Karnataka Monuments and Timings
Chitradurga, on the highway linking Bangalore with Hospet, is famed for its massive Kallina Kote (Palace of Stone) fort, a marvel of military architecture made impregnable by the Nayak Palegars. It has 19 gateways, 38 posterior entrances, a palace, a mosque, granaries, oil pits, four secret entrances, and water tanks. Amidst rocky surroundings inside the fort complex on the hill are many temples. Ekanatha Temple and Chandravalli Caves are worth visiting. The Hidimbeshwara Temple is the oldest temple on the site.
| Foreigner's & Indians | Camera Charges | Timings & Holidays |
|---|---|---|
| Foreigners - Rs.300/-, Indians - Rs. 30/- | Video Camera Rs. 25/- | 09:00 - 18:00 |
Distances from Chitradurga
- Hassan- 190 kms
- Bellary - 134 kms
- Bangalore - 200 kms
The World's Largest open -air MuseumSet amidst an awesome boulder- strewn landscape along the bank of the Tungabhadra river 12km away from the sleepy town of Hospet in Bellary district, Hampi was the magnificent capitol of the mighty Vijanagar kingdom. The city is such that the pupil of the eye has never seen a place like it, and the era of intelligence has never been informed that there existed anything to equal it in the world,” Marvelled a 15th century Persian ambassador. There were opulent places, marvelous temples, massive fortifications, baths, markets, aqueducts, pavilions, stables for royal elephants, and elegantly carved pillars. This was a city whose merchants offered diamonds, pearls, fine silks, brocades, horses, and according to one Portuguese visitor, every sort of thing on earth, a visit to Hampi is a sojoum into the past. The best way to experience this world heritage site is to take a leisurely stroll through the eloquent ruins. Most of the important structures and ruins are located in two areas, which are generally referred to as the royal center and the sacred center. The Royal Center in the southwest part of the site contains structures that seem to have been palaces, baths, pavilions, royal stables, and Temples for the ceremonial use. The Sacred Center is situated on the northern edge of the city along the banks of the holy Tungabhadra river. The ruins of Hampi are extensive and fascinating enough to absorb your attention for several days. There is always something new to discover in Hampi. If you are in hurry, a day or two will suffice to see all the important structures. Photography and archaeology buffs should plan on staying a little longer.
If lotus Mahal and Vijaya Vitala temple are visited the same day, then entrance per person is Rs. 250 (For foreigners)/ Rs. 10 for Indians. If they are visited on 2 different days, then the cost will be doubled.
Virupaksha Temple:
Dedicated to Lord Shiva and his consort Pampadevi, this is the only temple that still used for worship. Parts of the temple predate the Vijayanagara empire. The temple, with its nine-storied gopuram, towers above the other structures at Hampi. The ceiling of the ranga mantapa is beautifully painted with scenes from the epics and puranas
Vittala Temple:
The Vithala temple is Hampi's crowning glory, with a magnificent stone chariot standing in the temple courtyard. equally impressive is the large ranga mantapa with 56 musical pillars that resound with musical chaimes when struck.
Kings Palace:
this is the largest enclosure, including two major plat form structures, an underground chamber which must have served as a treasury or private audience hall, several other platforms, double fortification walls, and several other interesting architectural elements.
Mahanavami Dibba:
Equally impressive is the massive Mahanavami Dibba, where the kings once sat on gem-studded golden thrones and watched processions pass by The platform sports densely carved bands of horses, soldiers, and depictions of the various, aspects of courtly life.
Queens Bath:
This structure has a very plain exterior but the interior is stunningly ornate, with graceful arched corridors, projecting balconies, and lotus - shaped fountains that used to spout performed water for the ladies of the court.
Lotus Mahal:
This visually appealing structure has two levels, with open pavilions at the bottom and balconies above. An elegant example of the fusion of the Hindu and Muslim styles of architecture, the Mahal derives its name from its beautiful, geometrically- arranged cusped arches that resemble the petals of a flower opening to the sun.
Elephant Stables:
an imposing edifice with arched entrances and many domes that once housed the magnificent state elephants.
Pushkarni
The stepped water tank, excavated in the mid -1980s, was originally a part of the palace complex. Almost lyrical in its beauty, the tank is a tiered structure crafted from rectangular pieces of granite.
