Tourist Destinations, Historical & Archaeological Sites and Religious Places including UNESCO World Heritage Sites & Must Visit Sites in India (State Wise & District Wise arranged Information)

Tag: Pattadakal

  • Tourist destinations and Pilgrimage sites in Karnataka state of India

    Karnataka is one of India’s most diverse states, known for information technology, heritage monuments, wildlife, beaches, coffee plantations, and ancient temples. Its capital is Bengaluru, popularly called the “Silicon Valley of India.” The state has major airports at Kempegowda International Airport, Mangaluru International Airport, Hubballi Airport and Belagavi Airport. Karnataka is famous for UNESCO World Heritage sites, Western Ghats biodiversity, pilgrimage centers, and royal heritage. Major rivers include the Krishna, Cauvery, Tungabhadra, and Sharavathi.

    District-Wise Tourist destinations and Pilgrimage sites in Karnataka:

    Bengaluru Urban District’s Attractions:

    This urban district is the capital of Karnataka state is IT hub and known for technology parks, gardens, educational institutions and modern infrastructure. (HQ:Bengaluru). Key attractions:

    • Bangalore Palace: Center of attraction for tourists in Banglaore city, built in the year 1878.
    • Tipu Sultan’s Summer Palace: Located in Bangalore was residence of Musore ruler Tipu Sultan is an Indo-Islamic architecture.
    • Government Museum: Located in Bangalore having amazing collection of archaeological items.
    • HAL Heritage Center and Aerospace Museum: Located in Bangalore having collection aircraft models.
    • Visvesvaraya Industrial & Technological Museum: Located in Bangalore related to science and technology.
    • ISKCON Temple: A prominent Krishna temple complex in Bangalore city.
    • St. Mary’s Basilica: Oldest church in Bangalore is famous for its solemn service and the beautiful decorations.
    • Infant Jesus Church: Dedicated to Infant Jesus and located at Bangalore, claimed that many miracles have happened here.
    • Sacred Heart Church: Located in Banglore, its Christmas Carol is very popular.
    •  Holy Trinity Church: A must visit Church in Banglore at MG road, built in 1851 in English Renaissance style of architecture.
    • Lalbagh Botanical Garden: A large and historic botanical garden near Bengaluru city.
    • Cubbon Park:  A massive green space in Bangalore city, housing an aquarium, museums and toy train.

    Bengaluru Rural District’s Attractions:

    Surrounds the capital city, known for lakes, vineyards and rural tourism. (HQ: Bengaluru). Key Attractions:

    • Nandi Hills: A scenic hill station, housing ancient temples and sunrise point, near Chikkaballapur town.
    • Devanahalli Fort: A preserved fort and birthplace of Tipu Sultan.
    • Other Attractions: Ghati Subramanya Temple, Shivanasamudra Falls (near Bangalore), Bannerghatta National Park.

    Mysuru District’s Attractions:

    Known as the cultural capital of Karnataka, famous for its palaces, Dasara celebrations, silk and sandalwood. (HQ:Mysuru). Key Attractions:

    • Mysore Palace:  A grand royal palace, also known as Amba Vilas palace, located in Mysore city belongs to wadiyar dynasty of Mysore Empire.
    • Folklore Museum: Located in the University of Mysore and having the collection of art & craft from all over Karnataka.
    • Jayachamarajendera Art Gallery: Located in Mysore as part of Jaganmohan Place.
    • Railway Museum: Located in Mysore illustrating the development of railway in India.
    • Chennakesava Temple: A 12th century temple dedicated to Lord Chennakeshava, a form of Lord Vishnu, at Somanathapura town.
    • Namdroling Monastery:  A monastery also called Golden temple is located in Bylakuppe town at 34 kms from Coorg) 
    • St. Philomena’s Church: Beautiful & large church in the Neo-Gothic architectural style located in Mysore is a must visit destination.
    • Antony’s Shrine: Located in Mysore known for miraculous powers.
    • St. Bartholomew’s Church: Oldest church in Mysore.
    • Infant Jesus Cathedral: A church of Syro-Malabar Community located in Mysore.
    • CSI Wesley Cathedral: Built by Wesleyan Missionaries Society & located in Mysore.
    • Manchanabele Backwater: A reservoir of Manchanabele Dam located at about 45 kms from Bangalore city and about 22 kms from Mysore city is a famous picnic spot.
    • Mysore Zoo: One of oldest and best maintained zoo.
    • Chamundi Hill: Known for sacred temple of Goddess Chamundeshwari and panoramic views.
    • Brindavan Gardens: Beautiful terraced Garden known for musical fountains, located near Krishna Raja Sagara Dam.

