manuscripts, are stored in Manjusha Museum and are visual treat.

800 years ago, Dharmasthala was known as Kudum which was a village in South Kanara at that time. Here a Jain Chieftain named Birmanna Pergade live with his wife Ammu Ballalthi in a house named Nelliadi Beedu who were known for their generosity and hospitality. The legend has it that the guardian angels of Dharma in came down to earth in human form in search of a place where Dharma is practised and can be propagated. Impressed by their warm welcome, they told Pergade about themselves and asked him to vacate the house. Pergade and his wife moved to another home and began worshipping the Daivas. After some time, Dharma Daivas again appeared before Pergade and asked him to build four shrines dedicated to the four Daivas – Kalarkai, Kalarahu, Kumaraswami and Kanyakumari. In return, he was promised an abundance of charity and family welfare. A Brahmin priest was invited to perform the rituals who requested Pergade to install a Shiva Linga, subsequently around which the Shree Manjunath Swami temple is built.

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Horanadu
Known for the revered Annapoorneeshwari Temple, Horanadu is a holy town located in Malnad. Carpeted with green paddy fields and accompanied by a hilly backdrop, this region lies at an altitude of 2726 feet and is also famous for its extensive collection of dry fruits, cashew nuts and almonds along with tea, coffee and spice markets. According to legends, this temple was established in the 8th century by Maharishi Agasthya. Dedicated to Devi Durga, the nnine-day festival of Navratri is celebrated with fervour at the Annapoorna Temple. Also make sure you visit the Kaleseeshwara temple to payyour respects to another aspect of Lord Shiva.

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Talakadu
Known as the Kashi of the South, Talakadu nestles on the banks of the River Kaveri and is a mystical place steeped with a rich past and cultural heritage. It is famous for the Vaidyanatheshwara Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. The place derives its name from two local chieftains Tala and Kada and so is called Talakadu. There are a number of temples that are buried under the sand and are excavated once in every 12 years for special worship called ‘Panchalinga Darshana’. The Panchalinga Darshana includes five major temples namely Vaidyeshwara temple, Arkeshwara temple, Vasukishwara or Pataleshwara temple Saikateshwara or Maraleshwara temple and Mallikarjuna temple. It is said that the Pataleshwara Shivalinga change colours according to the time of the day- red in the morning, black in the afternoon and white in the evening.

Talakadu was once renowned for its more than 30 beautiful temples which were buried under the sand in the 16th century. According to the text, the burial was caused by natural disaster during the rule of Wodeyars. However, according to local folklore and myths, the town was buried under sand owing to a curse given by the queen of the region, Alamelu who drowned herself along with her jewels when the king of Mysore attacked her for her jewels.

Another legend dictates that an ascetic by the name of Somadatta was killed by elephants as he was on his way to Siddharanya Kshetra Talakadu to worship Shiva. It is believed that his disciples reincarnated themselves as elephants and went on to worship Lord Shiva at a tree in Talakadu. Two hunters Tala and Kadass truck the holy tree only to find blood gushing out of its body. Upon the instructions of a heavenly voice, the two of them dressed the wounds of the tree after which the tree healed, and Tala and Kada were granted immortality. Since Shiva is believed to have cured himself through this incident, he is referred to as Vaidyeshwara. The Panchalingas here is all associated with this legend.

The town has been a witness to the rise and falls of several great kingdoms including Cholas, Pallavas, Gangas, Vijayanagar and Hoysalas. Talakadu finds its very first mention in relation to the Ganga line of kings. The city of Talakadu, once known to house five famous Shiva temples, was the seat of power of Gangas and the Cholas. The beginning of the 11th century saw the overthrowing of the Gangas by the Cholas after which Talakadu was renamed as Rajarajapura. It was later captured by King Vishnuvardhana who established Hoysala dominance over the land for quite a few centuries. Under the rule of Vishnuvardhana, the Talakadu comprised of seven towns and five mathas. The Hoysalas were in charge of the town until the 14th century after which the town changed many hands such as the king of Vijayanagara and Wodeyars of Mysore.

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Belur
Nestled on the banks of River Yagachi in the Hassan district, the town of Belur along with its twin town of Halebid located 16 km away, houses exquisite temples reflecting the exemplary artistic taste and technique of builders of the yore. This small town was the capital of the mighty Hoysala empire and their engineering genius can still be witnessed in the structures that stand here today. Some of the important shrines that are housed here include Chennakesava Temple and Kappe Chennigaray, both of which are exemplary Dravidian pieces of architecture. Non-Hindus are allowed in the temples of Belur.