Hazara Rama Temple:
This was a royal temple reserved for ceremonial use. The entire temple is embellished with bas reliefs depicting scenes from the epic Ramayana. The walls of the enclosure are richly carved with friezes depicting processions of horses, elephants, dancing girls, and soldiers attired in splendid weaponry. Inside, four exquisitely sculpted granite pillars add to the beauty of the Ardha mantapa.
Lakshminarasimha:
the awesome 6.7m high monolith depicting the man - lion form of Vishnu is seated on a seven- hooded serpent.
Badavilinga:
located next to the lakshminarasima statue, it is 3m high and stands permanently in water that flows through an ancient channel.
Ganesha:
Two Ganesha image (Sasuvekalu and Kadalekalu) can be seen on the slopes of the Hemakuta hill. One of them is enclosed in a temple with unusually tall pillars, while the other is in on open hall.
Entrances
- HAMPI ENTRANCE – RS. 600 FOR FOREIGNERS / RS. 40 FOR INDIANS
- Vithala Temple - Rs. 25/-
- Lotus Mahal - Timing – 08:30HRs to 1800HRs
Foreigners 600Rs, Indian – Rs.40
Camera – No Fee
Video Camera – 25Rs
- Virupaksha Temple - Video Camera - Rs. 500/-, Still Camera - Rs. 50/-
- Timings - 08:30- 17:30hrs
Located in a scrub jungle with rocky outcrops and caves, the Daroji Sloth Bear Sanctuary is devoted to the protection of the Indian Sloth Bear. Home to a large number of free ranging bears, the sanctuary also has hyenas, wild boars, pangolins, porcupines, jackals and leopards. Other denizen include star tortoise, monitor lizard and rock agama.
A drive through the scrub jungle also provides opportunities to sight endemic species of birds such as the painted spur fowl, yellow throated bulbul, sand grouse and stone curlew, besides peafowl
Entrances
- Foreigners - Rs.300/-
- Indians - Rs.50/-
- Parking - Rs.500/-
- Buses - Rs.1500/-
- Timings - 08:30 - 18:00hrs
- Sighting Time - 1230 - 1330 / 15:30 to 1730
Distances from Hampi
- Hubli - 195
- Hospet - 12
- Bellary - 74
- Bangalore - 360
- Daroji Bear Sanctuary - 35
The capital of the mighty Badami Chalukyas might have shrunk into a few scenic square kilometers in terms of touristy value. But Badami still retains its majesty. The locale of its famous cave temples, made up of two giant sandstone hills that flank the placid water of the Agastya Lake paint a stark picture of earthy reds, muddy greens and stone browns set against a sky of acrylic blue - burning an impression into the canvas of your mind. One that you aren't likely to forget in a hurry.
Entrances
- Foreigners - Rs.300/-
- Indians - Rs.25/
- Video Camera - Rs.25/-
- Timings - 06:00AM to 06:00PM
- No Holiday
Distances from Badami
- Bijapur - 150
- Hubli - 130
- Aihole - 44
- Hospet - 150
- Bangalore - 480
| Places | Entrance Fee | Camera & Video Price | Timings | Holidays |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aihole | Entrances Rs. 300/-Foreigners & Indians Rs. 25/- | Camera free , Video Camera – Free | 06:00AM to 06:00PM | No Holiday |
| Pattadakal | Entrances Rs. 600/-Foreigners & Indians Rs. 40/- | Camera free , Video Camera – Free | 06:00AM to 06:00PM | No Holiday |
| Gulbarga Sightseeing Place | Entrances Free both Foreigners & Indians | Camera free , Video Camera – Free | 09:00AM to 06:00PM | No Holiday |
| Bidar Sightseeing Place | Entrances Free both Foreigners & Indians | Camera free , Video Camera – Free | 09:00AM to 06:00PM | No Holiday |
| Lakkundi Sightseeing Place | Entrances Rs. 300/-Foreigners & Indians Rs. 100/- | Camera free , Video Camera – Free | 06:00AM to 06:00PM | Friday |
Bijaipur Sightseeing Place
| Places | Entrance Fee | Camera & Video Price | Timings | Holidays |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gol Gumbaz | Entrances Rs. 300/-Foreigners & Indians Rs. 25/- & Rs. 25/- for childrens | Camera free - Rs 25 , Video Camera – Rs 25 | 06:00AM to 06:00PM | No Holiday |
