Island Tourism in Karnataka

Quick Travel Guide to Islands and Islets of Karnataka


Karnataka’s Tourism has always been know for its World famous Heritage sites but very little information is available in one place on all the Islands one can hop and the related activities from beach picnics to water sports.

The famous Rivers of Karnataka River Kali and River Cauvery not only create some the world’s greatest waterfalls in Karnataka they also carve out beautiful islands and Islets. These desolate and sometimes inhabited islands create some of the most unique travel experiences for Nature and Beach enthusiasts.



Island around Karwar

An archipelago of islands along the coast of Karwar offer some of the most beautiful coastal beaches, enchanting natural splendor and arguably the best diving sites in India. Making Karwar and further up on the West coast Gokarna the new hotspots for beach Tourism in India.


Popular islands near Karwar are DevBagh Island, Anjadiv Island, Kurumgad Island, Oyster Rock (Devgad Island), Sanyasi Island, Sadashivgad Island and Madlimgadh Island. Karwar know for its sparkling azure waters is where there is confluence of the Kali river with the Arabian sea.


DevBagh Island

The most beautiful of all the Karwar Island, this resort is just 22 km south of the Goa border and 2 and half hours from Goa. It can be reached by boat from Karwar. The beaches are pristine and private.

Thickly populated with green casuarinas trees the name literally means the garden of gods.
A great spot to watch Dolphins, it is also a popular Water sports destination. Alternatively you can take a Trawler trip and Island hop across the Kumaragarh Island, Oyster Rock, Anjadiv Island or Anjudeep Island and Sanyasi Islands.

An extremely serene and romantic place it is very popular with Honeymooners. Devbagh also had a great influence on Rabindranath Tagore who stayed here in his younger days. He also penned a poem “Prakritir Pratishodh” about this place.

Devbagh's most popular resort is the Jungle Lodges Devbagh Island Beach Resort


Kurumgad Island

A tortoise shaped island 4 km off the coast of Karwar (it takes a 20-minute motorboat ride to reach this desolate Island).

The Island is now privately owned and belongs to a Coffee Planter Suresh Mathias. It was ruled by different dynasties including the Vijayanagar Empire.

Atop a hill there is an old Narasimha temple that draws thousands of devotees every year during a annual jatra.

An ideal place to spot seals this rock formation according to Geologists was formed from Earthquake activity 300 million years ago.

The Kurmagad Island nearby has an old fort and a Narasimha shrine, worth a visit.
Great Outdoors Island Resort at Karwar is located at Kurumgad Island at 45 mins ferry ride from Karwar


Sadashivgad Island

This Island is connected with a 1 Km long bridge. This densely populated hamlet is a few Km from the mainland of Karwar. The Island has a famous fort and Durgadevi temple. The fort leads to a hill from where you get great views of the sea and Islands including Devbagh. The fort itself is quite dilapidated and very little remains.

Estuary View Resort is an Ayurveda Resort located at on a hill overlooking the Devbagh Island and Kali River at Sadashivgad, Karwar (Karnataka, India).


Anjadiv Islands (Anjadip or Angediva)

With an area of 1.5 sq km, it is the largest of the karwar Panchdiva chain of five Islands. Anji stands for five in Tamil and it denotes the fifth Island.
It is a 30 min boat ride 4 Km. This idyllic Island is home to the Indian Navy.

The island has some remains of the bygone Portuguese era, some old houses and Chruch ruins. Portuguese poet Luis de Camoes described it as the "Island of Amours".

Map of Anjadiv Islands


Madlimgadh Island

This Island is used as a Picnic spot; both Wild Buffalos and the British have inhabited this small island.


Sanyasi Island

Most of the Island resorts provide a complimentary boat trip to the Sanyasi Island. There is an interesting legends about this Island, in ancient times, a sage sought refuge on this island for penance and hence the name.


Devgad Island

Also know as Oyster Rocks these are a group of islands and rocks, There is a Lighthouse on the main summit at Devad gudda. There is thick forest growth on this hill top.


