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The northern realm of Karnataka takes you to timeless relics, diverse landscapes and myriad experiences; some, which are a global sensation, and others that reveal themselves to only the ones who seek for it.
North Karnataka is the geographical region in the deccan plateau that constitutes 13 districts- Vijayanagar, Bidar, Vijayapura, Belagavi, Bagalkot, Bellary, Gulbarga, Kappal, Dhawad, Haveri, Yadgir, Raichur and Bijapur.
Read on to uncover some of the most well-known and off beat spots to hit along this route.
Bidar Fort, also known as Bidar Kote, stands apart due to its rhombus shaped layout, red-rock ramparts, elegant arches, elaborate tilework and panels of islamic inscriptions. The highlights around the fort include Ragin Mahal, Solah Khamba Mosque, and Tarkash Mahal.
The Bahmani Tombs are a collection of 12 tombs located in Ashtoor. These large mausoleums are distinctive due to their tall domes, arches, and niches. The murals on the walls are particularly impressive, and the swastika emblem adorning the mausoleum’s wall has garnered a lot of attention.
Basavakalyan Fort is considered one of South India’s oldest forts. It was constructed in the 10th century by King Nalaraja. From 1050 to 1189, Basavakalyan, formerly known as Kalyani, was the royal capital of the Western Chalukyan Dynasty. Jainism flourished under the Chalukyas’ rule and hence the fort walls are adorned with a large number of Jain paintings.
The district headquarters of Vijayapura called Bijapur has become a tourist destination. Bijapur is noted for its architecturally alluring monuments created during the Adil Shahi dynasty’s reign.
Gol Gumbaz, the tomb of Mohammed Adil Shah (1627–1657) is the second largest dome in the world and is one of the main attractions of Bijapur. The circular gallery, just beneath the tomb, known as the whispering gallery is structured in such a way that even a whisper is magnified and clearly echoed back 7 to 10 times.
Tourists can also pay a visit to Malik-e-Maidan, or ‘Lord of the Battlefield,’ a massive cannon built on the top of Sherzah Burj in Bijapur by Muhammad Adil Shah I in 1549. It is located in the plains outside of Bijapur. This magnificent complex of buildings, which includes the twin edifices of Ibrahim Adil Shah’s sepulchre and a mosque, is located on the city’s western borders. Slender, elegant minarets, beautiful stone filigree and art work adorn each corner. The Ibrahim Rouza is regarded as one of India’s most beautifully proportioned Islamic monuments. Held within its frame is a magnificent tower with four beautiful minarets that is accessible by a road through the gardens.
Aihole is a city with a long and illustrious history. This erstwhile capital of the Chalukya Dynasty is a treasure trove for archaeologists. Excavation and research are still ongoing at Aihole’s temples, and thousands of tourists frequent the city for its quiet and spiritual environment.
Badami, also known as the Land of Chalukyas, is located in the Bagalkot district of North Karnataka. It is known for the cave temples carved out of sandstone cliffs that encircle the Agastya Lake. Three of the cave temples are dedicated to Hindu gods, while the fourth is dedicated to Jainism. The town is surrounded by sandstone hills and is located at the mouth of a valley. Badami, famous for its legendary rock cut temples, is a trip in itself.
Pattadakal, considered to be the pinnacle of Chalukyan temple architecture, also happened to be the sacred spot where the Chalukyan monarchs were anointed. Most of the temples in this area were commissioned by queens, who wanted to honour the Gods for their husband’s triumphant return from combat.
Talakad, also known as Talakadu, is located on the left bank of the Kaveri River. This site, significant both spiritually and archaeologically, is covered with an unending expanse of dry sand. The town has witnessed the reign of various kingdoms, including the Cholas, Pallavas, Gangas, Vijayanagar, Hoysalas and Woodeyars of Mysore. The myth goes that Talakad was cursed by Alamelamma, and as a result was steeped in sand. In 1991 the Archaeological Survey of India discovered a whole set of temples in this region. Of these temples, there are five temples dedicated to Lord Shiva and are believed to represent the five faces of the God. They are the Vaidyeshwara, Arkeshwara, Pataleshwara, Maraleshwara and Mallikarjuna temples. These temples are worth a visit for their intricate craftsmanship.