| Ibrahim Rouza | Entrances Rs. 300/-Foreigners & Indians Rs. 25/- & Rs. 25/- for childrens | Camera free - Rs 25 , Video Camera – Rs 25 | 06:00AM to 06:00PM | No Holiday |
| Sivagiri | Entrances Rs. 100/-Foreigners & Indians Rs. 20/- & Rs. 20/- for childrens | Camera free - Rs 25 , Video Camera – Rs 25 | 06:00AM to 06:00PM | No Holiday |
| Museum | Entrances Rs. 5/-Foreigners & Indians Rs. 5/- & Rs. 5/- for childrens | both video and camera Not Allowed | 06:00AM to 06:00PM | No Holiday |
| The Archaeological Museum | Entrances Rs. 5/-Foreigners & Indians Rs. 5/- & Rs. 5/- for childrens | both video and camera Not Allowed | 06:00AM to 06:00PM | No Holiday |
Tippu Summer Palace (Srirangapatnam)
Srirangapatna is an island in the river Kaveri, about 14kms from Mysore. In Srirangapatna is the Dariya Daulat Palace (Summer Palace) that is set amidst beautiful gardens called Daria Daulat Bagh. Tippu Sultan popularly known as the 'Tiger of Mysore', built this palace in 1784 and ruled Mysore from here for a short time after his father Hyder Ali wrested power from the Wodeyars in the middle of the 18th century.
- Timings 09:00AM to 05:30PM
- Entrance Foreigners 460Rs /, Indians 230Rs,Children 230Rs per person
- Camera & Video Camera Rs.25
Mysore Palace
- Timing: 10Hrs to 1700Hrs
- Entrance Fees - 100 Rs per person Foreigners / Indian
- Children (Age Between 10 to 18 years) – Rs. 50 (per person)
- Camera & Video Camera not allowed
- Illumination timing at Mysore palace only on Sunday from 1900 to 2000HRS
- Sound and Light Show at Palace – 120 Rs (held from Monday to Saturday from 1900HRs to 2000HRS)
- Children – Rs. 50 (Per person) / Age Below 10 years
Jagan Mohan Palace & Mysore Art Gallery
- Indian Adult: Rs. 60 / Indian Child: Rs. 40
- Foreign Adult: Rs. 60 / Foreign Child: Rs. 40
Brindavan Garden
One of the most visited places in Mysore by locals and tourists is the famous Brindavan Gardens. Located about 19kms from the heart of Mysore these beautiful gardens are laid out below the Krishnaraja Sagar dam built across the river Cauvery. These gardens are famous for the illuminated dancing fountains that come to life after sunset. The Krishnaraja Sagar Dam itself is a superb example of excellent engineering and itself is a tourist attraction in Mysore. Sir M. Vishveswariah, one of India's finest engineers, built it in 1924.
Entrances
- Entrance fee 50Rs for both foreigners & Indians , Rs 20 for childrens
- Timing – 10:00AM to 09:00PM
- The Brindavan garden remains illuminated from 19:00 Hrs to 20:00 Hrs from Monday to Friday
- Sundays and holidays: 06:55pm to 08.30pm
- During winter: 6.30pm to 7.25pm on weekdays. Holidays 6.30pm to 08.30PM
- During Dussera Festival the garden is illuminated every day
- Camera: Rs100, Video Camera – Not Allowed
Mysore Zoo
Mysore Zoo (officially the Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens) is a 245-acre zoo located near the palace in Mysore. It is one of the oldest and most popular zoos in Southern India, and is home to a wide range of species. Mysore Zoo is one of the city's most popular attractions. It was established under royal patronage in 1892, making it one of the oldest zoos in the world.
| Entrance Fee | Camera & Video Price | Timings | Govt. Holidays |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entrances Rs. 150/- (Foreigners & Indians) & Children – Rs. 90 (5 to 10 years of age) | Camera Rs.100/- Video Camera – Rs.200 | Timings 08:30 AM to 06:00 PM | Tuesday Holiday, Weekend Rs. 180 / Rs. 100 |
Near My Places
- Talakad – 120 Kms from Mysore,
- Gopalaswamy Hills – on the way to Bandipur
- Sri Ganapthy Sachitananda Ashram 02 Kms from the city famous Dathathriyar temple is situated in this ashram.
