mysore melkote places to visit

• Skip to main content
• Skip to primary sidebar

Pallavi Bhat

Recipes, Reviews & Travel

6 Must visit places of Melukote | A memorable trip to temple town Melukote

October 14, 2023 Pallavi Bhat Leave a Comment

Nestled amidst the picturesque landscapes of Karnataka, Melukote is a quaint and culturally rich town that has managed to preserve its heritage and natural beauty over the years. Known for its ancient temples, pristine lakes, and unique traditions, Melukote offers a refreshing escape from the bustling cities and a glimpse into the heart of South India’s spirituality and history. Melukote is truly a hidden gem in Karnataka, let’s explore its attractions, 6 must visit places of Melukote and it’s history.

Table of Contents

History of melukote:.

Melukote , also known as Thirunarayanapuram , is a town in the Mandya district of Karnataka. It is steeped in history, and its origins can be traced back to ancient times. Here is a detailed history of Melukote.

Ancient Origins : Melokote

The history of Melukote dates back to several centuries. It is believed to have been a prominent center of learning and culture during the reign of the Ganga dynasty, which ruled the region around the 9th century. The town’s ancient name, “Thirunarayanapuram,” is derived from the deity of the Cheluvanarayana Swamy Temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu.

Hoysala and Vijayanagara Periods :

During the Hoysala dynasty’s rule, Melukote gained prominence as a religious and cultural center. Many temples, including the Cheluvanarayana Swamy Temple and the Yoga Narasimha Swamy Temple were constructed during this time, with beautiful examples of Hoysala architecture. In the 14th century, the Vijayanagara Empire, under the rule of King Krishnadevaraya, continued to contribute to the development of Melukote. The town played a crucial role in spreading the philosophy of Sri Ramanujacharya, a revered philosopher who also resided in Melukote.

Ramanujacharya’s Influence :

Sri Ramanujacharya, also known as Ramanuja, lived and preached in Melukote during the 12th century. He was a proponent of the Vishishtadvaita school of Vedanta and made significant contributions to the Bhakti movement. His teachings and philosophy had a profound impact on the town, shaping its cultural and religious heritage.

Wodeyar Dynasty and Modern Times :

The Wodeyar dynasty of Mysore, particularly King Chikka Devaraja Wodeyar, contributed to the preservation and restoration of many temples in Melukote during their rule. They maintained the rich cultural traditions and protected the heritage of the town.

Cultural Significance :

Melukote is known for its unique cultural practices, including the annual Vairamudi festival, during which the deity of the Yoga Narasimha Swamy Temple is adorned with a diamond-studded crown. The town’s traditional music and dance forms, such as Yakshagana, have added to its cultural richness. Cheluvanarayana Swamy Temple and the Yoga Narasimha Swamy Temple continue to draw devotees and tourists from across India and around the world.

6 Must visit places of Melukote:

1. yoga narasimha swamy temple:.

This temple is dedicated to Lord Narasimha, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. It is perched on top of a hill and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. The temple is famous for its stone carvings and the annual Vairamudi festival, during which the deity is adorned with a diamond-studded crown.

The temple boasts of an impressive architecture. There are around 300 steps that lead to the temple situated high up on the hill. The intricate carvings on the pillars and the overall structure of the temple offer a glimpse into the architectural style of the bygone era. 

Here is a short video on Yoga Narasimha Swamy Temple Melukote

2. The Kalyani (Pushkarani):

One of the highlights of Melukote is its ancient stepped tank, known as the Kalyani or Pushkarani . It’s a marvel of architecture and a serene place for visitors to take a dip and cleanse themselves spiritually. Surrounded by stone mantapas (pavilions) and filled with crystal-clear water, the Kalyani adds to the town’s unique charm. Here is Marvelous view of Kalyani from Yoga Narasimha Swamy temple.

Above pictures shows the stone mandapam & lane of stones around the Kalyani.

Suggested read: Aghoreshwara Temple Ikkeri 

3. Cheluvanarayana Swamy Temple:

The Cheluvanarayana Swamy Temple is one of the most revered temples in Melukote. It is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is known for its intricate architecture, especially the impressive gopuram (tower). The temple also houses the deity Cheluvapille Raya, which is believed to be made of solid gold.

4. Akka-Tangi Kola (stepwell of two sisters):

There are a pair of ponds behind the Cheluvanarayanaswamy temple known as Akka Tangi Kola In English it translates to sister ponds. The water of Akka kola is sour-salty and that of Tangi kola is sweet. Only the sweet water is used for the temples.

5. Rayara Gopura :

The Rayara Gopura is a famous incomplete temple probably built during the Vijaynagar empire. The Temple has 4 raised pillras with intricate carvings but no gopuram. It is said to have been built overnight, but with the huge pillars and stones used for construction. There are steps, we can reach the top of the gopura, from where you can get the entire view of Melukote.

This temple entrance was built by Hoysala king Vishnuvardhana, near the main temple of Melukote.

6. Dhanushkoti in Melukote:

Dhanushkoti is one of the must visit place when you go to Melukote. It is believed that Lord Rama shot an arrow at a rock and brought water, quenched the thirst of himself, Sita and Lakshmana.

The water here does not dry up any time of the year, although the place is on the hill top. This steps take you to the beautiful hilltop.

Local Cuisine :

No visit to Melukote is complete without savoring its traditional cuisine. The town is renowned for its delectable puliyogare (tamarind rice), obbattu (sweet flatbread), and other South Indian delights. Don’t forget to try the iconic puliyogare in Subbanna mess nearby Cheluvanarayana Swamy temple.

Here is a short video on Must visit places of Melukote:

Melukote, with its historical temples, serene natural beauty, and rich traditions, is a destination that offers a perfect blend of spirituality, history, and natural splendor. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a nature lover, or simply seeking a peaceful retreat, Melukote has something special to offer. A visit to this hidden gem in Karnataka promises not only a memorable experience but also a deeper understanding of the cultural tapestry that makes India so diverse and enchanting. So, pack your bags, embark on a journey to Melukote, and immerse yourself in the magic of this timeless town.

Share this:

Reader interactions, leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Notify me of follow-up comments by email.

Notify me of new posts by email.

COPYRIGHT © PALLAVI BHAT · ALL RIGHTS RESERVED · Privacy Policy · Terms & Conditions

Member of Digital Avatar

• Department of Tourism

+91-80-2235 2828

[email protected]

Sign up to newsletter

Melkote- Cheluvanarayana Swamy Temple

• Information

  A visit to Mandya or Mysore will be incomplete if one has not included the Cheluvanarayana Swamy temple. Located just 50 km before Mysore on Bangalore –Mysore route at a distance of 133 km from Bangalore, Melukote is a must to do things in Karnataka. An ancient temple means a fort on the top translating from the Kannada language where ‘Melu’ is top and ‘Kote’ is a fort. A popular pilgrimage destination in Karnataka also known as Thirunarayanapuram is built on a rocky hill called Yadugiri. According to historians, in the 12 th century, the great Vaishnava saint, Sri Ramanujacharya lived here for 14 years and thus it came into the notice and became an important centre for Vaishnava. However, the temple existed even before Sri Ramanujacharya visited the place.

