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Chikmagalur
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Information about
Chikmagalur |
Chikmagalur, the scenic district headquarters is set in the
fiertile valley, south of Baba Budan range amidst lush coffee growing hills.
The name ‘Chikmagalur’ literally means youngest daughters’s town. It was given
as dowry to the youngest daughter of Rukmangada, the chief of Sakrepatna.
Another part of the town was presented to the elder daughter and came to be
known as Hiremagalur. The little town is also an important centre of education,
trade and commerce and is dotted by religious shrines of all faiths.
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Tourist Attractions in Chikmagalur |
Kodandarama Temple: |
The beautiful shrine is a fine blend of Hoysala
and Dravidian style of architecture. |
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St. Joseph’s Cathedral : |
It is noted for its unique shell shaped portico |
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Ishwara Temple :
The shrine is located at Hiremagalur, which is
now part of Chikmagalur town. It has a 4 ft. high statue of Jademuni and a
Yoopastambha installed by Janamejaya during the serpent sacrifice. Other
interesting sites are, the fort, Parashuram temple, Kali temple and the Jamia
mosque.
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Around Chikmagalur |
Baba Budan Range (28 kms.) |
The Mullaiyanagir peak (6355 ft.) amidst the lush mountain
ranges is one of the highest peaks between the Himalayas
and Nilgiris. The three sacred caves here enshrine image and ‘gaddiges’ (tombs)
of the three Siddhas. A jatra is held every year in the honour of the sages. The Baba Budan Giri peak is named after a Muslim saint, who
resided here in 17th century. His shrine is held sacred by both
Hindus and Muslims and a large number of devotees ocme here for blessings and
miraculous cures. It is believed that Baba Budan Peer brought back seven seeds
of coffee from his pilgrimage to Yemen and planted them around his shrine in 1670. with time the coffee platations
spread to other parts of the State. Nearby Theertha and Nellikayi Theertha. The Dattatreya Peetha on the Baba Budan Giri is another
example of communal harmony and brotherhood. A laterite cave here is held
sacred, as it is believed that Dattatreya Swami as well as Hazrat Dada Hayat
Mir Khalander stayed here. The annual Jatra / Urs is celebrated by both Hindus
and Muslims. Data Jayanti, the birth anniversary of Dattatreya Swamy is
celebrated with great enthusiasm. |
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Balehonnur (45 kms.) |
The sacred site on the banks of river Bhadra is the seat of
Shrimad Jagadguru Rambhapuri Veerasimhasana Mahasamsthana Peeta. The famous
Veerashaiva Mutt here is one of the great ‘Panch Peetas’. The Veerabhadra Temple at the Mutt enshrines images
of Veerabhadra and Bhadrakali. |
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Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary
The sanctuary near Bhadra reservoir nestles amidst lush hills
and is well known for rich and varied wildlife. They key fauna includes –
bison, elephant, tiger, panther, sambhar, spotted deer, wild boar, porcupine,
snakes, peacock, parrot, partridge etc. it can be approached from Muthodi, about
24 kms. From Chikmagalur. The nearest railhead is Hassan, 83 kms. From Bhadra.
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Kemmannugundi (50 kms.)
The charming hill resort also known as KR Hills, after
Krishna raja Wodeyar IV is perched at a height of 4732 ft. in the Baba – Budan
ranges. It is regarded as one the best trekking sites.
Hebbe Falls (8 kms.):
It is an ideal picnic spot. The fall descend
from a height of 403 ft. amidst scenic surrounding and are associated with the
legendary sage Agasthya. A fine temple was built here during the Vijayanagar
times. An annual jatra of Veerbhadra during March / April attracts a large
number of devotees.
Kudremukh (95 kms.)
Kudremukh or the “Horse Head” is an idyllic hill station
overlooks a deep valley from a height of 6,250 ft. and is famous for its scenic
splendour. It is also known for rich iron ore deposits and bustles with
activity due to mining operations.
Sringeri (90 kms.)
The beautiful town on the banks of river Tungabhadra is one
of the most important pilgrim centers of Karnataka. The Sringeri Mutt here was
founded in 9th century by saint Sri Adi Shankara, the propagator of
Advaitha philosophy. He installed an image of Goddess Sharada Devi (Saraswati)
made of sandalwood, which was later replaced with a golden replica in 14th
century. The 12th century Vidyashankara temple was built
here with help of Vijayanagar rulers. It is a fine blend of Hoysala and
Dravidian style of architecture. The 12 zodiac pillars known as Rasikambhas in
the mandapa are placed perfectly so that the sun rays fall on each of them, in
the order of the solar months. The sanctum sanctorum enshrines a linga, called
as Vidyashankara, in the memory of Guru Vidyatheertha. The exteriors of the
shrine are ornately carved with sculptures. A 14th century shrine of
Lord Janardhana is located nearby. Sringeri also has an old Jain Basadi (monastery) dedicated
Lord Parshvanatha. |
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How to reach Chikmagalur
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By Air: |
The nearest airport for Chikmagalur is at
Mangalore, about 150 kms. away.
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By Rail: |
the nearest railhead is at Kadur (40 kms.) on
Miraj line and Hassan (56 kms.) on Mysore line. |
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By Road:
Connected by
road
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