Wednesday, May 29, 2019

Bangalore Fort Tipu Sultan fort at Bangalore Karnataka

Bangalore Fort Tipu Sultan fort was built by Kempe Gowda I in 1537. Kempe Gowda I, a chieftain of the Vijayanagara Empire, widely held as the founder of modern Bangalore, built a mud fort and established the area around it as Bengaluru Pete, his capital.The now Fort of Bangalore’s history can be traced back to 1537 .

Kempe Gowda with his vision got permission from the King Achutaraya, the ruler of the empire, to build a new city for himself. The King gifted 12 hoblis (revenue subdivisions) with an annual income of 30,000 varahas (gold coins) to Kempe Gowda to meet the expenses of his venture of building a new city.Thereafter, he constructed a mud fort (now in the western part of the city), with a moat surrounding it, and nine large gates.

Legend says that During the construction of the Fort it was said that the southern gate would collapse no sooner than it was built and human sacrifice was indicated to ward off the evil spirits. When Kempe Gowda would not accept human sacrifice, his daughter-in-law, Lakshamma, realising her father-in-Law's predicament, beheaded herself with a sword at the southern gate in the darkness of night. Thereafter, the fort was completed without any mishap. In her memory, Kempe Gowda built a temple in her name in Koramangala.Thus, Kempe Gowda's dream fructified and the Bengaluru Pete evolved around the Mud fort called the Bangalore Fort.

This mud fort was enlarged during Chikkadeva Raya Wodeyar's rule between 1673 AD – 1704 AD. In 1761, it was renovated by Hyder Ali, who made it strong with stones. A part of the fort was subject to bombardment by the British when they fought a battle against Tipu Sultan, son of Hyder Ali. Tippu Sultan repaired the fort later.

In March 1791 the army of the British East India Company led by Lord Cornwallis laid siege to the Bangalore fort during the Third Mysore War. Following tough resistance by the Mysore army led by the Commandant Bahadur Khan, in which over 2000 people were killed, on 21 March the British breached the walls near the Delhi Gate and captured it.

The fort at Bangalore had a perimeter of about one mile; it was of solid masonry, surrounded by a wide ditch which was commanded from 26 towers placed at intervals along the ramparts.

 The fort of Bangalore also boasts a spectacular temple of Lord Ganesha Temple built in the year 1790 in the vicinity of the palace.

The fort area also encompasses an art gallery displaying a number of paintings, pictures, photos and delicate carvings of the past era. A must place to visit when in Bangalore.The Tipu Sultan Fort is an iconic monument attracting not only tourist around the year but a place of interest for historians and archaeologist.

At that time the fort was a stronghold for Tipu Sultan. Today, the fort's Delhi gate, on KrishnarajendraRoad, and two bastions are the primary remains of the fort.

A marble plaque commemorates the spot where the British breached fort's wall, leading to its capture. The old fort area also includes Tipu Sultan's Summer Palace, and his armory.

The Tipu’s Fort is situated close to the busy Krishna Rajendra city market at the intersection of Krishna Rajendra Road and Albert Victoria Road. The Tipu’s Fort which is a prominent landmark of the city of Bangalore depicts intricate Islamic style architect.Bangalore Fort Tipu Sultan fort Bangalore tourism Karnataka tourism fort Bengaluru fort tourism. 

Dodda Alada Mara Big Banyan tree Bangalore Tourism Karnataka Tourism sholay movie shooting spot

Big Banyan tree or Dodda Alada Mara of Bangalore is the fourth largest banyan tree in India .

This single plant covers 3 acres of land.

 It is the largest Banyan tree in Karnataka.

 The Dodda Aalada Mara(ದೊಡ್ಡ ಆಲದ ಮರ), literally translated to Big Banyan Tree, is a giant 400-year-old banyan tree Dodda Alada Mara / Doda Aladha Mara / Dodda Aladha Mara / Big Banyan tree of Bangalore Tourism Karnataka Tourism is a favorite picnic spot for many.

The Dodda Aalada Mara or Ficus benghalensis, is located in the village of Kethohalli at Ramohalli in the Bangalore Urban district of Karnataka, India. 

In the 2000s, the main root of the tree succumbed to natural disease, and thus the tree now looks like many different trees.

.The Big Banyan Tree is the largest banyan tree in the State of Karnataka and is the fourth largest Banyan Tree in the Country. The canopy of the tree constantly widens over the years .

Big Banyan tree is also a famous Movie shooting location. Various Bollywood, Sandalwood and other language movies have been shot here. Such as the ever green song "Yeh Dosti song of Sholay" movie . 

 The place has become popular as a tourist attraction and also as movie shooting location. "Accident ho gaya", Amitabh bachchan's   Coolie movie song  was also shot here .

The horticulture department looks after the tree and takes initiatives to conserve it. Many botany students and tourists come here to take a look at the tree. Families visit the tree to spend time in this peaceful place as well as spiritually inclined individuals who seek peace in the calm and serene region. A variety of bird species reside in the tree and it is also home to many monkeys.