Melkote temple premises have various sections with two major temples, a Sanskrit library, a step-well pond, and much more. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the main temple is known as Thirunarayana or Cheluvaraya and was installed by Lord Krishna. The temple is under the patronage of the Mysore Royal family, Wodeyars.

Although the pilgrims flock to the temple from all over the state and the neighbouring state, it is also a prominent location and has boosted Tourism in Karnataka.

Places to see and visit around Melkote

Melkote – Cheluvanarayana Swamy Temple

The Cheluvanarayan Swamy temple is the major pilgrimage center and one of the main attractions in Melkote. However, having visited the town you can also see and visit the places in and around Melkote temple. They are worth visiting.

Yoganarasimha Swamy Temple

Melkote – Cheluvanarayana Swamy Temple

Another iconic attraction and highlight not to be missed are the Yoganarasimha Swamy Temple. The main attraction of the temple is the step-well and the pond called Kalyani. This beautiful architectural marvel dates back to the Hoysala dynasty. And is a favourite hot spot with pilgrims as well as history enthusiasts. A lot of stories and myths are attached to this temple and the devotees believe in them too. As per the belief and the stories, lord Rama, Krishna and Balrama have said to be worshipped here in different time zones. There is no way you can miss this pond and the temple.

Vairamudi Brahmotsava

A thirteen days festival held every year in March is one of the most celebrated festivals at Melkote. Vairamudi means diamond studded crown, which is the highlight of the festival. During the festival, the lord Cheluvanarayan is decorated with this diamond-studded crown and a procession is organized for all 13 days. The festival attracts up to 400000 devotees who flock from all over the country.  The festival is celebrated in splendour. This Vairamudi was adorned by the Wodeyars.

Melkote Wildlife Sanctuary

A unique and worth visiting, Melkote Wildlife Sanctuary was created in 1974 mainly to protect the wolves. Initially, it nestled only wolves and later other animals were added like a jungle cats, leopards, and many other common wild animals. The sanctuary is bird watcher’s delight. The sanctuary is about 10 km and can be reached in 15-20 minutes.

Sanskrit Pathshala or Library

Keen on knowing about the Indian language Sanskrit? You must make a visit to the Academy of Sanskrit Research dating back to a few centuries of Ramanujan times. One of the oldest educational institutions and one of its kinds in the state, it was established in 1854. The library is home to Vedic, English, Kannada, and Sanskrit texts and literature. The library is on the same premises.

Temple Timings

Temple is open every day for visitors from 7.30 am till 8 pm with a lunch break of 2 hours in the afternoon from 1.30 pm to 3.30 pm. Temple timings change during the festival days to accommodate large numbers of pilgrims.

How to reach

Melkote temple is located in Mandya district en route from Bangalore to Mysore. The temple town is just 50 km from Mysore and about 113 km from Bangalore.

The nearest international and major domestic airport is Bangalore which is well connected with the major cities of the world. Mysore airport is comparatively a smaller airport and is connected to Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, Hubli, and Goa.

As mentioned, Melkote is closer to Mysore; one can reach Mysore via rail too. There is a good network of railway connections from major cities of India. Bangalore is also a major junction in South India with very good rail connectivity.

Melkote town has to be reached by road to the last mile. One can reach Melkote from Mandya headquarters by road in one hour. It is about 40 km from the district’s main town.  State-run road transport buses, KSRTC, ply from various parts of Karnataka to Mandya.

I mportant Information:

• There are around 500 steps to the temple. However, you can reach the parking base by vehicle (the best is the local auto-rickshaw) and climb the rest of the 160 -170 steps.
• Vairamudi festival is celebrated only in March every year and is the best time to visit.
• Visiting hours for Cheluvanarayana Swamy temple are 7.30 am to 1 pm, 4 to 6 pm, and 7 to 8 pm every day. The timings may vary during holidays and festival days.
• You must try Puliyogere rice and sweet Pongal at a mess nearby.
• Carry drinking water and sun protection during summers as the climb is steep.

 Image credits : Subhranil Kar

Explore Other Places

Brindavan gardens.

• Andhra Pradesh
• Lok Sabha Elections 2024
• South Shots
• In The News
• Dakshin Dialogues

• Opinion & Analysis

• Health & Wellness
• Community & Culture

• Home » Karnataka » Discovering Melkote Visit Karnatakas Rustic Refuge Of Sacred Temples And Tradition

Discovering Melkote: Visit Karnataka’s rustic refuge of sacred temples and tradition

A temple town with oodles of old-world charm, Melkote is home to several hidden gems and is arguably one of the state’s best-kept secrets.

Published Aug 30, 2023 | 3:00 PM ⚊ UpdatedAug 30, 2023 | 3:00 PM

Melkote is a treasury of unique and diverse attractions, encompassing history, culture, architecture, and religion. (Rashmi Gopal Rao/SouthFirst)

When discussing the most popular places to visit in Karnataka,  Melkote (also spelt Melukote) doesn’t often come up in conversation. Situated around 140 km from Bengaluru, this holy town rests atop a rocky hillock named Yadavagiri, providing a commanding view over the Kaveri valley.

The transition in the landscape becomes evident as you approach  Melkote . The straight roads gradually give way to gently winding paths and, as you ascend, you’ll feel a drop in temperature and a refreshing breeze.

As you draw nearer, the temple tower of the Yoga Narasimha temple, perched atop the hill, comes into view, signalling your arrival at Melkote .

Around 50 km from Mysuru, the cultural capital,  Melkote  is a treasury of unique and diverse attractions, encompassing history, culture, architecture, and religion.

Visiting this hamlet in the Pandavapura taluk of Karnataka feels like a journey through time, with its distinct vintage ambience.

Also Read: Put these 4 underrated Kerala hill-stations on your travel list

Home to sacred temples.

Melkote , also known as Thirunarayanapuram, is often regarded as one of the holiest places in South India. While the Cheluvanarayana Swamy temple lies at the heart of the town, most visits commence with paying respects at the Yoga Narasimha Swamy temple atop the Yadavagiri hillock.

Accessed via around 500 steps, the temple dates back to the Hoysala period and commands reverence from devotees across regions.

According to legend, the seated idol of Lord Narasimha was installed by Bhakta Prahlada, son of Hiranyakashipu. As a result, this temple stands as one of the most sacred Narasimha temples and one of seven centres dedicated to Narasimha worship.

The temple, referenced in Vedic literature, holds a large drum said to be donated by Tipu Sultan. From its peak, you’ll be captivated by a panoramic bird’s eye view of the surroundings.

Yet, the heart of  Melkote lies in the Cheluvanarayana Swamy temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu, known as Thirunarayana or Cheluvaraya here.

Patronised by the Mysuru royal family, the Wodeyars, this temple boasts remarkable architecture adorned with pillared mandapams, ornate carvings, and intricate sculptures.

Also Read: Karnataka: 4 lesser-known yet splendid waterfalls 

Spiritual epicentre .

The annual ten-day Vairamudi Brahmotsava festival attracts multitudes of devotees. (Rashmi Gopal Rao/South First)

The annual ten-day  Vairamudi Brahmotsava  festival attracts multitudes of devotees who assemble to witness the deity adorned with its renowned collection of jewels, including the diamond-studded crown embedded with precious gems.