    Hassan District’s Attractions:

    Known for Hoysala architecture and coffee-growing regions. (HQ:Hassan). Key Attractions:

    • Manjarabad Fort: A large star shaped hilltop fort, constructed by Tipu Sultan is a heritage site at about 5 kms from Sakaleshpur hill station.
    • Chennakeshava Temple: 12th century beautiful temple located at Belur at 38 kms from Hassan.
    • Halebidu Town: This ancient town located at 16 kms from Belur town was the capital of Hoysala Empire and famous for ancient temples, key attractions:
      • Hoysaleswara Temple: 12th century beautiful temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.
      • Shantaleswara Temple: Another ancient temple located in the complex of Hoysaleswara temple.
      • Jain Basadi Complex: A historical Jain Shrine featuring beautiful jain temples at short distance in Halebidu town.
    • Shravanabelagola: Shravanbelagola is a hill station town and Jain pilgrimage site of twin sacred hills i.e, Vindhyagiri and Chandgiri. This town offers spiritual history, ancient rock inscriptions and panoramic views, key attractions are:
      • Gommateshwara Statue:  A huge statue of Lord Bahubli built in 983 BC on Vindyagiri Hill also called Gomateshwara Temple or Bahubali Temple where Mahamastakabhisheka festival is celebrated once in twelve years.
      • Jain monuments: 106 Jain monuments, out of which 92 are located on Chandragiri Hill named after King Chandragupta Maurya as he visited this hill with his teacher in 300BC.
    • Other Attractions: Hasanamba Temple (Hassan), Shettihalli Rosary Church, Bisle Reserve Forest, Gorur Dam.

    Kodagu (Coorg) District’s Attractions:

    Famous for coffee estates, forests, waterfalls, and pleasant climate. (HQ:Madikeri). Key attractions:

    • Madikeri Town: This hill station town in Western Ghats is district headquarters of Kodagu district, key attractions:
      • Madikeri Fort: A historic fort housing a museum.
      • Raja’s Seat: A well-known viewpoint from where Kodagu’s King watched sunsets.
      • Omkareshwar Temple: A beautiful domed Shiva Temple.
    • Abbey or Jessy Falls: Located at 6 Kms from Madikeri town.
    • Kumara Parvatha Hill station: Also called Pushpagiri trek, located in Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary is a challenging peak of Westran Ghats.The Kukke Subramanyana Route and Beedahalli/Somwarpet Route are its main trekking routes.
    • Namdrolling Monastery (Golden Temple): A major spiritual site in Bylakuppe, one of largest Tibetan settlements in India.
    • Talakaveri: This site, birthplace of Kaveri River is a sacred pilgrimage site in Brahmgiri hills.
    • Dubare Elephant Camp:  Elephant interaction center on the banks of Kavery River.
    • Other Attractions: Coorg Plantations, Nagarhole or Rajiv Gandhi National Park, Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary, Talakaveri wildlife sanctuary.

    Dakshina Kannada District’s Attractions:

    Coastal district known for ports, beaches, temples, and education. [HQ:Mangaluru(Manglore)]. Key Attractions:

    • Sri Kadri Manjunatha Temple:  A hilltop temple at 4 Kms from Mangalore railway station and dedicated to Lord Manjunathaswamy, built in 10th or 11th century & Buddhism had been practiced here till 10th century.
    • Gokarnanatheshwara Temple: This temple is also called Kudroli Temple, located in Manglore is famous for Navratri celibration.
    • Masjid Zeenath Baksh: Built by Arab Muslim traders during 644 AD in Mangaluru city, which portrays the life stories of Prophet Mohamed.
    • Milagres Church or the Church of Our Lady of Miracles: A beautiful church buit in 1680 in Manglore.
    • Panambur Beach: Located about 13 km from Mangalore city, it is wholly owned by a private enterprise and is one of the safest and well-maintained beaches.
    • Tannirbhavi breach: Another popular beach located in Manglore city.
    • Surathkal beach: Located about 13 km from Mangalore city, a charming lighthouse is in addition to its beauty.
    • Ullal Beach: A prime tourist attraction having facilities of water activities, Located in Ullal town at about 12 Kms from Mangalore city.
    • Someshwara Breach: This beach located in Someshwara village near Manglore city also houses the famous Someshwara Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and ‘Ottinene Hill’ is also adjacent to it.
    • Kukke Subramanya Temple: This pilgrim center said to be 5000 years old is located in Subramanya village, here Subramanya is worshiped as lord of all serpents.
    • Chandranatha Temple: Dedicated to the 8th Tirthankara, Chandraprabha located at Moodbidri town. 

    Udupi District’s Attractions:

    Known for Krishna Temple, beaches, and cuisine. (HQ:Udupi). Key Attractions: Key Attractions:

    • Manipal Museum of Anatomy and Pathology: Having large collection of specimens & samples related to anotmy, located in Manipal.
    • Udupi Shri Krishna Temple: Most revered temple dedicated to Lord Krishna located in Udupi city.
    • Chaturmukha Basadi Jain temple:  A 16th century Jain temple in Karkala town.
    • Malpe Beach: A beautiful beach at 6 Kms from Udupi city situated on the delta of Udyavara River.
    • Kodi Beach: Located on the delta of Suvarna River in Kodi Bengre village at about 18km from  Udupi city & Manipal University and is surrounded by water on three sides.
    • Trasi Maravanthe beach: Located in Maravanthe village.
    • Kaup Beach: Located between Mangalore and Udupi cities from where panoramic view of the sea can be experienced from the top of lighthouse.
    • Maravanthe Beach: A very beautiful beach at 12 Kms from Kundapur city.
    • Ottinene Beach: Scenic beach & backwater located at about 40 kms north to Kundapur coastal town.
    • Uppinakudru: A small, beautiful island village also known as Salt Island near Kundapura town, once served as the center of salt trading, also houses many famous temples and Mutts.
    • Padubidri Beach: Having water sports activities, located in a small town named Padubidri where Dakkebali ritual held once in two years.
    • St. Mary’s Island:  A cluster of four unique basalt rock formations in Arbian Sea at 6 kms from coastline at 15 kms from Udupi city.
    • Arasina Makki or Arisina Guni Falls: Within Mookambika Wildlife Sanctuary at Kodachadri Hills near Kollar town.
    • Someshwara Wildlife Sanctuary: Located in Udupi & Shivamogga districts.

    Shivamogga District’s Attractions:

    Gateway to the Western Ghats, known for forests and waterfalls. (HQ:Shivamogga). Key Attractions:

    • Kavaledurga Fort: A hidden gem in Western Ghats.
    • Nagara Fort: Historic importance fort, located in Nagara village.
    • Honnemaradu: Back waters of Sharavathi river at about 30 Kms from Sagara town, famous for ‘Golden Lake’ in Sahyadri Mountain range.
    • Sigandur: A village bordered by the backwaters of Linganamakki Dam and famous for Choudeshwari Temple.
    • Sharavathi Backwaters: A must visit wonderful picnic spot on Sharavathi river on Linganamakki Dam.
    • Kundadri Temple: Dedicated to the 23rd Tirthankara, Parshvanatha located on Kundadri is famous Jain monument believed to be about 2000 years old.
    • Sri Humcha Padmavati Temple: Dedicated to Ma Padmavati, the protective Goddess of the twenty-third Jain Tirthankara, located in Humcha village.
    • Jog Falls:  One of India’s highest waterfalls at about 14 kms from Talaguppa town.
    • Sigandur Chowdeshwari Temple: Popular pilgrimage site in Sigandur village.
    • Other Attractions: Agumbe hill station, Narasimha Parvata hill station (in Agumbe), Kudlu Theertha waterfalls (near Agumbe), Kodachadri hill station, Kanoor trek, Kodachadri hill station(Trekking destination), Sharavathi Valley Wildlife Sanctuary, Someshwara Wildlife Sanctuary.

