Malnad Ride -Day -1- Belur

Karnataka has had compelling empires in its past. The four incredible ones were Chalukya, Rashtrakuta, Vijaynagara and Hoysala. Out of these, the temples from the Hoysala empire have stood the impacts of time and remain in their best superbness of all temples in Karnataka. The temples at Belur and Halebid shaped the core of the Hoysala realm and thus pull in the most consideration. In any case, they did endure harm amid the wars. In the event that you wish to see a Hoysala temple in all its heavenliness, you need to go to Somnathpur, once a Hoysala kingdom fortification, particularly in the rich Cauvery area. The temple towns of Belur and Halebidu are an absolute necessity visit. Anybody intrigued by listening to stories can welcome these excellent bits of work; every one of them has such a variety of stories to tell, of a time long passed by!.

The colorful figures (Madanikas) on the walls of the temple are tranquil, playful and affectionate, enhancing the overall effect of this pinnacle of architectural excellence.These Madanikas were roused by the excellence of Shantala Devi, lord Vishnuvardhana's wife, who was knowledgeable in expressive arts of move and music and was all around prepared in Bharatnatyam move. There are forty two Madanikas in Bharatnatyam postures cut on the external walls.

The temple construction work was begun amid the rule of King Vishnuvardhana of the Hoysala realm. Lord Vishnuvardhana was conceived as Jain. Amid his rule, he turned into a devotee of Ramanujacharya and changed over to Vaishnavism. That is the way this Temple appeared amid his rule. At the entrance, to our upper left, there is a carving of the King Vishnuvardhana holding court alongside his Guru Ramanujacharya. To the upper right, we have the King's grandson holding court, amid whose rule the construction of the temple was finished.

The symbol of Hoysalas thus is a man killing a tiger. Halebeed was the capital of the administration where the temple stands. The temple of Halebeedu was built over a range of 190 years and stayed deficient. The Belur temple took over 100 years to build. The material utilized for both temples is cleanser stone which is delicate and simple to carve when taken out from the earth however gets harder over prolonged exposure to air.

The Belur temple is more known for the "Shilabalike" – the pictures of women carved in stone all around the temple. Every image is of a women doing distinctive things or occupied with various occupations. They have intriguing names, for example, 'Shuka Bhashini' for a woman conversing with a parrot; 'Darpana Sundari' for a woman with a mirror and such.                               

Malanad Ride -Day -3- Halebeedu

Halebeedu, when translated in Kannada means old habitat. This was named as Dwarasamudra in the seasons of Hoysala Dynasty and turned into an 'old town' after attack from Muslim Rulers of the north. Likewise with the greater part of the noteworthy temples, this temple additionally has seen a few harms. The divinity of the temple is Shiva for the sake of Hoysaleshwara. who is worshipped in the temple’s two shrines even now.

The carvings seen around the temple are astounding. Every last bit of the divider is loaded with workmanship and the thoughtfulness regarding subtle elements in every carving are astonishing. Traveler can see numerous temples like Hoysaleswara, Shantaleshwara and Kedareshwara which had been worked by Ketamala and committed to Vishnuvardhana, leader of Hoysala Empire. The sanctuaries are named after the Vishnuvardhana Hoysala and his wife, Queen Shantala. Halebeedu has constrained
accomodation choices. There is one and only state tourism lodging and few lodges which is not meant for family, which only gives fundamental offices. Travelers want to stay in Hassan, where one can discover mid-reach and lavish lodgings.

ShettiHalli Church

Shettihalli church also known as the Holy Rosary Church which was built by French Missionaries around 1860.It was abandoned when the Hemavathi Reservoir was built and now it is in ruins. The waters of the reservoir submerge the church every monsoon and it is a sight to see. It’s blended with antiquity and holiness. The church was reportedly built with mortar and bricks and a mixture of jaggery and eggs.During monsoons, the water level rises submerging the entire church apparently, when only the spire is seen at times. The entire roof had caved in while part of the altar and the central nave still stand but there were no stained glass windows or pews or even windows left in the church. It’s a little tricky to get there once you deviate from the Gorur road. Talk to the locals and they will guide you. The church is an absolute architectural beauty even in its old age is built in typical Gothic style.

Road Map: Bangalore-- Nelamangala--Kunigal--Chennarayapatna--Shantigrama --Hassan(take the bypass ) and carry on the Gorur road for 22kms.

Here is a video of Settihalli Church.

  For more videos visit : https://www.youtube.com/user/annyarun

Chikkajala Fort

Series visit to ruins fort around bangalore continues and its Chikkajala fort. Due to globalisation, IT capital is loosing its old charm and has no place for history. yet again one more fort which will be missed by everyone. The roadwidening by NHAI has demolished almost everything. Unfortunately its under (Archeological Survey of India) ASI but as of today no boards were seen. The fort contains A pushkarni,Temple and ruins of fort. Yes we all should agree due to lack of interest in history we tend to lose many historical monuments and we look for it in books!. Its said to have two-acre fort, believed to have been built more than 200 years ago. The fort consists of a dilapidated dwelling and a huge hall supported by number of stone pillars. One has to muster enough courage to enter the hall because it may come crashing any moment.Lots have carving around the pushkarni walls and ground.

Near by places: Varlakunda Fort, Devanahalli Fort, Gudibande fort,Kundana Fort.

Kundana Fort

  

Kundana fort is located near devanahalli in kundana village, once again only runs of small fort can be seen. Its a three tier fort, There is a doorway at the entrance. one can see Anjaneya temple and channakeshava temple on the fort hillock.There is a new built road till the fort wall. Look for Garuda stambha near the temples. Kundana fort is almost 40 kms from hebbal. There are no boards better to ask villagers the way to fort.

Permission : Not required

Climbing time : 30mins

Parking: At the base of the fort.

Note: Be aware of monkeys

Near by places: Varlakunda Fort, Devanahalli Fort, Skandgiri Trek, Nandi Hills, Horagina Betta Trek, Chikkajala fort