TIMELESS HERITAGE
Discover ancient temples, living traditions, and the artistic soul of Chikkamagaluru
Where stone speaks poetry and traditions breathe life
In the heart of Karnataka, ancient temples stand as eternal witnesses to the artistic genius of the Hoysala dynasty. Here, every carved figure tells a story, every pillar sings of devotion, and centuries-old traditions continue to thrive in the rhythm of daily life.
From the intricate sculptures of Belur to the living philosophy of Sringeri, discover a cultural tapestry woven with threads of art, faith, and timeless wisdom.
Founded by Adi Shankaracharya
Sri Sringeri Sharada Peetham
Where Wisdom Flows
On the banks of the Tunga river, where a cobra once shaded a pregnant frog, Adi Shankaracharya established India's first monastery. For 1,200 years, Sringeri has been the fountain of Advaita philosophy, where ancient wisdom meets living tradition. The temple's golden superstructure reflects in sacred waters, creating a vision of enlightenment made manifest.
800 CE
Established
First of Four Sacred Peethas
Heritage Status
Vedic chants ripple across temple tanks while peacocks dance in ancient courtyards.
Founded
800 CE
Hoysala Empire
Sri Belavadi Veeranarayana Temple
The Hidden Masterpiece
Away from tourist trails, Belavadi guards architectural perfection in solitude. This trikuta temple showcases Hoysala craftsmanship at its zenith—where proportion meets poetry. The main hall's 59 bays create a forest of lathe-turned pillars, each unique yet harmonious. Here, geometry becomes devotion, and mathematics transforms into meditation.
1200 CE
Established
Architectural Perfection
Heritage Status
Geometric precision meets spiritual serenity in halls where time stands still.
Founded
1200 CE
Hoysala Empire
Sri Amrutapura Amruteshwara Temple
Frozen Music in Stone
In Amrutapura, the Hoysalas achieved the impossible—they made stone sing. The temple's unique architectural acoustics create natural reverberations that transform prayers into ethereal music. Ceiling panels showcase 100+ unique designs, while the mantapa's columns seem to dance. This is where architecture transcends into pure artistry.
1196 CE
Established
Acoustic Architecture Marvel
Heritage Status
Natural acoustics amplify prayers while carved ceiling roses bloom eternally overhead.
Founded
1196 CE
Hoysala Period
Devarunda Temple
Ancient Hill Shrine
Perched atop a hill, Devarunda Temple stands as a testament to devotion and architectural brilliance. The temple dedicated to Lord Shiva offers panoramic views of the surrounding valleys. Ancient inscriptions here reveal tales of royal patronage and divine miracles. The challenging climb is rewarded with spiritual tranquility and breathtaking vistas.
12th Century
Established
Hilltop Spiritual Retreat
Heritage Status
Mountain winds carry prayers while ancient bells echo across valleys.
Founded
12th Century
Western Ganga Dynasty
Deviramma Temple
Mother Goddess of the Hills
At the base of Deviramma peak, this ancient temple honors the fierce mother goddess who protects the mountains. Pilgrims trek through dense forests to seek her blessings, especially during the annual festival when thousands gather. The temple's simple architecture belies its profound spiritual significance to local communities who have worshipped here for millennia.
10th Century
Established
Guardian Deity of Mountains
Heritage Status
Forest sounds merge with devotional songs in this wilderness sanctuary.
Founded
10th Century
Later Hoysala Period
Sri Kodandarama Hiremanagaluru Temple
Architectural Wonder
This lesser-known Hoysala gem showcases intricate carvings that rival famous temples. The temple's unique star-shaped design and elaborate sculptural details demonstrate the peak of Hoysala craftsmanship. Local legends speak of divine architects who worked through the night, leaving behind this masterpiece that continues to inspire awe among art historians and devotees alike.
13th Century
Established
Hidden Hoysala Treasure
Heritage Status
Carved stories in stone whisper ancient tales to attentive visitors.
Founded
13th Century
Early Medieval Period
Sri Hornadu Annapoorneshwari Temple
Goddess of Nourishment
Deep in the Western Ghats, Hornadu temple dedicated to Goddess Annapoorneshwari feeds thousands daily, continuing an ancient tradition of anna dana (food offering). The goddess here is believed to ensure no devotee leaves hungry. The temple's location amidst pristine forests adds to its mystical appeal, making it a powerful spiritual destination.
8th Century
Established
Divine Kitchen of Karnataka
Heritage Status
Aroma of sacred food mingles with incense in halls of eternal hospitality.
Founded
8th Century
Keladi Nayakas
Sri Kalaseshwara Temple
River Valley Sanctum
Where the Bhadra river flows through ancient lands, Kalasa temple stands as a spiritual lighthouse. The temple complex, with its distinctive Kerala-style architecture, reflects the cultural confluence of the region. Sacred groves surrounding the temple preserve rare medicinal plants, making it a center for both spiritual and natural healing.
14th Century
Established
Riverside Sacred Complex
Heritage Status
River songs blend with temple bells in perpetual natural symphony.
