Nuggehalli - Markonahalli Dam

After exploring shravanabelagola we headed towards Nuggehalli, since we started early we explored the two hills of shravanabelagola early and stated towards our next destination.  

Nuggehalli, very lesser known place, which is around 28 Kms from shravanabelagola. It took us around 35 minutest to reach. Its quite a remote place better to approach localities to find out this place rather than sticking to google maps.

Nuggehalli is very lesser known place situated in Hassan district. It is 16 kms northeast of channarayapatna & 16 kms hiresave on NH 47 & is very close to shravanabelagola (28Kms). The deviation to both nuggehalli & Sravanabelogola is from hiresave & one could reach nuggehalli from shravanabelagola within 35 to 40 mins.

By the time we reached this place, it was almost lunch time and didn’t find any visitors around this place. Thought temple might have closed for lunch break, but it was open and spent some time clicking the pics around this temple.

About nuggehalli temple:

The historical temple of Sri Lakshmi Narasimha at Nuggehalli belonging to 11th century Hoysala period architecture is a must visit place of tourist/cultural importance. The sculptures in the temple tease the mind with a beauty that would linger in one’s mind for ages. These wonderful temples come under the purview of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and they have classified these as the “Living Temple – Monument”, (which are very few in number) wherein the pooja to the Almighty is being performed uninterrupted from day one. This classification is given to about 50 odd temples in India. Karnataka is indeed fortunate to have quite a few of these temples which have a Great & Hoary past.

Once we clicked couple of photos around this temple we headed towards Markonahalli Dam.

Stopped for lunch, we have plenty of options on this highway for lunch. Once we had lunch we reached Markonahalli around 3.00 PM. From nuggehalli this dam is around 58 Kms towards Bengaluru.

In the year 1940, the then Maharaja of Mysore had assigned Sir M Vishveshwaraiah to build a dam across Shimsha river which is one of the tributaries of Cauvery. This is one of the beautiful dam built by Sir M Vishveshwaraiah. There is enough space for car parking, but not specific place! One should climb few steps to reach the top of the dam. Once we climb up it gives a beautiful panoramic view of the backwaters.

Sunset is the main attraction of this place, but the day was bit cloudy and we were not in a mood to wait till 6.00 pm we headed back to Bengaluru after spending some time around this dam.

Shravanabelagola

Shravanabelagola is one of the beautiful weekend gateway around Bengaluru. Though its around 145 Kms away, we can explore this place in one day and can come back Bengaluru by 6.00 PM. It time permits (if some one has energy) we can visit other couple of places around.

Road condition is very good and till the destination it will be easy and smooth drive. Shravanabelagola is at a distance of 145 Kms from Bangalore, 50 Kms from Hassan & 83 Kms from Mysore. 

We started from Bengaluru sharp 5.30 AM as planned and stopped near Kichanna Halli Mane hotel for breakfast. Opposite to this restaurant Swathi Delicacy restaurant is also available for breakfast. Reached our destination around 7.45 AM.

About Shravanabelagola:

Shravanabelagola is one of the most popular Jain pilgrimage centre in South India. This place is named after the pond in middle of the town (Bela-Kola means White Pond). Once in 12 years, Shravanabelagola celebrates the Mahamastakabhisheka festival which attracts thousands of devotees and tourists from all over India. Shravanabelagola is not only of archeological importance but also one of the important pilgrimage places for Jains. There is a huge statue of Lord Bahubali who stands all 58 feet. This is the largest monolithic statue in the world. It’s a quite peaceful place and walk around the temple gives panoramic view of Shravanabelagola town and the fields surrounding the hill.

For those who can't trek the hill, Dolis are available at the entrance of the temple that charge about Rs. 800 including return. After 10 or 11 Am it will be quite difficult to climb this hill because of heat. It’s better to avoid visiting this place in summer.

The view of Kalyani and Chandragiri

It took us almost 2 hours to climb up and come down. Its a very good place for photography as well. 

Once we climb down from Vindhyagiri, proceeded towards Chadragiri. Chandragiri is another hill adjoining Vindhyagiri. The climb though not steep takes to the top of the hill for a panoramic view of the Vindhyagiri where Lord Bahubali is. Chandragiri hill has a group of monuments which include a lovely statue of Bharatha and many Basadis or Jain temples.

Its a quite peaceful place and neatly maintained as well. Spent some time around this place clicking the pics and exploring all the temples. Reached back car parking area around 12 and headed towards Nuggehalli.