Anegundi has always been in the spotlight thanks to its presence in Ramayana. Flanked by hills on its three sides and Tungabhadra river at the other end, Anegundi is one of the oldest plateaus on earth. Most of the monuments in the town have been preserved well. The Anegundi Fort, Pampa Sarovar Laxmi Temple, and Gagan Palace are some of the sites you can visit. Apart from this a walk through the fields, and the temple complexes to the boulders that line the borders of the town is a refreshing way to experience the place.
The Bellary Fort, situated on top of Ballari Gudda, or Fort Hill, is believed to have been erected during the Vijayanagara period by Hanumappa Nayaka . In 1769, Hyder Ali purchased the fort from the Nayakas and had it restored and modernised with the assistance of a French engineer. Fort Hill is also the second largest monolithic hill in the world.
Hampi, known for the majestic ruins of the former medieval Hindu kingdom of Vijaynagar, is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The temples of Hampi, as well as its monolithic sculptures and monuments, entice visitors with their intricate craftsmanship and gigantic scale. The site’s historic aura is enhanced by its rugged landscape.
The Vittala Temple is one of Hampi’s finest temples. The musical pillars at the temple have been a fascination for many travelers. The 56 musical pillars, also known as SaReGaMa pillars, placed around the massive Ranga Mantapa sound the musical notes when played.
The Lotus Mahal is one of the most beautiful structures from the Vijayanagara period. The lotus-shaped structure seen in the Zenana Enclosure was an exclusive location accessible only to the Kingdom’s royal women. The Chitragani Mahal and Kamal Mahal are two other names for this magnificent historic edifice.
The stone chariot at Hampi has been a distinctive feature of the heritage hamlet that has gathered a lot of attention and admiration. The stone chariot, one of the valued relics in the capital of the erstwhile Vijayanagara kingdom houses an idol of Geruda, Lord Vishnu’s bird vehicle, two small elephants and a series of intricate stone engravings which has been described as “poetry in stone.”
Tourists and pilgrims alike seek out the Virupaksha temple, one among the enchanting array of temples in Hampi. This temple has been operational since its construction in the 7th century AD, making it one of India’s oldest active temples. In the month of February, the yearly chariot festival is held without fail.
Temples have sacred tanks called pushkaranis. Majority of Hampi’s big temples have a tank attached to it. The tanks serve the temple’s ritual and utilitarian needs. These tanks are magnificent architectural attractions in themselves, and the Pushkarani at the end of Courtesans’ Street is worth seeing.
Uttara Kannada is Karnataka’s largest district. Pristine beaches and the magnificent Western Ghats are the major attractions in this stretch. During the monsoon season, Uttara Kannada receives heavy rainfall, and the landscape is enveloped in different shades of green.
The Sahyadri mountains are home to evergreen forests. The Sahyadri goes from Goa to Karnataka’s border. The Dandeli sanctuary, encircled by the Kali River, is a unique treat for wildlife enthusiasts. This wildlife reserve is Karnataka’s second largest wildlife sanctuary. It provides visitors a chance to engage in a variety of activities such as wildlife safaris, white water rafting, kayaking, canoeing, and mountain biking. The Ghats are a haven for rare birds, tigers, elephants, deer, bison, sambars, crocodile camp, and a variety of other species.
The caves of Yana are a limestone lover’s delight. It is known for its black crystalline limestone rocks, which are one of a kind. The majestic mountains, diverse range of rock formations, trickling waterfalls, and a sacred temple all add to the allure of this region. Hiking to Vibhuti Falls is also something that draws in a lot of travelers seeking an active holiday.
Devbagh Beach is the most popular beach in Karwar, the district headquarters of Uttara Kannada. The beach is a great place to visit if you’re looking for some peace and quiet. Known for its golden sands and pleasant breeze, it offers a variety of water sports such as snorkelling and kayaking to adventure sports aficionados. It’s also known for seafood delicacies and other regional specialties.
Gokarna is home to one of India’s most beautiful beaches. It’s clean, emerald green beaches are perfect for swimming. Gokarna’s main beaches are Kudle Beach, Om Beach, Half Moon Beach, and Paradise Beaches. These stretches of sea shores separated by hills, offer travelers the unique opportunity to trek to these beaches. The treks also offer stunning birds eye views of the pristine landscape.
Om beach, the most popular beach in Gokarna, owing to its two semi-circular shores opposite each other is a water sports paradise. Half Moon beach, easily accessible from Om beach is noted for its white sand shores and clear blue ocean. Paradise Beach, also known as the ‘Full Moon Beach’ is a tranquil piece of paradise landlocked within the contours of a hill, hence less frequented by the hoard of tourists.