Chamundi Temple
- Camera Fee - Inside Not Allowed
- Timings - 06:00Hrs to 13:00Hrs & 16:00Hrs to 20:00Hrs
Somnathpur
- Rs.250 Rs for Foreigners / 20Rs for Indians, 20Rs for Childrens
- Camera- No Charge, Video Camera – Not allowed
- Visiting Time: 09:00PM to 05:00PM
- No Holiday
Renganthittu Bird Sanctuary
Timings - 06:30AM to 06:30PM
Entrances
- Foreigners - Adult - Rs.300/ and Child - Free
- Indians - Adult: Rs. 75 / and Child: Free
- camera Fee : Rs. 500/ video : not allowed
- No Holiday
Boat Ride Fee
Boating Charges: (30 minutes’ drive)
- Foreigners - Adult - Rs.500
- Indians - Adult: RS. 100 / Indians Child: Rs.35
Separate Boat:
- Indians: Rs. 2000/- (04 Pax can accommodate)
- Foreigners: Rs. 3500/- (04 Pax can accommodate)
- Camera Fee - Rs. 150 and Video Camera Rs. 600
Railway Museum
| Entrance Fee | Camera & Video Price | Timings | Holidays |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entrances Rs. 50/- (Foreigners & Indians) & Children – Free (5 to 10 years of age) | Camera Rs.100/- Video Camera – Not allowed | 09:30AM to 05:30PM | No Holiday |
| Zoo | Monday to Friday | Saturday, Sunday & Govt Holidays |
|---|---|---|
| Adult | Rs.100 | Rs.100 |
| Children | Rs.50 | Rs.50 |
| Sr. Citizen | Rs.60 | Rs.60 |
| Butterfly Park | Monday to Friday | Saturday, Sunday & Govt Holidays |
| Adult | Rs.50 | Rs.50 |
| Children | Rs.30 | Rs.30 |
| Sr. Citizen | Rs.30 | Rs.30 |
| Non AC Bus Safari (Zoo+Safari) | Monday to Friday | Saturday, Sunday & Govt Holidays |
| Adult | Rs.350 | Rs.400 |
| Children | Rs.200 | Rs.250 |
| Sr. Citizen | Rs.250 | Rs.300 |
| Foreigners | Monday to Friday | Saturday, Sunday & Govt Holidays |
| Adult | Rs.550 | Rs.550 |
| Children | Rs.450 | Rs.450 |
| AC Bus Safari (Zoo+Safari+ButterflyPark+Camera) | Monday to Friday | Saturday, Sunday & Govt Holidays |
| Adult | Rs.670 | Rs.720 |
| Children | Rs.470 | Rs.520 |
| Jeep Safari(Zoo+Safari+ButterflyPark+Camera) | Monday to Friday | Saturday, Sunday & Govt Holidays |
| 6 Seater Non AC Jeep | Rs.3600 | Rs.3900 |
| 6 Seater AC Jeep | Rs.4200 | Rs.4500 |
| 6 Seater AC Xylo | Rs.4700 | Rs.5200 |
| 8 seater non AC Jeep | Rs.4600 | Rs.5100 |
| 7 seater Innova Car | Rs.5700 | Rs.6200 |
| School Groups (Safari entry fee for School Children Effective from 01.10.2022) | ||
| Zoo & Safari (Non-AC bus) | Monday to Friday | Saturday, Sunday & Govt Holidays |
| Below 5 years | Rs.120 | Rs.120 |
| 5 to 12 years | Rs.150 | Rs.150 |
| Above 12 years | Rs.280 | Rs.280 |
| Only Zoo | Monday to Friday | Saturday, Sunday & Govt Holidays |
| Below 5 years | Nil | Nil |
| 5 to 12 years | Rs.30 | Rs.30 |
| Above 12 years | Rs.50 | Rs.50 |
| Camera | ||
| Still | Rs.50 | Rs.50 |
| Video | Rs.250 | Rs.250 |
| Physically challenged persons | Monday to Friday | Saturday, Sunday & Govt Holidays |
| Zoo & Butterfly Park | Free Entry | Free Entry |
| Safari | Rs.200 | Rs.250 |
| Others | ||
| Battery Operated Vehicle | Adults: 100/-Children: 50/- | Adults: 100/-Children: 50/- |
| Boating | 50/- per head/trip for row boat, 200/- for full boat(2 seater pedal boat, 400/- for full boat(4 seater pedal boat), 30 Minutes Duration | 50/- per head/trip for row boat, 200/- for full boat(2 seater pedal boat, 400/- for full boat(4 seater pedal boat), 30 Minutes Duration |
| Fine (on noncompliance) | Adults / Children : 100/250/500/- | Adults / Children : 100/250/500/- |
Every Tuesdays Holiday.
