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Other Monuments - Bijapur

Where: Bijapur/ Vijayapura
How to reach: 100 Kms from Solapur, 200 Kms from Hospet
Best time to visit: All the year round
Time visited: Nov 2016
Time to see around: 2/3 hrs
Stay: City

Tour Plan
Day 1: Pune-Kittur-Varur-Annigeri-Gadag
Day 2: Gadag-Laxmeshwar-Gadag-Sudi-Gadag
Day 3: Gadag-Dambal-Lakkundi-Itagi-Bijapur
Day 4: Bijapur-Solapur

Day 4 - Bijapur Local Sightseeing
Gol Gumbaz - Jumma Masjid - Mehtar Mahal - Asar Mahal - Bara Kamaan - The Malik-e-Maiden - Ibrahim Rauza - Upli Buruj - Taj Bawdi

Jamiya Masjid
History as per internet: Jamiya Masjid/Jumma Masjid was built in the year 1578 by Ali Adil Shah I, just after the victory in 1565 over Bijapura, then called as Vijaya Nagara. It has nine huge arches, an arcaded prayer hall with fine aisles supported on massive piers. The interior of the mosque is decorated with motifs on the arches.

Mehtar Mahal
History as per internet: Mehtar Mahal is the ornamental gateway which lead to an exquisitely crafted mosque and a beautiful garden. Mehtar Mahal is also known as the ‘Sweeper’s Palace’ and is believed to be dating back to 1620 AD. The entry gate of Mehtar Mahal is built in Indo-Saracenic style. The place is three-storied and has beautifully carved arches and the grand minarets of the Mahal are finely designed with pictures of birds and rows of swans. The carvings are crafted in Hindu architectural style with brackets that support balconies and stone.

Asar Mahal
History as per internet: Asar Mahal or palace was with an artificial lake constructed in 1646 by the Adil Shahis and was initially used as hall of justice. The portico had a impressive wooden columns (four numbers of octagonal shape) which are now replaced. The walls and ceiling of the hall display landscape paintings.

The Original Wooden columns...

Bara Kaman
History as per internet: Bara Kaman (meaning 12 arches) is a half way abonded mausoleum of Ali Roza built in 1672. It was initially called as Ali Roza, but Shah Nawab Khan changed its name to Bara Kaman, as this was the 12th monument built during his reign and was planned with 12 arches.

Taj Bawadi
History as per internet: Taj Bawdi is a water reservoir that was built to commemorate Taj Sultana, Ibrahim II ’s first wife. The entrance arch is very impressive and has two octagonal towers.

It was great morning and we saw most of monuments in half a day. After early brunch at Kamats we left for Solapur.

Ibrahim Rauza - Bijapur

Unknown

2 minutes

Where: Bijapur/ Vijayapura
How to reach: 100 Kms from Solapur, 200 Kms from Hospet
Best time to visit: All the year round
Time visited: Nov 2016
Time to see around: 2/3 hrs
Stay: City
Parking: Paid parking available inside premises.

Tour Plan
Day 1: Pune-Kittur-Varur-Annigeri-Gadag
Day 2: Gadag-Laxmeshwar-Gadag-Sudi-Gadag
Day 3: Gadag-Dambal-Lakkundi-Itagi-Bijapur
Day 4: Bijapur-Solapur

Day 4 - Bijapur Local Sightseeing
Gol Gumbaz - Jumma Masjid - Mehtar Mahal - Asar Mahal - Bara Kamaan - The Malik-e-Maiden - Ibrahim Rauza - Upli Buruj - Taj Bawdi

History as per Internet
Ibrahim Rauza was built in 1627, contains the tomb of Ibrahim Adil Shah II and his queen Taj Sultana. It is a fine square structure with twin buildings with delicate carvings and was designed by the Persian architect, Malik Sandal (his grave also lies in the courtyard). It is said that this tomb provided the inspiration for building the Taj Mahal at Agra.

The inner perimeter of the Mausoleum has well crafted arches. The outer walls of the tomb have panels displaying beautiful decorations and intricate geometric and calligraphic patterns in the form of shallow relief. The windows and doors also have similar motifs, which allow light to penetrate into the tomb chamber.

The doors are made of teak wood braced with metal strips and decorated.

In the prayer hall in the mosque, there are two chains carved out of a single rock.

The view from backside...

Bijapur Fort

Unknown

2-3 minutes

Tour Plan
Day 1: Pune-Kittur-Varur-Annigeri-Gadag
Day 2: Gadag-Laxmeshwar-Gadag-Sudi-Gadag
Day 3: Gadag-Dambal-Lakkundi-Itagi-Bijapur
Day 4: Bijapur-Solapur

Day 4 - Bijapur Local Sightseeing
Gol Gumbaz - Jumma Masjid - Mehtar Mahal - Asar Mahal - Bara Kamaan - The Malik-e-Maiden - Ibrahim Rauza - Upli Buruj - Taj Bawdi

Fort and Fortifications
History as per Internet: The fort and the citadel within it were built by Yusuf Adil Shah in 1565. The circumferential length of the fort’s outer wall, which encloses the old city, measures 10 kms. There were ninety-six large bastions and five main gateways. It is surrounded by a moat of 50 feet and fort wall has varying height, about 50 feet high.

