Magadi is a popular weekend getaway spot is situated very close to Bangalore. A commute of less than an hour-to-hour and half distance from different spots in Bangalore, this place is suitable for a single-day trip on a weekend.

About Magadi

Magadi is a small town situated at a distance of about 55km from Bengaluru. This place rose to prominence because it was the hometown of Nadaprabhu Kempegowda – the local ruler and a vassal to Vijayanagara Empire who not just built several forts and temples in the region to protect the local populace from enemy attacks, he was also the architect for the modern-day Bengaluru.

Why should you visit Magadi

• Historical Significance
  • Magadi is the place from where Nadaprabhu Kempegowda rose to prominence.
  • He was born at a place near Magadi, his final resting place was also nearby Magadi.
  • He built temples, forts and conducted administration from Magadi for a significant period before and after establishing Bangalore.
  • Magadi Fort is only a shadow in glory of its former self and has been converted into a playground but some walls are still intact and can be viewed.
  • Sri Someshwara Temple has several markers of historical significance including the place where Nadaprabhu Kempegowda used to sit and deliver justice, the trees he planted, etc.
• Religious Significance
  • Three medieval period temples dedicated to Lord Venkateshwara, Lord Narasimha and Lord Shiva.
  • Two of these temples – Sri Ranganatha Swamy Temple and Sri Yoganarasimha Swamy Temple are prominent because of their association with Sri Ramanujacharya.
  • Sri Ranganatha Swamy Temple is dedicated to Lord Venkateshwara but gets its name because of a stone relief of Sri Ranganatha Swamy on one of the walls. It is believed that this statue on the stone is growing year after year.
  • Sri Someshwara Temple was built during Kemepgowda’s period under his patronage.
• Adventure & Trek Lovers
  • A short and relatively easy trek to Sri Mutturaya Swamy Betta would be refreshing.
  • A temple dedicated to Lord Anjaneya or Hanuman, nice view of the town and the vast expanse and beautiful sunsets can be viewed from here.
• Nature Lovers
  • There are several hills causing valleys along the scenic route from Bengaluru to Magadi.
  • The two major water reservoirs of Bengaluru – the Manchinbele Dam and the Tippagondanahalli Dam are along the route.
  • Both these dams along with the valley provide for a scenic drive and visitors can engage in water sports at Manchinbele Dam.

Travel Tips

• Weather/Temperature
  • Best suited for round the year visit. Temperatures are moderate and seasonal.
• Places to Eat
  • There are several small-time eateries in Magadi town. Vegetarian options are available.
• Places to Stay
  • Magadi being a Taluka place, it has several small lodges for overnight stay. Given its proximity to Bengaluru, most people may make it a day trip to Magadi.

Map/Location

Tell Us About Your Visit

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Sri Revanasiddeshwara Betta, also known as SRS Betta or SRS Hill in short is a popular weekend getaway spot is situated near Bangalore. Situated within an hour-to-hour and half distance from different spots in Bangalore, this place is suitable for a single-day trip on a weekend.

About SRS Betta

Sri Revanasiddeshwara Betta or SRS Hill derives its name from Sri Revanasiddeshwara – another name for Jagadguru Sri Renukacharya who took incarnation on the earth upon the order of Lord Shiva with the purpose of spreading Bhakti among the people. Jagadguru Sri Renukacharya or Sri Revanasiddeshwara or Sri Revanaradhya is one of the five acharyas who took birth in Kaliyuga to propagate Veerashaiva faith and propagate devotion towards Lord Shiva.

SRS Betta can be reached either from Mysuru Road via Ramanagara or from Kanakapura Road via Kanakapura town. SRS Betta is situated at a distance of 48km from Kengeri Satellite Town Metro station and 14km from Ramanagara – the district headquarters. If approaching via Kanakapura Road, it is about 46km from Silk Institute Metro station and a detour off Kanakapura highway near Jain University. You can also reach Kanakapura town and SRS Betta is about 18km from Kanakapura town.