    Vijayanagara District’s Attractions:

    Historic district containing the ruins of the Vijayanagara Empire. (HQ:Hosapete) Key Attractions:

    • Hampi:  Ancient village near Hosapete city is a UNESCO Word Heritage Site and group of monuments. This jewel of the glorious Hindu Kingdom Vijayanagara is a must visit site, where visiting temples, streets and its bazzars is a wonderful experience of feeling the old past time. Key attraction in Hampi:
      • Virupaksha Temple: Dedicated to Lord Sri Virupaksha, a form of Lord Shiva, is the part of UNESCO Word Heritage Site located in Hampi. 
      • Vitthala Temple: Dedicated to Lord Vishnu is the part of UNESCO Word Heritage Site, is famous for Stone Chariot & Musical Pillars.
      • Matanga Hill: Highest point of Hampi popular for panoramic views of ruins and Sunset & Sunrise.
      • Lotaus Mahal & Elephant Stables: Stunting and well-preserved architecture.
    • Anjanadari Hills: Believed to be birthplace of Lord Hanuman ji, located in Anegundi historical village, believed to be the Kingdom of Kishkinda. Pampa Sarovar is also located in this village.
    • Daroji Sloth Bear Sanctuary: Located near World Heritage site of Hampi.
    • Other Attractions: Sanapur Lake and Tungabhadra Dam.

    Vijayapura District’s Attractions:

    Known for Indo-Islamic architecture and Adil Shahi monuments. (HQ:Vijayapura) Key Attractions:

    • Archeological Museum,Hampi:  Located at Kamalapura village in of this district dedicated to ruins of Hampi & Vijayanagara empires.
    • Jama Masjid:  Also known as Jamiya Masjid or Jumma Masjid is located at Vijayapura (also called Bijapur) is a large mosque initiated in the year 1578 by Adil shah-I after his victory against the Vijayanagara Empire.
    • Gol Gumbaz:  Famous mausoleum of Adil Shah-I with whispering gallery.
    • Ibrahim Rauza:  This Tom and mosque complex belonging to Ibrahim Adil Shah-II is an architectural masterpiece.
    • Gagan Mahal: A royal residence and durbar of Persian-style.
    • Uppali Buruz: An 80 feet tall tower offering panoramic views of city.
    • Shivagiri: An 85 feet tall statue of Lord Shiva.
    • Other Attractions: Bara Kaman (unfinished mausoleum), Malik-e-Maidan, Almatti Dam,Taj Bawdi.

    Ballari District’s Attractions:

    Known for mining, historical forts and proximity to Hampi. (HQ:Ballari) Key Attractions:

    • Bellary Fort: A Historichilltop fort in Ballari city.
    • Kumaraswamy Temple: Ancient Hindu temple complex on Krauncha Giri hill at 10 Kms from Sandur, dedicated to Lord Kartikeya and Goddess Parvati.
    • Gurudwara Guru Nanak Prachar Sabha: Built to commemorate Guru Nanak’s Visit and located in Ballari city.

    Belagavi District’s Attractions:

    Also known as Belgaum and called ‘Sugar Bowl of Karnataka’ is important commercial and industrial district. (HQ:Belagavi) Key Attractions:

    • Belagavi Fort: A Historic fort housing ancient Hindu & Jain temples and mosques.
    • Kapileshwar Temple: Ancient temple called as ‘Dakshina Kashi’ in Belagavi, believed that it is a must visit site to consider 12 Jyotirlingas yatra completed.
    • Kittur Fort:  Located in Kittur town at 30 kms from Dharwad and connected with Rani Chennamma, a brave ruler, is major historical monument.
    • Navilathirtha or Navilthirtha : Backwaters of Malaprabha River near Saudatti town.
    • Other Attractions: Jamboti Hills, Gokak Falls, Suvarna Vidhana Soudha, Bhimgad Wildlife Sanctuary