Modern day Bijapur, the entire city as such has lies within and outside the the fort areas. So there is no fort as such to see but the fortification remains can be seen at various places.

A road passing through a huge arched

One of the Gateways

Malik-e-Maidan
History as per internet: The Malik-e-Maidan, also called Burj-E-Sherz, was erected by Ibrahim Adil Shah II. It was named after the Battle of Talikota of 1565 in which the Vijayangar empire was routed. It has a large cannon,14.6 ft long and 4.9 ft in diameter with a 700 millimetres (28 in) bore. The cannon weighs 55 tonnes and is considered one of the largest medieval guns made and was cast in 1549 at Ahmadnagar from bell metal by Muhammad Bin Husain Rumi. The gun is cool when touched even during hot summer season.

Sun and Moon signs on the buruj

The unusual feature of the gun is that its muzzle is shaped in the form of a lion head with carved open jaws as if devouring an elephant (depicted between the jaws).

Upli Buruj
Upli Burj is a 80 feet tower which was built in 1584. There are 70 steps to reach the top of the tower to get a great view of Bijapur. There are two long cannons on the Buruj.

Gol Gumbaz - Bijapur

Unknown

2-3 minutes

Tour Plan
Day 1: Pune-Kittur-Varur-Annigeri-Gadag
Day 2: Gadag-Laxmeshwar-Gadag-Sudi-Gadag
Day 3: Gadag-Dambal-Lakkundi-Itagi-Bijapur
Day 4: Bijapur-Solapur

Day 4 - Bijapur Local Sightseeing
Gol Gumbaz - Jumma Masjid - Mehtar Mahal - Asar Mahal - Bara Kamaan - The Malik-e-Maiden - Ibrahim Rauza - Upli Buruj - Taj Bawdi

History as per Internet
Gol Gumbaz the largest dome in India, is a colossal tomb with 44m diameter width. The structure is composed of a cube and at each of the four corners of the cube, is a dome-capped octagonal tower seven stories high with a staircase inside. Running around the inside of the dome is the "Whispering Gallery" where even the softest sound can be heard on the other side due to the acoustics of the space. Inside the mausoleum hall, is a square podium which marks the actual grave below, The building in front of the tomb has been renovated to a museum in the present day.

We reached 6AM sharp at the gates of Gol Gumbaz which was just opening. Sun was just about to rise and the winter chill was in air. The morning joggers were exercising on the grounds. Our guide was waiting for us at the gates.

We wanted to be among early ones to climb as the guide told us as day the progress there is mad rush and with everybody trying to produce an echo you would be hardly able to hear.

As you start approaching the main building which is now musem, Gol Gumabz suddenly starts vanishing from the view.

The museum

After the traverse the grand view...

Octagonal 7 storied tower with a staircase inside

The narrow staircase

The opening of staircase

Inside the gallery the guard showed how you can listen to falling of a coin of crushing of water bottle across the mausoleum. It was simply amazing to see the wonder of the architecture.

Our next stop was Jumma Masjid

Mahadeva Temple - Itagi

Unknown

2 minutes

Where: Kuknoor/Kukanoor
How to reach: 7 kms left of Kuknoor, 45kms from Gadag
Best time to visit: All the year round
Time visited: Nov 2016
Time to see around: 30 mins
Stay: Gadag
Food: Gadag
Parking: Parking available outside premises.

Tour Plan
Day 1: Pune-Kittur-Varur-Annigeri-Gadag
Day 2: Gadag-Laxmeshwar-Gadag-Sudi-Gadag
Day 3: Gadag-Dambal-Lakkundi-Itagi-Bijapur
Day 4: Bijapur-Solapur

Day 3 - Gadag-Dambal-Lakkundi-Itagi-Bijapur
Gadag-Damabal (23 Kms) Damabal-Lakkundi (14 Kms) Lakkundi-Itagi ( 35 Kms) Itagi-Bijapur (191 Kms)

History as per Internet
East facing Mahadeva Temple was built in 1112 A.D by Mahadeva, a General of the Western Chalukya king Tribhuvanamalla Vikramaditya VI. Its extremely magnificent architectural style and decorative details. There is a pillared hall supported by 68 pillars, out of which 26 are large ones standing on the floor and forming the main support for the roof. The large columns are of different designs, but are arranged symmetrically with regard to the shape and pattern of each.

Our last stop before Bijapur was Itagi. It was almost noon but the drive was pleasant. Google Maps showed us quite afew shortcuts through markets and narrow lanes and finally we reached the temple. It was well maintained and some renovation work was being carried out by ASI.