Founded
14th Century
Local Chieftains
Kandya Markhandeshwara Temple
Goddess of the Forest
The Khandya Markhandeshwara Temple is located in Khandya village, Kadaba taluk, Chikkamagaluru district, Karnataka. This is a temple dedicated to Lord Markandeshwara, who is considered an incarnation of Lord Shiva. The main deity of the temple, "Markhandaya Swamy," is worshiped in the form of a Lingam. The temple is an ancient one, and it is known for being a place where the Charkala kings would seek blessings before going to battle. It is also famous for its association with the destruction of enemies. The best time to visit this temple is during the winter season.
11th Century
Established
Wildlife Protector Shrine
Heritage Status
Forest spirits dance in shadows while the goddess watches over all creatures.
Founded
11th Century
Local Dynasty
Rishyashringa Temple, Kigga
Rain Maker's Shrine
Dedicated to sage Rishyashringa, who brought rain to drought-stricken lands, this temple sits in one of the wettest regions of Karnataka. The unique tradition here involves both Hindu and tribal customs, reflecting the inclusive nature of local spirituality. During monsoons, the temple seems to float in clouds, creating an otherworldly atmosphere.
12th Century
Established
Rain Deity Sanctuary
Heritage Status
Mist-wrapped shrine where clouds kiss the earth in eternal blessing.
Founded
12th Century
Vijayanagara Period
Sri Channakeshawa Temple, Marle
Hill Station Pilgrimage
It is located approximately 12 km from Chikkamagaluru, near Magadi Kaimarada. There are two temples nearby: Chennakeshava and Siddeshwara. These two temples have been constructed based on a comparison of their blueprints. The Chennakeshava temple, built in the Hoysala style with exquisite carvings, was constructed around 1150 CE.
15th Century
Established
Malnad's Sabarimala
Heritage Status
Coffee aroma mixes with camphor smoke on misty pilgrimage mornings.
Founded
15th Century
LIVING TRADITIONS
Culture in Motion
Beyond ancient stones, Chikkamagaluru's cultural heart beats in its living traditions—where mythology dances through the night, coffee culture spans centuries, and festivals paint the streets with devotion.
Dance Drama of the Gods
Yakshagana
Experience the vibrant tradition of Yakshagana, where mythology comes alive through elaborate costumes, dramatic makeup, and powerful storytelling. This 400-year-old art form combines dance, music, dialogue, and spectacular costumes to narrate tales from Indian epics. Night-long performances under starlit skies transport audiences to realms where gods and demons battle for cosmic balance.
Aromatic Heritage
Coffee Culture
Dive into Chikkamagaluru's 400-year coffee legacy, where Baba Budan's seven seeds grew into India's coffee capital. Visit heritage estates where traditional processing meets modern cultivation. Learn the art of coffee tasting, understand estate life, and witness how families have perfected their craft through generations. Every cup tells the story of mist, mountains, and meticulous care.
Sacred Celebrations
Temple Festivals
Experience the vibrant temple festivals that bring Chikkamagaluru to life throughout the year. From the grand Rathotsava at Sringeri to the intimate village celebrations, these festivals showcase the deep spiritual connection between the people and their deities.
Flavors of the Hills
Malnad Cuisine
Savor the unique flavors of Malnad cuisine, where coconut, rice, and local spices create culinary magic. Traditional dishes like kadubu (steamed rice dumplings), neer dosa (lacy rice crepes), and pandi curry reflect the region's agricultural abundance. Home-cooked meals on plantations feature hyperlocal ingredients like bamboo shoots, colocasia leaves, and wild mushrooms gathered from nearby forests.
Green Gold Legacy
Areca Nut Cultivation
Explore the centuries-old tradition of areca nut cultivation that defines Malnad's landscape. These towering palms create natural canopies over coffee plants, forming a unique agro-forestry system. Learn about the intricate process from flowering to harvest, the cultural significance in local customs, and how arecanut shaped the region's economy and social structure for generations.
Crafts of the Hills
Traditional Arts
Discover the intricate art forms passed down through generations in Chikkamagaluru. From traditional wood carving and stone masonry to handloom weaving and pottery, local artisans preserve ancient techniques that tell stories of the region's cultural heritage.
ARTISTIC HERITAGE
Crafts That Tell Stories
Traditional crafts preserved through generations, where every creation carries the essence of Karnataka's artistic soul
Bidriware
Ancient metalwork with silver inlay patterns
Channapatna Toys
Lacquered wooden toys crafted traditionally
Mysore Paintings
Gold-leaf adorned traditional artworks
Sandalwood Carving
Intricate sculptures from aromatic wood
Heritage by Numbers
Centuries of culture preserved in stone and tradition
900+
Years of History
15
Heritage Temples
3
UNESCO Nominations
400+
Traditional Artisans
VISUAL JOURNEY
Heritage Through Our Lens
Sringeri Sharada Peetham
Where wisdom flows for 1200 years
Belavadi Temple
Devarunda Temple
"Heritage is not just about the past; it's a living bridge to our future"
Deviramma Temple
Guardian deity of the mountains
Hiremagaluru
Hornadu Temple
Kalasa Temple
Kandya Temple
Kigga Temple
Marle Temple
Yakshagana
Coffee Culture
Experience Living Heritage
Plan your cultural journey through centuries of art, faith, and tradition
Plan Your Heritage Tour