Karnataka Monuments and Timings

Chitradurga, on the highway linking Bangalore with Hospet, is famed for its massive Kallina Kote (Palace of Stone) fort, a marvel of military architecture made impregnable by the Nayak Palegars. It has 19 gateways, 38 posterior entrances, a palace, a mosque, granaries, oil pits, four secret entrances, and water tanks. Amidst rocky surroundings inside the fort complex on the hill are many temples. Ekanatha Temple and Chandravalli Caves are worth visiting. The Hidimbeshwara Temple is the oldest temple on the site.

Foreigner's & Indians Camera Charges Timings & Holidays
Foreigners - Rs.300/-, Indians - Rs. 30/- Video Camera Rs. 25/- 09:00 - 18:00

Distances from Chitradurga

  • Hassan- 190 kms
  • Bellary - 134 kms
  • Bangalore - 200 kms

The World's Largest open -air MuseumSet amidst an awesome boulder- strewn landscape along the bank of the Tungabhadra river 12km away from the sleepy town of Hospet in Bellary district, Hampi was the magnificent capitol of the mighty Vijanagar kingdom. The city is such that the pupil of the eye has never seen a place like it, and the era of intelligence has never been informed that there existed anything to equal it in the world,” Marvelled a 15th century Persian ambassador. There were opulent places, marvelous temples, massive fortifications, baths, markets, aqueducts, pavilions, stables for royal elephants, and elegantly carved pillars. This was a city whose merchants offered diamonds, pearls, fine silks, brocades, horses, and according to one Portuguese visitor, every sort of thing on earth, a visit to Hampi is a sojoum into the past. The best way to experience this world heritage site is to take a leisurely stroll through the eloquent ruins. Most of the important structures and ruins are located in two areas, which are generally referred to as the royal center and the sacred center. The Royal Center in the southwest part of the site contains structures that seem to have been palaces, baths, pavilions, royal stables, and Temples for the ceremonial use. The Sacred Center is situated on the northern edge of the city along the banks of the holy Tungabhadra river. The ruins of Hampi are extensive and fascinating enough to absorb your attention for several days. There is always something new to discover in Hampi. If you are in hurry, a day or two will suffice to see all the important structures. Photography and archaeology buffs should plan on staying a little longer.

If lotus Mahal and Vijaya Vitala temple are visited the same day, then entrance per person is Rs. 250 (For foreigners)/ Rs. 10 for Indians. If they are visited on 2 different days, then the cost will be doubled.

Virupaksha Temple:

Dedicated to Lord Shiva and his consort Pampadevi, this is the only temple that still used for worship. Parts of the temple predate the Vijayanagara empire. The temple, with its nine-storied gopuram, towers above the other structures at Hampi. The ceiling of the ranga mantapa is beautifully painted with scenes from the epics and puranas

Vittala Temple:

The Vithala temple is Hampi's crowning glory, with a magnificent stone chariot standing in the temple courtyard. equally impressive is the large ranga mantapa with 56 musical pillars that resound with musical chaimes when struck.

Kings Palace:

this is the largest enclosure, including two major plat form structures, an underground chamber which must have served as a treasury or private audience hall, several other platforms, double fortification walls, and several other interesting architectural elements.

Mahanavami Dibba:

Equally impressive is the massive Mahanavami Dibba, where the kings once sat on gem-studded golden thrones and watched processions pass by The platform sports densely carved bands of horses, soldiers, and depictions of the various, aspects of courtly life.

Queens Bath:

This structure has a very plain exterior but the interior is stunningly ornate, with graceful arched corridors, projecting balconies, and lotus - shaped fountains that used to spout performed water for the ladies of the court.

Lotus Mahal:

This visually appealing structure has two levels, with open pavilions at the bottom and balconies above. An elegant example of the fusion of the Hindu and Muslim styles of architecture, the Mahal derives its name from its beautiful, geometrically- arranged cusped arches that resemble the petals of a flower opening to the sun.

Elephant Stables:

an imposing edifice with arched entrances and many domes that once housed the magnificent state elephants.

Pushkarni

The stepped water tank, excavated in the mid -1980s, was originally a part of the palace complex. Almost lyrical in its beauty, the tank is a tiered structure crafted from rectangular pieces of granite.

Hazara Rama Temple:

This was a royal temple reserved for ceremonial use. The entire temple is embellished with bas reliefs depicting scenes from the epic Ramayana. The walls of the enclosure are richly carved with friezes depicting processions of horses, elephants, dancing girls, and soldiers attired in splendid weaponry. Inside, four exquisitely sculpted granite pillars add to the beauty of the Ardha mantapa.