Backside view

The decorative border

The pillars

The 3D exquisite detailing

Detailing on door jamb

Detailing on Roof

Amazing Stepwell

Other smaller temples

We reached safely to Bijapur in the evening. We were hoping to do Almatti dam enroute but we were tired and we skipped that. The 4 lane highway was simply amazing except for the bumpy speed breakers near crossings!

Manikeswara Temple - Lakkundi

Where: Gadag
How to reach: 60 Kms from Hubli on Hospet Road
Best time to visit: All the year round
Time visited: Nov 2016
Time to see around: 20 mins
Stay: Gadag
Food: Gadag
Parking: Parking available outside premises. Note- Very narrow road, avoid parking next to temple.

Tour Plan
Day 1: Pune-Kittur-Varur-Annigeri-Gadag
Day 2: Gadag-Laxmeshwar-Gadag-Sudi-Gadag
Day 3: Gadag-Dambal-Lakkundi-Itagi-Bijapur
Day 4: Bijapur-Solapur

Day 3 - Gadag-Dambal-Lakkundi-Itagi-Bijapur
Gadag-Damabal (23 Kms) Damabal-Lakkundi (14 Kms) Lakkundi-Itagi ( 35 Kms) Itagi-Bijapur (191 Kms)

History as per Internet
This is a trikuta Shiva temple. The common mandapa has a porch supported on four front pillars. The biigest attraction is a the pushkarni (tank), locally known as Muskin Bhavi. The stepwell actually begins beneath the temple and extends outward. There are several minor shrines within the steps. The stepwell is the among the best in India.

The temple

Stepwell

The stepwell was completely dry at the moment

Almost 3 storied down

The stairs from side

Brahma Jinalaya - Lakkundi

Where: Lakkundi
How to reach: 12 Kms from Gadag
Best time to visit: All the year round
Time visited: Nov 2016
Time to see around: 0.5 hrs
Stay: Gadag
Food: Gadag
Parking: Parking available outside premises

Tour Plan
Day 1: Pune-Kittur-Varur-Annigeri-Gadag
Day 2: Gadag-Laxmeshwar-Gadag-Sudi-Gadag
Day 3: Gadag-Dambal-Lakkundi-Itagi-Bijapur
Day 4: Bijapur-Solapur

Day 3: Gadag-Dambal-Lakkundi-Itagi-Bijapur
Gadag-Damabal (23 Kms) Damabal-Lakkundi (14 Kms) Lakkundi-Itagi ( 35 Kms) Itagi-Bijapur (191 Kms)

History as per Internet
The village is referred as Lokki-gundi in its inscriptions. It is said to be a maha-agrahara settlement consisting one thousand mahajanas. As per inscriptions, this agrahara was established by Rama during Ramayana period. Lakkundi was an ancient Agrahara and a great centre of educational and religious activities, particularly during the rule of the Chalukyas of Kalyana. The earliest inscription found here suggest influence of Jainism in this area during those times. Lakkundi has a royal-mint as evident from its inscription. A part of earnings from the mint was donated to the temples here. It is said that Attimabbe who was a patron of the famous Kannada poet Ranna had built many Jaina temples at Lakkundi of which Brahma Jinalaya is well known.

Brahma-Jinalaya is east facing temple is the oldest Jain temple at Lakkundi. The temple consists of a garbha-grha, antarala, nava-ranga, an open mandapa and mukha-mandapa. Balustrade entrance flanked the mukha-mandapa. The open mandapa is supported on twenty-eight pillars. As observed in other Western Chalukya period temples, we do not find slanted-backrest seating like arrangement in this open mandapa. Navaranga has four pillars in center to support the ceiling above the central stage.

History as per Lakkundi Museum

The front side

The beautiful and highly decorated door jamb

The center piece of door jamb

The bottom part

Garbhagriha

The door jamb carvings

The exquisite sculptures, on left is Yakshi Padmavati and on right is Brahma with four heads and four hands. Because of this idol, the temple is called as Brahma-Jinalaya.

The garbhagraha has standing Bhagwan Mahavira idol.

Carvings on the pillar base

Outside the second temple

Kashi Vishvanatha Temple - Lakkundi

History (Lakkundi Museum)

Two twin temples share a single platform, one dedicated to Lord Shiva and the other to Surya joined by a mandapa which at some point of time was covered with a roof above it. Entrance to the mandapa is provided on its east and south.

The Nanneshvara Temple temple seen in backdrop

Scenes from Ramayana can be seen like Hanuman lifting the Sanjivani mountain and panel on right shows the RamaSetu construction.

Carvings on the top rail

The outer walls of the temple has scenes from Mahabharata and Ramayana.

The doorjambs and lintels have exquisite carvings on them with the southern entrance having 9 rows of carvings, each a separate story in itself.