Map for Devgad Island

Map of Kawar

Best time to Visit Karwar and Karwar facts


Islands around Murudeshwar, Bhatkal and Honowar


Nethrani Island (Netragudo, Netrani or Pigeon Island)

Nethrani is a small uninhabited island, 18 km southwest off a small fishing village Murdeshwar and is shaped like a upturned boat with some vegetation along the rocky outcrop. The Island is famous for its Shiva temple and for having some of the best dive sites in world (You do have to travel to far of sites in Andamans or Lakshadweep).

You can see everything from Turtles to Barracuda. The diversity of marine life here is truly amazing and great spot to watch whales (August is the season when Tiger sharks come to Netrani Island).
Nethrani is also an excellent picnic spot.

The dive sites range from 6 to 40 metres deep and are famous for their clear waters (Visibility from 15 to 30 meters). Nethrani’s rich coral reefs are teeming with schools of marine life including Barracuda, Jacks, Snappers, Red tooth triggerfish, Indian Bannerfish, large shark- like Cobia, Groupers, Honeycomb Moray Eels, Pufferfish and Napoleon Wrasse.

Netrani Island, a coral reef, 18 km off Murdeshwar in the Arabian Sea, will be a national marine park, according to a proposal to be submitted to the Centre.

To reach the island you can take a boat from Murudeshwar or optionally hire a trawler from Bhatkal/Honowar. (Watch the colour of the sea change from turquoise to crystal clear dark deep blue as you cross 9 km range from Murdeshwar)

Distances from closeby travel destinations

Goa 220 Km (Four hour drive)
Bhatkal 16 km
Mangalore 165 Km
Bangalore 465 km
Karwar 120 Km
Shimoga 195 Km

BMIC and Barracuda Diving, Goa, organises weekend tours to the island.


Basavaraja Durga Island

It is situated about 3 kms from Honnavar. The island is famous for its historical Island fort, built during the regime of Shivappa Nayaka, king of Keladi dynasty.


Island of Mallikurve



Islands around Udupi and Malpe

St. Mary’s Island, Panna Island and Darya Bahadurgadh Island are few of the Islands you can visit from Maple.


St. Mary’s Island

St. Mary's Island is 300 m long and 100 m wide and its uniqueness is in the basalt rock formations that rise abruptly from the sea bed in various shapes.
It is a popular picnic spots with locals and tourists alike.

More about Boat rides to St. Marys Island in this post.


Panna Island

This is small situated nearly 5 kms from St. Mary's Island


Darya Bahadurgadh Island

Daria-Bahadurgad Island the northern-most island also close to near Udupi or Malpe is famous for its export of processed fish. While on this Island you can visit the Balarama Temple and Malpe's oldest tile factory.


Map of Udupi

Best time to Visit Udupi and more Udupi Facts



Islands around Dandeli

Dandeli is famous for the many tiny islets that exist in the midst of the extensive back waters from the Supa reservoir. All these islands are uninhabited and provide a serene environment for Camping.

You can find more about Boat rides in this post on Water sports.

Resorts near Dandeli – (Jungle Lodges Kali Wilderness Camp, Bison River Resort, Jungle Camp Resort)


Map of Dandeli


Best Time to Visit Dandeli and Facts about Dandeli



Islands around Mysore and Bangalore

The river Cauvery and its tributaries form many islands along the way from Coorg down to Tamilnadu. The main islands of Srirangpatnam and Sivasamudram are easily accessible from both Mysore and Bangalore. It is recommended that you base yourself in Mysore if you plan to visit these islands.


Srirangpatnam Island

Srirangpatnam 140 Km from Bangalore and 15 Km from Mysore is one of the Islands formed by the river Cauvery. The Island is 5 kms long and 1 km wide with the River Cauvery forming a natural moat. The breach on the Islands’s fort wall made by the British forces, which brought down the Sultan, can still be seen near the bridge. (The original bridge called the Wellesley Bridge is the only link with the fort).

All the dynasties, of whose kingdom this island had formed a part, have left their relics and monuments here – the Hoysalas of 11th century, the Vijayanagar kings of Chanidragiri in 17th century, the Hyder Ali-Tipu Sultan clan, then the French and finally the British. Thankfully after the battle for Sriragpatnam the Britsh ransacked the city and destroyed Tipu’s palace but they left the religious structures intact Popular relics are the temple of Shri Ranganatha which is a blend of Hoysala and Vijayanagar architecture, a Jain basdi dedicated to Adinatha, houses images of all the 24 tirthankaras and the Jama Masjid with two minarets built by Tipu(He lies buried beside his father in the tomb Gumad-e-Ala).

