Known For : Kodachadri Jog Falls Agumbe
With nature in its full bloom, the town of Shimoga has been a home to several great dynasties and kingdoms. Steeped in rich heritage and culture, this main city of Shimoga District derives its name from the words 'Shiv-Mukha' implying 'Face of Lord Shiva'.
Distance from Shravanabelagola: 172 km
Best Time: July to December
Known For : Lalbagh Cubbon Park Bangalore Palace
Having evolved gradually from being the Garden City to the Silicon Valley of India, Bengaluru is the third largest and one of the most livable cities in India. Bangalore is loved for its pleasant weather, beautiful parks and lakes all around the town.
Distance from Shravanabelagola: 143 km
Best Time: Throughout the year
Known For : Abbey Falls Mandalpatti Raja's Seat
Located amidst imposing mountains in Karnataka with a perpetually misty landscape, Coorg is the place to be for all nature lovers. This popular coffee producing hill station is not only popular for its beautiful green hills and the streams cutting right through them. It also stands as a popular destination because of its culture and people. The Kodavas, a local clan specialising in martial arts, are especially notable for their keen hospitality.
Distance from Shravanabelagola: 130 km
Best Time: October to March
Known For : Mysore Palace Brindavan Gardens Mysore Zoo
Famously known as The City of Palaces, it wouldn’t be wrong to say that Mysore is one of the most flamboyant places in the country. It is replete with the history of its dazzling royal heritage, intricate architecture, its famed silk sarees, yoga, and sandalwood, to name just a few. Located in the foothills of the Chamundi Hills, Mysore is the third most populated city in the state of Karnataka, and its rich cultural heritage draws millions of tourists all year round.
Distance from Shravanabelagola: 85 km
Best Time: Throughout the year
Known For : Baba Budangiri Mullayanagiri Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary
Famously known as the ‘Coffee Land of Karnataka’, Chikmagalur is situated in the foothills of the Mullayangiri Range in Karnataka and stands at an altitude of 3400 feet. If you love the aroma of freshly brewed coffee in the mornings, you are going to love Chikmagalur, which has a perpetual fragrance of coffee lingering in the air. Famous for its tall mountains, lush green forests and its tranquil environment (apart from its coffee production), Chikmagalur is a very popular tourist destination and is a quaint getaway from the busy life of the city.
The name Chikmaglur comes from the Kannada word Cikkamagala, which means - younger daughter’s town. According to legend, Chikmaglur was given as dowry to the youngest daughter of Rukmangada, the chief of Sakharayapattana, a town in the region.
Distance from Shravanabelagola: 111 km
Best Time: Throughout the year
Known For : Ramadevara Betta Ramnagara Hills Ramdevara Temple
Set amidst the challenging rocky hillocks and lush green surroundings, Ramnagaram is a popular weekend getaway for Bengaluru folks.
Distance from Shravanabelagola: 131 km
Best Time: November to February
The monastery of Charukeerthi Bhattarakha Swamiki, this three storeyed structure has Lord Chandranatha as the main deity of the math. The beautiful wall paintings and brass, copper and bronze statues are a must see.
Distance from Shravanabelagola: 19 km
Once a training site for elephants of the famous Dasara procession in Mysore, the Dubare Elephant camp offers a unique adventure to visitors by allowing them the experience of living in coexistence with the trained elephants on-site. Once an important camp of the Karnataka Forest Department, the Dubare Elephant Camp, now run by private players, is an ideal destination to learn about the various aspects of the history, ecology, and biology of elephants, as well as see a large number of Asiatic elephants stroll through peacefully as they enjoy their natural habitat. Naturalists and mahouts trained in the art of handling these majestic creatures are ever-present throughout the camp, offering various insights to passers-by regarding these gentle giants.
Distance from Shravanabelagola: 115 km
Located only 7 kilometres away from Sravanabelagola, Halebelagola is well known for Parshwanatha Basadi, an ancient Jain Temple. The structure was built based on Hoysala style architecture and its construction dates back to the 11 century. The structure has lost sheen over the years but the rich craftsmanship in its architecture is still seen through whatever is left of it.
Located in Mandya district of Karnataka, this ancient temple complex is one of the finest examples for Dravidian architecture. The carvings on the temple complex are absolutely exquisite and they have stood the test of time. According to historian KR Srinivasan, the Panchakuta Basadi was constructed by the kings of the Western Ganga dynasty.
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