The tree is 28 kilometers from Bangalore, on the Bangalore – Mysore Road.It can be easily reached by the well-connected road network from Bangalore or Mysore.

Friday, May 17, 2019

Hulikere Tunnel in Mandya Karnataka Visvesvaraya Canal from KRS Dam to Visvesvaraya Buga

Hulikere Tunnel in Mandya is Asia's first underground irrigation water tunnel, nearing 100 years.There were just railway underground pathways at the most but not an underground irrigation tunnel . 
Tunnel Hulikere- 2Km tunnel built uanderneath Hulikere village


Hulikere Tunnel exit

Tunnel Hulikere is the Life line of Mandya farmers

Hulikere tunnel may be the longest under ground kaveri tunnel / cauvery tunnel .


KRS Water release time water filled Hulikere Tunnel entrance

Hulikere tunnel is known by other names too such as hulikere buga and Vishveshvaraiah Buga. The water from KRS dam flows into hulikere tunnel, the main channel of Krishna Raja Sagara Dam. Hulikere tunnel is a lesser known underground water irrigation tunnel in Karnataka Southern part of  India.


Hulikerre Tunnel entrance before water release from KRS Dam

Hulikere Tunnel is  2.8 km long tunnel is 3.75 m wide and has a 4.5 m deep arch and was constructed from June 1928 to October 1931 when the Visveswaraya canal was laid to irrigate fields in Mandya region .


Hulikere tunnel Exit, notice the light at the end of the tunnel

Hulikere tunnel was constructed under the governance of KrishnaRaja Wodeyar IV by Sir M Vishweshwarayya and Diwan Sir Mirza Ismail. 



Inside view of Hulikere tunnel before water relese from KRS Dam


The modernisation work of Hulikere tunnel was taken up in the late 1990s . 
Hulikere tunnel at Mandya  is part of Visvesvaraya canal from KRS Dam Cauvery river .
The Hulikere tunnel provides irrigation facilities to 2,00,600 acres of land in Mandya.


Inside view near the entrance side of Hulikere tunnel

The overall cost of the tunnel was a lump sum of 4,56,000 rupees, a big sum back in 1920's.
The Hulikere Tunnel is one of the engineering marvel of Sir. M. Visvesvaraya.



 Exploring Hulikere tunnel

The hulikere Tunnel is in use till date. If one plans to enter to tunnel, then it's better to  check with locals about KRS water releasing day , as the water when released rises quickly taking every thing along its way.

                                                                 Water flowing till the brim of the tunnel

Cauvery water when released flows out in full force and  covers the full tunnel height of 20 feet within in few minutes .




Hulikere Tunnel view from above the ground


The tunnel was built after the construction of KRS dam as, the dam construction cut out water supply to hulikere village. The Hulikere Tunnel through the years has ensured irrigation water for agriculture to Hulikere, Kalenahalli and surrounding villages.



Hulikere tunnel exit side stairs


The tunnel is part of the Vishveshwarya canal under the Krishnaraja Sagar (KRS) Cauvery Neeravari Nigam Ltd (CNNL). Hulikere tunnel carries Kaveri water .

The surface area along the length of the tunnel is not visible as it is fully covered with houses, lush green fields, shops and roads.




Green fields cultivated above the tunnel area

 Hulikere is a village in Srirangapatana Taluk in Mandya District of Karnataka State, India. It belongs to Mysore Division. It is located 16 KM from Mandya, 20 KM from Shrirangapattana. 116 KM from Bangalore .


Inside view of Hulikere Tunnel


Hulikere can be reached by rail or road .The nearest Railway stations are Byadarahalli Railway Station , Yeliyur Railway Station are the very nearby railway stations to Hulikere. Chamarajapuram Railway Station (near to Mysore), Shrirangapatna Railway Station (near to Shrirangapattana), Pandavapura Railway Station (near to Shrirangapattana), Mysore Junction Railway Station (near to Mysore) are the Rail way stations reachable from nearby towns. By Road Hulikere can be reached via Srirangapatana, Mysore, Mandya, Bannur are the nearby by towns to Hulikere having road connectivity to Hulikere.

Hulikere tunnel got its share of limelight in a recent Kannada hit Movie Rathaavara, fight scene , shooting done within the tunnel, staring Sriimurali. Mysore tourism gets a new boast with new locations as such being used by Kannada film industry (Sandalwood).

( Rathavara kannada movie fight scene shot here )


Sriimurali 's  Kannada Movie Rathavara Fight scene Shooting at Hulikere tunnel

Mandya tourism can be developed by creating awareness about such historic engineering Marvels, providing of sign boards and sharing knowledge of these kind of unknown places. Hulikere tunnel is a pride not only for Mandya, Karnataka but for entire India. Mandya tourism and Karnataka tourism has many such marvels .



 Hulikere tunnel / hulikere buga / Vishveshvaraiah Buga  exclusive video.