To have complete view of the island, you can go up to Karighatta Hill where the British had placed their cannons during the siege of Srirangapattana. From this hill about five kilometres away you will get a good view of entire landsacpe. There is also a small temple on top.

Some Home Stays and Hotel options in Mysore


Map of Srirangapattana

Best time to visit Srirangapattana and Facts about Srirangapattana



Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary Island


Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary, 4 Kms to the South West of Srirangapatna is situated on the banks of the Cauvery River. Ranganathittu attained the status of a bird sanctuary in 1940, courtesy of the visions of India ’s famous ornithologist. Dr. Salim Ali who, during his survey of the birds of Mysore , advocated for the establishment of such a sanctuary.

It includes six isolated islets, which provides abundance of aquatic insects during the monsoon making Ranganathittu a favorite destination for migratory birds. Some species of birds that have made Ranganthittu their home are spoonbills, open bill storks, darters, white Ibis, little cormorants, egret, heron, partridge, river tern, stone plougher, snake bird, and other exotic bird species that fly to the sanctuary in large flocks. The birds begin arriving in the sanctuary in December every year, breed and move out with the little ones in August.

The best time to visit this Sanctuary is between June - November.

Ranger-guided boat tours of the isles are available throughout the day, early mornings and evenings are best times to catch all the birds. You can also get to see crocodiles, otters and bats


Sivasamudram Island

80 km from Mysore, 27 km from Somanathapura and 40 km from Mandya is the island town Sivasamudram. The river Cauvery bifurcates forming the sacred islands of Sivasamudram,

Around Sivasamudram are the scenic twin Sivasamudram Falls of Bhar Chukki and Gagana Chukki, plunging 320 ft and reaching a width of 1,000 ft in the rainy season (the most alluring sights on the Island). The falls supply hydroelectric power to Mysore and Bangalore. There are temples dedicated to Ranganatha, Someswara, Veerabhadra and Mariamma.



Islands around Coorg


Cauvery Nisargadama

The river Cauvery originates at the foot of Brahmagiri hills at a place called Talacauvery, the meandering river has created a cluster of islands and islets teeming with greenery, flora and bird life. Nisargadhama is one of the biggest and most picturesque.

2 km from Kushalnagar lies on the highway linking Madikeri and Mysore is where you can find this riverine island carved by the Cauvery river in the plains. Nisargadhama teems with lush foliage, thick bamboo groves, teak, and rosewood trees. A wooden bridge (75-metre high), fixed with steel cables to trees at both the ends, is the only approach to this islet from this mainland. The snady beds of the river provide for a great picnic spot, you find deer, elephants and can take boat rides. Do not miss the 45-min walk along the rim of the island.

Map of Coorg

Best time to Visit Coorg and more Coorg Facts

Train from Bangalore to Mangalore – Ride through Heaven on Earth

Train travel now a real option to experience the Beaches of Karnataka

The new Bangalore – Mangalore train will bring a whole new dimension to Train based Tourism in Karnataka. The train will provide travelers to experience the never before seen view of the Western Ghats – Verdant Valleys, Waterfalls, Nestled Hills, Running streams, brooks and endless Tunnels. Western Ghats is home to 100's of waterfalls and the birth place of many great rivers of Karnataka. Beauty of the Western Ghats can be enjoyed especially while travelling between Sakleshpur and Subrahmanya Road ghat section which promises to be a unforgettable experience. The train will have 18 coaches comprising AC, sleeper class and general service coaches. The problem now is that to start with this will be a night train and while passing through the Western Ghats it will be pitch dark. For now Nature lovers can only sample some of the sights and be contented with convenience factor of this new train service. Mangalore is the gateway to Beach and Sea Tourism along the west coast of Karnataka. Some of the hot spots are Karwar, Udupi and Malpe. These locations are also great destinations in south india and Karnataka for Water Sports and Activities. The journey would take around 12 hours.

Some Trivia on this engineering marvel – There 670 bridges, 110 curves and 57 tunnels, 57 km Ghat section and a 8 degree curve.


