Dec 4, 2021

What to see in Vijayanagara district?

Vijayanagara district was carved out of Bellary district in 2020. It's formation officially declared in October 2021 by Karnataka CM Basavaraj Bommai as the 31st district of the state. Vijayanagara district consists of six taluqas namely Harapanahalli, Hagari Bommanahalli, Hoovina Hadagali, Hosapete, Kotturu and Kudligi with Hospete being the district headquarters. The new district is named after Vijayanagra which was ruled from its capital Hampi which is a World Heritage Site now. Vijayanagara shares it borders with the following districts- Gadag, Haveri, Davangere, Ballari and Koppal.

Hampi's sprawling ruins, the rocks and the holy river is an irresistible combination for history enthusiast and tourists. While Hampi steals the show hands down, the district definitely has other historical sites, prehistoric sites, a dam & reservoir and other attractions. So here's what the newest district offers to travelers.
Srimad Ujjini Samstana | Lotus Mahal
Stepped water tank | Gateway on Hemadri Betta

Anantaseyana Devastana | Bheema's gateway
Aqueduct | Elephant stables

Laxmi-Narasimha | Hampi temple street
Jogikal temple complex | Rock-shelter at Gudekote

rock art at Kannada University | Statue of Kumati
Chakratheerta | Port-hole chamber of Kumati

Here is a list of places to see in Vijayanagara district.