Known as the ‘Jewels of the Indian Cultural Heritage’ Belur and Halebid are adorned with the legacy of rich past and culture. Belur is mainly known for its prime attraction, the Chennakesava Temple dedicated to Chennakesava or Lord Vishnu. Legend has it that it took 103 years to complete the construction of this magnificent edifice. Standing right next to it is another temple Kappe Chennigaraya, a temple built by the wife of Hoysala king Vishnuvardhana, Shantaladevi. Apart from these, there are two other temples in the complex. Both temples exhibit the intricate detail work on the walls made up of light green soapstone. Visit this destination for a glorious look into the Hoysala engineering genius. The temple is open from 7:30 am to 5:30 pm, but the inner sanctum of the main deity remains closed between 10 to 11 am, 1 to 3 pm and then again 5 to 5:30 pm. While entrance is free, government approved guides cost between INR 125 to INR 250.

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Shravanbelagola
An important Jain pilgrimage centre, Shravanbelagola main attraction is the 57-m tall monolithic sculpture of Lord Gomateswara called the Bahubali statue. Located 144 km from Bengaluru in the Hassan district, this collection of Jain Temples in Shravanbelagola attracts a number of pilgrims every year. Wedged between Chandigiri and Vindyagiri hills on the side of the tank of town called ‘Belagola’. ‘Bela’ means white and ‘kola’ means the pond in Kannada. It takes a full day to visit all the monuments. For those who find it difficult to climb the hill, Dolis or Palanquin are available of INR 800 to and fro. Every 12 years, the Mahamasthabhisheka of Lord Bahubali is performed as a part of Jain culture and this a very auspicious event. The last festival happened in 2018 and it was 88th festival with the next festival scheduled to happen in 2030. The first Mahamasthabisheka was in 981 AD.

Two hills, Chandragiri and Vindhyagiri are considered to be the places where Acharya Bhadrabahu, the spiritual teacher of Chandragupta Maurya and Chandragupta, meditated. The Chandragupta Basadi, dedicated to Chandragupta Maurya, on the Chandragiri hills, was built by Ashoka, in the 3rd century BC. Chandragiri also houses many memorials of the Sravkas or monks who are said to have meditated since 5th century AD.

The 58-feet tall monolithic statue of Gomateshwara, the world’s largest monolithic statue, on the Vindhyagiri Hills, is a revered figure among the Jains. Gomateshwara, or Bhagwan Bahubali as the Jains refer it, was the first Tirthankara of Jainism. Legends say that he meditated motionless, for a year, in the standing posture and during this time, plans grew around his legs. After devoting one whole year to meditation, it is said that he attained omniscience. The statue was built by Chanvundaraya, a minister of the Ganga Dynasty in 981 AD. The Mahamastakabhisheka refers to the anointment of the Jain statues across the country and is carried out on a large scale in Shravanabelagola. Held once every 12 years, the Mahamastakabhisheka is a huge part of Jain culture and heritage. The event that takes place for weeks witnesses the veneration of the Siddha Bahubali; purified water and sandalwood paste are poured on the statue after which sanctified holy water is sprinkled on the participants by devotees who carry 1,008 specially prepared vessels or kalashas. The statue is then bathed in milk, sugarcane juice, saffron paste, and sprinkled with sandalwood, turmeric and vermilion. Offerings to the deity are made in gold, silver and other precious stones. The finale ceremony witnesses a huge shower of flowers from a helicopter.

There are numerous basadis in and around Sharavanabelagola, each dedicated to different Tirthankaras of the Jain culture. The Akkana Basadi built in the year 1181 AD, is dedicated to the 23rd Tirthankara, Parshwanath as the main deity. The Chandragupta Basadi, one of the smaller basadis, was established during the 9th century. While the middle chamber is dedicated to Parshwanath, the one to the right is dedicated to Padmavathi and the left one, to Kushmandini in the seated position. The Shanthinatha Basadi is dedicated to the 16th Tirthankara, Shantinatha, and was built by Ganga Raja, a commander during the Hoysala king, Vishnuvardhana in the year 1200 AD and is located in Jainanathapura, near Shravabelagola. The Suparshwanatha Basadi is dedicated to the 7th Thirtankar, Suparshwantha and a seven-headed snake is carved over his statue. The Chavundaraya Basadi is dedicated to Neminatha, the 22nd Tirthankara and dates back to 982. The Chandraprabha Basadi’s main deity is the 8th Tirthankara, Chandraprabha and it also depicts images of Shyama, Jwalamalini, the Yakshini of Chandraprabha, Yaksha and Yakshi who are Hindu and Jain mythical figures. Built in the 800 AD, it is constructed by the Ganga King, Shivamara II and is considered to be one of the oldest temples on the hill. The Kattale Basadi is the biggest of all the basadis on the hill and is located to the left of the Parshwanatha Basadi and is dedicated to the first Tirthankara, Rishabhanatha. Parshwanatha Basadi which was built by Puttaiya, a Jain merchant, between 1672 to 1704, depicts the tallest image of Parshwanatha, which is 18 feet in height. It is located on the Chandragiri Hill and has a manasthamba or pillar which is carved on all four sides with Padmavathi on the south, Yaksha on the east, Kushmandini on the north and a galloping horseman on the west.

