Shivappa Nayaka Palace, Shivamogga

It is a palace with a difference. Different from the extravagant and posh palaces found elsewhere. This is not a palace in the real sense. It is a big mansion of a local chieftain called Shivappa Nayaka.

Shivappa Nayaka’s palace in Shivamogga has its own style. Situated on the banks of river Tunga it stands testimony to the glorious rule of the Keladi dynasty.

Built during the 16^th century by Shivappa Nayaka, this palace, located near Kote Anjaneya temple on Kote Road, has stood against all odds and narrates the tale of the Nayakas (chieftains) to the present generation in the new millennium.

This illustrious palace which is built with rose and teak wood rises to a height of around 50 feet. The entrance has two staircases of wood, which lead to the huge balcony which Shivappa Nayaka used. Below the balcony is an open courtyard.

A view from the balcony gives a picturesque vision of the gently flowing river Tunga. The wooden balcony which is around 15 feet high is similar to the balcony at Mysore palace.

The two rooms on either side of the balcony with huge doors are remarkable. The palace houses many rooms where personal objects used by the royal families and arms are displayed.

Huge teak pillars in the ground floor reveal the architectural grandeur of the historical age. Carvings on these pillars and on the wooden panes are incredible.

There is one more yard at the back-yard of the palace. A terrace made of modern fibre glass sheets is on top of the yard.

Many idols found across the temples of the region are installed here. Ancient idols of gods and goddesses can be found across the palace, which were installed by the Archaeological Department during renovation. Inscription at the bottom of the idols narrate the history and importance of the sculptures.

The palace is a heritage building preserved by the Archeological Department.  War suites and weapons used during those days are preserved at the first floor of the fort.

The palace was under the control of the Forest Department, after which it was handed over to the Archaeological Department. The Forest Department used it as its depot for many years.

During the British period, the palace was handed over to the then Mysore Public Works Department which in turn handed it over to the Forest Department.

The Forest Department, apart from using the palace premises as its depot, used to stock seized vehicles in the palace premises and had built walls indiscriminately.

There was a horse pathway also along the river bank. A local historian brought this to the notice of the Archaeological Department. The latter took up an excavation work on a small scale.

The excavation revealed the evidence to prove that there existed a palace. After a prolonged correspondence, the Department acquired the area and completed the excavation and renovation work to unveil the present beautiful palace.

Now, a museum maintained by the Archaeological Department is situated in the palace premises. The museum hosts memorials of kings who ruled the region and their works of art and sculpture. Vedic inscription written on palm leaves are preserved here.

Scripts from the Ramayana and Mahabharatha, and articles of the Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro are also seen at the museum.

Archaeological department has conserved the monuments at the fort. Many unique sculptures carved in stone are installed across the pathway in the gardens in the palace.

A guesthouse of the Archaeological Department is situated at the palace, which is available for reservation.

A garden within the palace premises with the Tunga river flowing swiftly but gently is an ideal place to relax. The gentle breeze coming from across the river is a moment to cherish for the visitor.

A huge stone wall surrounds the palace recalling the attributes of a fort. One has to enter the palace premises through the front gate located in the fort like wall. Cultural activities are held during dasara to add glitter to the palace.

Shivappa Nayaka was a ruler under the Keladi dynasty. During his rule, the empire extended till Kasargod in Kerala. Shivappa Nayaka constructed a palace in Shivamogga.

The Palace had a boundary of 200 acres when it was constructed in 16th century. Now the place is encroached and is reduced just to 20 acres. 

Fort has beautiful architecture where most of the fort is made up of rose wood and roof is covered with Mangalore tiles. Stone carving arranged neatly grabs lot of attraction in the fort. The canons used in battle can be seen here.

Shivappa Nayaka fort is easy to locate and reach which is at Kote road. It is located 2 km from Shivamogga bus stand towards B.H road. 

Nagara Fort, Hosanagara

Nagara is a small town in Hosanagara which has a fort built by Keladi rulers. This fort was built in 16^th century.

Nagara was the last capital of Keladi rulers. Nagara Fort is also called as Shivappa Nayaka fort which was once surrounded by thick green forest. 'Nagara' means city in Kannada.

The Fort is built on a small hillock. The fort is in ruins now. Small ponds inside the fort called Akka thangi kola is worth seeing. 

  

Start from Hosanagara and drive for 17 km to reach Nagara fort. It is 84 km from Shivamogga which is the district headquarters. 

Kalyani Chowka, Kodachadri

Kalyani Chowka is on the bank of Linganamakki dam which is near Kodachadri. Kalyani Chowka is popular for water sports which is available at nominal price.

There is a resort nearby which provides food, lodging and package trip to nearby tourist locations. There are no sign boards which makes it difficult for tourists to reach the place. 

Start from Hosanagara towards Kollur via Nagara town on State highway 26 and reach Nadogi village nearby Kodachadri. Drive 4 more km and take right turn towards Kalyani Chowka and drive 4 km more towards the backwater.

Hidlumane Water Falls, Kodachadri

Hidlumane waterfalls is ten km from Kodachadri peak. While descending from the peak, Hidlumane falls is on the way, trekking down to Nadogi village.

Hidlumane falls comes under Mookambika reserve forest at the down streams of Kodachadri peak.

Trekking route to Hidlumane is adventurous which goes on steep mountains and dense forest. Local guidance will help first time visitors to reach the falls easily.

Hidlumane gets water flow from Kodachadri hills and is beautiful during rainy season. 

Kodachadri, Hosanagara

Kodachadri is a peak of delight. It is a trekkers paradise. Kodachadri is one of the highest mountains in Karnataka after Subramanya and Mullayanaigiri.