Remarkably, the eminent Vaishnava saint Sri Ramanujacharya resided here for over a decade in the 12th century, playing a pivotal role in recovering the  Utsavamurthy , the procession idol of the Cheluvanarayana Swamy temple, during a time of loss.

Ancient monuments 

Melkote  is akin to an open-air museum, boasting sepia-toned buildings, pillared enclosures, ancient temple complexes, and more.

The hamlet features several  Kalyanis  or ancient tanks. Notably, Panchakalyani stands as the largest in the region, meriting mention in the ancient Hindu scripture  Padma Purana . It’s accessible from all sides via a set of steps and offers a breathtaking sight.

The twin tanks, known as  Akka Thange Kola , are also notable attractions. Akka means elder sister and thange  means younger sister in Kannada, alluding to the belief that these tanks were built by a pair of sisters.

One tank holds clear water for drinking, while the other has muddy water for washing. These  kalyanis ingeniously harnessed water through a gradient system.

Rayagopura, an incomplete structure consisting of pillars without enclosures, stands as another enigmatic town attraction. Often referred to as the Gopalaraya entrance, its origins and history remain shrouded in mystery.

Also Read: This women’s travel group is embracing friendship, a trip at a time

Charming courtyard homes.

A stroll along the town’s streets offers a unique charm. Courtyard houses featuring red oxide flooring, brick-tiled roofs, kolam-adorned doorways, and old-style doors and windows line the narrow avenues.

Given Sri Ramanujacharya’s decade-long residency in  Melkote , the town is home to a sizable population of Mandyam Iyengars, who have settled here for centuries.

Consequently, it’s common to spot the sacred Vaishnava symbol, the  Naamam  or  Thiruman , on doors, buildings, and even walls. Rows of unhurried row houses imbue the town with an enchanting ambience.

Also Read: Here are 5 perfect getaways you can head to from Bengaluru

Learning and legacy.

Melkote  is also home to the esteemed Academy of Sanskrit Research, established in 1978 for Indian philosophy research. With its collection of books and palm-leaf manuscripts, the sprawling campus boasts lush greenery and panoramic vistas.

Notably, the town upholds a rich tradition of khadi weaving. The Janapada Seva Trust has been diligently working since the 1960s to infuse contemporary design into khadi, preserving this legacy.

For a souvenir, consider the signature  Melkote   dhoti , characterised by an off-white hue with a reddish-maroon border.

Local flavours

Sampling local cuisine is essential for immersing oneself in the spirit of any place and Melkote  excels in this aspect.

Don’t miss out on the famed  puliyogare  (tamarind rice) and  sakkare pongal (sweet pongal), both specialities of the Iyengars.

The town boasts savoury snacks like ‘chakli’, ‘thengolu’, and ‘murukku’. (Rashmi Gopal Rao/South First)

Moreover, the town boasts savoury snacks like  chakli ,  thengolu , and  murukku , crafted from rice flour, black gram flour, and more. To savour these delights, Subbana Mess stands as a renowned local eatery.

Subbanna Mess, a renowned eatery, offers complete vegetarian meals served on a banana leaf. With a history nearing a century, this establishment abstains from using onion and garlic in all its recipes. In addition to delectable savoury snacks, patrons can also purchase puliyogare gojju , a ready-made mix that can be combined with rice for a flavourful puliyogare experience anytime!

Also Read: Bengaluru museum pays tribute to TS Satyan on 100th birth year

Threads of history.

And so, in the quietude of  Melkote , the journey transcends mere sightseeing.

It transforms into a reflection on heritage, a dance with time, and an invitation to immerse yourself in the opulence of South India’s cultural narrative.

When wanderlust beckons and the desire for an authentic and immersive journey arises, consider  Melkote — an oasis of tranquility that offers a travel experience that is as enriching as it is unforgettable.

Tags:  

• Karnataka News
• Temples and heritage places of South India

Recommended For You

NIA arrests 2 main accused in Rameshwaram cafe blast from WB

Apr 12, 2024

Bengaluru techie loses ₹2.24 crore to cyber fraudsters

Bengaluru cafe blast: West Bengal police fact-check BJP IT cell chief on “safe haven for terrorists” claim

‘King vs ordinary citizen’ battle erupts in Mysore Lok Sabha constituency

Prof Rajeev Gowda exudes confidence of dethroning BJP’s Shobha Karandlaje in Lok Sabha Election

Latest news.

HC relief for Kerala ex-minister Babu in poll case

BJP, Cong continue attack on CPI(M) over Kannur blast

With Lok Sabha polls a month away, the Madiga question haunts political parties in Telangana

Sitharaman resents Stalin’s ‘migratory bird’ jibe at PM Modi

Left’s attack on me helping BJP: Shashi Tharoor

Annamalai denies violating poll code after police case

New solution to destroy microplastics in water sources

‘King vs ordinary citizen’ battle erupts in Mysore

Study points out that waking up with an alarm is unhealthy, causes high BP. So, what are the alternatives?

Telangana CM asks officials to talk to Karnataka for water from Narayanpur reservoir for drinking purpose in Hyderabad

Congress allocates CPI(M) 1 Lok Sabha seat, 8 Assembly segments in Andhra as part of INDIA bloc seat-sharing

KCR picks Marepalli Sudheer Kumar, a Madiga, as candidate for Waragnal SC seat in place of Kadiyam Kavya

Rahul Gandhi makes unemployment under BJP his poll pitch in Tamil Nadu rally

PM Modi’s remarks on Opposition leaders consuming meat in ‘Sawan’ draws flak

Kerala: 2 men found dead in Kozhikode due to suspected drug overdose

Swiggy launches ‘Pawlice’ initiative to harness delivery partners’ network in finding missing pets

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Also popular with travellers

Melkote (Mysuru (Mysore), India): Hours, Address, Free Attraction Reviews - Tripadvisor

• Wed - Mon 12:00 a.m. - 11:59 p.m.
• (6.81 km) Pai Vista
• (13.73 km) Royal Orchid Brindavan Garden Palace & Spa
• (10.08 km) Hotel Mayura Riverview Srirangapatna
• (10.06 km) Hotel Mayura River View
• (13.87 km) Hotel Mayura Kauvery KRS
• (0.26 km) Aishwarya Family Restaurant
• (6.31 km) Thotada Mane
• (14.25 km) Upsouth
• (13.72 km) Poojari Fish Land
• (9.08 km) Food Park
• (0.35 km) Tannur Lake
• (0.57 km) Lakshminarayana Temple
• (10.41 km) Samyak Yoga
• (1.27 km) Nambi Narayana Temple
• (8.76 km) Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary

Melukote: Karnataka's hidden gem is just 3 hours from Bangalore

Credit: Nagesh Kamath

Situated up in the Pandavapura taluk of Mandya district in Karnataka, is south India's ancient temple town, Melukote or Melkote. A popular pilgrimage city overlooking the Cauvery valley, Melukote is situated on the bouldered hills of Yadavagiri or Yadugiri. Also known as Thirunarayanapuram, the sacred place abounds in history and heritage, and is sure to transport you 4000 years back to its inception. The simplicity, the calmness, the ancestral relic and the spiritual legacy in the air along with some excellent sculptures, carvings and architecture are the highlights of this town, also referred by some as South India's Badrinath.

