Chikmagalur

Chikmagalur district takes its name from the headquarters town of Chikmagalur which literally means younger daughter's town. It is said to have been given as a dowry to the younger daughter of Rukmangada, the legendary chief of Sakrepatna. Another part of the town bestowed on the elder daughter is known as Hiremagalur. Certain ancient inscriptions reveal that these two places were originally known as Kiriya-magalu and Piriya-magalu. Chikmagalur is located in a lush valley south of the Babu-Budan range. The district houses fascinating monuments of all religions - the Kodandarama Temple, a beautiful blend of Hoysala and Dravidian styles of architecture, the Jamia Mosque and the new St. Joseph's Cathedral with an attractive shell-shaped portico. Hiremagalur which is now a part of Chikmagalur town has an Ishwara Temple with a 1.22 metre high, intriguing figure of Jademuni. The temple also houses a Yoopastambha, believed to be installed by King Janamejaya, during his serpent sacrifice. An ancient fort and its moat are the other places of interest.

Khandya:43km to the north west of Chikmagalur town is one of the 'panchakshetras' (five sacred places) situated on the banks of river Bhadra.

Inam Dattatreya Peetha:Situated on the Baba Budan Giri is the Inam Dattatreya Peetha venerated by the Hindus and the Muslims alike. A laterite cave here is believed to have been sanctified by the residence of Dattatreya Swami as well as Hazrat Dada Hayat Mir Khalander. The worship here is conducted by a fakir and the annual 'jatra' or 'urs' is attended by both Hindus and Muslims with great fervour.

Balehonnur:45 kms to the north west of Chikmagalur is another celebrated pontifical seat of the district, the Shrimad Jagadguru Rambhapuri Veersimhasana Mahasamsthana Peetha.
This matha with mythical connections to Rambha, the celestial dancer as also to the giant Rambhasura, is one of the five great 'panchacharya mathas'.
The Veerabhadra Temple attached to the 'matha' has sturdy metallic images of Veerbhadra and Bhadrakali.

Belavadi:25 km south east of Chikmagalur town and just 10 km from the Hoysala capital of Halebid is Belavadi, a place in the district with historical associations. This ancient village is dotted with temples and shrines, the most outstanding being the Veeranarayan Temple, a fine specimen of Hoysala architecture.

Marle:12 km from Chikmagalur, Marle is a place of antiquity noted for its temples, chief amongst them being the Chennakesava Temple dating back to 1150 AD.