Tourist places in Karnataka - India: Shivanasamudra Waterfalls

Tourist places in Karnataka - India: Shivanasamudra Waterfalls

Shivanasamudra Waterfalls

SHIVANASAMUDRA WATERFALLS



Shivanasamudra is a small island town in Mandya district of Karnataka state in India. It is on the banks of River Cauvery(River Kaveri), where the river splits into two streams to form Gaganachukki and Bharachukki waterfalls. They are just 2Km apart.

Shivanasamudra waterfalls is listed among the hundred best water spots in the world. It is most commonly known as Bluff. 140 Km away from Bangalore city, it is one of the most attracting holiday spots for weekend travellers.

You can view the beauty of Gaganchukki falls from the watch tower situated outside the famous Dargah Hazrath Mardane Gaib which is dedicated to the saint Phir Ghaib.

Shivanasamudra is also a famous pilgrim place with Ranganathaswamy, Someshwara and Veerabhadra temples belonging to the Hoysala period.

Shivanasamudra is the town where first hydroelectric power station in Asia was set up in 1902. It is located at the waterfalls and is still functional. The electricity produced was initially transmitted to Kolar Gold Fields(KGF). Thus, KGF became the first town in Asia to get Hydro Electric Power.

How to reach

You can take either of the two routes to reach Shivanasamudra.

1) Bangalore-Maddur-Malavalli-Shivanasamudra
2) Bangalore-Kanakapura-Malavalli-Shivanasamudra

Both routes would take you around 3hrs non-stop drive from Bangalore.

Best time to visit
Monsoon season of July to October

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Siddaganga Mutt

Siddaganga Mutt

Among a few pilgrim places of interest, the famous Siddaganga mutt finds a special place in one’s heart. Established by Sri Gosala Siddeshwara swamiji in 15th century, the mutt is nurturing continuously dedicated shivayogi shivapurushas. Siddaganga mutt is presently headed by centenararian Sri Sri Shivakumara Swamiji. The mutt is at a serene location in Tumkur district of Karnataka.

Siddaganga Mutt educational society was established in 1962. Since then, across Karnataka, the mutt has established various educational institutions and is pioneering the drive in making the state & country becoming developed in field of education. It is providing basic education to around 8000 students with free food along with shelter at its mutt in Tumkur. Also it runs a blind school providing free education along with food and shelter to over 100 blind children. Thus the mutt has shown the way of being philanthropic and has become a model for others to follow.

As the mutt is rendering itself in a selfless novel idea of helping the people, it has been attracting huge number of devotees from all section of society. Every day huge number of devotees visit the mutt seeking the divine blessing from Swamiji and offer their kind help for the development of mutt.

The mutt also organizes farmer’s mela once in a year, thus helping the farmer to showcase their grown produce. The farmer’s also have a chance of discussing their field problems with the scientists and experts during this mela and also learn new techniques in improving their cultivation practices and maximizing their yields.

The Siddaganga mutt has stood up in providing service to varied people of different walks of life. This in itself has become a learning tool in one’s way of life.





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Gopalaswamy Betta

The ancient Gopalaswamy betta temple is situated near Bandipur national reserve forest in Chamarajnagar district of Karnataka. Built by Chola King Ballala around 1315 A.D. the temple sits on a hill (hence the term 'Betta', vernacular name of a hill in kannada) at nearly a height of 1400mt overlooking the Bandipur national forest.

In the sanctum sanctorum inside the temple rests the idol of Lord Krishna(Gopalaswamy) playing the flute and glanked by his two wives, Rukmini and Satyabhama.

The temple is quite an attraction to tourists not only due to the beautiful temple but also throughout the year it is flanked or covered by veil of mints or clouds and appears as if we are on top of clouds making it a cherishable moment in one's life. This picturesque spot of the temple covered by clouds has rendered people also calling it as Himada Gopalaswamy Betta (Gopalaswamy temple at the top of hill covered by ice).

The temple is adjacent to Bandipur national forest. Tourists may have a chance to spot few wild animals like elephant, deer & others on their drive to temple. Being closer to Mysore(approx 60Km) and along the NH connecting Kerala and Ooty, makes it easily reachable through road. Tourists coming to Mysore can plan a one day trip to this monumental temple and enjoy the nature's rich beauty on top of the hill.