Why should you visit SRS Betta

• Religious Travelers
  • Revanasiddheshwara Temple – A prominent Veerashaiva place of worship atop the hill for the followers.
  • Bheemeshwara Temple – A temple dedicated to Lord Shiva believed to be consecrated by second Pandava – Bheema halfway to the top of the hill.
• Adventure & Trek Lovers
  • Climb up the hill including approximately 450-500 rock cut steps.
  • Overhead shelter and resting areas at different places along the way make the trek easier.
• Nature Lovers
  • Nestled amidst the tall boulders and being situated on one, the SRS Betta gives a spectacular view of the surroundings.
  • A chance to witness a diverse vegetation and a possibility of spotting some smaller wild animals and eagles.

Travel Tips

• Religious Significance
  • Significant for Veerashaiva faith, please respect the religious practices and follow the instructions displayed at various spots.
• Trek Difficulty Level
  • Moderate to High.
  • Not recommended for weak kneed and weak hearted.
  • Carry sunglasses, water bottle and cap. Use sunscreen if necessary.
  • Consider carrying a pair of cotton/sport socks and climb to avoid injuries by walking barefoot or hot rocks.
• Weather/Temperature
  • Best suited for November to February period though the monsoon season would also give a different kind of satisfaction if you are up for the challenge.
• Places to Eat
  • There are several eateries on both Mysuru Road and Kanakapura Road – depending on which route you decide to take to the SRS Hills.
  • Don’t expect any tourist amenities atop the hill.
• Places to Stay
  • May not be necessary as the place is merely 1-2 hours drive from anywhere in Bangalore.

Map/Location

SRS Betta on Google Maps.

Tell Us About Your Visit

If you have visited SRS Betta before or after reading about it on ExploreKarnataka.com, please do let us know how you found the place by commenting below. You can also share your tips or feedback to improve the article.

Kaiwara National Park is situated near Kaiwara (also spelt as Kaivara) – a small town situated at a distance of about 52km from Krishnarajapura (KR Puram) and 55km from Whitefield areas of Bangalore. For people living in eastern and north-eastern parts of Bangalore, Kaiwara comes across as a very convenient drive for a weekend getaway.

Kaiwara falls under Chintamani Taluk and is at a distance of ~8-9km from Chintamani. An 18th century bilingual poet saint Yogi Nareyanappa, also known fondly as Kaiwara Thatha (Kannada) or Kaiwara Thathayya (Telugu) lived and meditated in Kaiwara Cave. He worshipped Amara Narayana – a form of Lord Vishnu and composed many works. There is a temple dedicated to Amara Narayana here.

Kaiwara is also believed to be the town Ekachakrapura from Mahabharata era. It was in this town where Pandavas had taken refuge after the burning down of lac palace. Bakasura – a demon who tormented the folk was slain by Bheema here. After killing the demon, it is believed that Bheema performed penance, installed a Shivalinga at the site and built a temple around it. There is a Bheeka-Bakasura Betta here named after them.

Things to do in Kaiwara

• Amara Narayana Temple, Kaiwara
  • A temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu built who was worshipped by Kaiwara Thathayya (Yogi Nareyana)
• Thathayya Cave, Kaiwara
  • The cave where 18th century bilingual poet saint Yogi Nareyana, fondly known as Kaiwara Thatha or Kaiwara Thathayya used to meditate and compose his works dedicated to Lord Vishnu in the form of Amara Narayana.
• Kaiwara National Park & Kaiwara Betta
  • A National Park situated at Kaiwara surrounding the hill. There is a visitor experience center consisting of a small zoo where few animals and birds are available. Kids might like this place.
  • Kaiwara Betta (Hill) is a moderate to difficult trek and gives a spectacular view of the surroundings including the Kaiwara Lake from atop.
• Kaiwara Fort
  • Situated atop the Kaiwara Betta amidst Kaiwara National Park are the remnants of an old fort that existed several centuries ago.
• Bheema Bakasura Betta
  • A hill named after Bheema – the second Pandava and Bakasura a demon, this is believed to be the place where Bheema and Bakasura fought and Bheema killed Bakasura.
• Shri Bheemalingeshwara Swamy Temple
  • A temple believed to be consecrated by Bheema after killing demon Bakasura.

Map/Location

Kaiwara on Google Maps.

Where to Stay

The town is merely 1 hour drive from Bangalore, and you could visit it as a day trip. However, if you must stay or wish to stay overnight, there are one or two resort options along the Bangalore-Chintamani highway.

