The Hoysaleswara Temple poised on a star-shaped base on the lawn is an architectural marvel. This twin-shrined temple is perhaps the largest Shiva temple built by the Hoysalas. Its base consists of 8 rows of friezes carved with elephants, lions, horses and oral scrolls.
Its walls are adorned with intricately carved Hindu deities, sages, stylised animals, birds and friezes depicting the life of Hoysala kings. I It is believed that no other temple in the country captures the Indian epics as elegantly as Hoysaleswara Temple.
This star shaped temple is believed to have taken around 103 years to build. At the entrance facing the temple is a towering Gopura and a magnicent sculpture of Garuda, Lord Vishnu’s carrier, palms touching in pious homage.
The temple stands on a platform and has exquisite artwork on its outer walls adorned with bracket gures depicting the Puranas and Epics, all carved to perfection.
Muthodi is one of the two main reserve parts of Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary, another being Lakkavali. Kalahatti Giri is the highest peak in this sanctuary, laden with lush green vegetation.
More than 120 species of trees call this place their home, including Teak, Rosewood, Mathi and Kindal.
Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected Tiger Reserve, playing a natural home to the endangered big cat. It is a popular place of outing which has a diverse range of ora and fauna.
It is surrounded by scenic beauties like Mullayangiri Hills, Baba Budangiri Hills, and Hebbegiri State Forest Hills.Other animals found here include gaurs, elephants, black panthers, pangolin, porcupine, etc.
Kalahatti Falls, one of the major tourist spots of the region, is located at a distance of 10 km from Kemmangundi. The 122 m high waterfall along with its beautiful surroundings is a favoured tourist spot.
Waterfall is also popular with some other names like Kallathigiri Falls and Kalahasthi Falls.
Hebbe Falls, located 8 km away from Kemmangundi, is a favourite site for solitude seekers. The waterfall that is 168 metres in altitude is situated in Kemmangundi.
Like other spring falls in the region, the water stream is believed to cure skin disorders. Enriched with minerals, the water stream is also a source of drinking water in the region.
Seethalayanagiri, located at a height of 5000 feet, is one of Chikmagalur’s most popular tourist destinations. With the sound of birds chirping and the fresh air, this is the place to be. It’s on the way from Mullayanagiri to Chickmaglur, so a car trip would be ideal.
You may also pay a visit to the Seethala Mallikarjuna Swamy temple, which has a large Shivlinga encircled on all four sides by water. Not only that, but there is also a cave with a variety of wildowers and orchids.
At a distance of 20 km from Chikmagalur and 23 km from — Baba Budangiri (by road), Mullayanagiri located in Chikmagalur district is the highest peak in Karnataka with an altitude of 1950 meters.
Regarded as the highest peak between Himalayas and Nilgiris, Mullayanagiri is one of the best treks in Karnataka and among the top trekking places to visit in Chikmagalur.