My TripAdvisor Review No.414: Pookot Lake, Vythiri, Wayanad, Kerala.

Pretty Lake with Boating Facilities.

Pookot Lake, also known as Pookode Lake, is a very pretty fresh water lake just 3 km from Vythiri village in Wayanad. There are boating facilities available at the lake. Row boats can be hired for ₹350 for half an hour, and pedal boats for ₹200 (4 seater), and ₹100 (2 seater) for 20 minutes. There is also a nicely wooded walking track encircling the lake. Snacks and souvenirs can be bought from the shops at the entrance.

We had to park our car in the paid parking lot (₹30), from where we had to walk half a kilometre to the entrance gate of the lake garden. Entry charges are ₹20 per head, and still camera charges are also ₹20, which is ridiculous, as there are no charges for phone cameras.

We spent about half an hour taking a stroll around the lake beneath the shady trees. There were some flowers on the lake surface, making it look like a pink carpet covering the lake. It was cool and serene, as there was not much of a crowd on the weekday morning. We bought some souvenirs from the curio shop and enjoyed a hot cup of Kerala filter coffee.

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Date of experience: December 2018

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My TripAdvisor Review No.413: Chandragiri Hill, Shravanabelagola.

Memorial of Emperor Chandragupta Maurya.

Chandragiri Hill is the smaller of the two hills in Shravanabelagola, Vindhyagiri and Chandragiri. While the Vindhyagiri Hill is better known because of the giant 58 foot statue of Gommateshwara, the Chandragiri Hill is also considered as holy for the Jain pilgrims, because this hill is where the Emperor Chandragupta Maurya breathed his last. Chandragupta, the founder of the Mauryan Empire, became a Jain ascetic before relinquishing his throne. His tomb is located on this hill, as well as the cave of his guru, Bhadrabahu.

Getting to the top of the Chandragiri Hill involves another climb up another 200 hundred steps. It is not as arduous as the 600 step steep climb up the Vindhyagiri, but after doing the Vindhyagiri we were simply too tired to do the Chandragiri as well. Maybe if we had more time or did the Chandragiri first it may have been possible.

We did get to see a good view of the Chandragiri Hill and the Jain Basadis situated there, from the top of the Vindhyagiri Jain Temple, but decided to spend at least another day at Shravanabelagola on our next visit, so that we could climb the Chandragiri Hill as well.

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Date of experience: December 2018

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My TripAdvisor Review No.412: Shravanabelagola Jain Temple, Karnataka.

Hilltop Temple of Lord Bahubali.

The giant 58 foot statue of Bhagwan Bahubali at Shravanabelagola is housed within the courtyard of the Shravanabelagola Jain Temple atop the Vindhyagiri hill. The statue is the tallest monolithic idol in the world. It is one of the holiest pilgrimage places for the Jain community attracting millions of devotees annualy. The word ‘Shravanabelagola’ literally translates to ‘the white pond of Shravana’ in the local language Kannada. There is a beautiful pond situated at the centre of the town by the same name.

To reach the temple one has to trudge up more than 600 steps from the bottom of the hill. We had to leave our footwear at the stand where the attendant gave us a token on payment of a small fee. There is no other entry fee. It takes about 30 to 45 minutes to go up the steps, stopping many times on the way, as the incline is quite steep. It is better to start the trek up early before the sun starts heating up the ground and baking your feet. There are railings along the way, which helped us to pull ourselves up when the legs got tired. The old and infirm should avoid the climb, but there are palanquins available, carried by 4 porters, and they will carry you up for a fee.

The temple is very good, and there are many idols and carvings of the Jain Tirthankaras inside the temple. The statue of Bahubali is the centre of attraction. Photography is not allowed inside. Jain monks perform their rituals and penance in absolute silence at the temple. Every 12 years a ritual known as the ‘mahamastaabhisheka’ is performed, in which the Lord is adorned with thousands of liters of milk, ghee, curds, saffron and gold coins, by thousands of devotees. The last one was in February 2018, and the next one will be in 2030.

The view from outside the temple compound is very beautiful. We could see the lovely rectangular pond, and the Chandragiri hill on the other side of the town of Shravanabelagola.

Restaurants and food stalls are located at the base of the hill. Drinking water and toilet facility is also available. It is best to drink some tender coconut water before and after your trek.

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Date of experience: December 2018

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My TripAdvisor Review No.411: Vindhyagiri Temple, Shravanabelagola.

Temple of Lord Gommateshwara.

