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This quaint town is a great offbeat getaway for nature-lovers and culture fiends
Longing for a weekend away for some peace and quiet? A trip to the quaint little town of Shravanabelagola is exactly what you need.
While most people prefer to travel to cities and hill stations like Mysuru, Ooty, and Coorg on a vacation, you can explore several offbeat spots in and around Shravanbelagola that will satiate your travel itch.
Shravanabelagola is located near Channarayapatna of Hassan district in Karnataka.
The town is situated 150 km west of the capital city of Bengaluru. It is an important pilgrimage center for the Jain community. When one thinks about Shravanabelagola, the first thing that comes to mind is the 57-foot-tall Gomateshwara statue, also known as Bahubali. The statue is said to have been carved from a single granite block and is a major landmark of the town.
From temples to adventure and heritage sites, the town has something for everybody. The best part? There are no long hours spent commuting and you get to skip the crowd. So here are seven places you must visit in or near Shravanabelagola.
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An ancient temple, Ghati Subramanya is about 3 hours away from Sharvanabelagola. It is believed to be over 600 years old and is one of the major spots in the country for snake worship. There is a snake mound outside the temple where the people offer their prayers and offer milk. The temple is dedicated to Lord Karthikeya and Lord Narasimha. According to mythology, the idols of these deities are believed to have emerged from the earth.
The temple remains open from 6:30 am to 8:30 pm daily. Devotees are welcomed by a huge pyramid-shaped architecture adorned with deities and events of Hindu mythology at its entry gate. It hosts many festivals like Narasimha Jayanti and Brahmorathotsava. It also organizes a cattle fair every December where farmers from the neighboring states participate.
Distance from Sharvanabelagola: 167 km
Vindhyagiri Temple, also known as Odegala Basadi, is situated in Vindhyagiri Hills. The 57-foot-tall statue of Bahubali is also located on these hills. You need to climb exactly 100 steps to reach the temple, dedicated to the Jain Tirthankaras Shantinatha, Neminatha, and Adinatha. Gullakayaji, a reincarnation of Goddess Padmavati is another significant deity here. On your way to the temple, you will notice many small shrines and pictures.
The entrance of the temple is made out of a single rock, which is why it is called Akhandu-bagilu. The figures of Bahubali and Bharata have been carved out. The temple is a great example of a rock-cut architectural style. Be prepared to climb a lot of steps.
Distance from Sharvanabelagola: 1.3 km
Not too far from Sharvanabelagola are the gorgeous Sri Ramadevara Katte Waterfalls, perfect for taking a dip on a hot summer day. There are huge stone boulders on the bank of the waterfall where you can sit with your feet dipped in the cool water. It is surrounded by lush green fields as far as the eyes can see.
You will reach the spot in about an hour from Shravanbelagola. It is quite peaceful with not much crowd. Pack some lunch and beverages and have a perfect picnic with friends and family.
Distance from Sharvanabelagola: 44 km
On the other side of Vindhyagiri is the Chandragiri Hills. There are numerous temples on the hill, which draw a large number of visitors. On your way up the hill, you come across several inscriptions.
The Bhadrabahu Cave is also near. Bhardabahu Swamy was a Jain acharya who was also the spiritual teacher of emperor Chandragupta Maurya. It is believed that acharya and his disciples arrived in Shravanabelagola around 2000 years ago from Ujjain in Madhya Pradesh. The emperor, influenced by him, abdicated his throne in favor of his son and settled in this region. The hill provides a beautiful panoramic view of the town.
Distance from Sharvanabelagola: 2.1 km
Bandipur Forest Reserve, one of India's most beautiful national parks, is located on the banks of river Kabini. It is approximately 3 hours from Shravanabelagola. The national park used to be a private hunting ground for the former royals. The park remains open from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm.
Tigers, endangered Asiatic elephants, sloth bears, four-horned antelopes, jackals, and other animals live in the reserve. It also provides a habitat for over 200 bird species and a variety of plants. The national park offers bus and jeep safaris to explore the forest regions. You can indulge in various activities like trekking, birdwatching, nature walks, star gazing, etc. Also, do pay a visit to the Lantana furniture manufacturing unit. Lantana Camara is an invasive plant that inhibits vegetation growth, and the locals use its wood to make furniture.
Distance from Sharvanabelagola: 160 km
A hill station in the Western Ghats, Sakleshpura is about 80 kilometers from Sharvanabelagola. A pleasant aroma of coffee will welcome you as you enter the town. It is surrounded by several coffee, tea, and spice plantations that are a major source of income for the locals.
On your way to town, you must stop at the 600-year-old Sakleshpura temple, which is located on the banks of river Hemavathi. It is the epitome of fine craftsmanship. The Bisle View Point offers a panoramic view of the region. Do take a moment to relax and take in the fresh air. Sakleshpura is a haven for trekking and adventure enthusiasts. You will get to witness many beautiful waterfalls on these treks.
Distance from Sharvanabelagola: 88 km
The Shettihalli Church is another masterpiece built on the banks of river Hemavathi. This abandoned structure is a classic example of Gothic architecture and is considered to have been built in 1860 by a French missionary named Abbe J A Dubois. You won’t discover this on mainstream routes; a little offroading on an isolated track is required to reach the church.
An interesting fact about the building: during peak monsoon, which is from June to October, it remains submerged in water. So, if you visit during this time, you will only get to see one-third of it. This phenomenon has led the church to be called “Floating Church” or “Submerged Church” over the years.
Distance from Sharvanabelagola: 72 km
The Best Time to Visit Shravanabelagola: From October to March.
Accommodation options:
As Shravanabelagola is a Jain pilgrimage centre, you can choose to stay in the dharamshalas or the guest houses that are run by the temple management. These places are subject to availability and can be booked by visiting the temple offices. There are also budget hotels and other accommodations that ensure a comfortable stay for travellers.
Food options:
You will get all kinds of Indian cuisines in Shravanabelagola and nearby areas. As the town is located in Karnataka, it is known for mouthwatering south Karnataka cuisine. For breakfast, you can have Ragi mudde or Saaru, which are steamed dumplings dipped in yogurt and rice curry. Other famous dishes include Palya, Gojju, Kosambari, Bajji, Bisibele bath, Vangi bath, Bene Dosa, etc. You can choose from among the several vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. As Shravanabelagola is a Jain pilgrimage centre, one can savor Jain food at Sri Suranga Jain Oswal Marwadi Bhojanalaya.
Also Read :
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10 Famous Temples in and around Bangalore
Shravanabelagola may look like a small town with not much to see, but there are a few places around that one can visit over the weekend. All these places are a short drive away and can be covered in a day. Except for the Ghati Subramanya Temple and the Bandipur Forest Reserve, all these places are situated in the Hassan district. They are also affordable and ideal for a getaway with friends and family. So, no more waiting; pack your bags and get ready to explore!
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