Architectural Heritage Monuments

With the rise and fall of great dynasties of Hoysalas, Chalukyas and the mighty Vijayanagara rulers in Karnataka, later the Mughals in the 17th century and the British in the 18th century, the heritage monuments are evidence to the unique architectural style of each dynasty.

Places of Interest

• Aihole, Badami, Pattadakkal ( Baghalkot Dt.)
  Dravidian architecture of temples & forts built by the Chalukyas.

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• Belur, Halebedu ( Hassan Dt.)
  Hoysala period temples with exquisite carvings. World heritage site.

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• Hampi
  World Heritage site. Ruins of the magnificent capital of Vijayanagara empire.

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• Gol Gumbaz (Bijapur )
  Second largest dome in the world. Tomb of Muhammad Adil Shah.

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• Mysore Palace
  Amba Vilas, the royal residence of the Wodeyar Maharajas. Famous for the annual Dussera festival.

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• Somnathpur ( near Mysore) – Intricate carvings in Keshava temple built by the Hoysalas.

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• Shravanabelagola
  Jain pilgrimage. 17m high monolithic Statue of Gomateshwara.

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• Daria Daulat Bagh ( Srirangapatnam)
  Summer palace of Tipu Sultan with picturesque frescoes on walls

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• Srirangapatnam Fort
  Tipu Sultan was killed here while fighting the British.

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• Bidar Fort
  Bidar fort and the remnants of Rangeen Mahal inside the complex.

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• Other Forts
  Bellary, Bidar, Chitradurga, Gulbarga, Kittur Chennamma Fort, Manzarabad, Mirjan, Saundatti and many more.

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• Other ancient temples
  Gadag, Haveri, Kolar, Koppal, Hadagali, Sudi, Laxmeshwar, Lakkundi etc. have beautifully carved ancient temples. Other than Belur and Halebidu, temples of Hoysala architecture can be found in Arasikere, Amruthapura, Araluguppe, Annigeri, Belavadi, Basaralu, Haranhalli, Hosaholalu, Korvangla, Mosale, Nuggehalli. The Hoysala temples are treasure troves of intricate carvings and are a spell-binding visual treat to the delight of art-lovers.

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