Deriving its name from two words, Melu meaning top and Kote meaning fort, Melukote is also the birthplace of late Tamil Naidu Chief Minister and AIADMK leader Jayalalitha. The irony also lies in the fact that despite being one of the most religious destinations of the country, people in this town don't celebrate Diwali as it was the date when Tipu Sultan slaughtered in many cruel ways more than 800 Mandyam Iyengars of this town.

Credit: Ananth Shayan

Why travel to Melukote?

Dive into religion at the holy temples, sri cheluvanarayana swamy temple.

Credit: Vinodh V

Melukote is known for various Hindu temples. Cheluyanarayana Swamy Temple and Yoga Narasimha Swamy Temple being the most prominent. Located at the top of Yadugiri hill and dedicated to Lord Vishnu, Cheluvanarayana is the most important temple in Mandya and a must visit. While the Yoga-Narasimha Swamy Temple attractively sits on a hillock, offering a worthy panaromic view of Melukote town after you climb 400 steps from the foothills. Apart from these two, the town is also known for Raya Gopura, ISCON temple, Vanaprasta Ashram.

Academy of Sanskrit Research

Trace the timeworn literature at ancient institutions.

Established in 1978, the Academy of Sanskrit Research (ASR) is also nestled in Melukote, holding history that goes back to the times of Ramanuja. Spread over 14 acres, ASR has schools which still practice the gurukul system of Sanskrit education as well as those with modern methods. Major research on ancient Sanskrit texts is also carried out here, alongside a library that contains 11,000 manuscripts and 35,000 books. Sri Vedavedantha Bodhini Sanskrit College, established in 1854, is one of the oldest institutions. The Sri Yadugiri Education center that provides cultural education to rural students and other colleges giving traditional education are located here, making the town a significant center of learning. Melukote is also known for its distinct handlooms especially dhotis, sarees, etc. There is also an artisans training centre in the town.

Engage in a spiritual sojourn at the Vairamudi festival

Credit: StarofMysore

Vairamudi Brahmostava or Vairamudi Utsav is an annual festival celebrated in Melukote ate the Cheluvanarayana Swamy Temple with thousands of devotees who take part in this grand celebration. Held in March-April, the festival witnesses the main deity Tirunarayana adorned and taken in a procession that begins at night and goes until dawn through the decorated streets of the town.

Experience a peaceful recess

Melukote kalyani.

Credit: India Water Portal

The town of Melukote abounds in shrines and ponds. The holy tank of Pushkarani or Kalyani with the backdrop of Narasimha Swamy hill is a photographer's delight. This is the largest pond of the town and has graced many movies with the captivating sight of its steps leading into the water and the mantapas built around it. The twin tanks Akka-Thangiyara honda and the Raya Gopura are a must visits that will surely offer you pictures worth for your travelgram. 18 km from the town via Kere Thonnuru Road is the Thonnur Lake, an excursion site spread across 2000 acres that makes for the perfect spot to enjoy the sunset.

Trek your way closer to the wilderness

Dhanushkoti.

Credit: Indus Blog

If you have had too much of religious encounters, you can trek your way to Dhanushkoti caves and experience nature at a proximity. However, the touch of history will still accompany you even here. There is also a rock garden near Dhanushkoti. Melukote also has a wildlife sanctuary that was created in 1974, primarily for wolves. However, now it has other mammals as well like leopard, jungle cats, langur, bonnet macaque, pangolin. It is also a haven of over 200 species of birds and hence a must visit for the ornithologists

Cuisine on offer

Being a small town, there aren't any fancy restaurants or wide range of cuisine on offer. However, you will find a number of small mess through the town that offer you immense warmth and food that tastes like the one at your home. While you are in town, you must get yourself some delectable puliyogare served with home-made pickle and buttermilk, the most famous dish here. You can also get some Maddur vada, idly, pongal , and coffee.

There is no specific time you should visit Melukote as the temperature through the year is mostly similar and is a decent time to visit. However, you can avoid the summer months.

Raya Gopura

Raya Gopura (Credit: Ramesh Babu)

Getting there

By air: Melukote is around 68 km from Mysore Airport which is the nearest, and it is around 168 km from the Bangalore international airport.

By train: The closest railway station is Mysore which is at a distance of 51 km from Melukote. From there you can take a cab or a bus.

By road: Melukote is around 50 km from Mysuru and around 140 km from Bengaluru through Nice road. KSRTC buses are also available to Melukote but are not very frequent. You can get buses from Mandya rather.

Getting around

Some parts of the town can be covered by walking itself. You can otherwise that auto-rickshaws that will charge you anything from ₹50 depending on where you are headed to.

Credit: Karthik V b

Accommodation

Melukote ahobila yatri nivas.

Melukote is a small ancient town and not so much pf a tourist destination yet. You can check for rooms in Melukote Ahobila Yatri Nivass or Bagur Yathri Nivas. You are also likely to spot some guest house like the Yadhugiri Guest House near Upper Temple where you will get rooms at a very low price, beginning from ₹500. However, since Melukote is only about 50 km from Mysuru, it is advised to stay in Mysuru for better and more accommodation options.

Know of any other place that deserves a spot on this list? Click here to share your magical travel tales with the Tripoto Community right away! Get travel inspiration from us daily! Save and send a message at 9599147110 on Whatsapp to start.

Frequent searches leading to this page:-

uttar karnataka tour packages , karnataka tour packages with price, karnataka tour packages from bangalore with price, karnataka wildlife tour packages, west karnataka tour packages, weekend getaways from bangalore

• 1 Understand
• 6 Get around
• 11 Stay safe

Melukote is a temple and wildlife sanctuary in Mandya , Karnataka , Southern India .

Understand [ edit ]

Melukote is a 4,000-year-old town near Mysore city. The buildings are simply amazing and the people follow the same 4,000-year-old Brahmin lifestyle even now. Eyesores like electricity, motor bikes and mobile telephones have affected this hillock also.

Talk [ edit ]

Even though the language that is generally spoken is Kannada, Tamil is also understood and spoken by many, English can also be used as many people know English are a second or third language.

Get in [ edit ]

If you are travelling by public transportation, you have to alight at Jakkanahalli junction and get an autorickshaw for the last seven kilometer trip up the hill. Buses are also available every one hour from Jakkanahalli junction.

By bus [ edit ]

KSRTC operates buses regularly from Mysore , K.R.Pet and K.R.Nagar to Melukote.

By car [ edit ]

Melukote is 51 km from Mysore and It is 131 km from Bangalore. From Mysore, You have to go on Mysore-Bangalore Highway and after Srirangapatana, You have to take a diversion on the left and then reach Pandavapura and go straight for another 26 km to reach Melukote.

Get around [ edit ]

Upper Melukote can be covered by foot in one hour. Autorickshaws charge ₹50 for dropping you in the upper temple and ₹150 for wait and return arrangement. Lower Melukote is more spacious and filled with many ancient buildings. More natural scenery can be enjoyed by walking down the hill for a distance of seven kilometers up to Jakkanahalli junction.