  1. Tungabhadra dam, Hospete - As the name indicated this is a dam across river Tungabhadra, situated on the western side of Hospete city. The dam is built of granite blocks bound with Surki Mortar (a combination of mud and limestone). The construction began in 1947 and completed in 1958. The dam is 2449 meters wide and 50 meters at the deepest point. Below the dam is a well maintained garden with musical fountain. The dam garden is open to public during certain hours.
  2. Anantasayana Gudi - This village is named after its colossal temple of the same name. The temple of massive dimensions has a single Garbhagudi with three doors - which is unusual in Hindu temples. The Garbhagudi, designed to house a huge reclining idol of Ranganatha, has a huge vault dome. However, this temple has no deity. Anantasayana Gudi is situated 10 km from Hampi and 3 kms from Hospete.
  3. Muhammadan Tombs of Kadirampuram - There are two structures built in Bahamani architecture. One can consider this a small necropolis. Kadirampura is situated on Hampi-Hospete road, 3.5 km southwest of Hampi and 9.5 km from Hospete.
  4. Hampi - Hampi was the place where Vijayanagara Samrajya was born and served as its capital. The ancient capital, now a village of ruins, is situated on the left bank of river Tungabhadra. The name Hampae has been derived from Halae-Kannada word 'Pampaa' which means great. Hampi is a sprawling collection of standalone temples & temple complexes, water tanks & canals, mantapas, fortification structures, military barracks, royal enclosures, stables, market places, memorials, water structures, and natural hills & rock formations. There's a saying in Kannada which goes like this- those with good eye-sight must see Kanakagiri, those who can walk must see Hampi. Its true, to really see the monuments of Hampi, one must walk and be willing to spend a week.
  5. Kamalapura - Being in the immediate neighborhood of Hampi, Kamalapur too is a historic town. This place was the residence of Anegundi king. In the south-eastern part of the town are ruins of a fort and a watch tower. Close by is an ancient well which is believed to be sacred to Brahma. Kamalapur is also home for Hampi Archaeological Museum. Just outside the north-eastern corner of the town is Pattabhirama temple complex which was built during Vijayanagara rule. Kamalapur is about 5 km south of Hampi and 12 km northeast of Hospet.
  6. Kannada University - Kannada University, also called as Hampi Kannada University or Hampi University is a research-oriented university founded in 1991. The aim of this university is to develop Kannada language and to promote literature, traditions, culture, and folklore of Karnataka. The campus has a peaceful, garden like ambiance. In the main building is a museum of ancient artifacts. Set in the natural rock formations is Shilpavana, the garden of stone sculptures which are present day creations by the faculty and staff of this university. Kannada University is situated 12 km south of Hampi.
  7. Daroji Bear Sanctuary - This sanctuary spread over 80 sq km is dedicated to the preservation of the endangered sloth bears. Being an endemic species, the rough terrain of Daroji is a natural home to sloth bears. The sanctuary is open to public during day times and entry is chargeable. Daroji sanctuary is situated 50 km north-west of Ballari and 20 km south-east of Hampi.
  8. Shrimad Ujjini Sadharma Simhasana Mahasamsthana - Ujjaini is one of the Panchapeethas along with Baalehonnur, Kashi, Kedar and Srishaila. Marulasiddeshwara (also known as Maralusidda), a contemporary of Basaveshwara, is the founder of Shrimad Ujjaini Sadharma Simhasana Mahasamsthana. The temple within this Matha complex is believed to be his Aikyasthala. Maralusidda had worked with Basaveshwara for the good of the society during the Kalyana revolution in XII Century. Ujjaini is about 63 kms Northeast of Davangere and 26 kms from Jagaluru.
  9. Bairidevara Kote - An ancient hill top fort with a temple dedicated to Bairideva. The rocky outcrop sticks out from its surrounding plain land. Bairideva hill is about 4 kms north of Ujjini.
  10. Palayyana Kote - An ancient hill top fort which might have served as a residence for Palegaras who watched over the surrounding plains. Palayyanakote is about 12 km northeast of Ujjini.
  11. Jogikallu fort - This is a small fort built on a rocky outcrop. Within the fortification is a group of temples. The fort is small, has four or five bastions. The name Jogikallu is comprised of two Kannada words Jogi + Kallu. Jogi somewhat means Yogi and Kallu is stone. Halae Jogikallu is situated 36 km northeast of Ujjini and 12 kms from Kudligi.
  12. Kogali - Today a small village was earlier a chief town of a sub-division called Kogali-500 under Nolambavadi-32000. It was also once an important Jaina centre. Here is a Jaina Basti with a lifesize idol of a Teerthankara. Also inscriptions belonging to the Chalukya, Hoysala and Vijayanagara periods were found here. Kogali is situated 21 km southwest of Hagaribommanahalli.
  13. Viranadurga - The name Virana + Durga means brave one's fort. This is a small fort situated on a ragged granite hill. The fort is accessible only from north and impregnable on other sides. It is said that Tipu Sultan's attack on this fort was a failed attempt. Viranadurga is about 6 kms south of Kudligi and a kilometer km west of Moraba.
  14. Jaramali fort - Also spelled as Jermali, is a small village next to a rock hill. The hill is approximately 800 feet high and a landmark in this area. Atop the hill is a fort in ruins. It is said the fort was residence of a Palayagar family. Jarmali is about 14 km south-west of Kudligi.
