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Mostly comprising of the semi-arid plateau from 280 to 700 meters; there are quite a few historical places, temples and natural wonders within good old North Karnataka that remind us uncannily of our heritage and culture. All in all, North Karnataka offers a treasure trove of history.
Furthermore, treating your kids to one of the best family vacations in North Karnataka is easier than you think because there's plenty of outdoor space in North Karnataka for your little adventurers. Whether your child is into intricate outdoor architecture or hide-and-seek type caves, this block of the region in Karnataka has so much to offer the family traveller.
To assist you further, Nativeplanet brings you a list of the most famous temples, historical places, and travel destinations that you ought to visit on your blissful getaway! Have a look.
Badami Fort, Badami
Nestled on the top of the hills, Badami fort in Badami shines and upholds the glory of ancient Indian history! Built by Chalukya King Pulakeshi around 543 AD, it symbolises one of the significant heritage structures in the state.
You may find the ruins in their ambiguous way as it was battered by the Pallavas in 642 AD and renovated again by Tipu Sultan. A visual treat, yes! But in clear observation, every block of the fort depicts the tribulation and remains of the great yet forgotten history of the country.
Durga Temple, Aihole
Dubbed the "cradle of Hindu rock architecture", this exquisite temple has a mythical value. According to the fables, after annihilating all the Kshatriyas on the planet, Parashurama cleansed his axe smeared with blood in this location.
The temple is built in Dravidian and Nagara architectural styles and is presently maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India.
Gol Gumbaz, Bijapur
Bijapur - now known as Vijayapura, is home to an impressive structure housing the tomb of King Mohammed Adil Shah, the late Sultan of Bijapur. It took 30 years to complete the mausoleum, which started in 1626.
Displaying Deccan architecture, the Gol Gumbaz is one of the most visited historical places in North Karnataka.
Hampi
Once an esteemed economic hub of India and capital of the Vijayanagara Kingdom, Hampi - located in the Bellary district is said to have had trade links with many foreign empires. According to the ancient notes and documentation left by the foreign traders(who visited India in the 16th and 17th centuries), Hampi was much larger than Rome. The name and fame of Hampi were later destroyed by the Mughals, who invaded the empire and all they left us is the history and ruins of the archaic city.
However, Hampi still holds many famous Monolithics. One of the most prominent is the 29-foot-tall Narasimha installed by Krishnadevaraya.
Lad Khan Temple, Aihole
Displaying cave-type architecture, this temple was built as a tribute to Lord Shiva and is one of the renowned lineage sites of Karnataka.
Though there is a lot of debate over its name, some historians claim the temple constructed in the Panchayatana type is quite deceptive. However, according to historians, King Lad Khan resided in this temple during his reign and hence the historical monument is now called by his name.
Pattadakal
Located on the Malaprabha river, Pattadakal is abode to numerous temples from the 7th and 8th centuries. Also, it was a famous capital of the forgotten yet powerful Chalukya empire. A few temples you find in the vicinity of the location are built in the South Indian style and some in the Nagara North Indian style; Mallikarjuna, Sangameshwara, and Virupaksha temples, to name a few.
Mahadeva Temple, Ittagi (Koppal)
Located in the townlet of Ittagi (64 km to the west of Hampi) in the Koppal district, Mahadeva Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It was made possible by the army commander of Western Chalukyas named Mahadeva.
Depicting many archaic untold tales and the architectural glory of Karnataka kings, Mahadeva Temple is a must-visit for all history buffs and architecture lovers.
Besides being economical, taking a family vacation to North Karnataka can be phenomenally rewarding!