See [ edit ]

• Cheluvanarayana Swamy Temple , Upper Melukote ( 1 km ). Very beautiful stone structure of unbelievable big area. ( updated Oct 2016 )
• Yoga Narasimha Temple , Old Melukote ( 1 km uphill ). It's atop the hill. You can take a car halfway up and have to climb a few steps to reach it. All temples in Melukote are open till 6 PM. ( updated Oct 2016 )

Do [ edit ]

• The old buildings . The old buildings on the hilltop are so numerous that they cannot be counted in one stretch. Their beauty is beyond description and enjoying a single hut can take half an hour and their style cannot be captured in your modern camera. People here appear to have frozen into a lifestyle that is thousands of years old and their architectural tastes match with their way of life. ( updated Oct 2016 )

Eat [ edit ]

Melukote is famous for its puliyogare, a South Indian food made with rice, tamarind and ground nuts. You can buy Puliyogare gojju from any Iyengar shop which can be mixed with rice to prepare a quick snack at home.

• Subbanna Mess , Upper Melukote ( 1 km ). ₹100 for a ₹50 level lunch. You are not allowed to eat in peace as the owner constantly observes you and intervenes giving directions for proper ancient way of eating. ( updated Oct 2016 )
• Annapoorna Mess , Near Yedhushala Bookstall ( 1 km ). ₹60 for vegetarian lunch on stiched leaves. ( updated Oct 2016 )
• Shree Nidhi Restaurant , KSRTC bus station ( 2 km ). ( updated Oct 2016 )
• KSRTC Canteen , KSRTC Bus Station ( 1 km from the temple ). Only snacks, cool drinks and juice items are available. ( updated Dec 2018 )

Sleep [ edit ]

• Bagur Yathri Nivas , Upper Melukote ( 1 km ). Roof level ventilators give light and keep away cold winds. Simple accommodations. ₹500 for rooms without bath with only bed and no windows . ( updated Oct 2016 )
• Yadhugiri Guest House , Near Upper Temple ( 1 km ), ☏ +91 7676767638 , +91 9900873987 . ₹650 . ( updated Dec 2018 )

Stay safe [ edit ]

Melukote is a safe place with a police station and no robbers around. B.S.N.L .mobile connectivity is available.

Go next [ edit ]

• T Narasipur
• Somnathapura
• Nagahole National Park
• Shravanabelagola
• Srirangapatna

• Has default banner
• See listing with no coordinates
• Has map markers
• Do listing with no coordinates
• Eat listing with no coordinates
• Sleep listing with no coordinates
• Outline cities
• Outline articles
• City articles
• Has Geo parameter
• Mandya (district)
• All destination articles

Navigation menu

Melukote Temples

Tags : Temple

Time Required : 2 to 4 hours

Planning a Trip? Ask Your Question

Melukote Temples, Mysore Overview

The two temples in Melukote are Tirunarayana temple and Yoga Narasimha, both located at the foothills and top respectively of the Yadavgiri hills.

Top Hotel Collections

Best Hotels

Near Mysore Palace

5 Star Hotels

Nearby Resorts

Top Hotels Near Melukote Temples

8.5 (2936 reviews)

 40 kms

₹ 11,000 onwards

7.8 (2927 reviews)

 37 kms

₹ 4,999 onwards

8.0 (1716 reviews)

 39 kms

₹ 4,500 onwards

Melukote Temples Reviews

Have a question on melukote temples.

Other Top Ranking Places In Mysore

Nearby places.

Related Posts

Fairs & Festivals

Mysore Dasara 2023: A Guide To The Most-Awaited Festival of Mysore

Sightseeing

Things to do in Mysore

Food & Drink

Best Malls In Mysore For Shopping, Entertainment and More!

Temples in Mysore for a Perfect Pilgrimage Experience

26 Places To Visit Near Mysore For An Extended Vacation

Shopping in Mysore

Stunning Waterfalls near Mysore To Beat the Heat

Beautiful Parks in Mysore to Relax and Rejuvenate

Art & Culture

Historical Places in Mysore for a Peek into the Past

Hill Stations

Hill Stations Near Mysore For An Extended Holiday

Places Near

Water Places to Visit near Mysore

Wildlife & Nature

Bandipur Forest Fire Eats Up Thousands Of Acres Of Vegetation!

Similar Places

Get the best offers on Travel Packages

Compare package quotes from top travel agents

Compare upto 3 quotes for free

• India (+91)

*Final prices will be shared by our partner agents based on your requirements.

Log in to your account

Welcome to holidify.

Forget Password?

Share this page

• Mysuru (Mysore)
• Things to Do
• Restaurants
• Holiday homes
• Travel Stories
• Add a Place
• Travel Forum
• Travellers' Choice
• Help Centre

A One Day Trip from Bangalore - Melkote

• Asia    
• India    
• Karnataka    
• Mysore District    
• Mysuru (Mysore)    
• Mysuru (Mysore) - Places to Visit    

A historical place with nice view on top of the hill really amazing artistry old science is really... read more

Wonderful experience. It is about 3 hours drive from Bangalore. Car can go until half way to... read more

A One Day Trip from Bangalore

Melkote is a 2 hour drive from Bangalore and about 1/2 hr from Mandya.The State Highway leading upto Melkote is in very good condition and the drive is very enjoyable.Melkote is an ancient temple town.There are two temples "The Yoga Narasimhaswamy temple" which is atop a hill and "The Cheluva Narayana Swamy " temple which is in Melkote village.The hill top temple is an Architectural wonder as it is mostly supported by Natural rocks and it is indeed surprising how they constrcuted a structure like that back in those day.The view from top of the hill is very scenic and this is a place for some good photography.Downhill you find a Large tank" The Kalyani" with steps and Mantaps all around .Behind the Cheluva Narayana Swamy temple are two smaller Tanks "The Akka Thangi Kola" and One other temple ( supposedly a Hanuman Temple) which is in ruins. The only drawback is that all these structures arent maintained well.The visitors have scribbled and mutated most walls and the general hygiene is lacking with Plastics,Food Leftovers and other waste scattered all around. There are few small hotels and food outlets and mostly they serve Puliogare and Curd Rice.The Town seems to be famuos for Puliogare. Over all it is a good place for a short visit and a great place for Photography. The temples close during the afternoon hence its better to visit either in the morning or after 3-4 pm

Superb place to visit and take photos.We went from mysore,on the way to melukote we can get tonnuru kere its also nice place to see. Whole trip was pretty good.

Melukote is about half an hour from the town of Mandya. I had heard lot about Melukote and seen some of these in Indian cinemas. I love to take photographs of Nature & heritage sites, Hence decided to travel to melukote from Bangalore with my collegue. Once I reached Melukote, it was like visualising beautiful landscape panoramas. I have captured photos of Lord Narasimha Swamy temple, Rayagopura, Kalyani Pond & Dhanushkoti. I would suggest that this place has to be visited once in a lifetime.

We were wondering what places can be visited from b'lore - constraints being, within 150kms radius, should return by 7pm. we picked melkote and thonnur lake. Melkote, we reached within 2.5hrs from b'lore. A small, nice and pleasent temple town. We need to climb about 150 odd steps, and we liked it :) Temple looks very very old, and it gave us a very pious feeling. Do visit the pond near-by (kalyani).

Very nice temple. Calm and quiet town. The Narasimha temple is nice and yo need to climb really narrow steps to reach the temple and it is worth the effort.