Local Cuisine and Dining Options

• Chintamani has its own style of spices and most popular cuisine from Chintamani is the spiced peanuts. They are available in Bangalore too at hot chips shops.
• There are no named restaurant chains available in the vicinity of Kaiwara but few local small-time eateries are available and serve your dining needs. There are a few vegetarian hotels along the way and one at Kaiwara cross.

Travel Tips

• Best time to visit Kaiwara would be in the winter months from November to February/March.
• The weather is moderate in these months but can become hot on a bright sunny day. Do not forget to carry plenty of water and other fluids and consume regularly.
• Carry a cap and sunglasses for protection from sun, consider carrying raincoat if you plan to trek in monsoon months. Check weather forecast before planning and make suitable arrangements.
• Do not wander off the trodden paths during the treks as the national park is a wildlife refuge and encounters with wild animals can be dangerous. Remember, you are trekking in their territory.
• When visiting the temples situated in Kaiwara, make it a point to observe local customs and traditions.

Tell Us About Your Visit

If you have visited Kaiwara before or after reading about it on ExploreKarnataka.com, please do let us know how you found the place by commenting below.

As of Sep 2023, there are 42 sites in India designated by UNESCO as World Heritage Sites. UNESCO categorizes sites that it enlists into sites of cultural importance or of natural importance. In all, there are 34 cultural sites, 7 natural sites and 1 site enlisted as important for both cultural and natural values. Places of historical, religious and cultural importance like Ajanta Caves and Ellora Caves – the first sites from India that were proposed to be incorporated in the WH List in 1983 were listed under cultural category. The nature list consists of biodiversity and national parks. The first entry into the natural list was in the year 1985 when 3 parks – Kaziranga National Park, Keoladeo National Park and Manas Wildlife Sanctuary were enlisted.

Karnataka, the state in southern India, is home to thousands of temples and icons of cultural importance. UNESCO has so far included the following several into World Heritage Sites List. These sites showcase the rich cultural and architectural history of the region. Let’s explore these remarkable sites, including their names, inclusion dates, and categories:

1. Group of Monuments at Hampi:
   • Place(s): Hampi, Vijayanagara District (Hosapete)
   • UNESCO inclusion: 1986
   • Category: Cultural
2. Group of Monuments at Pattadakal:
   • Place(s): Pattadakal, and by extension include Aihole and Badami
   • UNESCO inclusion: 1987
   • Category: Cultural
3. Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas
   • Place(s): Belur, Halebeedu, Somanathapura
   • UNESCO inclusion: 1987
   • Category: Cultural

These three sites collectively represent the architectural brilliance and historical significance of Karnataka’s glorious past.

The Group of Monuments at Hampi is a vast complex of ruins once part of the capital of the Vijayanagara Empire that ruled over peninsular India between early 14th century and 16th century. The site includes numerous temples, palaces, and other structures showcasing the exceptional and unique temple architectural style.

For a period of 7 years between 1999 and 2006, the Group Monuments of Hampi were listed as endangered. This was due to the unscientific construction of a hanging bridge over river Tungabhadra very close to the monuments that included dismantling of one monument. Later on, the bridge location was changed to a place that did not endanger the site’s monuments in any way and the site was removed from endangered list.

The Group of Monuments at Pattadakal (and by extension Aihole and Badami) comprises a collection of intricately carved temples featuring a fusion of architectural styles from northern and southern India. It served as a ceremonial center for the Chalukya dynasty. The incredible rock-cut cave temples of Badami dating back to 6th and 7th centuries are worth exploring too.

The Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas are the newest entry into the List from India. The announcement came through from UNESCO on Sep 19th, 2023. The Hoysalas were an empire that ruled southern India with prominence between 12th century and 14th century. During their period, they developed a unique school of temple architecture and built hundreds of temples that acted as places of worship and served the socio-economic purposes. The pinnacle of Hoysala Temple architecture can be witnessed even today at the three places that are enlisted – Belur, Halebeedu and Somanathapura.

These UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Karnataka attract visitors from all over the world. They offer a captivating glimpse into the state’s history, art, and architectural achievements. Exploring these sites will transport you back in time and leave you in awe of Karnataka’s cultural heritage.

Visit our pages dedicated to each of these UNESCO World Heritage Sites and plan a memorable trip!

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