Melukote - one of the most important tourist and religious
place in southern Karnataka, is approximately 140 kms from south of Bengaluru,
50 kms from Mysore and 40 kms from Mandya.
Reaching there is
quiet smooth, due to well maintained road from all directions (Bengaluru/
Mysore). If driving from Bengaluru, take right after Mandya town and if driving
from Mysore, proceed in Srirangapatana – Bidar highway and take diversion near
Jakkanahalli.
You can enjoy the drive in midst of rural Karnataka and good
roads.
If travelling by rail, Pandavapura Railway station is the
nearest one. Bangalore and Mysore are the nearest airports. Recently KSRTC has
built new bus stand and has provided bus connectivity with most of the
important nearby towns.
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| Steps to Temple |
There are two important temples – Yoganarasimha is built on top
of the rocky hills and one can enjoy the beautiful view from the top of the hill.
Another temple – Cheluvanarayana Swamy is in the foothills.
It also has a well-known academy for Sanskrit language and related
research activities.
Another main attraction is vast and well maintained Kalyani
which has been shot in many movies of southern India and one can also visit
twin ponds called akka – tangi kola.
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| Kalyani |
It also has a half built main gate (hebbagilu) near twin
ponds. The legend says, Kings from Chola Dynasty tried building the
architecture with in one day (from dusk to dawn) and since they couldn’t
complete it by dawn, they left the project incomplete
Every year the famous Vairamudi Bramhostava is celebrated. The
main event of the celebration takes place in night until dawn. During this
festivities, lord is decorated with ornaments which are kept in safe treasury
due to its high & historical value and
will be displayed only during this utsav.
Some other nearby places to visit includes – Tonnur Lake, Melukote
Wildlife Sanctuary, Pandavapura, Srirangapatana, Mysore, Adi Chunchanagiri Matt
