Lose Yourself in History and Culture of Top 10 Heritage Sites in Karnataka
by Indiator
Karnataka is an Indian state that hosts a large number of splendid historical monuments. It has popular sites that attract travellers from all across the globe. They have fascinated art and history lovers through the ages.
Art and architecture flourished under ancient Indian dynasties of the Cholas, Chalukyas, and Hoysalas and later under the rulers of Vijayanagara and Bijapur. They have left behind exemplary specimens of architectural brilliance.
Here are Top 10 Heritage Sites in Karnataka that you should not miss.
1. Hampi
Hampi is located in Northern Karnataka, Hampi was once the seat of the Vijayanagara Empire. Situated on the banks of River Tungabhadra, Hampi now lies in ruins that are recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.
The grand architectural styles at Hampi reflect the power and prosperity of the Sangama, Saluva, Tuluva and Aravidu dynasties which ruled the kingdom of Vijayanagara.
The name Hampi has been derived from the ancient name of Tungabhadra River, Pampa who was the daughter of Brahma.
Hampi is a visual delight spread across 26 Km sq. The Virupaksha temple is its biggest attraction followed by the Vithala temple, Hazara Rama temple, Lotus temple, Royal Enclosures etc.
2. Pattadakal
Another UNESCO World Heritage Site, Pattadakal is located on the banks of River Malaprabha in the Bagalkot district of Northern Karnataka. The complex has 9 Hindu temples as well as a Jain shrine.
These groups of monuments were constructed around the 8th century CE under the patronage of the Chalukya rulers.
They represent the high point in an eclectic art form called the Vesara style in ancient Indian temple architecture that combines both Dravidian and Indo-Aryan influences. The most remarkable monuments include the Virupaksha, Sangameshvara, Mallikarjuna and Kashi Vishwanath temples etc.
3. Aihole
Aihole situated on the banks of River Malaprabha is located about 10 Km away from Pattadakal. It was the first capital of the Chalukya dynasty and is often called the ‘cradle of Hindu rock architecture’.
It has about 125 rock-cut temples in predominantly Dravidian and Nagara architectural styles.
The Durga, Lad Khan, Huchimalli temples, etc. are the spectacular remains of a decadent dynasty. The Meguti temple houses the famous Aihole Inscription of Pulakesin II written in Sanskrit and Kannada script.
4. Badami
Badami has 4 cave temples built in the 6th-7th centuries CE by Chalukya rulers. These rock-cut cave temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu and his avatars and Jainism will steal your heart with its skilful carvings.
Previously known as Vatapi, Badami hosts a rare splendour with intricate frescoes, statues, engraved ceilings and ornamented pillars. Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain symbolism can be found within elaborate bas-relief works.
Badami also offers a breathtaking view of the sunset from the Bhootnath temple and adventure sports like rock climbing from its steep cliffs.
5. Belur and Halebid
Located in Hassan district, Belur and Halebid have exemplary temples built by the Hoysala dynasty. Following the footsteps of the Chalukyas, Hoysala architecture is equally intricate and skilful.
Belur situated on the banks of River Yagachi was earlier known as Velapuri. It is home to the Chennakesava temple which is a shrine devoted to Lord Vishnu.
Halebid is another temple town in Hassan, which is famous for its Hoysaleswara temple. It is a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, which is famous for its minute carvings in black stone.
6. Bidar Fort
Standing at the edge of the Bidar plateau, the Bidar Fort is a fine specimen of the architectural brilliance of the Bahmani Sultanate. The main entrance was built by Sultan Ahmed Shah Wali in 1428 CE while later building activities were carried out by BaridShahi Sultans.
There are numerous monuments within the fort like Rangin Mahal, Takht Mahal, Jami Masjid and Sola Khamba Masjid. Surrounded by a triple-moat wall, the fort overlooks the beautiful Manjira River Valley.
It is renowned for the historic water supply system called ‘karez’ that transported water to houses through underground tunnels.
7. Bijapur
Gol Gumbaz, the tomb of Mohammed Adil Shah, is a must visit in Bijapur. It is the largest dome in India and the only one bigger than this, is the St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. It is a spectacular testament to the Islamic or Persian style of architecture.
It has a ‘whispering gallery’ where extremely minute sounds can be clearly heard 37 meters away. Also, visit the Jumma Masjid with a Koran inscription in gold and the mausoleum of Ibrahim Roza.
8. Namdroling Monastery
It is the largest teaching centre in the world dedicated to the Nyingma lineage of Tibetan Buddhism. The name dropping monastery is located in Bylakuppe of the Mysore district.
The monastery complex houses a Sangha of 5000 Buddhist monks and nuns, a school and a hospital. If you visit this monastery, look for the Golden Temple which contains 3 impressive statues of the Buddha.
9. Mysore Palace
Mysore Palace is located in the heart of Mysore city in Karnataka. It is an exquisite specimen of Indo-Saracenic architectural style that fuses Hindu, Islamic and Gothic architectural styles into its gigantic structure.
The large 3 storied stone building has marble domes and a 5-storey tower that stands 145 ft. tall. It is the official residence and seat of the Wadiyars, the royal family of Mysore.
The palace is surrounded by a large garden, has three entrances and a number of secret tunnels connecting the palace cellar to confidential locations.
Mysore Palace has a museum that exhibits priceless paintings, jewellery, royal costumes, and weapons. The royal throne of the Wadiyar dynasty contains 200 Kg gold and it is displayed in the palace every year during the Dussehra festival.
10. Bangalore Palace
Built in the year 1878, Bangalore Palace is an exquisite modern-day monument in Bangalore, Karnataka. It supports Tudor style architecture, complete with fortified towers, turrets, and battlements.
Elegant wood carvings, floral motifs, cornices and relief paintings on the ceiling, decorate the interiors of Bangalore Palace.
The palace grounds host public events and artists like Iron Maiden, Backstreet Boys, The Rolling Stones, Metallica, Guns N’ Roses, Scorpions etc. have performed here.
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