Gadag is a small town tucked away in Karnataka. Those visiting here feel that they walked back in time as it still holds the splendour of its hey days, when it was ruled by the Chalukya kings. Although a lesser known tourists destination, it is a place that is sure to enthral those who visit it.
The many ruins and temples here add to the charm of this town. There are many attractions you can head to here. Read our short travel guide to some of the places you should visit when travelling to Gadag.
Veeranarayana Temple
One of the places to visit in Gadag is the 11th century Veeranarayana Temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu. There is a statue of the lord clad in dhoti ready for battle holding the Chakra, Shanka, Gadha and Padma in his four hands. There are idols of Goddess Lakshmi and Garuda standing besides the main idol. Devotees come here to pray to the lord and also explore the nearby regions. Tourists visiting this place can explore the old temple that has many inscription etched onto its walls.
Photo Courtesy: Vinayak Kulkarni
Gajendragad
A tourist place to visit in Gadag is the pilgrimage town of Gajendragad, famous for its Shivaji Fort. The fort is said to have been constructed in honour of Chhatrapati Shivaji's many battle victories. Another attraction for tourists here is the age old Kalakaleshwara Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva. Devotees come here in large numbers to pay respects to the lord. Tourists can explore this small village as it has many other attractions to offer them. There are a few ruins which date back to the Chalukyan days. What constituted the original structure of these ruins are not clear.
Photo Courtesy: Native Planet
Lakkundi
Another place to visit in Gadag is the village of Lakkundi that has many ruined temples built during the Chalukya reign. There are a few temples here which still stand and of them the most famous is Kashi Viswanath. This temple has two shrines, one dedicated to Lord Shiva and the other dedicated to Lord Surya, the sun god. Devotees throng this place to offer worship to the gods here. Tourists coming here can explore this ancient temple and also see pictures drawn on the wall depicting the many stories of Lord Shiva and Lord Surya.
Photo Courtesy: Native Planet
Magadi Bird Sanctuary
Another tourist place in Gadag is the Magadi Bird Sanctuary, which is known to host a variety of birds. Located near the Magadi Tank, tourists can see many birds here like Purple Heron, Grey Heron, Oriental Ibis, Comb Duck, Greater Flamingo, White Breasted Water Hen, Black Winged Stilt, Painted Stork, Woolly Necked Stork, Ruddy Shed Duck and Eurasian Spoonbill to name a few. It is a haven for bird lovers and photographers who throng the place to capture a glimpse of these beautiful birds. It is a perfect place to go to with your family for an enjoyable outing.
Photo Courtesy: Koshy Koshy
Saraswathi Temple
The Saraswathi Temple in Gadag boasts of Chalukyan art and has decorated pillars and carved columns to its name. With the passage of time the original idol of Goddess Saraswathi has been reduced to a dilapidated condition and therefore a new idol has been placed in its place. Devotees visit the temple to pray to the goddess whom they lovingly call Mother. Tourists visiting this place can marvel at the beauty of the architecture of this temple and also explore the region which has many smaller shrines built during the same period.
Photo Courtesy: Manjunath nikt
How to Reach Gadag
By Air: Hubli Airport is the nearest domestic airport to Gadag, situated at a distance of about 64 km. It is well-connected to all the major cities in India.
By Train: Gadag Junction is a small station, it links trains that run between Hubli and Guntakkal via Hospet.
By Road: Gadag is well-connected to major cities of Karnataka, including Bangalore, Mysore and Mangalore by local buses.
Photo Courtesy: Swaminathan