EXPLORE THE WILD SIDE OF KARNATAKA AT CHAMARAJANAGAR
Chamarajanagar, the southernmost district of Karnataka, shares its borders with the states of Tamil Nadu and Kerala. This stretch is unique because it is an ecological corridor that connects the Western and Eastern Ghats. It is blessed with diverse wildlife and enchanting hills which includes the acclaimed Bandipur National Park, Biligiri Rangaswamy Temple (BRT) Wildlife Sanctuary, BR Hills, Himavad Gopalaswamy Betta and Male Mahadeshwara Hills. Chamarajanagar, replete with dense forests is also home to several tribal communities including Betta Kurubas, Jarawas and Soligas. Kamsale dance, a popular local tradition and art form of Chamarajanagar is closely associated with the ritualistic practices of Male Mahadeshwara worship. A jeep safari into Bandipur or BRT is the best way to experience the rich wildlife.
KSTDC Mayura Biligiri, an alcove in the midst of the wilderness is perfect for those looking to experience the forests and the tribal culture.
The property, located just 500 metres away from Biligiri Rangaswamy Temple offers cosy, comfortable rooms, verdant gardens, 24-hour front desk and terrace. Guests can go on a forest safari, bird watching trip or enjoy a tribal dance performance, all of which can be arranged by the staff. Thus, it is the ideal place to stay while you explore the sylvan surroundings and bask in the lap of nature at BR Hills.
For reservations/ enquiries, please log on to www.kstdc.co or call Mob: 8970650070/75 Tel: +91 80 4334 4334
NEARBY TOURIST ATTRACTIONS
BRT Wildlife Sanctuary
Biligiri Ranganatha Swamy Temple (BRT) Wildlife Sanctuary takes its name from the ancient Ranganatha Swamy Temple that sits at the edge of a precipice. The Biligirirangana Betta (hill) is at a height of 5,091 feet above the sea level, and stretches from north to south for about 16 km. It is considered to be the wildlife corridor that connects the Eastern Ghats to the Western Ghats which in turn facilitates the gene flow between the species inhabiting both the mountain ranges. The hills are covered with a variety of plant life, including scrub, dry deciduous, moist deciduous, shola forests and montane grasslands. It provides shelter to many species of wildlife like mammals, reptiles and a variety of butterflies. The forest also teems with over 250 species of birds.
A unique attraction is the Dodda Sampige Mara (a large Michelia Champaca tree), believed to be over 2000 years old and worshipped by the Soliga tribe. Vivekananda Girijana Kalyana Kendra located here displays preserved tribal information and the biodiversity of the region. There are many trekking trails here, including one that leads up to Honnametti, the highest point of the range. Another attraction here is the Honnametti Kallu – a boulder on the hilltop that gives a metallic clang when struck. The local Soliga tribes believe that the rock has gold inside.
Biligiri Ranganatha Swamy Temple
Another attraction of the Biligiri Ranganatha Hill is the famous Biligiri Ranganatha Swamy Temple from which the hill gets its name. The deity in the temple is actually Lord Venkatesha, popular as Ranganatha. Figures of Ramanuja and Alvars are placed in the temple. Kanakadasa cave, Brindavana and other shrines in the range are of religious interest.
Bandipur National Park
Bandipur National Park is regarded as one of the most beautiful and the better-managed national parks of India. Located amidst the picturesque surroundings of the towering Western Ghats on the Mysore-Ooty highway in Karnataka, it is an important part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve that constitutes Karnataka’s Rajiv Gandhi National Park (Nagarahole) to its Northwest, Tamil Nadu’s Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary to its South, and Kerala’s Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary to its Southwest. The total extent of Bandipur National Park is 872.24 sq.km. It is located partly in Gundlupet taluk of Chamarajanagar District and partly in H.D.Kote and Nanjangud taluks of Mysore District.
This private hunting grounds of the erstwhile Maharajas, is nestled at the foothills of the Nilgiris, and has had a long tryst with tigers. One of the thirty reserves identified across the country to save the tiger and its habitat, it’s also one of the last refuges of the endangered Asiatic wild elephant. Apart from these two famed residents, a number of other endangered species such as sloth bears, gaurs, Indian rock pythons, jackals, muggers and four-horned antelopes can be spotted in the national park. Bandipur also shelters sambar, mouse deer, chital and the rare flying lizard. Over 200 species of birds and the diverse flora add to its attraction. Bandipur also supports a wide range of timber trees including teak, rosewood, sandalwood, Indian-laurel, Indian Kino tree, giant clumping bamboo etc.