The giant 58 foot statue of Bhagwan Bahubali at Shravanabelagola is housed within the Vindhyagiri Temple atop the Vindhyagiri hill. To reach the temple one has to trudge up more than 600 steps from the bottom of the hill. We had to leave our footwear at the stand where the attendant gave us a token on payment of a small fee. There is no other entry fee.

It takes about 30 to 45 minutes to go up the steps, stopping many times on the way, as the incline is quite steep. It is better to start the trek up early before the sun starts heating up the ground and baking your feet. There are railings along the way, which helped us to pull ourselves up when the legs got tired. The old and infirm should avoid the climb, but there are palanquins available, carried by 4 porters, and they will carry you up for a fee.

The temple is very good, and there are many idols and carvings of the Jain Tirthankaras inside the temple. The statue of Bahubali is the centre of attraction. Photography is not allowed inside. This temple is one of the most important pilgrimage sites for the followers of the Jain religion. Jain monks perform their rituals and penance in absolute silence at the temple. At the exit you will be asked for a donation, and you may contribute at your discretion.

The view from outside the temple compound is very beautiful. We could see a lovely rectangular pond, and the Chandragiri hill on the other side of the town of Shravanabelagola.

Restaurants and food stalls are located at the base of the hill. Drinking water and toilet facility is also available. It is best to drink some tender coconut water before and after your trek.

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Date of experience: December 2018

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My TripAdvisor Review No.410: Bhagwan Bahubali (Gommateshwara) Statue, Shravanabelagola, Karnataka.

One of the Seven Wonders of India.

The 58 foot statue of Bhagwan Bahubali at Shravanabelagola was voted by the readers of the newspaper ‘The Times of India’ as the first of the Seven Wonders of India on August 5, 2007. Now there are statues taller than this in India, but when you think that this statue was sculpted more than a thousand years ago, and is still considered to be the World’s tallest monolithic statue, then the title seems more befitting to this colossal rock-cut statue of the Lord Gommateshwara Shri Bahubali. The town of Shravanabelagola is one of the most important tirthas for the Jain community.

We had just visited Halebeedu and were returning to Bangalore so we decided to stop at Shravanabelagola on the way. It was an 80 km drive from Halebeedu, and took us an hour and a half. It is best to visit early in the morning as there are more than 600 steps to climb, without any footwear, so you can end up with roasted feet. 10 am is the outer limit in winter, but even earlier in the summers. It takes between 30 to 45 minutes to reach the top of the Vindyagiri Hill where the statue is located. There are palanquins carried by four porters for the old and infirm devotees, though I would feel ashamed to be seen in one.

There are some monuments and temples on the way up, and you get a beautiful view of the surroundings from the hilltop. Photography is not allowed but many tourists could be seen taking snaps with their cellphones and cameras. The statue itself was covered by bamboo scaffolding due to maintenance being carried out since the last ‘Mahamastabhisheka’, which was in February 2018. It is held once every 12 years, and the next one will be in 2030.

The statue is worth visiting at least once in your lifetime, but many more times if you are a follower of Jainism. There is no entry fee, but you have to pay for a token at the footwear stand, and the monk in the temple will ask for a voluntary donation, as per your discretion.

Shravanabelagola to Bangalore was about 145 km, and took us about 2 hours 30 minutes to drive.

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Date of experience: December 2018

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My TripAdvisor Review No.409: Sri Veeranarayana Temple, Belavadi, Karnataka.

Amazing Temple.

The Sri Veeranarayana Swamy Temple is located at Belavadi, a sleepy village about 12 km from Halebeedu, and 29 km from Chikmagalur, in the Indian state of Karnataka. The temple is one of the largest Hoysala temple monuments. Belavadi village is also said to be the place where the Pandava prince Bhima killed the demon Bakasura and protected the village and its people.

The Sri Veeranarayana Temple is more than 800 years old and was built by the Hoysala King, Veera Ballala II. While the temples at Belur and Halebeedu are known for their sculptures, this temple is known more for its architecture. This is a three shrine, alternately known as ‘Trikuta’, Vaishnava temple with images of Lord Vishnu in three different avatars, Sri Veeranarayana in the centre facing East, Sri Venugopala facing North, and Sri Yoganarasimha facing South. The temple pujari himself guided us around the temple and helped us have a nice darshan. The temple is protected by the Archaeological Survey of India.

One of the unique properties of this temple is that on the day of the summer solstice, 23rd March every year, the morning sun directly enters the Garbagriha from the entrance door, which is at a distance of 270 feet. The pillars of the temple are lathe turned and have a shiny appearance.

