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Travel to the Tranquil Town of Chikballapur

By Manoj Menon

The town of Chikballapur lies 50 km from the major city of Bangalore and is a scenic getaway for all those who love to travel and also for those who want to escape from the bustling city. The town was originally called Chinna Ballaporam and is derived from the Telgu word 'Chinna' which means small, 'Balla' which is the measure of quatity and 'Poram' which means town.

This town has many natural and man made attractions that attracts tourists here and is also home to the famous Nandi Hills. It offers some of the picturesque views from atop these hells and also lets visitors indulge in rock climbing and other mountaineering activities. Here is a guide to the tranquil town of Chikballapur.

Bhoga Nandeeshwara Temple

The Bhoga Nandeeshwara Temple is located atop the Nandi Hills at a height of 4851 ft above sea level. This temple is believed to have been constructed by Queen Rathnavalli of the Bana Dynasty in 806 AD and boasts of a Dravidian style of architecture.

It is said to be built in the honour of Sri Yoga Narasimha and Sri Ugra Narasimha. The Sri Arunachaleswara Temple which is built of soap stone is at a small distance from the Bhoga Nandeeshwara Temple and is visited by several tourists coming here.

Bhoga Nandeeshwara Temple

Admire the architectural beauty of the temple.
Photo Courtesy: getmahesh

Kaiwara

Kaiwara which was originally known as Ekachakrapura is a town that finds reference in the popular Indian epic, the Mahabharata. It is at this place that the Pandavas stayed during exile and also the demon Bakasura was kiiled by Bhima here.

There is a cave here which is believed to still have the remains of the demon and locals asay that during Shivaratri the blood of the demon flows in this cave. The village has a garden complex which consists of a musical fountain, a mini zoo and five cottages dedicated to the Pandava brothers. Travellers coming here can explore these places and listen to the various folklores that the locales have to share.

Muddenahalli

The town of Muddenahalli is the birthplace of the visionary engineer deemed as the architect of Karnataka's progress, Sir M. Visvesvaraya. The property belonging to his family here has been converted into a museum and showcases a huge collection of his written work and photographs. Visitors coming here can browse through the various books of this great visionary.

Muddenahalli

The Memorial of Sir M. Visvesvaraya.
Photo Courtesy: Native Planet

Skandagiri

Skandagiri which is popularly known as the Kalavara Durga, is a hill fortress that dates back to the time of Tipu Sultan. This ancient structure stands at an elevation of 1350 mt on the Nandi Hill Ranges. Visitors can see the ruins of the Tipu Sultan's fort from up here. There are two caves here which you can explore while visiting the fortress.

Skandagiri

View of the Skandagiri peak.
Photo Courtesy: Sankara Subramanian

How to Reach Chikballapur

By Air: Bangalore International Airport is the nearest airport to Chikballapur, catering to both domestic and international tourists. It is situated at a distance of about 48 km from Chikballapur. It is well connected to all the major cities of India as well as Europe, Asia, America and Middle East countries

By Train: Chikballapur has its own railway station, which is situated at a distance of about a kilometre from the city centre. However, Bangalore Railway Station is the major railhead near Chikballapur, which is well connected to all the major cities and towns in India.

By Road: Regular private and state buses for Chikballapur are available from Bangalore. Tourists can avail Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation buses, which are comfortable and reasonable. Taxis and bikes are also available on hire to visit Chikballapur.

Read more about: chikballapur karnataka
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