Google map location: https://goo.gl/maps/ptNXUV9nK4XK95GS8

Sunday, January 7, 2018

Chaturmukha Basadi Jain Basadi Karkala Udupi tourism Mangalore also known as Derasar Karnataka tourism India

The Chaturmukha basadi is a  four faced symmetrical Jain temple or Jaina Basadi. The Chaturmukha Basadi, was built in the late 16th century by Immadi Bhairarasa Vodeya of the Santara dynasty in 1586. Chaturmukha Basadi is located at Karkala, Udupi district of Karnataka.




Outer view of Chaturmukha basadi 

Chaturmukha basadi  is one of the ancient Jain pilgrimage center in Udupi. The Basadi (temple) has four sets black stone statues of  Tirthankara Aranath, Mallinath and Munisuvratnath facing in all four directions. It has four symmetrical faces and is thus called chaturmukha (four faces) basadi. The temple has 4 identical doorways in the north, south, east and west that all lead into the Garbhagriha.


Distant view of Chaturmukha basadi from adjacent Gommateshwara hill

Chaturmukha basadi is completely carved out of granite rocks, is known as Tribhuvana Tilaka Jina Chaityalaya or Ratnatraya dhama from inscriptionsChaturmukha basadi is built on top of a small hill. It is built in Vijaynagara style of architecture.Chaturmukha basadi faces the famous Karkala Bahubali statue installed in the year 1432 by Veera Pandya of the Santara dynasty on February 13, 1432, on the instructions of the Bhattaraka of Karkala, Lalitakeerti. The construction of this temple is attributed to more than one person. Some believe that the Chaturmukha Basadi was built towards the end of the 16th century by the Santara dynasty’s Immadi Bhairarasa Vodeya.
Others attribute its design and construction to Queen Channabhairadevi. According to another legend, the temple dates back to the 15th century when it was built by Vir Pandyadeva, a Jain King.The Jain rulers who ruled Karkala at that period gave due importance to construction of basadis , which have stood the test of time.Main Deity here is  Yakshi Padmavati and 24th Thirthankara


View of entrance of Chaturmukha Basadi  from the foothill

Chaturmukha Basadi is protected under the Archaeological Survey of India. tourism has not been advertised much but has many interesting locations nearby such as the Gommatta Betta, Anekere Basadi, and many more jain basadis in and around the area. The basadi has few interesting carvings.


Carvings on the outer wall of Basadi

Optical illusion carvings, of a bull and elephant, carved with two different body and head overlapping the other carving.
 
carving on left has body of Bull and elephant on right side

The horns of the bull becomes the tusk of the elephant, and the hump of the Bull becomes the trunk of the elephant. Bulls ears become elephants mouth. The elephants head is the bulls nose and the eye is common to both.

One of the reasons the temple is believed to have 108 pillars is because this number adds up to 9 which is thought of as the perfect Vedic number. Each of these 18-foot tall pillars has been carved out of a single granite block. The pillars feature intricate carvings of Jain and Hindu deities.

It is one of the most famous monuments in Karkala. Chaturmukha Basadi is located very near to Karkala Busstand.

Karkala is 60 kilometers from Mangalore and 7 hours drive from Bangalore. For travel enthusiast Karkala tourism and Karnataka tourism holds many places to be explored.Places near Karkala, such as Moodabidri , Malpe beach , Udupi offer tourists various choices for visit from beaches, nature treks, temples to jain mandirs.



Video of Chaturmukha basadi 

Dhanushkoti at Melukote Mandya Karnataka

The power of the arrow to draw water from the rocks is the story behind Dhanushkoti.


Not only the destination but also the journey holds lot of interesting places to be explored.


Dhanushkoti at Melukote Mandya Karnataka . Melkote Mandya Tourism and Karnataka tourism destination. Melkote or Melukote is located in Mandya District of Karnataka.

Recommended to visit early in the morning to avoid exhaustion, heat and crowd.


Dhanushkoti at Melkote is also a pilgrimage place, as its believed that as per hindu mythology , Ramayana , Lord Rama, Lakshmana and Sita visited this place during their vanavas. On Sita's request Ram shot an arrow into the rocks to draw water from it, to quench Sita's thirst.


Steps leading to Dhanushkoti




View from watch tower















After the visual treat don't miss to treat your taste buds to the authentic traditional, freshly prepared Brahmin's food served on banana leaf at Subbanna mess. Melkote is 40kms from Mandya city, 50 Kms from Mysore and 133 Kms from Bangalore. Melkote has famous places such as Yoga Narasimha Temple, Cheluvarayaswamy Temple, Raya Gopura, ISKCON Melkote, Akka Tangi Kola, Academy of Sanskrit Research, Krishnasoori Ramanuja Kootam and more. Melukote is part of Mandya District which is famous for mandya tourism for its waterfalls , stone carved temples built by Hoysalas , Somanthapura, basaralu, brindavan gardens near KRS Dam (reservoir ), tonnur kere, Shravanappa betta (Kanakagiri hills), arethipur, basadihalli etc. Mysore tourism along with mandya tourism is incomplete without exploring the places that Mandya has to offer. This is a historic place known for its great history. The Stone temple , mandapa are one of its kind with fine carvings.

Watch video below