Madhya Pradesh Trip-3: Visit to Chitrakoot

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Watch the full video here Overview: I first heard about Chitrakoot while watching the TV series Ramayan in the 1980s. Then later read several books and heard from different people how important Chitrakoot is in Indian history. I reached Chitrakoot from Gwalior at around 4am in the morning, and I had booked the Retiring room at Chitrakoot Railway station for my accomodation. But unfortunately after reaching ChitrakootDham railway station, I found the Retiring room in a shabby conditon and in complete darkness. People were sleeping on the platform and there was nobody to guide me on the retiring room. So finally I decided to move out of the station and look for accomodation. I managed to get a single room just opposite the Railway station for Rs 800. There are several options for stay near the railway station, and since I had my next train past midnight, I preferred some place quite close so that I can just walk to the train station. I got freshened up and at around 7:30am, I ventured ou
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Hills and Plains of Chamarajanagar District - 2

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Overview:  We then continued our last leg of our trip to the plains of Chamarajanagar. We stopped at Yelandur for our breakfast, after which we visited the Gaurishwara temple, built during the Vijayanagara period in the 16th century. One unique feature of this temple is the Bale Mantapa, which is carved out of a stone in the shape of a bangle. The structure also has several carvings and also has a big stone tablet with inscriptions.
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From Yelandur, the next place we visited was Hole Alur, which has a very ancient temple built by the Gangas in the 9th century dedicated to Lord Shiva. This temple is ticked in the middle of an agricultural field with coconut and arekanut trees surrounding it. The temple is not huge but it is a pretty structure.
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We then moved to Chamarajanagar, the district headquarters, to see the Chamarajeshwara temple. This temple was built in 1826 dedicated to Lord Shiva, and the temple is named after Sri Chamarajendra Wodeyar.
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From Chamarajanagar, we went to Narasamangala, known for the Rameshwara temple, which was originally built by the Gangas in the 9th century, but later was further developed by the Hoysala chief Veera Ballala III. Most of the outer structure has now been destroyed, with only a few big Shivalingas blessing the village.
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The next place on our itinerary was the Varadaraja temple at Terakanambi, which is a 16th century temple dedicated to Lord Varadarajaswamy. Finally, our last place of interest was the Jain basadi at Kelasur, which was one of the main Jain pilgrim centres in the early 13th century. However, most of the old structure has been renovated now.
From Kelasur, we proceeded towards Bangalore via Gundlupet and T Narsipur.
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References: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chamarajanagar_district
How to reach: From Bangalore, Chamarajanagar can be reached via Mysore or T.Narsipura. The village roads connect Chamarajanagar with Terakanambi, Gundlupet, Narsamangala and Yelandur.
Food/Accommodation: Accomodation and food options are available only in major towns like Kollegal, Chamarajanagar and Gundlupet.

Comments

  1. Anonymous28 March 2017 at 09:18

    Chamrajnagar seems to be hidden gem in terms of ancient heritage. Good coverage.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Arun28 March 2017 at 09:21

      Yes Umesh. It is sure a place worth exploring more apart from BR Hills and MM Hills

      Delete
  2. Yogi Saraswat28 March 2017 at 09:57

    Beautiful Journey !!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Amit28 March 2017 at 11:52

    It would help outsiders, esp foreigners, if you could mention the state name in the title.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Arun28 March 2017 at 12:28

      Thanks for the feedback Amit. I will make sure to add the state in my upcoming blogs. However I do add maps as reference wherever possible.

      Delete
  4. Srinidhi28 March 2017 at 16:36

    Great coverage and writeup Arun...you really inspire many people like me to start traveling and explore places

    ReplyDelete
  5. Indrani29 March 2017 at 14:20

    Great write up on the place. I haven't been there yet, In fact I wasn't even aware.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Reema29 March 2017 at 16:30

    Great article and post... Thanks for sharing it.

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    You have given essential data for us. about Mahadev Hand Bracelet It is excellent and good for everyone. Keep posting always. I am very thankful to you.

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