Situated just 51 Kms from Mysore, Melukote unravels the country’s age-old history. Adorned with countless ancient temples, this 4000-year-old town in Karnataka is the pious place of Sri Vaishnava sect from 12th-century saint Ramanujacharya. The old documents and manuscripts that this city beholds make it more valuable and pleasing, depicting ancient India to the travellers.
Peeping from the rocky, hilly areas of Yadugiri, Yadavagiri and Yadushailadeepa, Melkote is incomparable with its beauty and heritage spreading worldwide. The main attraction here is the Cheluvanarayana Swamy Temple. The temple has relevance to ancient Hindu mythology and is believed to have been worshipped by both Lord Rama and Lord Krishna. The annual festival of Vairamudi which happens in the month of March and April is the highlight of the city. Around 400,000 devotees attend this breathtaking festival.
1. Cheluvanarayana Swamy Temple: This is the most famous attraction of Melukote. Believed to be worshipped by Lord Rama and Lord Krishna and their many generations, Cheluva Narayana holds a special place in the heart of Hindu devotees throughout the country; it welcomes thousands of tourists and devotees annually. Cheluvanarayana Swamy Temple (Source)
2. Academy of Sanskrit Research: One must visit the Academy of Sanskrit Research when in Melukote, at least to witness the enormous collection of Sanskrit Vedas and manuscripts. Founded in the year 1977, it now houses over 11,000 manuscripts and 35,000 books.
3. Yoga Narasimha Temple: Dedicated to Lord Yoga Narasimha, this beautiful temple is built at the top of a hill. According to the legend, it is said that Yoga Narasimha temple was constructed by Prahlada in Melkote, which was then maintained by many generations. Yoga Narasimha Temple (Source)
4. Melukote Temple Wildlife Sanctuary: Founded in the year 1974, Melukote Temple Wildlife Sanctuary is known as a paradise for ornithologists, housing over 200 species of birds. Along with the birds, it is home to wolves, jungle cats, leopards, bonnet macaques, langurs and pangolins. Sanctuary also grew the vast number of Cycas circinalis, but it is observed to be decreasing.
5. Pushkarani Pond: A huge pond surrounded by temple complexes with a series of steps heading towards water and beautiful mandapas are built all over. This pond's beauty has attracted a large number of tourists and also seen in many films. Pushkarini Pond (Source)
6. The Raya Gopura: Popular among history lovers, Rayagopura is a structure with detailed and intricate carvings. Rayagopura means a gateway or the royal tower, started during the Vijaynagar empire but the construction was never completed. Now in ruins, it has been featured in many Indian movies.
Architecture in Melukote
The Raya Gopura (Source) The temple surrounded old city has a touch of Dravidian style architecture. Be it the famous Cheluvanarayan Swamy Temple or Yoga Narasimha Temple, the tall triangular towers depict figures with religious inscriptions everywhere. The gopuras or the gatehouse is one such dominant speciality of their architecture.
History of Melukote
Melkote earned its prominence from its ancient Sri Narayanaswami Temple, resting on the hillock of Yadugiri. During the 12th century, famous saint Sri Vaishnava settled in this region. From there on, this region played a dominant role for the Iyenger Brahmins of the Sri Vaishnava community who started settling in this region. The Mandyam community of Pandavapura Taluk was formed this way where no Deepavali is celebrated. Rather Deepabali holds significance as an occasion of mourning from 1790 when Tipu Sultan carried out the mass slaughtering in Mandya.
Strange facts
People of Melukote have not celebrated Diwali since last 200 years, as on 10th of November, 1790 which was also marked as Naraka Chaturdashi (Indian Calendar) more than 800 Mandyam Iyengars were brutally killed by Tipu Sultan. Thus, instead of celebrating the festival of light, they mourn the deaths of the Brahmins.
Tips
Knowing the local Kannada language of Melukote people will he helpful in the entire journey.
It is always good to plan prior.
The different tourist spots of Melukote, if planned properly can be visited all in just 2 days.
Pack clothes according to the weather conditions.
Always carry an umbrella because you never know when rain might hug you.
Melukote is best accessed by road. Since it's located just 133 km from Bangalore and 51 km from Mysore, there are many buses that come to Melukote from there. The nearest airport is Kempegowda International Airport (Bangalore). The nearest railway station is Mandya Railway Station, about 50 km from the town. From here you can hire a taxi or take a short bus ride.
How to reach Melukote by flight
The nearest airport is Kempegowda International Airport in Bangalore, 133 km away. You can take a shuttle bus or a taxi from the airport to the main Bangalore city bus stand, Majestic, and take a bus to Melukote from there. Or you can hire a taxi if you wish for a hassle-free journey.
How to reach Melukote by train
Mandya is the nearest railway station from Melukote, located 50 km away. The station connects to all the major railway stations in Karnataka. From here you can take a taxi or a bus to Melukote.
Mysore railway station is also just 51 km away and it has better connectivity to many major cities in India. And there are frequent buses that go from Mysore to Melukote as well.
Local transport in Melukote
Transportation in this vintage town is of no worry. The Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation, also known as KSRTC, has buses rushing over the streets round the clock. Fare is also minimal. One can also rent private cars for sight seeing in the city, which is comparably a bit costly. Auto rickshaws are quite prevalent. If anyone prefers to slowly devour the glory hidden in the tinted streets of Melkote, booking local auto rickshaws can be a good option.
Melukote Photos
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FAQs on Melukote
What is famous about Melukote?
Being a town ridden with four thousand years of stories, Melkote can provide ample historic exposure. The crafted temples, the local community and food is a must to do while staying in Melkote
What is not so good about Melukote?
Shopping in Melkote is not a great option. Also, there is no adventure sports in the sightseeing areas. Nightlife in Melukote is not an attractive part of Melukote.
What is the best time to visit Melukote?
June to November is the best time to visit Melkote. With the opening months of the year being cold, June to November offers a sunny, warm and comfortable weather to explore Melkote and the places around it. However, the temperature through the year fluctuates negligibly. Read More
What is the local food in Melukote?
Maddur Tiffany serves wholesome Kannadiga meals or snacks. Their idli is quite famous. There are many other small eateries around the town. This town is also renowned for a special style of making Pulyogare, a famous recipe for a rice-dish in this region. Read More
What is the best way to reach Melukote?
Melukote is best accessed by road. Since it's located just 133 km from Bangalore and 51 km from Mysore, there are many buses that come to Melukote from there. The nearest airport is Kempegowda International Airport (Bangalore). The nearest railway station is Mandya Railway Station, about 50 km from the town. From here you can hire a taxi or take a short bus ride.
The top places near to Melukote are Mysore which is 44 km from Melukote, Ooty which is located 141 km from Melukote, Coorg which is located 90 km from Melukote, Wayanad which is located 117 km from Melukote, Srirangapatna which is located 33 km from Melukote
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