The temple atop the hill is visible from quite far away. Melkote is more than just this temple, It is loaded with lots of small temples and temple-ponds (Kalyani's). A small stroll around the town, will take you to akka-tangi kola - which is two kalyani's next to each other. A half constructed temple, which is a favorite place for film shooting. Loads of film shooting happen in this town, you might just get lucky to see one of them during your visits. The main kalyani of melkote is apparantely the largest kalyani in India. Melkote is supposed to be famous for puliyogre (A south india dish made of tamarind and rice), though i've been to this place an infinite amount of times and have tasted it in different eateries. They haven't lived upto my expectations. Guess that itself is what they claim to be their 'awesome puliyogre'.

Tour Packages from Mysore

Sightseeing packages.

• One Day Mysore Sightseeing Cab
• One Day Bangalore to Mysore Sightseeing Cab

One Way Cab Services

• Bangalore Airport to Mysore Cab
• Mysore to Bangalore Airport Cab

Melkote is a small town located in the Mandya district of the southern state of Karnataka, India. It is situated about 50 kilometers northwest of the city of Mysore. Melkote is known for its historical and religious significance and is considered to be an important pilgrimage site for Hindus.

The town is home to the Cheluvanarayana Temple, which is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is considered to be one of the most important Vaishnavite temples in South India. The temple was built in the 12th century by the Hoysala dynasty and is known for its intricate carvings and sculptures. The temple is also home to a number of inscriptions and manuscripts that provide insight into the history and culture of the region.

Melkote is also known for its beautiful natural surroundings, including the nearby Yoganarasimha Hill and the Thirunarayanapura Dam. The town is also an important center of the Sri Vaishnavism tradition and attracts many scholars and devotees from around the country.

Melkote can be reached by bus or train from nearby cities like Mysore and Bangalore. The nearest airport is Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru, which is about 140 kilometers away from Melkote.

Melkote is an important pilgrim center that is about 51 km from Mysore and 133 km from Bangalore. It lies in Pandavapura taluk of Mandya district. According to mythology, the Melkote was known as Narayanadri, Vedadri, Yadavadri, Yathishaila, and Thirunarayanapura as the temple of Narayanaswamy is built on a granite rocky hill that comprises some of the oldest rock formations on earth known as Yadavagiri or Yadugiri overlooking the Cauvery valley. Melkote is very well known for various famous temples and a festival called Vairamudi. It is a sacred pilgrim center for Sri Vaishnavas. Legend has it that in the early 12th century was a time of great rivalries between Shaiva and Vaishnava sects in South India. Vaishnavas were persecuted by the Cholas, who were the rulers of Tamilnadu at that time. Sri Ramanujacharya, the leading preacher of Vaishnavism had to escape from Chola rule. He was allowed to live in exile at Melkote by then Hoysala ruler Vishuvardhana. Influenced by Sri Ramanujacharya, Vishuvardhana who was Jain converted to Vaishnavism. During the 14th century, the defeat of Hoysala Kings against Muslim forces saw the destruction of Melkote. The town was plundered by the invaders. It was later restored during Vijayanagar rule.

Cheluvanarayana Swamy Temple

The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, specifically to his incarnation as Cheluvanarayana. It is considered to be one of the most important Vaishnavite temples in South India and is a major pilgrimage site for followers of the Sri Vaishnavism tradition.

The temple is believed to have been built in the 12th century by the Hoysala dynasty, and is known for its intricate carvings and sculptures, including those of Lord Vishnu and his consort, Goddess Lakshmi. The temple complex includes a main shrine, a mandapam, and a number of smaller shrines. The temple is also home to a number of inscriptions and manuscripts that provide insight into the history and culture of the region.

The temple is surrounded by beautiful natural surroundings, including the nearby Yoganarasimha Hill and the Thirunarayanapura Dam. The temple is visited by thousands of devotees during the annual festival of Brahmotsavam which is celebrated in the month of October/November. The principal temple is a square building of large dimensions but very plain, dedicated to Lord Cheluvanarayana Swamy or Tirunarayana. The utsavamurthi, which is a metallic image, represents the deity which is called Cheluvapille Raya or Cheluvanarayana Swamy whose original name appears to have been Ramapriya. According to a legend, this metallic image was lost and recovered by Sri Ramanujacharya.

Cheluvanarayana Swamy Temple Timings

Yoganarasimha swamy temple.

The Yoganarasimha Swamy Temple is dedicated to Lord Narasimha, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, and is considered to be one of the most important temples of Lord Narasimha in South India. The temple is believed to have been built in the 12th century by the Hoysala dynasty and is situated on top of the Yoga Narasimha hill. It is known for its intricate carvings and sculptures, including those of Lord Narasimha and his consort, Goddess Lakshmi. The temple complex includes a main shrine, a mandapam, and a number of smaller shrines.

This temple is considered to be one of the most sacred places in Melkote and is visited by thousands of devotees from all over the world. The temple is surrounded by beautiful natural surroundings, including the nearby Yoganarasimha Hill and the Thirunarayanapura Dam.

The temple is located on top of the hill and can be reached by a short trek. It is best to visit the temple in the morning or evening, as the trek can be challenging in the heat of the day.

There are numerous legends and myths attached to this place. It is believed that Rama, Krishna, and Balarama worshipped here in different time zones. Yoga Narasimha Swamy Temple infrastructure boasts of a large pond called Kalyani. The beauty of the steps leading to water and the mandapas built all around is such that it has been captured in many Indian films.

Yoga Narasimha Swamy Temple Timings

Sanskrit pathshala.

Sanskrit Pathshala is a traditional school of learning for the study of the Sanskrit language and Hindu scriptures, located in Melkote. It is considered one of the most traditional and reputed institutions for learning Sanskrit in South India. The Pathshala is dedicated to the preservation and promotion of the ancient language and culture of India. It offers a variety of courses and programs in Sanskrit, including traditional methods of teaching and learning through the use of memorization, recitation, and the study of classical texts.

The curriculum of the Pathshala is designed to provide students with a thorough understanding of the language, grammar, literature and philosophy of the Sanskrit tradition. It also offers courses in Indian culture, history, and philosophy, as well as yoga and meditation. The Pathshala attracts students from all over India and even from abroad, who come to study under the guidance of traditional scholars and teachers. Many of the students stay in the hostel provided by the Pathshala and immerse themselves in the traditional way of learning.

Melkote Temple Wildlife Sanctuary

How to reach melkote.

By Air: The nearest airport to Melkote is Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru, which is about 140 kilometers away. From there, you can take a bus or hire a taxi to reach Melkote.

By Train: The closest railway station to Melkote is the Mandya railway station, which is about 45 kilometers away. From there, you can take a bus or hire a taxi to reach Melkote.

By Bus: Melkote is well-connected by road and there are frequent buses from major cities such as Bengaluru, Mysuru, and Mandya. You can also take a bus from the Mandya bus stand, which is about 45 kilometers away.

By Car: You can also reach Melkote by hiring a car or driving your own vehicle. The drive from Bengaluru to Melkote takes about 4-5 hours.

Tour Packages

Attractions around mysore, contact for tour enquiry.