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Malai Mahadeshwara Hills - MM Hills

Malai Mahadeshwara Hills

Malai Mahadeshwara Hills popularly known as MM Hills is situated in Kollegal taluk, Chamrajnagar district of Karnataka state in India. It is the ancient and sacred temple of Lord Sri Male Mahadeshwara. Temple is situated on the borders of Tamilnadu and Karnataka and thus attracts lakhs of devotees from both states to the temple.

It is believed that Lord Mahadeshwara is the incarnation of Lord Shiva. He is the family God of Soligas and other hill tribals. It is one of the famous Shaiva pilgrim center.

It is believed that, about 600 years ago saint Mahadeshwara settled in this place. He was moving on a Tiger as his vehicle (Huli vahana in Kannada). He used to perform number of miracles to save the people around.

The hill is about 3000 feet high from sea level and is surrounded by 77 hills in Eastern Ghats. It has a beautiful landscape of hills and valleys covered with thick forests. These forests are famous for sandalwood and bamboo. The forest also has a variety of animals,birds and reptiles inhabited in it. The population of elephants in this area is estimated to about 2500,which includes Bandipur national park also.


There is a Dasoha Bhavana(Free meals building) which serves free meals twice a day for the devotees visiting the temple. Dasoha programme was started in 1987. Devotees who wish to offer service to the God can meet the expenses of one time Dasoha. Also you can offer rice,ragi,corns, vegetables etc, used for Dasoha.


There are number of guest rooms maintained by temple administration.
They can accommodate for about 4000 people at a time.There are no private guest houses available

Some important contact numbers for those wishing to travel to MM Hills.

STD Code : 08225


Temple’s Administrative Office 272123
Temple 272121
Dasoha Bhavana 272108
Guru Bhavan 272129
Salur Mutt 272138/272126
Accommodation

Guru Darshini 272108
Shiva Darshini 272139
Kuteeras Section 272131
Sankamma Nilaya 272124
Mahadeshwara Kalyanamantap, Kollegal 252968


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Nanjangud - Mysore

Nanjangud is the temple town located in Mysore district of Karnataka state in India. It is around 23 kms from Mysore. It is on the banks of river Kapila and Kabini, the tributaries of River Kaveri. Nanjangud is also called as Dakshina Kashi (South Kashi). This place is famous because of the Nanjundeshwara(Lord Shiva) temple.

The main deity in the temple is Lord Nanjundeshwara. Other deities are Goddess Parvathi Lord Vishnu with Sridevi and Bhudevi, Ganesha, Subramanya, Goddess Sharada, Chandikeshwara, Navagraha and Nandi.

In Hindu mythology it is believed that , during Samudra Manthan(Ocean Churn), Shiva drank poison. That is how his name Nanjundeshwara also as Srikanteshwara.
Nanjangud is the place where Lord Nanjundeshwara resides. He is described as one who cures diseases of his devotees.

There are many temples in and around the town.

How to reach :

Daily there are trains running between Mysore to Chamrajnagar which passes through Nanjangud Station.
You can visit "Indian Railways" for bookings.

Also there are frequent KSRTC buses to Nanjangud.

You can stay in Mysore.

Temple Timings: Morning 6am to 1pm and 4pm to 8pm.
Temple will be open from 6am to 8pm on Mondays and festivals.

Festivals:
Maha Shivarathri, Girija Kalyan, Chikka Jathra, Dodda Jathra, Teppothsava and Laksha Deepothsava are the main festivals celebrated along with other festivals.




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Shri Kshetra Dharmasthala

Shri Kshetra Dharmasthala

Shri Dharmasthala Manjunatha Swamy temple is in Belthangadi taluk of Dakshina Kannada district in Karnataka. It is on the banks of Nethravathi river. This is a temple of Lord Shiva and has a golden Linga in it. This temple is different from all others, as it is run by a Jain administritation and poojas are performed by Hindu priests. On an average, around 10,000 people visit the temple every day. Free food is served for all pilgrims. Good accommodation facility is also provided by the temple authority.