| Place | Entrance Fee | Camera & Video | Timings | Holidays |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Iskon temple | Free | camera not allowed | 7:15 AM to 01:00PM 4:15PM to 08:30PM |
|
| Lalbagh garden | Rs.25 for foreigners & Indians | Camera – No charges | 09:00AM to 06:00Pm | No Holiday |
| Tippu Summer Palace | Foreigners – 250Rs, Indian – 20Rs, Childrens – 20Rs | Camera – free, Video Camera – 25Rs, Mobile Camera – Rs.25 | 09:00AM to 05:30PM | NO Holiday |
| Bull Temple | No Entrance | Camera & Video – Not Allowed | 06:00 AM to 12:00PM 05:00PM to 08:00PM |
No Holiday |
| Visvesvaraya Industrial & Technical Museum | Foreigners – 85Rs, Indian – 85 Rs,children - Rs. 230 | Camera & Video – Not allowed | 09:30AM to 06:00PM | No holiday |
| Bangalore Palace | Foreigners – 460Rs, Indian – 230 Rs,children - Rs. 230 | Still Camera – 685/-Rs, Video Camera – 1485Rs | 10:00AM to 05:00PM | Monday holiday |
| Shri Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple | Free | Not allowed | 06:00 AM to 12:00PM 05:00PM to 08:00PM |
No holiday |
| National Gallery of Modern Art | Foreigners – 500Rs, Indian – 20 Rs,children - Rs. 20 | Free | 10:00AM to05:00PM | Monday holiday |
| Kemp fort Shiva Temple | Foreigners – 250 to 500Rs, Indian – 50 to 500 Rs,children - Free | Free | 10:00AM to05:00PM | Monday holiday |
- Extra Activities in Chikmagalur and surroundings
- Jeep Safari in Muthodi Wildlife Sanctuary
- Timings – Morning 0500am to 0700am
Evening 0400pm to 0600pm - Entrances 100Rs per/person
Chikmagalur
Hassan
| Place | Entrance Fee | Camera & Video Price | Timings | Holidays |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Hoysaleswara Temple & Chennakesava TempleBelur Halebid: |
Entrances Free | No fee for Camera Charges | Timings: 07:30AM to 07:30PM | No Holiday |
| Shravanabelagola | Entrances Free | No fee for Camera Charges | 06:00AM to 06:00PM | No Holiday |
| Belavadi | Entrances Free | No fee for Camera Charges | 06:00AM to 06:00PM | No Holiday |
| Chitradurga fort | Rs.300 Foreigners & indians Rs.30 ( child - free) | Video Camera Charges Rs.25 | 09:00AM to 18:00PM | No Holiday |
| Place | Entrances for Foreigners | Entrances for Indians | For Children’s | Camera & Video | Timings | Holidays |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Abbey Falls | Rs. 15/- Per Person | Rs. 15/- Per Person | Rs. 15/- Per Person | camera and Video free | 09:00AM to 05:00PM | No Holiday |
| Dubare Elephant Camp | Rs. 1447/- Per Person | Rs. 670/- Per Person | Rs. 15/- Per Person | camera and Video free | 09:00AM to 11:00AM 04:30PM to 05:30PM |
No Holiday |
| Harangi Dam | Rs. 10/- Per Person | Rs. 10/- Per Person | Rs. 5/- Per Person | camera and Video free | 08:00AM to 06:00PM | No Holiday |
| Omkareshwara Temple | Free | Free | Free | camera and Video free | 06:30AM to 12:00PM 05:00PM to 08:00PM |
No Holiday |
| Madikeri Fort | Rs. 10/- Per Person | Rs. 10/- Per Person | Rs. 10/- Per Person | camera and Video free | 10:00AM to 05:30PM | No Holiday |
| Raja's Seat | Rs. 20/- Per Person | Rs. 20/- Per Person | Rs. 20/- Per Person | camera and Video free | 06:30AM to 08:00PM | No Holiday |
| Talakaveri | Free | Free | Free | camera and Video free | 06:00AM to 08:00PM | No Holiday |