Inside is as beautifully sculpted as outside

Temples of Dambal

Unknown

3 minutes

Where: Dambal, 23 Kms from Gadag
How to reach: Gadag- Mundargi Road
Best time to visit: All the year round
Time visited: Nov 2016
Time to see around: 1 hour
Stay: Gadag
Food: Gadag
Parking: Parking available outside premises

Tour Plan
Day 1: Pune-Kittur-Varur-Annigeri-Gadag
Day 2: Gadag-Laxmeshwar-Gadag-Sudi-Gadag
Day 3: Gadag-Dambal-Lakkundi-Itagi-Bijapur
Day 4: Bijapur-Solapur

Day 3: Gadag-Dambal-Lakkundi-Itagi-Bijapur
Gadag-Damabal (23 Kms) Damabal-Lakkundi (14 Kms) Lakkundi-Itagi ( 35 Kms) Itagi-Bijapur (191 Kms)

Dodda-Basappa Temple

History as per Internet

This is a east facing temple is famous for its circular vimana which not only has the stellar base buts its shikhara (tower) is in continuation with the original base stellar design. The star-points of this stellar plan are located to close that it gives an impression of a circular structure. The temple consists a garbha-griha, antarala and a mandapa. The mandapa has two openings, one on south and one on the east.

After a hearty breakfast, we checked out of Clarks inn. We porceeded to our first stop - Dambal. The drive was beautiful. The road has huge windmills on both the sides.

Dambal is a small village around 23 kms from Gadag. Just 3 Kms before Damabal Village begins lies the Dodda-Basappa Temple.

Its very well maintained by ASI with lush green lawns in front.

The pillars are are decorative.

A attractive elephant border on the side

Sculptures on the walls

Decorative door jamb and

carvings above the main temple door.

Carvings on door jamb

Bottom part of decorative door jamb

After seeing this beautiful temple we proceed to somweshawr temple which is just opposite of Dodda-Basappa temple.

Someshwar Temple

History as per Internet

A 1,000-year-old Chalukyan shrine, has a mandapa, antarala and garbha-griha. The mandapa has entrance on its three sides. Antarala doorway has pierced stone jail at the doorjambs, the feature mostly seen in the Chalukyan temples. Its architecture and style influenced few scholars to suggest that it was a Jain basti originally.

Jappadbavi

History as per Internet

This is a recently discovered the temple well. The myth prevails that 21 saints meditated and slvated at this well.

The next stop was Jappadbavi. This was near the dambal village amidst farms. You have park your vehicle and walk down a narrow muddy trail for about 1 kms.

Its large squarish tank around 3-4 feet above ground level.

The next stop was the most awaited stop - Lakkundi.

Trikuteshwar Temple - Gadag

Unknown

2 minutes

Trikuteshwar Temple - Gadag

Where: Gadag
How to reach: 60 Kms from Hubli on Hospet Road
Best time to visit: All the year round
Time visited: Nov 2016
Time to see around: 10 mins
Stay: Gadag
Food: Gadag
Parking: Parking available outside premises

Tour Plan
Day 1: Pune-Kittur-Varur-Annigeri-Gadag
Day 2: Gadag-Laxmeshwar-Gadag-Sudi-Gadag
Day 3: Gadag-Dambal-Lakkundi-Itagi-Bijapur
Day 4: Bijaupur-Solapur

Day 2 - Laxmeshwar and Sudi (180 Kms)
Gadag-Laxmeshwar (40 Kms), Gadag-Sudi (50 Kms)

History as per Internet
Trikuteshwara temple is one of the largest and most prominent Chalukyan temples in north Kanrnataka. It has triple shrines, once housing Shiva, Brahma and Surya. The Saraswathi temple has the finest shining decorative pillars, and the Saraswathi image, and is one of the largest examples of Chalukya art.

It was almost 4.30 pm and we had to rush to the temple before the darkness descended.

The highly intricate decorative carvings and sculptures are simply amazing.

Astounding decorative Pillars

Very finely carved door jambs

Saraswathi idol

Inscriptions on the compound wall

After disappointment at Sudi this was indeed a treat. It was tiring day and we decided to hit bed after a early dinner. The Sizzlers at Clarks inn were amazing.

Veeranarayana Temple - Gadag

Where: Gadag
How to reach: 60 Kms from Hubli on Hospet Road
Best time to visit: All the year round
Time visited: Nov 2016
Time to see around: 10 mins
Stay: Gadag
Food: Gadag
Parking: Parking available outside premises

Tour Plan
Day 1: Pune-Kittur-Varur-Annigeri-Gadag
Day 2: Gadag-Laxmeshwar-Gadag-Sudi-Gadag
Day 3: Gadag-Dambal-Lakkundi-Itagi-Bijapur
Day 4: Bijapur-Solapur

Day 2 - Laxmeshwar and Sudi (180 Kms)
Gadag-Laxmeshwar (40 Kms), Gadag-Sudi (50 Kms)

History as per Internet
Veeranarayana temple was built during the Kalyani Chalukya times however it received continuous patronage till the Vijayanagara rulers. Kannada poet Kumara Vyasa composed his famous Mahabharatha (known as Kumaravyasa Bharata or Gadugina Bharata) in this temple.