Send Enquiry for Car Tour Package

Call Us @ +919538475380

10 AM - 7 PM (Mon-Sat)

Solopassport

One-Day Trip to Melkote (2024)

Escape the bustle of Bangalore with a delightful one-day trip to Melkote, a quaint town nestled in the heart of Karnataka. Explore the rich cultural heritage of this ancient town as you wander through its narrow lanes lined with traditional houses and vibrant markets. Visit the iconic Cheluvanarayana Swamy Temple, renowned for its stunning Dravidian architecture and intricate carvings. Immerse yourself in the spiritual ambience as you offer prayers and seek blessings at this sacred site.

Indulge your taste buds with authentic South Indian cuisine at local eateries , savouring traditional delicacies like dosas, idlis, and vadas. Stroll around the picturesque Kalyani (pond) and soak in the serene atmosphere surrounded by lush greenery. Don’t miss the chance to visit the Melkote Wildlife Sanctuary, home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, offering nature enthusiasts a glimpse into the region’s biodiversity.

Visiting the Melkote Fort is a must-do for history buffs, offering panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and a glimpse into the town’s storied past. Explore the intricately designed architecture of the fort and learn about its significance in local history.

Whether seeking spiritual solace, cultural immersion, or a break from the city, a one-day trip to Melkote promises a refreshing escape filled with enriching experiences and unforgettable memories. Embark on this journey and discover the timeless charm of this hidden gem in Karnataka.

Melkote had long been a dream destination on my Karnataka bucket list . Despite hearing glowing reviews of its beautiful temples, previous attempts to visit were thwarted by unforeseen circumstances. Determined to experience its charm finally, I meticulously planned a one-day excursion from Bangalore to Melkote, accompanied by a friend. Setting off from Bangalore at the crack of dawn, we arrived in Melkote just before noon, eager to make the most of our time exploring all that this enchanting town had to offer.

Page Contents

PIN for later reference – One-Day Trip to Melkote

This article may contain affiliate links, meaning if you decide to purchase via my links, I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. For complete information, please see our affiliate disclaimer here .

Disclaimers:

• The prices mentioned in the post are valid only at the time of publication. Ensure that you check the booking websites for up-to-date information and prices.
• My opinions and views are unbiased. If the post is a collaboration, then they are specifically mentioned.
• Ensure that you check the relevant websites for up-to-date information on COVID protocols.
• For any adventurous activities, please note that there is a risk that can be dangerous. Ensure you read the terms and conditions recommended by individual agencies and do them at your own risk.
• For visas, it is best to see the embassy website for changing rules.
• While using the recommended guides, auto-drivers or taxi drivers, do your due diligence and trust your judgement.

About Melkote

Also recognized as Thirunarayanapuram, Melkote is a petite religious hamlet in the Mandya district of Karnataka. Its name originates in the fortress perched atop a hill, with “Melkote” translating to “fort on a hill” in Kannada.

Every year, Melkote hosts the revered Vairamudi Brahmotsava, a spiritual extravaganza. The highlight of this festivity is the grand procession of the deity Cheluvanarayana Swamy winding through the town’s streets. Adorned atop a golden garuda alongside his consorts, Sridevi and Bhudevi, the god mesmerizes devotees. The festival derives its name from the magnificent diamond-studded crown, the Vaira Mudi, adorning the deity during this procession.

Legend intertwines with the festival’s history, recounting the theft of the Vaira Mudi from Lord Narayana, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. At the same time, he was slumbered by Virochana, the demon king and son of Prahalada. Garuda, the divine bird, was tasked with reclaiming the crown. After a fierce battle, Garuda emerged victorious.

However, a blue gem from the crown was lost en route, purportedly transforming into a stream near Nachair Koil, a temple town in the Thanjavur district of Tamil Nadu known as Manimuttaru. During his journey, Garuda encountered Bala Krishna playing under the scorching sun. To shield Krishna, Garuda unfurled his wings, casting shade, and placed the crown upon Krishna’s head, later presenting it to Lord Cheluva Narayana.

Did you know that Channapatna boasts one of the rare temples dedicated to Bala Krishna, named the Sri Aprameya Swamy Temple ?

How to Get to Melkote?

Travel options to Melkote are varied and accessible:

• By Air – The nearest airport is Mysore Airport, which is approximately 69 kilometres from Melkote.
• By Road – Situated around 150 kilometres from Bangalore, Melkote can be reached by road in about 3 hours. The route follows the direction towards Mysore.
• By Train – The closest railway station to Melkote is Pandavapura near Srirangapatna , roughly 25 kilometres away. For updated train schedules and information, refer to the IRCTC website.
• By Bus – Regular bus services operate between Bangalore and Mandya, with Mandya being approximately 40 kilometres from Melkote. Local buses are available from Mandya to Melkote. Inquiring at the local bus stop in Mandya is advisable for the most current information.
• By Taxi – Opting for a taxi, I embarked on a seamless one-day trip from Bangalore to Melkote. I conveniently booked an outstation taxi through the MakeMyTrip website, with the fare totalling INR 4500 for the entire day.

Where to Stay in Melkote?

In Melkote, accommodation options may be limited compared to larger cities, but there are still a few places where you can stay comfortably:

• Guesthouses/Homestays: Opting for a guesthouse or homestay can provide a cozy and personalized experience. You may find local families offering rooms for rent, allowing you to immerse yourself in the culture and hospitality of the region.
• Hotels: While Melkote may not have many hotels, a few budget-friendly options might be available. These establishments typically offer basic amenities and comfortable lodging for travellers.
• Nearby Cities: If you cannot find suitable accommodation in Melkote, consider staying in nearby cities like Mandya or Mysore. These cities offer a more comprehensive range of accommodation choices, including hotels, resorts, and guesthouses, and are within a reasonable driving distance from Melkote.

Here are some 5-star hotels in Mysore:

• Grand Mercure Mysuru : This upscale hotel offers luxurious rooms, excellent dining options, a spa, a fitness centre, and an outdoor pool. It’s located near the Mysore Palace, making it convenient for sightseeing.
• Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel Mysore : Situated close to major attractions like the Mysore Zoo and Chamundi Hill, this hotel features elegant rooms, multiple dining options, a spa, a fitness centre, and a rooftop pool with panoramic views.
• Fortune JP Palace : This hotel combines modern amenities with traditional architecture. It offers spacious rooms, a variety of dining options, a spa, a fitness centre, and an outdoor pool. It’s located near the Mysore Palace and other landmarks.
• Lalitha Mahal Palace Hotel : This heritage hotel, formerly a royal palace, offers luxurious rooms, fine dining options, a spa, and outdoor activities like tennis and golf. It’s set amidst sprawling gardens and offers stunning views of the Chamundi Hills.

4 Places to See in Melkote

Note: Melkote is renowned for its delectable tamarind chutney, locally known as puliogre. This tangy and flavorful chutney is traditionally mixed with rice before consumption, adding flavour to every bite.

Sree Yoga Narasimha Temple

The Sree Yoga Narasimha temple, perched atop a hill, is one of Melkote’s primary attractions. Devoted to Lord Yoga Narasimha , an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, this ancient temple is believed to have been constructed approximately 1000 years ago. Its captivating architecture and serene ambience make it a must-visit destination for devotees and architecture enthusiasts.