  15. Gudekote - After the fall of Vijayanagara kingdom, among the several Palayapattus (principalities headed by Palayagara chief) came into being. Gudekota was one Palayapattu, subordinate to Bilechodu Palayagar dynasty of Chitradurga. Gudekote thrived until its take over by Hyder Ali in the year 1777 CE i.e. two years prior to the fall of Chitradurga. This village is situated between three rock-strewn hills, which are like protective barriers. On the north-western hill is a fort dating back to Vijayanagara times. Close to the entrance of the fort is a rock-shelter with ancient paintings. Within the fort are two water tanks and a brick-mortar structure. The village has remains of several small temples and a royal looking brick-mortar structure. The village has a water tank named as Bommalinganakere. Gudekote is situated at a distance of 32 kms east of Kudligi.
  16. Prehistoric paintings near Gudekote - A kilometer away from the town on Gudekote-Rampura road, where the road turns sharply is a huge boulder with a concave face. There's a small red-colored painting on the rock which is definitely prehistoric. Also, in the vicinity are many natural rock shelters which could possibly have paintings in them.
  17. Antropomorphic statues of Kumati - This is a peculiar pair of standing statues made of granite slabs. The statues are approximately 9' and 11' tall, 20' apart. Local people associate these statues to two accursed Rakshas turned into stone. Also, on the other side of Kumathi village is a prehistoric megalithic tomb. Kumathi is situated 75 km southeast of Ballari and 23 km south of Gudekote. 
  18. Amaradevaragudda - This village's name is derived from the hillock there. On the hillock is a ruined fort. Also, this place is known for a huge Banyan tree. Amaradevaragudda (A D Gudda on Google maps) is about 3½ kms east of Kudligi.
  19. Kottureshwara Devastana, Kotturu - This temple is dedicated to a Lingayath Guru of XVI Century CE, named Kottureshwara. The temple is a popular pilgrim center for Lingayaths of central Karnataka. The temple's annual fair attracts thousands of people. In facts people walk from their homes, covering great distances bare-footed. Kotturu is 103 km east of Ballari, close to Ballari-Davangere district border.
  20. Hoovinahadagali - The name Hoovinahadagali can be split into 'Hoovina + Hadagali' together it means boat made of flower. The story goes back to Vijayanagara times when this place was known to flourish in the trade of flowers. This village has several Chalukyan temples namely Kalleshwara, Chennakeshava and Suryanarayana. Also there are temples dedicated to Hanuman and Panduranga. Though most temples are in poor state, the delicate sculptures are worth seeing. The fort of Huvinahadagali was demolished in 1866. Hoovinahadagali is situated 140 kms west of Ballari and 43 km north-east of Kotturu.
  21. Suryanarayana Devastana, Magala - This is a Chalukyan Trikutachala temple dedicated to Venugopalaswami. The south-facing temple is grand in terms of ornamentation of door jambs, chandliers in the ceiling and pillars. This temple is considered as the finest of Chalukyan temples of Ballari district. Magala is situated 18 kms west of Hadagalli close to Tungabhadra.
  22. Kalleshwara Devastana, Hirehadagali - This is a Chalukyan dwikuta temple constructed by Demarasa, the prime minister of Western Chalukya empire during the reign of Someshvara I (1042–1068 CE). The temple is highly ornate and one of the finest examples of Chalukyan architecture. Also there is an idol of Nandi inside a separate mantapa. Hirehadagalli is situated 17 km south-west of Huvinahadagali.
  23. Bettada Mallikarjuna Devastana - This shrine is on the slopes of the chief peak of Mallappana-Gudda range of hills. Close to the summit is a natural cave, about 30 feet deep. The hilltop offers a magnificeint view, especially when rainfall is good, the slopes are alive with vegetation. Bettada Mallappa is situated  16 kms south of Hoovinahadagalli.
  24. Mylara Lingeshwara Devastana - Mylara was a form taken by Shiva to slay the troublesome demons Mallasura and his brother Manikasura. The battle lasts for 14 days. Shiva with the help of Goaravas capture the demons and finally Shiva slays them with his bow. The temple attracts thousands of people during its annual cattle fair. Mylara is situated 23 kms southwest of Hirehadagali.
  25. Mallikarjuna Devastana, Kuruvatti - This is an ancient shrine on the hank of the Tungabhadra, dedicated to Basavanna (Nandi). Built in Chalukyam architecture, the east-facing temple has the features of that period such as ornate pillars, door jamb, etc. The temple seems to have undergone changes during Hoysala and Vijayanagara times. Nandi is placed in a separate Mantapa. On the outskirts of this village is Thontadaryya Matha. Kurvatti is situated 25 kms southwest of Hire Hadagali.
  26. Ranganatha Swamy Gudi, Holalu -  The temple is noted for its deity, a dark-colored idol of Anantashayana (Vishnu reclining on serpent). The idol is approximately 12 feet long and 2 feet high and made of dark green chlorite schist. A legend connects this idol to the colossal shrine at Anantashayanagudi (near Hospete) which has no deity in the Garbhagudi. Holalu is about 32 km southwest of Huvinahadagali.
  27. Ambali - This village is known for its ancient Kalleshwara Devastana, a Chalukyan temple built in black-stone somewhat similar to Bagali Kalleshwara Devastana. Two inscriptions were found here dated 1081-82 and 1105-06 CE which is VI and XIII years of Western Chalukya king Vikramaditya VI. A third inscription belonging to the same dynasty was discovered which is dated 1143-44 CE i.e. during the reign of Jagadekamalla II. Ambali is situated 12 kms north-west of Kotturu.

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