Train Stops and Timings

Train 6517 Mangalore Express - Yeshwantpur(Bangalore West) to Mangalore (Mon, Tue, Wed, Thur, Fri, Sat, Sun)


Arr and Dep Distance
YPR Yeshwantpru JN 20:35
SBC Bangalore City JN 20:50 20:55
MYA Mandya 22:43 22:45 99
MYS Mysore JN 23:55 00:10 144
KRNR Krishanrajangar 00:43 00:45 179
HLN Hole Narsipur 01:33 01:35 233
HAS Hassan 02:15 02:25 265
SKLR Sakleshpur 03:20 03:25 307
SBHR Subrahmanya 05:30 05:35 417
KBPR Kabakaputtur 06:23 06:25 459
BNTL Bantawala 06:48 06:50 484
KNKD Kankanadi 07:40 07:42 503
MAQ Mangalore 08:05 Destination


Train 6518 Yeshwantpur-Bangalore Express – Mangalore to Yeshwantpur(Bangalore West) (Mon, Tue, Wed, Thur, Fri, Sat, Sun)

Arr and Dep Distance
MAQ Mangalore 19:45
KNKD Kankanadi 19:58 20:00 6
BNTL Bantawala 20:18 20:20 25
KBPR Kabakaputtur 20:47 20:49 49
SBHR Subrahmanya 21:50 21:55 92
SKLR Sakleshpur 23:55 00:05 202
HAS Hassan 01:00 01:10 244
HLN Hole Narsipur 01:43 01:45 276
KRNR Krishanrajnaga 02:34 02:35 330
MYS Mysore 03:50 04:05 365
MYA Mandya 04:48 04:50 410
SBC Bangalore City 06:50 07:00 503
YPR Yeshwantpur 07:40 Destination

Bangalore to Mangalore by Road

If you looking to take the road to Mangalore here are detailed driving directions from Bangalore to Mangalore and detailed driving directions from Bangalore to Mangalore

It is around 360Km between the two cities by road.

The drive is quite scenic and the road condition reasonable upto Sakleshpur , the Sakleshpur-Mangalore stretch (around 150 Km) of road is in very poor conditions and currently under repair. Plan for atleast a 14 hour ride given the poor road conditions.

Bangalore to Mangalore by flight

There are daily direct flights operated by all major airlines between Bangalore and Mangalore.

Guide to Water Sports and Activities in Karnataka

Quick Travel Guide to Karnataka Water Sports Destinations (Beaches of Karnataka, Lakes of Karnataka and Rivers of Karnataka)

Water Sport destinations while usually near Sea Coasts or Beaches of Karnataka (HolidayIQ quick take on Beach & Sea Water Sports), the many Lakes and Rivers of Karnataka are hot spots for Fresh Water Sport Activities (HolidayIQ quick take on Fresh Water sports).

Karnataka is among the Top Water sport destination with a large coast line it has some of the best locales for water enthusiasts. Most Water sport destinations would invariably also be great beach destinations. Some of them are large lake based or backwater water bodies. To enjoy the thrills of scuba diving, coracling, surfing, canoeing, kayaking or windsurfing you are looking for, explore the places below.

Water Sport Equipments

The major Water Sport sites in Karnataka are well equipped with excellent quality surf boards, Kayaks, canoes and other facilities. These places also offer expert training for those who are new to these sports. Some types of Water Sports need special equipment, in most cases these are provided by the Resort but it is a good idea to check before had if there are any special charges and or equipment that you may have to carry yourself. The major Water Sport resorts or destinations in Karnataka listed below are usually are well equipped with excellent quality surf boards, Kayaks and canoes. Some of these places also offer expert training especially in the case of Snorkeling and Scuba for those who are new to these sports. They all have trained professionals who guide you and supervise your activities. subject to suitable weather conditions

Best Times for Water Sports in Karnataka

For Fresh water sports (Lakes and Rivers) best times are in the monsoon months of July, Aug, Sept and Oct. (One exception being Kali River which is year round except July, Aug and Sept))

For Sea and Beach bound water sports it is all months other than the monsoon months of July, Aug and Sept.