    Kalaburagi District’s Attractions:

    Historic district known for Bahmani heritage and religious sites. [HQ:Kalaburagi (formerly known as Gulbarga)] Key Attractions:

    • Gulbarg or Kalaburagi Fort: Located in Kalaburagi and initially constructed by Raja Gulchand and later on enlarged in the year 1347 during Bahmani dynasty.
    • Khwaja Bande Nawaz Dargah: Revered Sufi shrine honouring Sufi Saint Hazrat Khawaja Bande Nawaz Gesu Daraz, located in Kalaburagi city.
    • Sharna Basaveshwara Temple: Famous spiritual site dedicated to an 18th century saint and philosopherSharna Basaveshwara, located in Kalaburagi city.
    • Other Attractions: Buddha Vihar, Haft Gumbaz (complex of tombs of Bahmani rulers), Chandrampalli Dam.
    • Malkheda Fort: Ancient fort located in Manyakheta town, also called Manyakheta Fort.

    Bidar District’s Attractions:

    Known for forts, Bahmani monuments and Sikh pilgrimage. (HQ:Bidar) Key Attractions:

    • Bidar fort: Massive medieval fort located in old Bidar city constructed during Bahmani dynasty.
    • Gurudwara Nanak Jhira: This Gurudwara dedicated to 1st Sikh Guru Nanak Dev ji is located in the Bidar city. The Jhira means a spring of water, it is believed that on hearing the trouble of locals during his visit, Guru Nanak Dev ji rolled a stone by his foot and a spring of clean water started flowing here which serves the Bidar till now from about 500 years.
    • Basavakalyana Fort: This fort located at 80 kms from Bidar city, has historic importance and also known as Kalyana fort.
    • Other Attractions: Narasimha Jhira Cave Temple, Papnash Siva Temple (located in a scenic valley), Mahmud Gawan Madrasa, Bahmani Tombs, Chaubara, Karanja Dam, Bidriware Crafting (a local unique handicraft).

    Chitradurga District’s Attractions:

    Known for rocky hills and heroic history of Onake Obavva. (HQ:Chitradurga) Key Attractions:

    • Chitradurga Fort:  One of India’s largest hill forts and a hidden gem in about 1500 acres covering several hills, built by Chalukyas between 11th to 13th century, housing many temples and secret passages.Located in Chitradurga city.
    • Chandravalli: Ancient archaeological site at 3 kms from Chitradurga town in a valley of three hills belonging to Satavahana and Hoysala periods.
    • Vani Vilas Sagar: Historic reservoir also known as Mari Kanive at 20 kms from Hiriyur town.
    • Jogimatti Forest and Wildlife Sanctuary: A scenic hill station housing Zoo & Hidimbeshwar Temple and offering panoramic views at 10 kms from Chitradurga town.

    Chikkamagaluru District’s Attractions:

    Birthplace of coffee cultivation in India and a major hill tourism district. (HQ:Chikkamagaluru) Key Attractions:

    • Chikmagaluru: This city headquarter of district is a picturesque   hill station and birthplace of coffee.
    • Nandi Hills:  An ancient hill station at 10 kms from Chikkaballapur city, featuring ancient temples, a lake and caves.
    • Hebbe Falls: Must visit waterfall at about 2 km trek near Chikmanglur.
    • Vidyashankara Temple:  A 14th century temple dedicated to Guru Vidhyashankara is a wonderful monument located in Sringeri, a hill town.
    • Annapoorneshwari Temple: An exciting temple dedicated to Goddess Annapoorna, surrounded by dense forests and valleys of the Western Ghats, located in Horanadu town.
    • Lakkavalli: This is a scenic town known for reservoir of Bhadra River in Western Ghats.  
    • Kalhatti Falls: About 400 feet falling in front of Veerabhadreshwara Temple at Chandra Drona hills at 82 kms from Chikmanglur.
    • Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary: Located near Bhadravati town is a tiger reserve having facilities of trekking, jeep safari, boat safari, bird watching etc.
    • Kudremukh Hill station: A mountain range of Western Ghats surrounded by Kudremukh National Park and located near Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary.
    • Mullayanagiri:  Highest peak in Karnataka and famous trekking destination at 20 kms from Chikmangluru.
    • Baba Budangiri (Datta Peeta):  Pilgrimage site of Hindus & Muslims both, three large caves and trekking destination at 35 kms from Chikmangluru.
    • Kemmangundi: A scenic hill station remained summer retreat of Mysore Maharajas, offering panoramic views of valley at 55 kms from Chikmangluru.
    • Sringeri Sharada Peetham: A historic Matha founded by Adi Shankaracharya on the bank of Tunga River at 85 kms from Chikmangluru.
    • Other Attractions: Hirekolale Lake, Jhari Falls.