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Gokarna
With its pristine beaches and breathtaking landscapes, Gokarna is a coatal pilgrimage town on the coast of Karwar. Meaning cow’s ear in Sanskrit, Gokarna is said to be place where Lord Shiva emerged from the ear of a cow. It is at the ear-shaped union of two rivers Gangavali and Aghanashini. In the Shrimada Bhagavata Purana, Gokarna is mentioned as being the home of the brothers Gokarna and Dhundhakari. As per another legend, Ravana was given Atmalinga, a very powerful weapon by Lord Shiva and instructed him that it would stay permanently where it was placed first on land. While Ravana was performing a ritual, Lord Ganesha came disguised as a little boy and placed it in Gokarna. Ravana discovered that he had been deceived by the Gods to keep Ravana from getting a weapon as intense as the Atmalinga. Ravana tried to remove it, bringing about tossing the covers of the Linga to Surathkal, Dhareshwar, Gunavanteshwar, Murudeshwar and Shejjeshwar temples. Gokarna is known as one of the seven important Hindu pilgrimage centres.

Brimming with the rich history and culture Gokarna houses a number of temples dedicated to Lord Shiva and its beaches like Kudle Beach, Half-moon Beach and Paradise beach are famous. While these beaches are famous amongst the tourists, the main Gokarna Beach is only preferred by the pilgrims. According to religious customs, pilgrims must take a dip in the waters of Gokarna Beach before entering the Mahabaleshwara Temple.

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Murudeshwar
Murudeshwar is home to the second tallest statue of Lord Shiva in the world at 123 ft. Named after Lord Shiva, this town, with the shimmering Arabian Sea on three sides and the magnificent Western Ghats imposing their presence on this town. Murudeshwar temple and the fort are also the most visited spots, captivating one with their rustic charm and beauty. The Netrani Island nearby is a favourite spot for tourists as it offers excellent snorkelling and scuba diving opportunities. The Murudeshwar beach, however, has become a little overcrowded and dirty due to human intervention and could be avoided.

Dating back to Ramayana, Murudeshwara occupies a tremendous symbolic reference to the Hindu God, Lord Shiva and the ruler of Lanka, Ravana. Atma-Linga or the soul of Lord Shiva is believed to bless an individual with the power of invincibility and immortality. With the greedy idea of achieving the potential of invincibility and immortality, Ravana prayed fervently to Lord Shiva, and Lord Shiva grants him the Atma-Linga with the condition that it shouldn’t touch the ground. Later, Lord Ganesha disguises himself as a brahmin to misguide Ravana in placing the Atma-Linga as the Gods believe that this could create chaos on Earth. Finally, Lord Ganesha succeeds in his act which kindles the temper of Ravana. In the process of uprooting, parts of the Atma-Linga lands to five different spots developing a chain of temples or Panch-kshetras devoted to Lord Shiva. The Aghora or Mridesha, the covering cloth of the Atma-Linga landed on the top of Kanduka hill. This led to naming the place as Mrideshwara, which is presently known as Murudeshwara.

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Koodli
The Varanasi of South, Koodli, is amongst the holiest places of southern India and the site of the confluence of two holy rivers Tunga & Bhadra. Located at a distance of 16 km from Shimoga, Koodli has been an important place of worship, meditation and peace from ancient times. The small village is home to some really important and old temples whose origin goes back to the beginning of the last millennium. The place is known as the ‘Varanasi of South’ due to the presence of temples like Rameshvara, Narasimha, Brahmeshvara, and Rushyashrama. It is also home two great philosophical schools of Hindu philosophy in the form Shankaracharya Mutt and Koodli Arya Akshobhya Teertha Mutt. The best time to visit the village of Koodli is from October till May as the temperatures during the period hover around the pleasant range of 20 to 30 degree celsius.