Many tourists visit the main temples of Belur and Halebeedu, but very few care to visit Belavadi, firstly because it is a bit off the main tourist circuit, and secondly very few know about it. So there are no crowds at this temple, and we got a very good experience of the peaceful village life in Karnataka.

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Date of experience: December 2018

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My TripAdvisor Review No.408: Belavadi, Chikmagalur District, Karnataka.

Sleepy Village With Amazing Temples.

Belavadi is a sleepy village about 12 km from Halebeedu, and 29 km from Chikmagalur, in the Indian state of Karnataka. This small village has two amazing temples, the Veeranarayana Temple, which is one of the largest Hoysala temple monuments, and a Ganapati temple, the main deity of which is known as the Udhbhava Ganapati. Both these temples are worth visiting. Belavadi village is also said to be the place where the Pandava prince Bhima killed the demon Bakasura and protected the village and its people.

The Veeranarayana Temple is more than 800 years old and was built by the Hoysala King, Veera Ballala II. While the temples at Belur and Halebeedu are known for their sculptures, this temple is known more for its architecture. This is a three shrine Vaishnava temple with images of Lord Vishnu in three different avatars, Sri Veeranarayana, Sri Venugopala and Sri Yoganarasimha. The temple pujari himself guided us around the temple and helped us have a nice darshan. The temple is protected by the Archaeological Survey of India.

We then walked down to the Udhbava Ganpati Temple, a couple of hundred metres from the Veeranarayana temple. It is a small Ganpati temple, with a natural rock formation in the shape of a Ganapati which has manifest itself (swayambhu), and is still growing slowly (udhbava). Here also the temple priest helped us have a good darshan and performed a puja for us. This temple is maintained by the Sri Shankaracharya Mutt of Sringeri.

There are many other smaller temples dotting the village. The atmosphere of the village is calm and serene, with many trees and farms surrounding it. The villagers were busy with their farming and processing activities, and taking their livestock down for grazing. I could not resist the temptation to take some pictures of the quaint but clean little village of Belavadi.

Many tourists visit the main temples of Belur and Halebeedu, but very few care to visit Belavadi, firstly because it is a bit off the main tourist circuit, and secondly very few know about it. So there are no crowds at Belavadi, and we got a very good experience of the peaceful village life in Karnataka.

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Date of experience: December 2018

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My TriAdvisor Review No.407: Basadi Halli: Halebeedu, Karnataka.

Jain Temples of Halebeedu.

There are three Jain Temples (basadis), very near the Kedareswara Temple in Halebeedu, less than half a kilometre away from the Hoysaleshwara Temple. We walked from the Hoysaleshwara temple to the lane where both these temple complexes are located. They are the lesser known temples hence very few tourists come here, and we got a very quiet and peaceful darshan of both.

Hoysala King Vishnuvardhana followed the Jain faith before he converted to Vaishnavism, a sect of Hinduism. However his queen, Shantala Devi continued to be a follower of Jainism. These temples were built in the 12th century, during and immediately after their reign.

There are three Jain basadis in this temple complex. The largest one is the Parshvanatha Basadi, with an 18 foot monolithic statue of the deity. The Shanthinatha Basadi has an inner sanctum with the 18 foot monolith of the Shanthinatha deity. The Adinatha Basadi is the smallest one with the image of the deity Adinatha and the Hindu goddess Saraswati. The monolith of Bahubali, which was earlier present in this temple, in now displayed outside the Halebeedu museum.

The most noteworthy point in these temples are the shining lathe turned pillars, which with the right angle of lighting and some polishing, enables you to see your own reflection.

This Jain temple complex is protected by the Archaeological Survey of India, and now proposed to be listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

It is definitely worth a visit, and no less spectacular, along with the other temples of Halebeedu and Belur, near Hassan.

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Date of experience: December 2018

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My TripAdvisor Review No.406: Kedareswara Temple, Halebeedu, Karnataka.

Hidden Hoysala Heritage of Halebeedu.

The Kedareswara Temple is hidden away in one of the byelanes of Halebeedu, just about half a kilometre from the more famous Hoysaleshwara Temple. It is just behind the Basadi Halli, which houses the Jain Temples. Very few tourists know about this temple, as a result of which there are hardly any crowds here, and you can explore the temple in peace. Halebeedu village is 32 km from Hassan, and about 220 km from Bengaluru, by road.