It was around 3.45 pm and Kamat agreed to still serve Pav Bhaji although it was suppose to start at 4PM. After a hearty meal the last stop were famous temples in the city. Veeranarayana temple is just few minutes from the main market where Kamat was located.

This was a simple temple in quiet neighbourhood. After quick look we proceeded to the famous Trikuteshwar temple.

Monuments of Sudi

Unknown

2-3 minutes

Where: 50 Kms from Gadag
How to reach: via SH 6
Best time to visit: All the year round
Time visited: Nov 2016
Time to see around: 20 mins
Stay: Gadag
Food: Gadag

Tour Plan
Day 1: Pune-Kittur-Varur-Annigeri-Gadag
Day 2: Gadag-Laxmeshwara-Gadag-Sudi-Gadag
Day 3: Gadag-Dambal-Lakkundi-Itagi-Bijapur
Day 4: Bijapur-Solapur

Day 2 - Laxmeshwara and Sudi (180 Kms)
Gadag-Laxmeshwara (40 Kms), Gadag-Sudi (50 Kms)

It was a long drive from Gadag in hot sun. The google maps showed fastest route but it was small inner roads. We decided to take risk and drove through open fields. But Sudi was total disappointment. Totally neglected temples and nothing much to see. Unless you have special interest in Archaeology or History this could be skipped.

Jodu-kalasa Temple

History as per Internet
This twin temple has two garbhagrhas (sanctums) sharing a common mandapa. The mandapa has entrances on north and south. Shikharas on both the sides, east and west, are intact in their full glory with kalasha. It is built on a high raised platform (jagati).

Mallikarjuna Temple

History as per Internet
A Chalukya (Kalyani Chalukyas) monument, 1054, Founded under princess Akkadevi Governor of Sudi. The front portion of this temple is much renovated as it is a live temple. Front mandapa, which is open on three sides, is supported on ten pillars, eight pillars supporting the main roof and two supporting a projecting porch. It is a tri-kuta temple where three shrines share a common mandapa (hall). This common closed mandapa is supported on four pillars.

Other Monuments
Large Ganapati statue carved in stone,Large Shiva linga, Hude (Tower), Nandi

We were very hungry and it was almost 2PM. We headed straight back to Gadag.

Ananthanatha Basadi - Laxmeshwar

Unknown

2 minutes

Ananthanatha Basadi - Laxmeshwar

Where: 40 Kms from Gadag
How to reach: via SH 6
Best time to visit: All the year round
Time visited: Nov 2016
Time to see around: 20 mins
Stay: Gadag
Food: Gadag
Parking: Parking available outside premises

Tour Plan
Day 1: Pune-Kittur-Varur-Annigeri-Gadag
Day 2: Gadag-Laxmeshwara-Gadag-Sudi-Gadag
Day 3: Gadag-Dambal-Lakkundi-Itagi-Bijapur
Day 4: Bijapur-Solapur

Day 2 - Laxmeshwara and Sudi (180 Kms)
Gadag-Laxmeshwara (40 Kms), Gadag-Sudi (50 Kms)

History as per internet
Ananthanatha Basadi, built in AD 1250, lies in the middle of the town. This Basadi is an example of the Chalukya style of architecture. The idol of Ananthanatha, one of the 24 Thirthankars, is installed in the sanctum sanctorum of the shrine. It is entered through a big hall, in front of which a high dipa-stambha is erected. This hall seems to have been constructed during the Western Chalukya time. All around the hall is a low parapet wall, which instead of being open is closed on top with pierced window panels.

There nothing much to see but the temple itself is quiet and beautiful.

Some huge broken statues of Thirthankaras gives us a glimpse of bygone glorious era.

It was getting hot and we still weren't hungry. We decided to head back to Gadag and go to Sudi.

Shankha Basadi - Laxmeshwar

Where: 40 Kms from Gadag
How to reach: via SH 6
Best time to visit: All the year round
Time visited: Nov 2016
Time to see around: 0.5 Hours
Stay: Gadag
Food: Gadag
Parking: Parking available outside premises

Tour Plan
Day 1: Pune-Kittur-Varur-Annigeri-Gadag
Day 2: Gadag-Laxmeshwar-Gadag-Sudi-Gadag
Day 3: Gadag-Dambal-Lakkundi-Itagi-Bijapur
Day 4: Bijapur-Solapur

Day 2 - Laxmeshwar and Sudi (180 Kms)
Gadag-Laxmeshwar (40 Kms), Gadag-Sudi (50 Kms)

History as per internet
This takes back the history of Laxmeshwara to the 8th century; though the temple is in Chalukya style it has undergone many modifications and renovations.Neminath (Shankha is the symbol of Neminath), the 22nd Jain thirthankara, is the presiding deity of this Jain Basadi. Basadi, which consists of a Garbhagriha, a large Ardhamandapa, larger Mahamandapa and a Rangamandapa. The rangamandapa has three entrances (south, north and west). It has a chaturmukha structure in diminutive model, each of which carries three figures. it has a rekhanagara shikhara. The unique feature of this temple is the Sahasrakuta Jinabimba in minute form.