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Srirangapatna
Srirangapatna is a small island town in the Cauvery river and located 18 kms from Mysore. The town is an architectural masterpiece of the Hoysala and Vijayanagar styles as is evident in its monuments. One of the most important Vaishnavite centres of pilgrimage, the Ranganathaswamy temple, is the major attraction of the town which draws thousands of tourists every year. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is one of the largest of its kind. It is one of the five important pilgrimage sites of Sri Vaishnavism along the river Kaveri for devotees of Ranganatha. These five sacred sites are together known as Pancharanga Kshetrams in southern India and since Srirangapatna is the first temple starting from upstream, the deity is known as Adi Ranga or “the first Ranga”.

The temple is one of considerable antiquity. An inscription at the temple reveals it was first consecrated in 984 A.D. by a local chief called Tirumalaiah, a vassal of the Western Ganga dynasty. In the early 12th century, Hoysala King Vishnuvardhana granted the village of Srirangapatna to the Vaishnava saint Ramanujacharya as an agraharam or a place of learning. The temple is protected by the Archaeological Survey of India as a monument of national importance.

Once the capital of Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan, Srirangapatna is home to multiple sites of historical relevance. The monuments on the island town have been nominated as a UNESCO world heritage site. This town is also notorious for being the site of the Fourth Anglo-Mysore War, which consolidated the British Empire in India and is home to the Ranaganthittu Bird Sanctuary, which houses some of the exquisite bird species.

Srirangapatna was founded in the 9th century by the Ganga dynasty, but became famous during the Vijaynagar Empire when the rulers used it as a seat to oversee the neighbouring kingdoms. Later, when the Wodeyar kings rose to power, it became the capital of Mysore state from 1610. When Hyder Ali defeated the Wodeyar kings and claimed the throne, it continued to remain the capital under Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan. In the Battle of Srirangapatna in 1799, Tipu Sultan was killed inside the fort and that place is marked as a memorial.

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Pattadakal
A treasure trove of Hindu and Jain temples, Pattadakal is part of the Aihole-Badami-Pattadakal complex that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it is the best representation of Chalukyan Architecture. Resting on the banks of River Malaprabha, it boasts of a rich legacy that dates back to the 4th century. Excavations have revealed that the region was originally called Raktapura and was under the control of the Badami Chalukyas.

Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the Hindu temples at Pattadakal are an effortless blend of North and South Indian architecture. Built-in the 9th century by the Rashtrakuta Dynasty, the Jain Temple is the newest addition of this region. Built by Queen Lokamahadevi, wife of Vikramaditya II, Virupaksha Temple is one of the finest examples of South Indian architecture. The various temples that one must visit are Jain temple, Papanatha temple, Galaganath temple, and Sangameshwara temple. The classical dance festival held in January sheds light into the authentic culture and traditions of Pattadakal.

Art historians hold this site in importance because it depicts Hindu and Jain social, political, and religious practices in 8th century Deccan India. The name Pattadakal means place of coronation and this place was used by the Chalukya kings for the very same purpose. It was considered particularly sacred because this is where river Malprabha turned North towards the Kailasha mountain in the Himalayas. This ancient site has been witness to rule and regimen of various kings and dynasties, including the Sangama dynasty and the Mughal empire. All ten temples carry with them, unique stories of their own.

The Virupaksha temple is the grandest and most sophisticated. Built in the year 745 by Queen Lokamahadevi to immortalize her husband’s victory over the Southern Kings, it even served as the inspiration behind Kailasha temple at Ellora Caves. The Mallikarjuna temple commemorates the victory of Chalukya kings over the Pallavas. The Galaganatha temple depicts an eight-handed Lord Shiva, killing the demon Andhaka and wearing a Yajnopavita made entirely of skulls. The Jambulingeshwara, Chandrashekhara, Kadasiddheshwara, and Kashi Vishwanatha temples are small structures, all dedicated to different forms of Lord Shiva and his family. The Papanatha temple lies half a kilometre away from the cluster of other eight Hindu temples. It’s the only structure with an amalgamation of both Dravidian and Nagara styles of construction. The Sangameshwara temple is the oldest temple here but remains incomplete despite being built in several phases. The Jain Narayana temple is almost similar in structure to the nine Hindu temples. The only difference is that instead of carvings and idols of Hindu deities, it houses an idol of a Jina who is a soul who conquers all passions and overcomes all imperfections.