Lakshminarasimha:

the awesome 6.7m high monolith depicting the man - lion form of Vishnu is seated on a seven- hooded serpent.

Badavilinga:

located next to the lakshminarasima statue, it is 3m high and stands permanently in water that flows through an ancient channel.

Ganesha:

Two Ganesha image (Sasuvekalu and Kadalekalu) can be seen on the slopes of the Hemakuta hill. One of them is enclosed in a temple with unusually tall pillars, while the other is in on open hall.

Entrances

  • HAMPI ENTRANCE – RS. 600 FOR FOREIGNERS / RS. 40 FOR INDIANS
  • Vithala Temple - Rs. 25/-
  • Lotus Mahal - Timing – 08:30HRs to 1800HRs
    Foreigners 600Rs, Indian – Rs.40
    Camera – No Fee
    Video Camera – 25Rs
  • Virupaksha Temple - Video Camera - Rs. 500/-, Still Camera - Rs. 50/-
  • Timings - 08:30- 17:30hrs

Located in a scrub jungle with rocky outcrops and caves, the Daroji Sloth Bear Sanctuary is devoted to the protection of the Indian Sloth Bear. Home to a large number of free ranging bears, the sanctuary also has hyenas, wild boars, pangolins, porcupines, jackals and leopards. Other denizen include star tortoise, monitor lizard and rock agama.

A drive through the scrub jungle also provides opportunities to sight endemic species of birds such as the painted spur fowl, yellow throated bulbul, sand grouse and stone curlew, besides peafowl

Entrances

  • Foreigners - Rs.300/-
  • Indians - Rs.50/-
  • Parking - Rs.500/-
  • Buses - Rs.1500/-
  • Timings - 08:30 - 18:00hrs
  • Sighting Time - 1230 - 1330 / 15:30 to 1730

Distances from Hampi

  • Hubli - 195
  • Hospet - 12
  • Bellary - 74
  • Bangalore - 360
  • Daroji Bear Sanctuary - 35

The capital of the mighty Badami Chalukyas might have shrunk into a few scenic square kilometers in terms of touristy value. But Badami still retains its majesty. The locale of its famous cave temples, made up of two giant sandstone hills that flank the placid water of the Agastya Lake paint a stark picture of earthy reds, muddy greens and stone browns set against a sky of acrylic blue - burning an impression into the canvas of your mind. One that you aren't likely to forget in a hurry.

Entrances

  • Foreigners - Rs.300/-
  • Indians - Rs.30/
  • Video Camera - Rs.25/-
  • Timings - 09:00- 18:00hrs

Distances from Badami

  • Bijapur - 150
  • Hubli - 130
  • Aihole - 44
  • Hospet - 150
  • Bangalore - 480

Known as the cradle of temple architecture, Aihole is an experience of time travelling, by all means. A quiet village where centuries-old temples have been let alone to grow old in peace, history rests in equanimity at this former capital of the Badami Chalukyas. Temples from the fifth century to the fourteenth century stand no further than a few yards from another, taking you through a fascinating, evolutionary passage of art and architecture

Entrances

  • Foreigners - Rs.300/-
  • Indians - Rs.30/-
  • Video Camera - Rs.25/-
  • Timings - 09:00 to 1800HRs

Distances from Aihole

  • Bijapur - 110
  • Badami - 44
  • Bangalore - 495

Once the destination of kings, Pattadakal was where kingdoms were bestowed upon heirs apparent. The official coronation destination, the temples at Pattadakal which literally translates into coronation (Pattada) stone (Kallu) has a collection of temples that skew towards both the North Indian and South Indian styles of temple architecture. With sculptures and details intact, these temples narrate their stories with clarity; stories so powerful, that they resonate across centuries.

Entrances

  • Foreigners - Rs.600/-
  • Indians - Rs.40/-
  • Video Camera - Rs.25/-
  • Timings - 09:00 to 18:00HRs

Distances from Pattadakal

  • Aihole - 22
  • Badami - 22
  • Bangalore - 495

The one-time capital of the Adil Shahi kings (1489-1686), Bijapur is dotted with mosques, mausoleums, palaces, fortifications, watchtowers and strong gateways, with the massive Gol Gumbaz dominating the landscape for miles around.

