Heritage and Karnataka have become a tautology in our world of tourism. It came into existence due to its group of monuments, temples, and royal palaces. Karnataka was ruled by the Vijayanagara empire, the Hoysala empire, the Chalukya dynasty and many.
Its glory has been identified by UNESCO, and it has many places under the UNESCO World Heritage Site. It has places like Hampi, Pattadakal, Badami, and Halebeedu that have secured a unique position in history. The serenity of temples would astonish you as some were placed on the banks of rivers, where you can relax and fill up your spirit. Here are the top 12 historic monuments in Karnataka created from a pool of heritage sites.
Top 10 heritage places in Karnataka:
- Mysore palace
- Aihole
- Badami
- Bijapur
- Somnathpur
- Pattadakal
- Srirangapatna
- Gulbarga
- Bangalore palace
- Belur
1. Mysore Palace, Mysore:
The cultural capital of Karnataka, the administrative centre for the Kingdom of Mysore for over four centuries, the city full of heritage structures and palaces is Mysore, now officially called Mysuru. Especially, the Dussehra festival, celebrated for ten days during September or October, attracts lakhs of tourists every year. It will be a fascinating experience watching the celebrations on the ninth day of Dusserah when the Royal sword is worshipped and taken on a procession of decorated elephants.
2. Aihole:
The cradle of Rock Temple Architecture, the city where there are around 125 stone temples believed to exist from the 5th century CE, is the small village Aihole situated in the Baghalkot District of the South Indian state of Karnataka. It is at a distance of 500 km from the state capital, Bengaluru. Wherever you walk, you will end up on the facade of a temple in Aihole. The rock cut shrines and the huge figurines, which have never been duplicated, stand as a testimony for the past 1500 years, portraying the Chalukian Architecture that reigned over this area, headquartered at another historic city, Badami. After conquering King Harshavardhana, the most successful Chalukian King, Pulikesin II, ruled this part of the state. The places that will kindle your interest to know more about the culture and tradition of the Chalukian Dynasty
3. Badami:
Badami or Vatapi, as it was formally called, is a town with archaeological, historical and religious significance. The Agastya Lake and the red sandstone hills guarantee you the ecstatic views. Badami Fort, the most popular monument in Badami, is located on a small cliff, which is an architectural marvel. The ancient eras unfold in front of your eyes in the Archaeological Museum, exhibiting the most interesting collections of artefacts. Badami, with many historic treasures, is indeed a traveller’s delight. Badami, with many historic treasures, is indeed a traveller’s delight.
4. Bijapur:
One such everlasting architectural wonder is the Gol Gumbaz, and visiting this mausoleum is truly a unique experience in Bijapur. Gol Gumbaz is a popular tourist location frequented by tourists from India and abroad almost all year round. A lush green, well-maintained lawn separates the Naqquarkhana from the main building of the Gol Gumbaz. Despite the scores of tourists trooping in and out every day, the cleanliness maintained inside the Gol Gumbaz is simply impressive. The huge dome, lotus petals around and the octagonal towers on all four sides are the highlights of Gol Gumbaz.
5. Somnathpur:
Isolated from the hustle and bustle of the cities Mysuru and Bengaluru, Somnathpur is a tranquil town, beholding the beauty of the ancient cultural heritage in the form of temples and monuments. Isolated from the hustle and bustle of the cities Mysuru and Bengaluru, Somnathpur is a tranquil town, beholding the beauty of the ancient cultural heritage in the form of temples and monuments. The grand architecture of the Chennakesava temple at Somnathpur can be synonymous with a poem written on stone. The presiding deity of the temple is called Chennakesava owing to His immortal beauty.
6. Pattadakal:
Though Badami was the cultural capital of the Chalukyan dynasty, Pattadakal became the epicentre of the art and cultural heritage of the Deccan Plateau. The everlasting engineering marvels dotted across the city exhibit the craftsmanship of the artisans even after 1500 years. The group of monuments in Pattadakal makes the visitors awe-struck with the grandeur and beauty of the huge monumental temples and the intricately designed sculptures, pillars, halls and the facades. The Group of Monuments at Pattadakal, housing TEN wonderfully designed temples with intricate designs and structures, is recognised as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Pattadakal is also praised as “City of Crown Rubies”, which was the holy city for the Royal Coronation during the Chalukyan Dynasty.
7. Srirangapatna:
The Renganthaswamy temple is one among the six temples situated on the banks of the River Cauvery, where the presiding deity Lord Renganatha blesses his devotees in a reclining posture. The temple was first consecrated in 984AD, and it has seen several renovations and expansions over the centuries. The summer palace was occupied by the British people after Tipu’s demise, and now the entire premise is maintained as a Museum. The various artefacts in connection with Tipu’s period and the weapons used during the battles are exhibited in Srirangapatna.
8. Gulbarga:
Gulbarga or Kalburgi is an interesting destination in the northern region of the South Indian state of Karnataka, attracting tourists from all corners of the country. Gulbarga was under the reign of the Bahmani Rulers for a very long time, and even now, we can see the remnants embraced by the culture of ancient times. There were several mosques, tombs and other monumental structures built within the premises of Gulbarga fort, and many of them were devastated over the period of many centuries. Gulbarga is indeed acclaimed as an eternal bliss for the tourists travelling to the Deccan Plateau.
9. Bangalore Palace:
There were several mosques, tombs and other monumental structures built within the premises of Gulbarga fort, and many of them were devastated over the period of many centuries. The Symbols of Wadiyars relating to power and royalty are exhibited in all the strategic locations in the palace. The wooden staircases add an ethnic beauty to the already grand palace. The aesthetically designed rooms with elegant interiors, the Jocky’s weighing chair, and chandeliers in the corridors all add reasons to your visit to the Bangalore Palace.
10. Belur:
Belur, situated in the Hassan District of the South Indian State Karnataka, is a city of architectural wonders. The main attraction of the city is the Chenna Kesava temple, constructed in the year 1117 CE. As the Hoysaka kings were very particular in bringing out an architecturally wonderful temple, they spent nearly 103 years completing this temple in all aspects. Along with this temple, the Hoysaleswara temple at Halabedu and the monuments of Jainism in Shravanabelagola are proposed as the World Heritage Sites to be recognised by UNESCO.