There is a Manasthamba erected in front of the temple. There are many splendid carvings of dancers and musicians.Many mutilated Jain idols can be found on the wall of a well nearby. Adikavi Pampa wrote Adi Purana, seated in this Basadi. Basadi is in ruins and renovated; it presents the interest of the Kalyani Chalukyas in Jain architecture.

Shankha Basadi is quiet temple. Some renovation work is still is progress.

Ventilated walls with yakshas and yakshis and many splendid carvings of dancers and musicians and some sculptures of Khajurao style can be found.

Ornamental door jamb

Inside View

Rare monolithic piece of Sahasra Jinabimbas (SahastraKut Jinalay)

After Darshan, our next stop was Ananthanatha Basadi.

Someshwar Temple - Laxmeshwar

Where: 40 Kms from Gadag
How to reach: via SH 6
Best time to visit: All the year round
Time visited: Nov 2016
Time to see around: 2 Hours
Stay: Gadag
Food: Gadag
Parking: Parking available outside premises

Tour Plan
Day 1: Pune-Kittur-Varur-Annigeri-Gadag
Day 2: Gadag-Laxmeshwar-Gadag-Sudi-Gadag
Day 3: Gadag-Dambal-Lakkundi-Itagi-Bijapur
Day 4: Bijapur-Solapur

Day 2 - Laxmeshwar and Sudi (180 Kms)
Gadag-Laxmeshwar (40 Kms), Gadag-Sudi (50 Kms)

History as per Internet
The most important Chalukya architecture at Laxemshwar is the 11th century Someshwara temple complex. All the three main entrances are surrounded by high walls that look like a fort. The temple complex is surrounded by small temples mainly dedicated to Shiva and some halls for devotees. The Nandi and Shiva Parvati idols in the temple are exquisitely sculpted. These idols are referred to as Saurashtra Someshwara, as these idols were brought by a Shiva devotee from Saurashtra and installed at Lakshmeshwara.

We started early morning after a hearty buffet breakfast. One the way, about 20 kms the Magdi bird sanctury looked promising- with season of arrival for migratory birds. But when we reached Magdi the huge lake was all dried up.

Once you are in Laksmeshwara town, people easily guide you through narrow lanes. The first stop obviously was Someshwara Temple complex. The temple is a fort like structure with a high wall surrounding the temple.

The intricate sculptures adorn the highly decorative walls.

The top border too is adorned with ornamental sculptures.

Amazing elephant sculptures at the bottom.

There are many Kannada inscriptions. Some inscriptions are prominently displayed on one side of the temple.

Open well
Inside the Someshwara temple complex, behind the temple, there is an open step-well. A narrow road behind the temple (within the premises itself) lead to this step well. This ornamental step-well is of architectural and artistic significance.

After seeing this beautiful temple we proceeded through narrow lanes to Shanka Basadi.

Amrutheshwara Temple - Annigeri

Where: 47 Kms from Hubli, 12 Kms from Gadag
How to reach: NH48 Kolhapur/Banglore Highway. Take Hubli-Gadag/Hospet Road
Best time to visit: All the year round
Time visited: Nov 2016
Time to see around: 0.5 Hour
Stay: Hubli, Gadag, Hospet
Food: Hubli/Gadag
Parking: Parking available outside premises

Tour Plan
Day 1: Pune-Kittur-Varur-Annigeri-Gadag
Day 2: Gadag-Laxmeshwara-Gadag-Sudi-Gadag
Day 3: Gadag-Dambal-Lakkundi-Itagi-Bijapur
Day 4: Bijapur-Solapur

Day 1 - Pune to Gadag (524 Kms)
Pune-Kittur (381 Kms), Kittur-Varur (68 Kms), Varur-Annigeri-Gadag (72 Kms)

History as per Internet
Built by the Western Chalukya Empire, Amrutheshwara Temple is a 10th century black stone temple currently under the protection of Archeological Department. The temple has a roof supported by 76 pillars and carvings of mythological figures on its walls.The Amruteshwara Temple was said to be the prototype for later, more articulated structures such as the Mahadeva Temple (Itagi) at Itagi. The Mahadeva Temple of Itagi was built in 1112 CE and has the same architectural components as as Amrutheshwara Temple.

On Hubli-Gadag Road a small road leads to the town. Amruteshwara Temple is close to market. Surrounding premises are well maintained.

The entrance

The carvings on the pillar near entrance

The exquisitely decorative top border

A detail carving on side of the temple

It was long journey. We checked in to Clarks Inn at Gadag.