    Uttara Kannada District’s Attractions:

    Known for beaches, forests, islands, and eco-tourism. (HQ:Karwar) Key Attractions:

    • Karwar City: Karwar is scenic coastal town at the confluence of Kali River and Arbian See, key attractions:
      • Devbagh beach: Located in Karwar town where nature lover tourists can enjoy untouched beauty of surrounding mountains of Western Ghats & adventure sports.
      • Tagore Beach: A beach of shining golden sand located on serene coastline of Karwar town, where a famous event called Karavali festival is organized every year in December-January.
      • Majali Beach: A peaceful beach of scenic beauty in Karwar town just few kilometers from South Goa with many resorts to experience a private beach, also a place for bird watching and fishing.
      • Koodi bagh Beach: Located at the delta of Kali River near Karwar town.
      • INS Warship Museum: Located on Tagore beach.
      • Sadashivgad Hill Fort: A historic fort on the mouth of Kali River.
      • Kurumgad Island: At 45 minutes boat from main town featuring Narasima Temple, trekking and dolphin watching.
      • Oyster Rock Lighthouse: Located on Devgad Island offering stunning view of coastline.
      • Local Cuisine: Paradise of seafood lovers.
    • Gokarna Town: A famous pilgrimage and beach destination town, key attractions:
      • Mahabaleshwar Temple: A dravidian architectural style temple of 4th century at Gokarna beach of dedicated to Lord Shiva. 
      • Maha Ganapati Temple: Located near Mahabaleshwar Temple at Gokarna beach.
      • Gokarna Beach: About 10 Kms long beach in Hindu pilgrimage destination town Gokarna.
      • Om beach: Llocated in Hindu pilgrimage destination town Gokarna city is most famous beach with water sports facilities.
      • Kudle Beach: One of many beaches in Hindu pilgrimage destination town  near famous Om breach.
      • Paradise Beach: Another beach in Hindu pilgrimage destination town Gokarna also called ‘Full Moon Beach’.
      • Half Moon Beach: A small beach in Gokarna town adjacent the Om Beach.
    • Baada Beach: A beautiful & clean beach in hills near Kumta town on trek route from Kirki to Gokarna.
    • Yana Rocks: Unique rock formations (Bhairaveshwara Shikhara & Mohini Shikhara) located at 50 Kms from Gokarna city.
    • Mirjan Fort: Located on coastline at 22 kms from Gokrans town.
    • Murudeshwar Temple: A famous temple dedicated to Lord Shiva in Murdeshwar town, Gopuram of temple is 237 feet tall, said to be  tallest in India and this place also have a 123 feet tall idol of Lord Shiva said to be 2nd largest in world. where tourists can enjoy the beauty of mountains of Western Ghats & coconut trees.
    • Bhatkal Beach: Located in Bhatkal town an old town of historical significance near Murudeshwar town famous for its Murudeshwar Temple & other beaches around it.
    • Alvekodi Beach: An immaculate crystal-clear white sand beach in Alvekodi village near Kumta town is an ideal picnic spot.
    • Kasarkod Beach: A famous beach of about 5 Kms length in Kasarkod village near Honavar town.
    • Sri Marikamba Temple: A famous temple dedicated to Goddess Durga located in Sirsi town built in the year 1688.
    • Other Attractions: Jog Falls (near Siddapura), Burude/Dodmane waterfalls (near Kyadgi), Sathodi Falls (near Dandeli also called mini Niagra), Anshi National Park, Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary, Kali Tiger Reserve.