Types of Water Sport activities

Water Sport activities are categorized below by type of Water sport, wherever possible links are provided for Popular Accommodation options and more detailed information on the destination:



Boating (Rowing and Motor Boats)

Pleasure boating is a family sport and is growing in popularity as age is no barrier and it is a easy way to enjoy water. In this form somebody could be powering the boat by rowing or it could be a motor boat maneuvered by experienced driver. Locations for pleasure boating

Kabini Backwater – Wildlife Safari on a boat. – (Jungle Lodges & Resorts, Cicada, Water Woods and Orange County Kabini Resorts)

Brindavan Gardens Mysore – View the park’s fountains while cruising around on a boat.

Malpe (Close to Udupi)– Boat or Ferry ride to St. Mary’s Island - Vasco-da-Gama landed in 1498 on one of these islands, it is one the unique spots in India where basaltic rocks show up such peculiar formation. Popular Resorts -

Ranganthitu Bird Sanctuary Near Mysore - Ranger-guided boat tours of the isles are available throughout the day, early mornings and evenings are best times to catch all the birds. You can also get to see crocodiles, otters and bats.

Near Dandeli – Moonlight Boat ride at the Bison River Resort

Near Karwar – Speed boat rides at Jungle Lodges Devbagh Island Beach Resort



Banana Boat Cruise

A Banana boat is designed to be pulled by a larger boat where the riders sit astride a large tube. It provides some of the same thrill experienced during water skiing but is a lot easier.

Quite a few of the resorts across the west coast (Udupi, Karwar and Mangalore) offer Banana Boat rides. Popular Resorts - Jungle Lodges Devbagh Island Beach Resort



Snorkelling and Scuba Diving

Snorkeling much simpler than Scuba diving is sport where a using a tube the diver floats on the water’s surface. One end fits in the diver's mouth(Who is below the water surface) and the other end extends above the water.

Scuba which stands for self-contained underwater breathing apparatus (SCUBA) requires intense training at least for a couple days. Scuba divers carry a tank of air that allows them to breathe while deep underwater. Divers while underwater explore fish and corals. Diving is usually a ocean sport but some divers also explore lakes, rivers, and ponds.

Resorts near Udupi (Turtle Bay Beach Resort)
Resorts near Karwar (Jungle Lodges Devbagh Island Beach Resort and The Great Outdoors Karwar Island)



Coracling

A Coracle is a small, lightweight boat that looks like a walnut shell. They are used for fishing or just have a River rafting joy ride.

Resort near Bheemeshwari Location – (Bheemeshwari Fishing Camp and Lodges)
Resorts near Kabini Back Waters – (Jungle Lodges Kabini)
Resorts near Dandeli – (Jungle Lodges Kali Wilderness Camp, Bison River Resort, Jungle Camp Resort)



Rafting (Still water rafting)

Raft is the simplest type of watercraft. Modern rafts called rubber dinghies are in use today. The rubber dinghy is a boat consisting of a rubber shaped tube filled with air.

Honnemaradu Near Shimoga or Sagar (Mr. Swamy, Ms. Nomita - The Adventurers - Ph: 080 3409712/3305508, E-mail - honnemardu@satyam.net.in)
Resorts near Dandeli – (Jungle Lodges Kali Wilderness Camp, Bison River Resort)
Resorts near Udupi (Turtle Bay Beach Resort)
Resorts near Karwar (Jungle Lodges Devbagh Island Beach Resort and The Great Outdoors Karwar Island)



Canoeing

Canoeing is a sport where the paddler propelling a canoe through water, sometimes down a stream or river. Requires advanced training and great stamina. If done in a Whitewater river environment it requires significant expertise and skill to navigate the canoe through rapids.

Honnemaradu Near Shimoga or Sagar (Mr. Swamy, Ms. Nomita - The Adventurers - Ph: 080 3409712/3305508, E-mail - honnemardu@satyam.net.in)
Resorts near Dandeli – (Jungle Lodges Kali Wilderness Camp, Bison River Resort)



Kayaking

The kayak is propelled by a double-bladed paddle and requires both stamina and the paddler to keep balance while maneuvering the Kayak. Canoes are also made of fiberglass, plastic, and sometimes hard-rubber. This sport is usually enjoyed in pairs.