Navagraha Teerth - Varur

Unknown

2 minutes

Base Town: Varur
Where: 18 Kms from Hubli
How to reach: NH48 Kolhapur/Banglore Highway
Best time to visit: All the year round
Time visited: Nov 2016
Time to see around: 0.5 Hour
Stay: Hubli
Food: Hubli/Gadag
Parking: Parking available inside premises

Tour Plan
Day 1: Pune-Kittur-Varur-Annigeri-Gadag
Day 2: Gadag-Lakshmeshwara-Gadag-Sudi-Gadag
Day 3: Gadag-Dambal-Lakkundi-Itagi-Bijapur
Day 4: Bijaupur-Solapur

Day 1 - Pune to Gadag (524 Kms)
Pune-Kittur (381 Kms), Kittur-Varur (68 Kms), Varur-Annigeri-Gadag (72 Kms)

History as per Internet
The tallest monolithic idol of Bhagavan Parshwanath in India - a 61 foot idol weighing185 tons of Bhagavan Parshwanath and eight other Tirthankaras are located at Varur. Bhagwan Parashwanath is believed to preside over Ketu, Bhagwan Padmaprabhu rules the Sun, Bhagwan Chandraprabhu over the Moon, Bhagwan Vasupujya over Mars, Bhagwan Mallinath over Mercury, Bhagwan Mahavira Swami over Jupiter, Bhagwan Pushpadanta over Venus, Bhagwan Munisruvata over Saturn and Bhagwan Neminath over Rahu.The monolithic statue of Bhagavan Parshwanath is larger than the statue of Gommateshwara or Lord Bahubali in Shravanabelagola.

After visiting fort of Kittur, we had lunch at Kamat. Our next destination was Varur. We continued on NH48. After Hubli exit Varur is closeby on highway itself. The large stautues can be seen easily from a distance.

After darshan, we proceeded to Annigeri.

Kittur Fort

Unknown

2 minutes

Base Town: Kittur
Where: 381 Kms from Pune
How to reach: NH48 Kolhapur/Banglore Highway
Best time to visit: All the year round
Time visited: Nov 2016
Time to see around: 1 Hour
Stay: Hubli
Food: Kamat, Dharwad (30 Kms towards Hubli)
Parking: Parking available inside premises

Tour Plan
Day 1: Pune-Kittur-Varur-Annigeri-Gadag
Day 2: Gadag-Laxmeshwara-Gadag-Sudi-Gadag
Day 3: Gadag-Dambal-Lakkundi-Itagi-Bijapur
Day 4: Bijapur-Solapur

Day 1 - Pune to Gadag (524 Kms)

Pune-Kittur (381 Kms), Kittur-Varur (68 Kms), Varur-Annigeri-Gadag (72 Kms)

History as per Internet
Kittur fort was held by the Desai marathas of Kittur, as well as Rani Chennamma, who revolted against the British in 1824. Kittur reached its zenith during the Mallasarja Desai. There is a archaeological museum has rich collection of antiquities found in and around Kittur, which include weapons, engraved wooden doors and windows of the Kittur palace, inscriptions and many more antiquities.

We started from Pune early morning and reached Kittur by 11/11.30 AM. Kittur fort is around 10 mins from Highway inside the Kittur town. Huge entrance gate welcomes you. On the left is Archaeological museum. Unfortunately being Diwali it was closed.

A 5 min walk takes you the monuments of large palace. History of the palace is documented.

This is the side entrance and immediate left is the Durbar Hall.

Durbar Hall

Swimming pool

Pole Star Room

Palace Entrance

Fort Boundary Wall

Main watch tower inside the fort

Rajgir (Rajgrihi) Vandana

Base Town: Bihar Sharif
Where: 100 Kms from Patna
How to reach: 15 km from Bihar Sharif
Best time to visit: Sept-February (post rains)
Time visited: Dec 2014
Stay: Kundalpur Dharmashala
Food: Hotmeals in Dharmashalas
Parking: Parking available intside premises

Tour Plan
Day 1: Madhuban - Rest and local Darshan
Day 2: The Climb-Vandana
Day 3: Parikrama (Pradakshina)
Day 4: Rest
Day 5: Gunawa-Guniyaj, Nawada, Pawapuri, Nalanda, Kundalpur
Day 6: Kundalpur-Rajgrihi-Kundalpur
Day 7: Gaya, Vaishali
Day 8: Vaishali Sightseeing, Patna

History as per Internet:
The city of Rajgir (Rajgrihi) was the first capital of the kingdom of Magadha, a state that would eventually evolve into the Mauryan Empire. It is also known as Panch Pahadi or city of five hills– Vipulachala, Ratnagiri, Udaigiri, Arungiri (Swarngiri) and Vaibhavgiri.This place was the capital of King Jarasandha (Contemporary to Bhagwan Neminath) and capital of the emperor of Magadha King Shrenik (Bimbsar). King Shrenik was the principal disciple of Bhagwan Mahaveer during the Samav saran of Lord Mahaveer here. It is also believed that Bhagwan Mahaveer stayed here in Chaturmaas (Four months period of rainy season), fourteen times in the state of Muni. His first Samavsharan was also established here on Vipulachala after attaining Kevalgyan and he delivered his first precept from here. Many munis like Jivandhara, Swet Sundarva, Vaishakha, Vidyuchchara, Gandhamadana, Preetinkara, Dhandatta attained salvation from this Siddha Kshetra .