Standing at a height of 4,400 feet, Kodachadri offers breathtaking views of the Arabian Sea to the west and forests, plains and reservoirs to the east.

The peak of Kodachadri is the best option for trekking especially for the views from its summit, among the various trekking options             across the Western Ghats.

The peak, located between Kollur and Hosanagara in Shivamogga district, is tall and beautiful.

Start from Hosanagara to reach Sampekatte village via Nagara and take left turn towards Kodachadri hills. Trekking route start from Nagodi or Nittur village which are at the foot of Kodachadri. Kodachadri is 46 km from Hosanagara.

Kodachadri hills has many interesting places such as Sarvajna peetha, Ganesha guha, Iron pillar, Hidlumane falls which is on the way while trekking to Kodachadri.

Forest around till Kollur is declared as Mookambika National park and Kodachadri has been announced as a Heritage Site.

The grassy peak is steep and offers stunning views. The waters of the Arabian Sea is visible to the west. To the east, the backwaters of the Linganamakki Reservoir is visible.

Camp here enjoying the mountains beauty at dawn and dusk. Sunset at Kodachadri is beautiful.

The peak of Kodachadri is also home to a simple shrine called Sarvajna Peetha, dedicated to the great saint Adi Shankaracharya. Built entirely with stone, the tiny structure has an idol of Shankaracharya.

The stone walls and pillars outside have carved sculptures on them. Iron pillar which is 40 feet height made of pure iron was made by the natives of Kodachadri to welcome Shankaracharya can be seen here. 

The association of Shankaracharya with Kodachadri dates back to the ages. From the peak here, a very steep descent goes down through the dense woods, right into the heart of the forest called Ambavana.

There, on an elevated platform of a rock, is a cave called Chitramoola, where the great saint is said to have meditated and made Goddess Mookambika appear before him. 

According to legend, many saints were involved in penance here. But they were frequently troubled by a demon. But the demon, who was also an ardent devotee of Shiva, obtained a boon that he would be granted whatever he asked for.

Fearing that the demon would acquire all destructive powers, Goddess Durga entered his throat and made him mute.
As a result, he could not ask any boon for he could no longer speak.

As such, he was called Mookasura. Yet, his troubles and nuisance to the sages did not stop. When it was too much to bear, Goddess Durga assumed her fiery form and killed the demon with her spear.

Having killed Mookasura, the Goddess also went by the name Mookambika, and so, the forests around are named after her. 

Even though the temple of Mookambika is at Kollur, where devotees normally go, some ardent devotees make a pilgrimage trek to Kodachadri, for they believe it is the ‘original’ abode of the Goddess.

Such a pilgrimage is considered as auspicious as a visit to Sabarimala in Kerala. Naturally, it is not surprising to see hordes of Keralite          pilgrims trekking up this hill.

The trek  involves moderate climbing of about 13 km to the top. The ideal time to visit is anytime except monsoons.

There is bus facility from Hosanagara which stop at nearby villages. Buses from Sagara, Nagara, Shivamogga stop at Kodachadri. Most of the tourists come in vehicles as trekking till the peak is time consuming. Private jeeps are also available at the nearby village which charge according to the season.

There are hotels in Nagodi and Nittur village. There are few home stays available nearby Kodachadri hills and also there is an IB at the top of the hill. The Priest's house nearby the temple also offers accommodation. 

Hidlumane waterfalls and Kalyanai Chowka are tourist places which are on the way while trekking to Kodachadri.  

Kavaledurga, Tirhahalli

Kavaledurga fort is nestled in the fringe of the dense forests in Western Ghats. It is a unique fort in the sense that it is located in between forests.

There is no direct roads to reach the fort. One has to trek in the forest to reach the fort.

Kavaledurga is nearby Thirthahalli. Drive towards Agumbe road till Kaimara which is 10 km and take right turn towards Kavaledurga which is another 10 km from Kaimara. 

Kavaledurga fort was constructed in 9th century which later came under Keladi rule. Shiva temple welcomes you at the entrance of the fort.

Fort is built on a small hillock and stands majestically in the forest. Mani dam can be viewed from the top of the fort.

The fort was in ruins until recently. There are three water wells in the fort which has water even now.

There is a prison in the fort which was used to hold criminals. Viewpoints are found at every place in the fort, where a view can be had of the surrounding places. There are cabins for soldiers to guard the fort which was a resting place also.

 A walk to the top leads to single rock of about 50 feet height which has small temple above it.

There are very less buses till Kavaledurga hence private vehicles are best to travel. 

Mrugavadhe, Tirthahalli

Mrugavadhe is a religious place where Mallikarjuna temple is situated on the bank of the river Sita. Legend has that Lakshman, brother of Lord Rama killed Maricha - a demon and relative of Ravana who came in disguise of Golden deer at Mrugavadhe.

`Mruga' means animal and 'vadhe' means killing. Mrugavadhe is the place where Sita by looking at the beauty of the deer asks lord Rama to get the deer for her.

Lakshman goes in search of and kills the deer. Maricha hit by lakshman's arrow shouts out the name of Lord Rama and dies in the forest. Lord Rama thinking that Lakshman is in trouble leaves Sita in the hut and goes for his rescue.

In the mean while Ravana kidnaps Sita leading to the epic battle between Rama and Ravana.

Mrugavadhe is 26 km from Thirthahalli towards Koppa road. Start from Thirthahalli towards Koppa and reach Devangi village which is 10 km away and take left turn towards Mrugavadhe which is 16 more km from Devangi.