In the Hassan district of Karnataka lies Shravanabelagola the only Jain pilgrimage sites. Referred as one of the important holy destinations for Jains in India, the city holds the attractions of famous Gomteshwara statue at a distance of 50 kms from Hassan and 157 kms from Bangalore. There are various tours that covers Shravanabelagola the architectural and sculptural pinnacle that flourished under the patronage of Gangas of Talakad. The term ‘Shravanabelagola’ in literal sense means ‘the land of pond’ as the town is having some of the grand ponds right amidst the city-center. Shravanabelagola is also an important tourist destination in Karnataka.

The major tourist attraction in Shravanabelagola is undoubtedly the famous Gomteshwara statue. Having a height of around 17 mts, this statue of Lord Bahubali is the tallest monolithic statue in the world. The image was installed by Chavundaraya in 988 AD, who was the minister of Ganga King Rachamalla Sathyavakya. Located at the top of Indragiri hill, it is surrounded by many sacred Jain temples. A very famous festival is also associated with this town.

Tourist Attractions

Make your Tour to Shravanabelagola memorable by visiting these famous tourist places near Shravanabelagola –

Chandragiri

You can see the Chandragupta Basadi of the Gangas and the Parashwanatha Basadi here, besides several Jain temples.The recorded history surrounding the hill started in 300 BC when Shruthakevali, Bhadrabahu and Chandragupta Maurya visited the place in order to attain religious peace. The Small Hill derives its name of Chandra from the fact that Chandragupta was the first of the rishis who lived and performed penance there.

Vindhyagiri Hill

The Vindhya Giri Hill is at an elevated level of about 470 feet above the ground and is one solid rock. About 500 steps have been cut into the rock. There is the Brahmadevaru Temple atop the hill. Besides there are the Chowwisa Thirthankara Basadi, Chennana Basadi, Odegal Basadi, Tyagada Brahmadevaru Kambha, Akhanda Bagilu and Gullakayajji.

Jinanathapura

Jinanathapura village is located at Shravanabelegola in Hassan District, north of Chandragiri Hills. There is a basti called Aregal Basti which is constructed in a highly ornate style like other Hoysala temples and contains a white marble statue of Parswanatha. One can also see an ancient and dilapidated Basti and a tank nearby. This village is also known as Hale (old) Belagola which indicates that it is the original Belagola.

Places around Shravanabelagola

Explore the land of Shravanabelagola, visiting the places around it, while on a Tour to Shravanabelagola –

Halebid

Halebid is also referred as the Gem of Indian Architecture. Once the capital of the Hoysala Empire after Belur, Halebid is famous for the remnants of the glorious Hoyasala period and has one of the finest Hoysala temples.

Belur

This eminent temple town is especially renowned for the grand Hoysala Temple Complex. Another attraction of the place is the Hoysala Mahotsava, the magnanimous dance festival held at the Hoysala temples.

Fairs And Festivals

Mahamastakabhisheka: This ceremony of the 17.38m high statue of Lord Bahubali (Gomateshwar) at the Indragiri Hills is celebrated grandly after every 12 years. On this occasion, the statue is smeared with thousands of pots of coconut oil, yoghurt, ghee, bananas, jaggery, dates, almonds, poppy seeds, milk, saffron and sandalwood.

Best Time To Visit

For a Tour to Shravanabelagola, the best time to visit is between the months of October and March.

How to get there

Air :  Nearest Airports are at Bangalore (157 kms) and Mangalore (230 kms). Regular flights of Jet and Indian Airways connect these cities with the rest of the country.

Rail : The nearest railhead is at Hassan (50 kms). Regular trains connect Shravanabelagola to Hassan and further to the rest of the state.

Road :  Well linked roads connect Shravanabelagola to Bangalore, Mysore and Hassan. Buses from Hassan are frequent.