Traveling opens your eyes to the world’s vastness and diversity. Davanagere in Karnataka is a hidden treasure for those desiring a mix of culture, history, and nature. This city, known as the “Manchester of Karnataka” for its booming cotton mills, welcomes all travelers.
In Bagali Kalleshwara Temple’s ancient alleys, you feel history under your feet. By Santhebennur Pushkarani’s calm waters, ancient architecture’s reflections dance on the lake. Visiting Suthi Matha or Kunduvada Kere makes you part of Davanagere’s ongoing rich story.
Discover places like Shanthi Sagara Lake, offering water sports and quiet nature moments. Also, see Bathi Gudda’s views or Channagiri Fort and Durgambika Temple’s hilltop spots. Each place is easy to reach by road or train, giving unique experiences.
Let’s take a trip through Davanagere’s top tourism spots. Explore this beautiful city’s wonders. For a detailed list of places to visit, see this comprehensive guide.
Key Takeaways
- Davanagere is famous for its historical sites, lakes, and temples.
- Must-visit spots include Santhebennur Pushkarani, Bagali Kalleshwara Temple, and Shanthi Sagara Lake.
- You can easily get there by road and train, with airports close by.
- Places like Bathi Gudda and Kunduvada Kere mix natural beauty with adventure.
- Trying local foods like Benne Dosa and Kara Mandaki is essential for visitors.
Santhebennur Pushkarani
Santhebennur Pushkarani is a must-see in Davanagere. It’s known as the Ramthirtha Pushkarni too. Kenga Hanumantappa Nayaka built it in the 16th century. It’s in a green garden, with old temple designs. It shows the area’s history and culture.
Historical Significance
It’s an important spot in Davanagere’s history. It was built when the Vijayanagara dynasty ruled. The Bijapur Sultan attacked it in the 17th century. This led to building the Musafirkhana, a rest place. The tank is big, showing its old grandeur.
Architectural Beauty
Its architecture is amazing. It has the Vijayanagara style, known for detailed sculptures. There are ten mantapas there. The central Vasanta Mantapa is the biggest. It has a dome with lotus patterns, arched doors, and many sculptures. The Vasantha Mantapa shows Indo Arabic style.
Best Time to Visit
Visit in the cooler months to enjoy it fully. It’s open every day from 7:30 AM to 6 PM. It’s quieter then, for a better visit. You can take phone photos, but ask to use a DSLR. This makes it a top spot all year.
Bagali Kalleshwara Temple
The Bagali Kalleshwara Temple is a beautiful piece of Davanagere’s history and architecture. This temple has stood strong through many changes over the years. It is a very important place in Davanagere that people love.
Temple Architecture
The Sri Kalleshwara Swamy Temple was built long ago, between the 8th and 9th centuries. The Rashtrakutas or Nolambas first built it. Later, others like the Kalyana Chalukyas and Hoysalas added to it from the 11th to 13th centuries. Its Shikara shows the amazing architecture from Cholan times.
Inside, there’s a special ceiling art called ‘Gajasura Samara,’ showing Lord Shiva winning a battle. The temple also has a special Linga for Lord Shiva. It has statues of the goddesses Saraswathi, Sapthamatrikas, and Lord Subramanya. Hero-stones from different times can be found near the temple, showing its history.
Historical Monuments
There are old writings in the temple about gifts from people like Narasimha and Kalideva. These writings tell us about the rich history of the temple. The temple is known for amazing stories. For example, snakes often visit the Shiva Linga during festivals like Dasara. This adds a magical feel to the place.
The temple is not far from Davanagere, just about 4 km away in the village of Bethuru. It’s easy to get to and well looked after by a caretaker. Even without daily rituals, the temple’s atmosphere and history make it an important part of Davanagere’s culture.
Shanthi Sagara Lake
Shanthi Sagara Lake, also known as Sulekere, is a beautiful place in Davanagere. It’s the second largest man-made lake in Asia. It provides water for irrigation and is a lovely spot for relaxing.
Water Sports Activities
Shanthi Sagara Lake is perfect for those who love excitement. It offers a lot of water sports. This makes it one of Davanagere’s top places to visit. The lake is big, covering an area of 32,975 hectares. This gives everyone enough room to:
- Boating
- Kayaking
- Jet Skiing
Tourist Facilities
There are many facilities near Shanthi Sagara Lake for tourists. These make the lake a top spot in Davanagere for visitors.
- The guest house offers comfy places to stay close to the lake.
- The lake sends 30 million liters of water every day to Chitradurga. This shows how important it is for the area’s water supply.
- The Karnataka Urban Water Supply and Drainage Board invested ₹80 crore in the lake. This project helps to keep the water supply steady.
Shanthi Sagara Lake has a water area of 2,651 hectares and a 30 km circle. It’s a favorite place for tourists in Davanagere. The lake helps water 1,900 hectares of land. It also offers beautiful views and fun activities. This makes it key to Davanagere’s tourism.
| Lake Metric | Specification |
|---|---|
| Total Area | 32,975 hectares (81,483 acres) |
| Water Spread | 2,651 hectares (27 km2) |
| Maximum Depth | 27 feet (8 meters) |
| Circumference | 30 km (19 mi) |
| Catchment Area | 329.75 km2 (127.32 sq mi) |
| Shore Length | 150 km (31 mi) |
Tourist Places in Davanagere
Davanagere is full of wonderful places to visit. You can see history, vibrant culture, and beautiful nature. Places like Kunduvada Kere and Kondajji Lake are perfect for those who love nature. They offer stunning views and water sports. Also, Shantisagara is very big and beautiful. It is Asia’s second-largest lake. You can enjoy peaceful boat rides and lovely sunsets there.