Resorts near Karwar (Jungle Lodges Devbagh Island Beach Resort and The Great Outdoors Karwar Island)
Resorts near Kabini Back Waters (Cicada)
Honnemaradu Near Shimoga or Sagar (Mr. Swamy, Ms. Nomita - The Adventurers - Ph: 080 3409712/3305508, E-mail - honnemardu@satyam.net.in)



Water Surfing (Surf Boards)

Surfing which is Riding on waves using a Surf Board toward the shoreline takes skill, stamina, and agility. This requires significant practice before being able to maneuver the Surf Board and learn to stay afloat.

Resorts near Karwar (Jungle Lodges Devbagh Island Beach Resort and The Great Outdoors Karwar Island)
Honnemaradu Near Shimoga or Sagar (Mr. Swamy, Ms. Nomita - The Adventurers - Ph: 080 3409712/3305508, E-mail - honnemardu@satyam.net.in)



White Water River rafting

White water river rafting location in Karnataka include the Kali river at Dandeli. Kemphole, Sitanadi (near Agumbe) and Netravati. Parts of Cauvery at starting at Bheemeshwari is also popular with White water rafting enthusiants.

Near Dandeli - All through the year except monsoon months of June, July and August

Conducted by Southern River Adventures and Ozone

Organized or Self Contanied white water rafting expeditions at Dandeli - Aquaterra

Near Bheemshwari at Bheemshwari Fishing Camp and Lodges (Conducted by CARE India) - monsoon months of June, July and August

Near Agumbe or Sitanadi which lies in Shimoga district or 105 Km from Chikmagalur (Conduced by Venture Adventure Club or Adreno ) - monsoon months of June, July and August

Near Coorg

At Barapole River (Conducted by Southern River Adventures Coorg) - monsoon months of June, July and August with Rafting base at Ponya Organic Coffee Estate

Organized or Self Contanied white water rafting expeditions at Coorg - Aquaterra Coorg

Near Shimoga or Sagar

Honnemaradu (Mr. Swamy, Ms. Nomita - The Adventurers - Ph: 080 3409712/3305508, E-mail - honnemardu@satyam.net.in)



Windsurfing

The basic skill required here is to get on and off the board with falling. The basic equipments for windsurfing are a board and rig. In addition the surfer required buoyancy aid windsurfer boots and wet suits. Going in a straight line or going backwards could be quite challenging.

Resorts near Karwar (Jungle Lodges Devbagh Island Beach Resort and The Great Outdoors Karwar Island)
Honnemaradu Near Shimoga or Sagar (Mr. Swamy, Ms. Nomita - The Adventurers - Ph: 080 3409712/3305508, E-mail - honnemardu@satyam.net.in)



Water Skiiing

Originally called "aquaplaning”, in this sport the skier holds on to a rope attached to the front of a ski board. Ski boards are usually 6 to 10 feet long and 3 feet wide. The skier has to use their body weight to stand up and manipulate the board., with a rope tied to the front.

Resorts near Karwar (Jungle Lodges Devbagh Island Beach Resort and The Great Outdoors Karwar Island)
Honnemaradu Near Shimoga or Sagar (Mr. Swamy, Ms. Nomita - The Adventurers - Ph: 080 3409712/3305508, E-mail - honnemardu@satyam.net.in)



Water Scooters

Water scooters accommodate two people on a ride. This action sport provides all the thrills of a motorbike and is usually easy for even amateurs to get started.

Resorts near Karwar (Jungle Lodges Devbagh Island Beach Resort and The Great Outdoors Karwar Island)

Shravanabelagola Quick Travel and History Guide

We have all heard about the Gomateshwara statue at Shravanabelagola in Karnataka in India, it is arguably one of the most popular monument in India. Here is a Quick Travel Guide both for Trivia buffs and for someone planning their next trip to this Historic marvel central to Karnataka’s Religious and World Heritage Tourism circuit. You can combine you visit to Sravanabelagola with other Heritage locations such as Mysore, Hampi and or Badami, You can find more Karnataka itineraries here.

Where in the world is Shravanabelagola?