The temple was constructed by the Hoysala King, Veera Ballala II, and the main deity is Lord Shiva. The temple is constructed with soapstone, which is soft when quarried, but hardens after carving. It is a three shrined structure, so it is known as ‘trikuta’. Though it is a Shiva temple, there are friezes and panels that bear depictions from both Shaiva and Vaishnava legends. Some beautiful pieces of sculpture worthy of mention are the dancing ‘Bhairava’ (a form of Shiva), ‘Govardhana’ (Lord Krishna lifting a mountain), and Lord Vishnu as Varadaraja.

The entire temple is star shaped and beautifully studded with images of the gods, and depicting the stories of the Ramayana, Mahabharatha, Bhagvatha and other mythological stories. We spent about an hour admiring the beautiful work of the 13th century artisans, but somebody with more interest in history and the religious legends of Hinduism can easily spend the whole day here.

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Date of experience: December 2018

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My TripAdvisor Review No.405: Shantaleshwara Temple, Halebeedu, Karnataka.

Shiva Temple Dedicated to Queen Shantala Devi.

The Hoysaleshwara Temple actually consists of two twin temples of the same size with their sanctums opening east, facing sunrise. The sanctum of Hoysaleshwara (the King), and Shantaleshwara (the Queen, Shantala Devi), both have a Shiva linga. Outside, on the east both temples have a smaller shrine, each with a seated Nandi, facing the lingas. Further to the east of the southern Nandi is a 7 feet high Surya shrine facing the Nandi.

As you enter the temple complex from the northern gate, you are standing in front of the Shantaleshwara deity which is in the form of a Shiva linga. As you proceed further you can see a long covered passage, with various kinds of pillars and perforated screens on the right. This is the only temple where there is a passage between two kutas. The ceilings are filled with minute carvings and details. We then approach the Hoysaleshwara deity, the main deity, which is an impressive Shiva linga nicely decorated with jewels and ornaments and a dashing black drape.

There are many exquisite carvings and friezes on the platforms and walls of the main temples. The temple carvings and walls have been done with soapstone, which is soft when quarried, but hardens over time.

Photography is allowed inside the temples, but not of the shrines with the Shiva lingas kept in the sanctum sanctorums. Footwear has to be removed before entering the temple.

This heritage site of India is a must visit, along with the Kesava temple at Belur, about 17 km away, and Shravanabelagola, about 80 km towards Bangalore. There is a decent lodge run by the state owned KSTDC, appropriately named ‘Hotel Mayura Shantala’ to honour the queen, where we stayed. It is just across the road from the temple.

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Date of experience: December 2018

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My TripAdvisor Review No.404: Halebeedu Temple, Halebeedu, Katnataka.

An Icon of the Intricately Carved Temples of India.

The Halebeedu Temple in the interiors of rural Karnataka is one of the icons of the intricately carved temples of Southern India. It is also referred alternately as the Hoysaleshwara Temple. It is a 12th century Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is the largest monument in Halebeedu, which was the former capital of the Hoysala Empire. The temple was sponsored by the King Vishnuvardhana.

The temple actually consists of two twin temples of the same size with their sanctums opening east, facing sunrise. The sanctum of Hoysaleshwara (the King), and Shantaleshwara (the Queen, Shantala Devi), both have a Shiva linga. Outside, on the east both temples have a smaller shrine, each with a seated Nandi, facing the lingas. There are many exquisite carvings and friezes on the platforms and walls of the main temples. The temple carvings and walls have been done with soapstone, which is soft when quarried, but hardens over time.

The Halebeedu temples, along with the Kesava temple at Belur, have been proposed to be listed under UNESCO World Heritage sites.

The temple premises is open from sunrise to sunset. It is best to visit the temple early in the morning when there is less of a crowd, and the climate is cooler. Later bus loads of school and college children arrive from the nearby institutions for a study tour cum picnic, along with the other tourists. There is no entry fee, and parking is available outside the temple premises. Guides and booklets are available from the vendors at the entrance gate. Do bargain for a better price.

Photography is allowed inside the temples as well, except in the sanctum sanctorum. Footwear has to be removed before entering the temple. There is a huge garden around the temple premises where one can enjoy a serene stroll on the neat green lawns with many old trees and flowering bushes.

There are refreshment stalls outside as well, and proper restaurants and shops are just a hop, skip and jump away in the main town. KSTDC runs a lodge by the name of ‘Mayura Shanthala’ just across the road, which has a decent restaurant as well.

This heritage site of India is a must visit, along with the Kesava temple at Belur, about 17 km away, and Shravanabelagola, about 80 km towards Bangalore.

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Date of experience: December 2018

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My TripAdvisor Review No.403: Hoysaleshwara Temple, Halebeedu.