Though Bandipur is an around-the-year tourist destination, summers are the best for wildlife sightings. During the dry season (March to May), the animals come out of hiding and can be spotted by the watering holes. But for bird-watchers, the winter months (November to January) are a better bet, as many migratory birds from the North, especially the Himalayas come down south to roost.
Himavad Gopalaswamy Betta
Gopalaswamy Betta (hill) also known as Dakshina Govardhanagiri, is situated about 16 km south-west of Gundlupet. It rises to a height of 4,770 feet above the sea level. The summit of the hill appears to be enveloped by clouds and mist, and hence the name Himavad Gopalaswamy Betta (Himavad means covered in mist). There is an old fort on the hill which is said to have been constructed during the 13th century. Inside the fort is the Gopalaswamy Temple dedicated to Lord Krishna. The gopuram of the temple is single-tiered and rests on the compound wall of the enclosure. The parapet wall of the facade of the mukha mantapa with the sculpture of Dashavatara (the avatars of the Lord Vishnu) and the garbhagriha with the idol of Lord Krishna playing a flute under a tree are examples of intricate craftsmanship.
MM Hills (Male Mahadeshwara Betta)
Male Mahadeshwara Betta is a well-known pilgrimage centre in the State. It is a hill range located in the Hanur taluk and is 3,200 feet above sea level. It is said that MM Hills consists of seven hills namely Anemale, Jenumale, Kadumale, Kanumale, Ponnachimale, Pavalamale and Pachchemale. The ancient and sacred temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is a very popular Shaiva pilgrim centre. The deity of the temple is in the form of a linga. According to records, a Veerashaiva Saint, Mahadeshwara who lived during 14th-15th centuries, settled on the top of this hill and attained samadhi (salvation). He had a large number of devotees and thus this area became a sacred place. In his honour, the temple was constructed. Around a lakh of devotees from South India congregate here for the Car Festival held during Shivaratri, Ugadi, Gauri festival, Mahalaya Amavasya and Diwali. There are many folk songs in Kannada which sing praises of Male Mahadeshwara Hills/ Temple.
Barachukki Falls
The island of Shivanasamudra has two beautiful cascades formed by the Cauvery River. The Barachukki Falls is on the eastern branch of the river which is located in Kollegal taluk in Chamarajanagar district. The water rushes and plummets down to about 30 feet to the foot of the falls. The western branch of the river forms the Gaganachukki Falls which is located in Malavalli taluk in Mandya district. It is a captivating sight to behold when both the waterfalls are in full flow during the monsoons.
Ramalingeshwara Temple, Narasamangala
Narasamangala is a village situated around 24 km from Chamarajanagar. It is home to the Ramalingeshwara Temple, believed to be built around the 9th century. The temple facing east has a spacious garbhagriha, a narrow ardha mandapa and mahamandapa. The sikhara over the garbhagriha is a unique creation possessing a brick and stucco Vimana of great beauty and artistic merit, eleven meters high over a lofty stone adhisthana, two meters high. Behind the temple in a hall, are placed life size images of saptamatrika. They are exquisitely carved, beautiful and remarkable for their workmanship.
Chamarajeshwara Swami Temple
Chamarajanagar, earlier known as Arikutara, was renamed by Krishnaraja Wadiyar III in memory of his father Chamaraja Wadiyar as it was his birthplace.
In 1826, he also constructed the Chamarajeshwara Swami Temple. Lord Eshwara (Lord Shiva) is the main deity here. To the left of Lord Chamarajeshwara, we have Goddess Kempananjaamba and to the right is Goddess Chamundeshwari. There is also a place which has rows of Sahasralinga (1,000 Shivalingas) and other shrines dedicated to Gods and Goddesses.
Beesu Kamsale
Beesu Kamsale is a dance form closely associated with the worship of Male Mahadeshwara, and employs a great blend of aesthetic sublimity and martial agility. A cymbal like disc, the ‘Kamsale’, is played in rhythm with the songs exalting the glory of Lord Mahadeswara.