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Aihole
Home to over 125 beautiful Chalukyan temples and monuments, Aihole is a historical site which is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is surrounded by marvellous sandstone hills and villages on the banks of the Malaprabha River. It was formerly the capital of the Chalukya Dynasty with over 100 Hindu and Jain temples dating back to around 6th to 12th century. Today, Aihole is a prominent centre for temple architecture and intricate stonework.

Aihole, known initially as Ayyavole or Aryapura, played a significant role in Hindu mythology. Besides Hindu and Jain Temples, Aihole boasts of a rock-cut Buddhist monument and a monastery dedicated to Lord Buddha. The towns of Pattadakkal and Badami are located nearby and together, they form a vast circuit to experience the marvel and grandeur of Chalukyan architecture. A few important monuments in Aihole include the Durga Temple, Lad Khan Temple, Ravanaphadi Cave Temples, Huchimalli Temple, Meganagudi group, Gowda Temple and the Huchappayyagudi Temple amongst numerous others.

There’s an interesting story about how the town got the name. Legend has it that Lord Parashurama, after avenging the death of his father, Sage Jamadagni came to the river Malaprabha to wash his battle axe and bloodstained hands. While doing so, the blood turned the colour of the river water to red. Seeing this horrifying sight, a woman screamed ‘Ayyo Hole!’ in Kannada, which translates to ‘Oh no! Blood!’. Thus, this town got the name Aihole. However, this place is also called ‘Ayyavole’ and ‘Aryapura’. Aihole has great significance to the Ramayana in the Rishi Gautama and the Ahilya part in the epic. In the town, there exists an axe-shaped rock with a foot imprint on it. These prints are said to have belonged to Parashurama.

Aihole is considered as ‘The cradle of Hindu rock architecture’ as legend has it that more than 125 temples were built during Badami Chalukyas rule, between the 5th and 8th centuries. These temples represent different architectural styles like that of Dravidian, Phamsana, Gajaprastha and Nagara. The exquisite sculpture from this period has a classical quality. Richly carved ceilings, intricate rock-cut pillars, isolated figures and flat roofs, are some of the standard features of the temples. The grandeur of the Chalukyan architecture is beyond excellence.

The Chalukya Utsava is a 3-day festival held in early February every year. In addition to cultural activities, this festival also houses several competitions and adventure activities. One of the main attractions of this grand event is the helicopter ride, priced at INR 1,000 per person and hot air balloon ride at INR 2,000 per person, for an aerial view of the ancient city.

During the Pattadakal Dance Festival which takes place on 01 January each year, the
temple car or chariot is pulled from the temple gate to another sculpture called Padhkatte. Devotees from various places come to be a part of this event which is marked by religious as well as cultural celebrations, including prayers, dance and songs.

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Kalasa
Kalasa in Kudremukh is a temple town home to Sri Kalaseshwara Temple which is dedicated to Lord Shiva and lies on the banks of the Bhadra river. Kalasa is also renowned for a shrine of Goddess Bhagavathi and a Varaha within a cave.

The locals state the reason behind the origin of Kalasa to be a part of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati’s marriage. During their wedding, there was a shift in the rotation of the earth. To maintain the balance, Lord Shiva asked Sage Agasthya to travel to the Southern part. He wasn’t willing as he wanted to attend the marriage. As a solution, Lord Shiva promised him the view of his marriage simultaneously with his stay at Kalasa. He granted an Arcadian vision to the sage which made him possible to witness the holy ritual. Sage Agasthya then travelled towards the South and dwelled in Kalasa from where he watched the wedding of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Local legends state that a pilgrimage to Kalasa brings great religious merit or punya. Kalasa in Sanskrit means Kalsha, or a pot holding water. According to Hindu temple architecture, every temple should have a round pinnacle placed at the top. This round pinnacle is known as Kalsha. Also, geographically Kalasa is surrounded by River Bhadra from 3 sides and the Duggappana Katte hill at the South. When viewed from above it resembles the pot full of water giving it the name Kalasa.

The Kalaseshwara Temple is situated on a hillock near the Bhadra River built in the Hoysala sculpture style. The temple dome resembles a pot or utensil when viewed from a distance. The Girijamba Temple is dedicated to Girija and the main festival celebrated at this temple two days after Diwali is in honour of the marriage between Lord Shiva and Goddess Girija. The Venkataramana Temple was established in the 15th century and is dedicated to Sri Venkataramana.

So with this we come to the end of a lovely semi series visiting Karnataka. I hope you enjoyed reading about everything this state has as much I as enjoyed researching and writing it. This state has a special place in my life and I have always thought of Bangalore as my second home.