Magnificient Temple With Intricate Carvings.

Hoysaleshwara Temple is a 12th century Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is the largest monument in Halebeedu, which was the former capital of the Hoysala Empire. It was sponsored by the King Vishnuvardhana. During the early 14th century Halebeedu was sacked and plundered by the Muslim armies of the Delhi Sultanate, whence it fell into a state of ruin and neglect. Halebeedu literally means ‘old camp or capital’. The territory was later taken over by the Vijayanagara Empire.

The Hoysaleshwara Temple actually consists of two twin temples of the same size with their sanctums opening east, facing sunrise. The sanctum of Hoysaleshwara (the King), and Shantaleshwara (the Queen, Shantala Devi), both have a Shiva linga. Outside, on the east both temples have a smaller shrine, each with a seated Nandi, facing the lingas. Further to the east of the southern Nandi is a 7 feet high Surya shrine facing the Nandi.

Many other shrines are missing, and some of the carvings and idols can be seen in the ASI museum located in the same compound. There are many exquisite carvings and friezes on the platforms and walls of the main temples. The temple carvings and walls have been done with soapstone, which is soft when quarried, but hardens over time.

The Halebeedu temples, along with the Kesava temple at Belur, have been proposed to be listed under UNESCO World Heritage sites.

The temple premises is open from sunrise to sunset. It is best to visit the temple early in the morning when there is less of a crowd, and the climate is cooler. Later bus loads of school and college children arrive from the nearby institutions for a study tour cum picnic, along with the other tourists. There is no entry fee, and parking is available outside the temple premises. Guides and booklets are available from the vendors at the entrance gate. Do bargain for a better price.

Photography is allowed inside the temples as well, except in the sanctum sanctorum. Footwear has to be removed before entering the temple. There is a huge garden around the temple premises where one can enjoy a serene stroll on the neat green lawns and under the huge old banyan trees.

There are refreshment stalls outside as well, and proper restaurants and shops are just a hop, skip and jump away in the town of Halebeedu. KSTDC runs a lodge by the name of ‘Mayura Shanthala’ just across the road, which has a restaurant as well.

This heritage site of India is a must visit, along with the Kesava temple at Belur, about 17 km away, and Shravanabelagola, about 80 km towards Bangalore.

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Date of experience: December 2018

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My TripAdvisor Review No.402: Hotel Mayura Shantala, Halebeedu, Karnataka.

Decent Place to Stay in Small Town Halebeedu.

We stayed at this state run KSTDC hotel in Halebeedu when we wanted to explore the famous heritage temples of Halebeedu, Belur and Shravanabelagola. It was bang opposite to the main attraction of Halebeedu, the Hoysaleshwara temple.

The hotel is a well laid out cluster of four cottages in a small compound with small gardens, as well as an outdoor restaurant, with sufficient parking for about 5 cars near the cottages. There was an atmosphere of peace and serenity in the resort. Our room was well furnished with ac and a flat-screen TV. There were two sofas and two tables, a dressing table, and a wardrobe. The bathroom was quite spacious, with a large boiler for hot water. Soap, shampoo and conditioner were provided.

The main dining hall was next to our room, and we would place our order and request them to call us when the food was ready, which they obliged. Service was friendly, and the taste of the food was homely, with fresh ingredients. The menu however was quite limited with very few choices.

Most of the main attractions of Halebeedu were within walking distance to the hotel. Belur is 17 km from Halebeedu, and Shravanabelagole is about 80 km from Halebeedu.

We enjoyed a quiet stay for two days at the hotel.

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Date of stay: December 2018

• Trip type: Travelled as a couple
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My TripAdvisor Review No.401: Bangalore Box (Restaurant).

New Concept in Dining Experience.

We found this place quite by accident, while having lunch at an Udupi restaurant across the road, at Bilkehalli in South Bangalore. We decided to visit this resto-bar for dinner.

The restaurant has used a unique concept of using recycled shipping container boxes as it’s theme. Two floors of the restaurant is housed in the containers, while the third floor has open air terrace dining. Even the furniture and fixtures have equipment re-utilised from shipping containers. The restaurant serves up recipes from across the world in their own unique way.

We ordered their ‘Raw Papaya Salad’ as starter. It was served on a small colourful push-cart. For mains we tried the ‘Veg Manchurian Burger’, ‘Pesto Penne Pasta’ and ‘Beijing Chicken Noodles’. Taste of the food was very good. Service was a bit slow, and priced on the higher side.

We enjoyed the dining experience and would not mind visiting again

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Date of visit: December 2018

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