Padmabhushan Dr.D Veerendra Heggade, 21st successor of Dharmadhikari peetha, is the head of Dharmasthala.

Dharmasthala is known for its charity works.

Anna Dana (Free Food)
Everyone visiting this pilgrim place is served with food, irrespective of their caste, creed, religion and status. Around 10,000 pilgrims visit the place everyday. Free food is served to the pilgrims. The temple has modern machinery to prepare food and serves quality food throughout the day. The dining hall is known as “Annapoorna”.

Vidya Dana
Shri Dharmasthala Manjunatheswara Education society runs educational institutions from primary school to professional courses in different parts of Karnataka. They have institutions in Dharmasthala, Ujire, Mangalore, Udupi, Dharwad, Hassan, Mysore and other places of Karnataka state

Aushada Dana
Dharmasthala Manjunatheswara Medical Trust takes care of medical services providing services to eradicate and prevent many diseases in local villages. Mobile hospital is run to deal with emergencies.

Abhaya dana
Free mass weddings were started in 1972 and has now gained a great popularity. Saamoohika Vivaha Mahotsava is conducted every year, where hundreds of couple tie their knots. For a limited number of couple’s, expenses of marriage i.e., dress, mangalsutra is borne by the Shri Kshetra.

You can also see the statue of Lord Bahubali (Gommateshwara). It was carved out of a single rock and was installed in 1973.

Donations(Kanike) can also be sent to Shri Manjunatha Swamy temple through cheque, Demand draft(DD) or Money Order(MO) in favour of Sri D. Veerendra Heggade, Dharmadhikari, Dharmasthala - 574 216 on behalf of The Institution At Dharmasthala.

Dharmasthala is located approximately 300Kms from the state capital Bangalore, and about 65 kms from Mangalore. It is well connected by road. Nearest railway station and airport is Mangalore.

You can stay at the following guest houses provided by temple authority.
· Gangothri Guest House (168 Rooms)
· Saketha Guest House (478 Rooms)
· Gayathri Guest House (104 Rooms)
· Srisannidhi Guest House (21 Rooms)
· Netravati Guest House (50 Rooms)
· Sharavathi Guest House (293 Rooms)
· Vaishali Guest House (224 Rooms)

For more details, you can contact temple office:
Shri Kshetra Dharmastala – 574216
Dakshina Kannada, Karnataka State
Phone : 08256 – 277121, 277141
Fax : 08256 – 277116
E-mail: info@shridharmasthala.org




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Shravanabelagola - Gommata Giri

Shravanabelagola also called as Gommata Giri is in Hassan district of Karnataka state in India. It is 157 Km away from the state capital Bangalore.

Shravanabelagola is one of the sacred places of Jains in south India. It is also one of the most visited pilgrim place in Karnataka. The name of this place is derived from Belagola means Biliya-Kola which means white pond in Kannada and Shravana was added to it later after Digamber(naked) monks started using this place. This place is a key center for Jain activities and has the largest number of Digamber temples in the country.

Shravanabelagola is very attractive with 2 hills Indragiri and Chandragiri and a pond in between. Greatest attraction of this place is the statue of Sri Gommateshwara, which is made of only one stone – a monolithic image. It is about 57 feet high. It is the statue of Sri Bahubali swami.

One auspicious occasion of this place is the anointing ceremony of the statue, which comes once in 12 years. It is called Mahamasthakabhisheka. Worship will be offered according to Jain Agama. The priests, under the guidance of Holy swamiji, will pour 1008 pots of sacred water chanting mantras. Also they pour Milk, Curds, Ghee, Sugar, Almonds, kumkum water, turmeric water. This ceremony is arranged for the peace and prosperity of mankind.


From Bangalore, one can take either KSRTC bus or train to reach Hassan city. Shravanabelagola is around 51 kms from Hassan city

Accomodations at Shravanabelagola
VIP Guest House
Shravanabelagola.
Ph: 08176- 257277
Inspection Bungalow
Shravanabelagola.
Ph: 08176- 57258
It is suggested to stay at Hassan as you can find good number of hotels.



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