We started from Kundalpur and reached Rajgrihi by around 7/30 AM.

A entire Tonga can be hired for 1000-1500 rs who will take you to first three mountains for Vandana. It take around 4-5 hrs to complete the treks. 4-5th tonks are very lonely and sometimes closed.

The Tonga dropped us at Vipulachala.

Vipulachala- Its round 1.5 Hours Trek. First of the five hills is Vipulachala, has four magnificent temples, among them one is recently constructed. To memorize the four Kalyanakas of Bhagwan MuniSuvratnath, a huge and attractive monument is constructed here.

The entrance to Vipulachala

View from the top.

Udaigiri: From Vipulachala, the trek continues for around 1/1.5 hrs where the temples are present through the forest.

The tonga awaits at bottom of Udaygiri and then takes you to the base of third mountain which is 15-20 mins away.

The third temple

It was a beautiful experience and we were free to explore the rest of Rajgrihi by 12/12.30 AM.

Bidar Fort

Unknown

3 minutes

Type: Land Fort- Gadhi

Base Town: Bidar
Where: 400 Kms from Pune, 190 Kms from Solapur
Route Taken: Pune-Solapur-Bidar (off Solapur-Hyderabad highway)
Time visited: Oct 2014
Time to see: 2 hrs.
Food/Water: Food/Stay is available at Bidar, Solapur
Parking: Parking available inside the fort area near main entrance

History as per Internet:
Bidar Fort was built by Sultan Alla-Ud-Din Bahman of the Bahmani Dynasty., when his capital was moved from Gulbarga to Bidar in 1427. Surrounded by three miles long walls and, comprising 37 bastions, this fort has five entrances. Within the fort complex, there is an old city with several monuments and structures that belong to the Bahamian era. Among these monuments, the Gagan Mahal, Rangin Mahal and Takhat Mahal are most popular. Jami Masjid and Solah Khamba Masjid are the two notable mosques constructed within the fort.

Visited this majestic fort while I was returning from my hyderabad trip. Around a Km away is the first entrance to fort area. Inside among the hustling town lies the the Madrasa of Khwaja Mahmud Gawan, built in 1472 by Mahmud Gawan, the minister of Shah III. It is an outstanding example of Bahmani architecture built in the Persian style.

Unfortunately it was Diwali time and there was no guide who could show us around. There were several security guards and the place was well maintained.The main entrance door (as seen on left) with two bastions and the fence wall still stands basking in hot sun.

Main Gate

The well maintained gardens.

The Solah Khamba Mosque on the right side was built by Qubil Sultani between 1423 and 1424. The mosque derives it’s name from the 16 pillars that are lined in the front of the structure.

The fountains and flowing water system in courtyard.

The Rangin Mahal is one of the best preserved monuments inside the Bidar Fort complex. It is situated close to the Gumbad Gate and build by Barid Bidar in 1542-1580 AD.

The entrance door with beautiful wooden carving and painted walls.

Ceilings in one of the rooms.

The entrance door and fort structure seen from the Ragin Mahal terrace.

Various administrative and residential complexes inside the fort-

The fort is must visit and it would be a good idea to take guide around...

http://balkrishnajamdar.blogspot.com/2016/12/murdeshwar-shiva-temple.html

Unplanned trip to Dandeli , Gokarna and Murdeshwar

Balkrishna Jamdar

2 minutes

Unplanned trip to Dandeli , Gokarna and Murdeshwar

Unplanned Trip to Coastal Karnataka.
Exploring Karnataka..
Total Drive ( to & fro) -1390 kms.
Route- Pune - Dandeli - Gokarna - Murdeshwar- Hubali - Pune...

We went on a completely unplanned drive to Dandeli, Gokarna and Murdeshwar ( no prior hotel booking done and no route decided) with what it started as small drive to Kolhapur actually ended 1400 kms drive back home..

We started from Pune and drove to Dandeli National park. Explored the place, drove through jungle roads, enjoyed water rafting and kayaking in the kali river.

Last Moment Entry in front of the car

Next day in the morning drove to Gokarna temple and beach. Though Gokarna was on my mind for quite some time, I actually made my way to this little sandy paradise during this unplanned trip. After Darshan and Abhishek and pooja at Gokarna Mahableshwar temple we enjoyed swim in the beach and had some me time watching the sun go down at OM beach. Gokarna Beach has the charm of Goan beaches back in 80s and 90s.

Next day drove another 86 kms to Murdeshwar shiva temple. A must visit place. Town is located on the shore Arabian sea, has worlds second tallest Lord Shiva statue and is also famous for 18 floors tall temple entrance. there is a elevator to go to eighteenth floor. The view of the town, beach and lord shiva statue from the eighteenth floor is simply breathtaking.