    Bagalkote District’s Attractions:

    Known for ancient monuments and architecture marvels of Chalukya dynasty. (HQ: Bagalkote) Key Attractions:

    • Badami Cave Temples: Scenic complex of four Jain, Hindu and Buddhist rock-cut caves of red sandstone temples overlooking Agasthya Lake.
    • Aihole: A calm village housing more than 125 unique stone temples out of which Durga Temple and Lad Khan Temple are most prominent.
    • Pattadakal: A UNESCO World Heritage Site of 8th century Hindu and Jain Temples including famous Mallikarjuna Temple and Jain Narayana Temple.

    Dharwad District’s Attractions:

    Known for education and music. (HQ: Dharwad) Key Attractions:

    • Nrupatunga Betta: Hillock viewpoint offering panoramic views of twin cities (Hubli and Dharwad)
    • Navagraha Jain Temple: Dedicated to the 23rd Tirthankara, Parshvanatha with smaller sculptures of 8 other Tirthankaras, devotees believe that their worshiping can remove  graha dhoshas of nine planets,Located in Hubli town.
    • Sri Siddaroodha Swamy Math: A spiritual center near Hubli town.
    • Other Attractions: Utsav Rock Garden, Agadi Thoda (Tradition village life), Dharwad Ford. Kelageri Lake, Nuggikeri Hanuman Temple, Someshwara Temple, Chandramouleshwara Temple (near Unkal)
    • Unkal Lake: A scenic more than 100 years old lake in 200 acre in Hubballi (Hubli) town.

    Gadag District’s Attractions:

    Known for historic temples. (HQ: Gadag) Key Attractions:

    • Trikuteshwara Temple: Ancient beautiful temple dedicated to Lord Shiva famous for its three Shiva lingams is a Chalukyan masterpiece, located in Gadag city.
    • Veeranarayana Temple: Ancient Hoysala temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, located in Gadag city.
    • Lakkundi: This village located at 12 kms from Gadag city was a Chalukyan royal residence housing Hindu & Jain temples and historical stepwells.
    • Gajendragad Fort: A massive hilltop fort built by famous Maratha ruler Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj located at 2 kms from Gajendragad and 55 kms from Gadag city.
    • Other Attractions: Dambal (known for ancient unique temple), Magadi Bird Sanctuary, Kappatagudda ( hill range), Vishwaguru Sri Basaveshwara Statue (Located on scenic Bhiishma kere lake in Gadag).

    Raichur District’s Attractions:

    Raichur district situated between Krishna River and Tungabhadra River is known for ancient forts, archaeological sites and religious sites.(HQ: Raichur) Key Attractions:

    • Raichur Fort:  Ancient historical hilltop fort Riachur city, built by Kakatiya Kings featuring ancient inscriptions in Persian, Arabic & Urdu and offering sweeping view of city.
    • Ek Minar Mosque: Built during the Bahmani rule with a Persian polish of architecture is located in Raichur city.
    • Mudgal Fort: A medieval fortress of Bahmani Sultanate era.
    • Maski: An important archeological site of Emperor Ashoka era.
    • Naradagadde & Koormagadde: Mythological islands on Krishana River associated with Sage Narada.
    • Panchmukhi Anjaneya Temple: A pilgrimage site near Manvi featuring naturally formed monolithic rock resembling five-faced form of Lord Hanuman.

    Major Tourism Circuits of Karnataka:

    Heritage Circuit: Hampi – Badami – Aihole – Pattadakal – Vijayapura.

    Hill Station Circuit: Coorg – Chikkamagaluru – Mullayanagiri – Baba Budangiri.

    Coastal Circuit: Mangaluru – Udupi – Murudeshwar – Gokarna – Karwar.

    Pilgrimage Circuit: Udupi – Kukke Subramanya – Sringeri – Dharmasthala – Gokarna.

    Wildlife Circuit: Bandipur – Nagarahole – Bhadra – Dandeli – Kudremukh.

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