Best Places to Visit in Chamarajanagar
Chamarajanagar, located in the southernmost part of Karnataka, is a picturesque holiday destination approximately 174 km from Bangalore. The area is renowned for its dense forests teeming with diverse flora and fauna, making it an excellent spot for nature enthusiasts and wildlife photographers. One of its premier attractions is Bandipur National Park, ideal for safaris and camping trips.
Chamarajanagar is also noted for its rolling hills, mulberry crops, and silkworm production. The Bandipur National Park is among the most popular tourist spots, offering stunning views and a rich cultural experience. Visitors can also explore Gopalaswamy Betta and Chamarajeshwara Temple, home to the region's most beautiful temples.
For those who enjoy trekking, hiking, and camping, Chamarajanagar offers numerous opportunities. The Biligirirangan and Mahadeshwara Hills, among others, provide excellent trails for trekking and hiking, along with memorable riding experiences to their summits. Additionally, car safaris through the wildlife sanctuaries allow visitors to explore the dense forests and potentially spot various wildlife species.
The best time to visit Chamarajanagar is during the winter months from October to March. However, for those specifically interested in exploring the forest reserves, the summer months are ideal as the likelihood of spotting wildlife near water holes increases.
Places of Interest You Should Not Miss
Bandipur National Park - Bandipur National Park, situated in Gundlupet taluk, is about 48 km from Chamarajanagar along the Mysore-Ooty Road. This national park is bordered by Mudumalai National Park in Tamil Nadu, Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary in Kerala, and Nagarhole National Park to the northwest. Renowned as one of India's premier wildlife sanctuaries, Bandipur offers a rich diversity of wildlife.
In addition to its famous tigers and leopards, the park is home to a variety of other animals such as elephants, gaur, deer, sloth bears, mouse deer, wild dogs, wild boars, barking deer, four-horned antelopes, and hyenas. Bird enthusiasts will find species like the Grey Junglefowl, Pompadour Green Pigeon, Honey Buzzard, Vulture, Grey-headed Fish Eagle, Brown Hawk Owl, Bay Owl, Malabar Trogon, Nilgiri Flycatcher, Malabar Pied Hornbill, Little Spiderhunter, and Plain Flowerpecker.
Reptiles in Bandipur include the King Cobra, Common Cobra, Python, Adder, Viper, Rat Snake, Water Snake, and Marsh Crocodile. With its diverse fauna and flora, Bandipur National Park remains a top destination for wildlife lovers and nature enthusiasts. Bandipur jeep safari is the best way to explore the wilderness of the national park.
Chamarajeshwara Temple - The Chamarajeshwara Temple, located in Chamarajanagar, Karnataka, is a magnificent example of Dravidian architecture. Believed to have been constructed in the 10th century, this temple features Hoysala design elements and boasts a variety of vibrant paintings that depict scenes from different mythological tales. The temple's walls and compounds are adorned with intricate decorations showcasing various gods and goddesses. These captivating designs draw thousands of devotees and art enthusiasts to the temple. Additionally, the temple is renowned for its expansive courtyards crowned with golden spires, further enhancing its allure.
Himavad Gopalaswamy Betta - Gopalaswamy Betta, also known as Dakshina Govardhanagiri, is a majestic hill located about 16 km southwest of Gundlupet. Standing at an elevation of 4,770 feet above sea level, it is often shrouded in clouds and mist, earning it the name Himavad Gopalaswamy Betta ("Himavad" meaning covered in mist). Atop the hill lies an ancient fort believed to have been built in the 13th century. Within the fort's walls is the Gopalaswamy Temple, dedicated to Lord Krishna. The temple features a single-tiered gateway tower that rests on the compound wall of the enclosure. The parapet wall of the Mukha Mantapa is adorned with sculptures of the Dashavatara, the ten avatars of Lord Vishnu. Inside the garbhagriha, there is a beautifully sculpted idol of Lord Krishna playing a flute under a tree, with his left toe resting gracefully on his right one.