If you like old and spiritual places, Davanagere has many. The Eshwara Temple in Anekonda has special art and sculptures. It was made by the artist Bamoji. The Durgambika Temple has a long history. It connects us to the past. Another important place is the Thirtharameswara Temple in Honnali Taluk. It is known for its holy water spring.
You should also see Kuruva Island. It is close to Honnali and sits in the Tungabhadra river. The island is very peaceful. It has the Rameshwara temple, which is great for a calm visit. Visit the old hill fort at Chennagiri too. It was built by Queen Chennammaji. You can see amazing views and learn about the area’s history.
The Archaeological Survey of India works hard to keep these places safe. Thanks to them, people can visit Davanagere’s special sites for many years to come. It’s great for travelers who enjoy learning and exploring.
| Attraction | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Kunduvada Kere | Scenic vistas, water sports |
| Shantisagara Lake | Second-largest lake in Asia, boating |
| Eshwara Temple | Chalukya-style architecture |
| Kuruva Island | Tungabhadra river, Rameshwara temple |
| Chennagiri Hill Fort | Historical fort, panoramic views |
Kondajji
Kondajji is a beautiful village in Davanagere, India. It’s known for its beauty and outdoor fun. It sits 20 kilometers north of Davanagere city. Kondajji is famed for its lovely views and eco-tourism.
Kondajji Lake is the heart of this quiet village. It offers a peaceful but adventurous feel. It’s famous for hosting scout and guide camps in South India. Kondajji is home to many birds and has activities like trekking and rock climbing.
The Kondajji Basappa Temple is a key site here. It’s dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is known for its beautiful architecture. It shows the area’s rich culture. The temple is a great spot for those who love history.
Kondajji is great for nature lovers. Its hills, waterfalls, and forests are perfect for walks or treks. The beauty and quiet of Kondajji make it an ideal spot for a weekend away. It’s perfect for those who love nature and staying active.
In Davanagere district, Kondajji is special. It draws people with its natural beauty and fun activities. With Kondajji Lake and the Kondajji Basappa Temple, it’s a top place to see. Kondajji offers both traditional experiences and ways to enjoy nature.
Conclusion
Davanagere is a must-see for all travelers. It’s filled with breathtaking sites and history. You can see the beautiful Kunduvada Kere and Shri Harihareshwara Temple. Bathi Hill offers amazing views too.
Places like the Glass House and Kaidali Jerry Falls make your visit special. You can do lots of fun things here. Enjoy picnics, trekking, and trying the famous Davangere Benne Dose. The Sri Anjaneya Swamy Temple shows the spiritual side of this place. Channagiri is perfect for enjoying nature.
Getting to Davanagere is easy thanks to good roads and trains. Airports in Shivamogga, Bangalore, and Mangalore help too. It’s a good idea to get travel insurance. It helps with unexpected travel issues. This way, you can enjoy everything about Davanagere without worries. This place truly captures the spirit of Karnataka.
FAQ
What are the top tourist places in Davanagere to explore?
Some great places in Davanagere include Santhebennur Pushkarani and Bagali Kalleshwara Temple. Also, Shanthi Sagara Lake, Kunduvada Kere, and Kondajji Lake are must-visits.
What is the historical significance of Santhebennur Pushkarani?
Santhebennur Pushkarani was built in the early 16th century by Kenga Hanumantappa Nayaka. It’s part of the Vijay Nagar empire’s history. In the 17th century, it faced an invasion, leading to a Musafirkhana being built.
What makes Santhebennur Pushkarani architecturally unique?
The Pushkarani is known for its old temple architecture. It’s in a peaceful garden, making it a key Davanagere spot.
When is the best time to visit Santhebennur Pushkarani?
Visiting during cooler, quieter months is best. This lets you fully enjoy Santhebennur Pushkarani.
What architectural features stand out at Bagali Kalleshwara Temple?
The Bagali Kalleshwara Temple is famous for its detail on every pillar. The craftsmanship is indeed rich.
What historical elements can visitors find in Bagali Kalleshwara Temple?
In the temple, there are inscriptions of donations from figures like Narasimha and Kalideva. They show Davanagere’s past.
What water sports activities are available at Shanthi Sagara Lake?
Shanthi Sagara Lake is known for its fun water sports. It’s perfect for those seeking thrills.
What tourist facilities are available at Shanthi Sagara Lake?
There’s a guest house and more at the lake. It makes visiting comfortable for all.
Where can one find natural beauty in Davanagere?
Nature lovers will find beautiful views and water sports at Kunduvada Kere and Kondajji Lake. These are top spots in Davanagere.
What makes Kondajji a popular destination?
Kondajji is known for eco-tourism and adventure. It offers birdwatching and is key for South India’s scout and guide camps. It’s perfect for nature fans.