Entrances

    Gol Gumbaz :

  • Foreigners - Rs.300/-
  • Indians - Rs.25
  • Video Camera - Rs.25/-
  • Timings - 0830 Am – 0530 Pm
  • Ibrahim Roza :

  • Foreigners - Rs.300/-
  • Indians - Rs.25/-
  • Video Camera - Rs.25/-
  • Timings - 0600 Am – 0600 Pm

Distances from Bijapur

  • Aihole - 110
  • Bangalore - 570

Tippu Summer Palace (Srirangapatnam)

Srirangapatna is an island in the river Kaveri, about 14kms from Mysore. In Srirangapatna is the Dariya Daulat Palace (Summer Palace) that is set amidst beautiful gardens called Daria Daulat Bagh. Tippu Sultan popularly known as the 'Tiger of Mysore', built this palace in 1784 and ruled Mysore from here for a short time after his father Hyder Ali wrested power from the Wodeyars in the middle of the 18th century.

  • Timings 0900 Hrs to 1700 Hrs
  • Entrance 300Rs / Indians 25Rs per person
  • Camera & Video Camera Rs.25

Mysore Palace

  • Timing: 10Hrs to 1700Hrs
  • Entrance Fees - 100 Rs per person Foreigners / Indian
  • Children (Age Between 10 to 18 years) – Rs. 50 (per person)
  • Camera & Video Camera not allowed
  • Illumination timing at Mysore palace only on Sunday from 1900 to 2000HRS
  • Sound and Light Show at Palace – 120 Rs (held from Monday to Saturday from 1900HRs to 2000HRS)
  • Children – Rs. 50 (Per person) / Age Below 10 years

Jagan Mohan Palace & Mysore Art Gallery

  • Indian Adult: Rs. 60 / Indian Child: Rs. 40
  • Foreign Adult: Rs. 60 / Foreign Child: Rs. 40

Brindavan Garden

One of the most visited places in Mysore by locals and tourists is the famous Brindavan Gardens. Located about 19kms from the heart of Mysore these beautiful gardens are laid out below the Krishnaraja Sagar dam built across the river Cauvery. These gardens are famous for the illuminated dancing fountains that come to life after sunset. The Krishnaraja Sagar Dam itself is a superb example of excellent engineering and itself is a tourist attraction in Mysore. Sir M. Vishveswariah, one of India's finest engineers, built it in 1924.

Entrances

  • Entrance fee 50Rs for both foreigners & Indians
  • Timing – 1000HRs to 1900HRs
  • The Brindavan garden remains illuminated from 19:00 Hrs to 20:00 Hrs from Monday to Friday
  • Sundays and holidays: 06:55pm to 08.30pm
  • During winter: 6.30pm to 7.25pm on weekdays. Holidays 6.30pm to 08.30PM
  • During Dussera Festival the garden is illuminated every day
  • Camera: Rs50, Video Camera – Not Allowed

Mysore Zoo

Mysore Zoo (officially the Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens) is a 245-acre zoo located near the palace in Mysore. It is one of the oldest and most popular zoos in Southern India, and is home to a wide range of species. Mysore Zoo is one of the city's most popular attractions. It was established under royal patronage in 1892, making it one of the oldest zoos in the world.

Entrance Fee Camera & Video Price Timings Govt. Holidays
Entrances Rs. 150/- (Foreigners & Indians) & Children – Rs. 90 (5 to 10 years of age) Camera Rs.100/- Video Camera – Rs.200 Timings 08:30 AM to 06:00 PM Tuesday Holiday, Weekend Rs. 180 / Rs. 100

Near My Places

  • Talakad – 120 Kms from Mysore,
  • Gopalaswamy Hills – on the way to Bandipur
  • Sri Ganapthy Sachitananda Ashram 02 Kms from the city famous Dathathriyar temple is situated in this ashram.

Chamundi Temple

  • Camera Fee - Inside Not Allowed
  • Timings - 06:00Hrs to 13:00Hrs & 16:00Hrs to 20:00Hrs

Somnathpur

  • Rs.300 Rs for Foreigners / 25Rs for Indians
  • Camera- No Charge, Video Camera – Rs25

Renganthittu Bird Sanctuary

Timings - 09:00 AM- 06:00 PM

Entrances

  • Foreigners - Adult - Rs.500/ and Child - RS. 250-
  • Indians - Adult: Rs. 70 / Indians Child: Rs.25

Boat Ride Fee

Boating Charges: (30 minutes’ drive)

  • Foreigners - Adult - Rs.500
  • Indians - Adult: RS. 100 / Indians Child: Rs.35

Separate Boat:

  • Indians: Rs. 2000/- (04 Pax can accommodate)
  • Foreigners: Rs. 3500/- (04 Pax can accommodate)
  • Camera Fee - Rs. 150 and Video Camera Rs. 600
Zoo Monday to Friday Saturday, Sunday & Govt Holidays
Adult Rs.100 Rs.100
Children Rs.50 Rs.50
Sr. Citizen Rs.60 Rs.60
Butterfly Park Monday to Friday Saturday, Sunday & Govt Holidays
Adult Rs.50 Rs.50
Children Rs.30 Rs.30
Sr. Citizen Rs.30 Rs.30
Non AC Bus Safari (Zoo+Safari) Monday to Friday Saturday, Sunday & Govt Holidays
Adult Rs.350 Rs.400
Children Rs.200 Rs.250
Sr. Citizen Rs.250 Rs.300
Foreigners Monday to Friday Saturday, Sunday & Govt Holidays
Adult Rs.550 Rs.550
Children Rs.450 Rs.450
AC Bus Safari (Zoo+Safari+ButterflyPark+Camera) Monday to Friday Saturday, Sunday & Govt Holidays
Adult Rs.670 Rs.720
Children Rs.470 Rs.520
Jeep Safari(Zoo+Safari+ButterflyPark+Camera) Monday to Friday Saturday, Sunday & Govt Holidays
6 Seater Non AC Jeep Rs.3600 Rs.3900
6 Seater AC Jeep Rs.4200 Rs.4500
6 Seater AC Xylo Rs.4700 Rs.5200
8 seater non AC Jeep Rs.4600 Rs.5100
7 seater Innova Car Rs.5700 Rs.6200
School Groups (Safari entry fee for School Children Effective from 01.10.2022)
Zoo & Safari (Non-AC bus) Monday to Friday Saturday, Sunday & Govt Holidays
Below 5 years Rs.120 Rs.120
5 to 12 years Rs.150 Rs.150
Above 12 years Rs.280 Rs.280
Only Zoo Monday to Friday Saturday, Sunday & Govt Holidays
Below 5 years Nil Nil
5 to 12 years Rs.30 Rs.30
Above 12 years Rs.50 Rs.50
Camera
Still Rs.50 Rs.50
Video Rs.250 Rs.250
Physically challenged persons Monday to Friday Saturday, Sunday & Govt Holidays
Zoo & Butterfly Park Free Entry Free Entry
Safari Rs.200 Rs.250
Others
Battery Operated Vehicle Adults: 100/-Children: 50/- Adults: 100/-Children: 50/-
Boating 50/- per head/trip for row boat, 200/- for full boat(2 seater pedal boat, 400/- for full boat(4 seater pedal boat), 30 Minutes Duration 50/- per head/trip for row boat, 200/- for full boat(2 seater pedal boat, 400/- for full boat(4 seater pedal boat), 30 Minutes Duration
Fine (on noncompliance) Adults / Children : 100/250/500/- Adults / Children : 100/250/500/-

Every Tuesdays Holiday.

Place Entrance Fee Camera & Video Timings Holidays
Iskon temple No entrance camera not allowed Morning 0700Hrs to 1200Hrs and evening 1630Hrs to 2030HRs
Lalbagh garden Rs.30 for foreigners & Indians Camera – No charges Flower Show Time Rs50 for foreigners & Indians 06:00 Hrs to 19:00 Hrs
Tippu palace Foreigners – 300Rs, Indian – 25Rs Camera – free, Video Camera – 25Rs, Mobile Camera – Rs.280 09:00Hrs to 1730Hrs All Days Open Expect (Friday Holiday).
Bull Temple No Entrance Camera & Video – No charges 0600Hrs to 2000HRs
Visvesvaraya Industrial & Technical Museum General Visitors : Rs.85/- Camera & Video – Not allowed 1000HRs to 1800HRs Monday holiday
Bangalore Palace Foreigners – 480Rs, Indian – 275 Rs Still Camera – 675Rs, Video Camera – 1000Rs, Mobile Camera – Rs. 100 09:00Hrs to 1730HRs All Days open

    Chikmagalur

  • Extra Activities in Chikmagalur and surroundings
  • Jeep Safari in Muthodi Wildlife Sanctuary
  • Timings – Morning 0500am to 0700am
    Evening 0400pm to 0600pm
  • Entrances 100Rs per/person

    Hassan

    Hoysaleswara Temple & Chennakesava Temple
    Belur
    Halebid:
  • No Holidays
  • Timings: 9:00 am – 6:00pm
  • No Entrance fee and Camera Charges