This monument of Karnataka is at a distance of 158 km from Bangalore located at Shravanabelagola in Hassan district (49km southeast of Hassan and 93km north of Mysore). Here there are two hills Doddabetta(Vindyagiri) and Chikkabetta(Chandragiri Hill). The monument is positioned on the top of the Doddabetta hill which is at a height of 438 Feet.


What was the unique recognition given to this statue in 2007?

On August 5, 2007, the magnificent statue of Shravanbelagola was voted by Indians as the first of the Seven Wonders of India.


When is the next Mahamastabisheka and when was the first Mahamastabisheka?

Chavundaraya who created this monument himself conducted the first Mahamastabisheka on 14-3-981. From that day every 12 years, thousands of devotees congregate here to perform the Mahamastabisheka, a spectacular ceremony in which the thousand-year-old statue is anointed with milk, curds, ghee, saffron and gold coins. The next Mahamastabisheka will be held in 2018 A.D.


How can I reach Shravanabelagola or Can I get Driving directions from Bangalore?

Unfortunately there is no flight yet from Bangalore to Hassan (there will be one in the next couple years). You can go by train to Hassan from Bangalore and drive to Shravanabelagola.

By road take Tumkur Rd towards Nelamangala (27Km from Bangalore). Take a Left onto NH-48 drive for 94 Km and divert at Hirisave towards Sravanabelagola (18Km).


Who was Bahubali also called as Gomateshwara?

Lord Gomateshwara was a Jain saint and is often referred to as the Lord Bahubali.


Who created this monument?

This monument was created by Chamundraya around 983 AD. Chamundraya was a minister of the Ganga King, Rajamalla. The sculptor of this mega statue is said to be Arishtanemi (Bharatoja). The sculptor converted a tor standing at the summit into a colossus statue. Choosing a strategic opening between boulders, he also constructed a gateway (the present Akhanda Bagilu) with a large Gajalakshmi panel adorning its upper portion.


Who are the Gangas?

Know as the Western Gangas with their capital at Talakad on the banks of the River Cauvery. They ruled from 350 to 550 AD.
The kings of this dynasty encouraged the fine arts due to which literature in Kannada and Skilled Craftsmanship flourished. They were most famous for their patronage towards Jainism resulting in the construction of monuments in places many places across their small kingdom including the Lord Gomateshwara at Shravanabelagola.


Why is this monument special?

It is the largest monolithic statue in the world.
The monument is considered as one of the greatest achievements in the field of sculptural art in ancient Karnataka. The statue is made up of a single block of granite 17 meters in height. A 438 feet high granite mass forms its pedestal. It is regarding as one of the most brilliant Jain works of art. Carved from fine-grained white granite, the image stands on a lotus. With no support up to the thighs the 60 feet tall statue has a face measuring 6.5 feet. The serene expression on the face with curled hair, graceful locks and detailed proportional anatomy. Brilliantly combing artistry and craftsmanship it is called the mightiest achievement in sculptural art in medieval Karnataka is considered the high point of Karnataka’s craftsmanship. The architecture has Pallava and Badami Chalukya features or influences.


Why was this jain monument created in Karnataka?

Jainism was the state religion during various periods, it has very strong roots in Karnataka.
Jainism came to Karnataka four centuries before the Christian era. The religion received patronage of all the major dynasties that ruled this region including the Gangas, Kadamba, Chalukyas, Hoyasala and Wodeyars. Around 297 BC when Chadragupta, the founder of the Mauryan dynasty gave up his throne and came to Sravanbelagola in Karnataka to become a Jain monk he died here at a Hill near Shravanbeagola’s called Chandragiri. This is where later the Shravanbeagola shrine belonging to the Digambara sects of the Jains was built.


Are there any inscriptions at Shravanbeagola?

There are more than 800 inscriptions are found at Shravanabelagola dating from various points during the period from 600 to 1830 AD. The inscriptions are found across the town and Chandragiri. Shravanabelagola abounds in inscriptions that are scattered around the area and are in various Halagannada (Old Kannada) and Purvahalagannada (Pre-Old Kannada) characters. There inscription mention various dynasties including Gangas, Rashtrakutas, Hoysalas, Vijayanagar empire and Mysore Wodeyars.

Top Rated Stay, Hotel or Home Stay options near Shravanabelagola at Hassan or Mysore which are closeby towns to this monument.