• Accessing the temple involves climbing around 100 steps, offering a scenic ascent to the sacred site. While there is no entrance fee, visitors seeking expedited entry to witness the deity can purchase a ticket for INR 50 per person.
• A word of caution: the temple vicinity is inhabited by mischievous monkeys known to snatch belongings from unsuspecting visitors. Exercise caution and safeguard your belongings accordingly.
• Ample accessible parking facilities are available at the base of the hill for visitors’ convenience. Before ascending the stairs, leaving footwear in your vehicle is customary as a mark of respect.
• Furthermore, it’s advisable to dress modestly when visiting religious sites to honour local customs and sentiments. Adhering to these guidelines allows visitors to fully immerse themselves in the spiritual experience while paying homage to this revered site.

Melkote Kalyani and Mantapa

Kalyani, a traditional water tank adjacent to temples, holds significant cultural and historical value. The Melkote Kalyani , dating back approximately 1000 years, stands as the largest among the 108 kalyanis in the district. According to legend, it is believed that drops of water from Lord Krishna’s body, in his avatar as Lord Varaha, formed the Kalyani when he lifted the earth from the universal ocean, landing atop a hill at Melkote.

A notable feature of Melkote is its picturesque Mantapa , a pillared hall commonly used for Hindu rituals. Renowned among photographers for its exquisite architecture, the mantapa is a must-see attraction. Its intricate design and historical significance make it a highlight of any visit to Melkote.

• Regrettably, one side of the Kalyani often suffers from litter and debris due to offerings made by devotees. Despite this, the Kalyani remains a serene and revered spot for spiritual reflection and cultural appreciation.
• Visitors are permitted to wear footwear while exploring the Kalyani and mantapa, except the area enclosed by the fence near the Kalyani. Respecting local customs, removing footwear before entering this area is customary. By adhering to these guidelines, visitors can fully appreciate the beauty and tranquillity of these sacred sites while paying homage to their cultural significance.

Sree Cheluvanarayana Swamy Temple

The Sri Cheluvanarayana Swamy Temple , dedicated to Lord Cheluva-Narayana Swamy, holds a special place in Hindu mythology. It is believed that the utsavamurthi (idol of the main deity) housed within this temple was not only worshipped by Lord Rama but also by the kings of the Surya Vamsa dynasty for generations. Subsequently, this revered deity was entrusted to the Chandra Vamsam dynasty and worshipped by Lord Krishna. This unique aspect of the deity, having been worshipped by both Rama and Krishna, adds to its significance and allure.

• Visitors to the temple are not required to purchase an entrance ticket. However, for expedited entry to witness the deity, a ticket priced at INR 50 per person is available.
• Upon arrival, it is customary to leave footwear either outside the temple premises or in your vehicle. This gesture demonstrates respect for the sanctity of the temple and its surroundings.
• Furthermore, it’s advisable to dress modestly and appropriately when visiting religious sites in observance of local customs and sentiments. By adhering to these guidelines, visitors can fully immerse themselves in the spiritual ambience of the temple while paying homage to its revered deity.

Raaya Gopura

The Raya Gopura, an unfinished temple attributed to Hoysala King Vishnuvardhana, is a testament to ancient architectural prowess. Characterized by four towering pillars adorned with intricate carvings and stunning structures, this temple is said to have been erected swiftly, with legends suggesting it was constructed overnight. Accessible via a few steps, the Raya Gopura invites visitors to marvel at its remarkable craftsmanship and ponder the mysteries of its creation.

Is Melkote Safe for Solo Female Travellers?

Melkote offers a safe environment for solo female travellers to explore. Given its religious significance, visitors generally adhere to a respectful and peaceful demeanour. However, it’s advisable to remain vigilant, particularly around the mischievous monkeys that inhabit the area. As with any destination, exercising caution and awareness of your surroundings, especially after dark, is recommended to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

Closing Notes

For history enthusiasts, temple aficionados, and architecture admirers, Melkote is an absolute must-visit destination. This sacred town exudes timeless beauty and offers a captivating journey through the annals of history. Conveniently accessible as a one-day excursion from Bangalore, Melkote promises an enriching experience that leaves a lasting impression. Personally, I was enchanted by its charm and am eager to revisit this enchanting locale again in the future.

How can you support me? You know how much I love coffee, so you can buy me a coffee – Buy me Coffee! Or you can purchase from one of the below travel resources without any extra charge to you: Travel Resources Book your flight on Skyscanner.com or Trip.com Reserve your accommodation on Stay22 Reserve your stay at a hostel on HostelWorld Use RentalCars or DiscoverCars for hiring self-driven cars Book your tours and travels or purchase tickets on Viator or GetYourGuide For a universal SIM card, use DrimSim Buy comprehensive travel insurance on SafetyWing and WorldNomads

If you liked this article and if it was helpful in your planning or traveling, do share, tweet, or pin this post. Follow me  on   Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Twitter | LinkedIn

Do you have a question? Do you want any suggestions and tips for travel, hikes, and scuba dives? Use the Subscription box below to sign up and get  updates by email.

Learn how to plan more, travel more, & live more

Get valuable travel tips and tricks, travel inspirations and listen to my stories in your inbox.

You cannot copy content of this page!

Automated page speed optimizations for fast site performance

• Logout Login
• Adventure Holidays
• Weekend Getaways
• Driving Holidays
• Travel News

Anita Rao Kashi Anita Rao Kashi | Guest Contributor | SIGHTSEEING , MELUKOTE Updated : May 24, 2016, 01.25 PM IST

Join Us On Facebook Close

Been there, done that share your experience.

• 2 Somanathpura
• 5 Shivanasamudra
• 6 Ramanagara
• 7 Janapada Loka
• 8 Channapatna
• 9 Kokkrebellur
• 10 Balmuri Falls

Follow us on

Latest news.

• Kalka-Shimla Toy Train: How to experience this UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Kashmir Great Lakes Trek – an unforgettable summer experience

Congratulations!

You have been successfully added to the mailing list of Times of India Travel. To complete the subscription process, kindly open your inbox and click on the confirmation link which has been emailed to you.

Share with friends

Thank You for sharing! Your friend will receive the guide link on email mentioned.

• (For more than one recipient, type addresses separated by commas)

Located atop a set of rocky hills, about 55 km north of Mysore, Melkote is a tiny little village which is home to the 12th century Cheluvarayaswami Temple. Adjacent to it is the Yogaranasimhaswamy Tem...

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Also popular with travellers

Melkote, Mysuru (Mysore)

• Wed - Mon 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
• (6.81 km) Pai Vista
• (13.73 km) Royal Orchid Brindavan Garden Palace & Spa
• (10.08 km) Hotel Mayura Riverview Srirangapatna
• (10.06 km) Hotel Mayura River View
• (13.87 km) Hotel Mayura Kauvery KRS
• (0.26 km) Aishwarya Family Restaurant
• (6.31 km) Thotada Mane
• (14.25 km) Upsouth
• (13.72 km) Poojari Fish Land
• (9.08 km) Food Park
• (0.35 km) Tannur Lake
• (0.57 km) Lakshminarayana Temple
• (10.41 km) Samyak Yoga
• (1.27 km) Nambi Narayana Temple
• (8.76 km) Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary

• Tour Enquiry
• Sign up | Login
• My Bookings
• New User? Sign-up
• Domestic Tours
• South India
• Maharashtra
• Golden Triangle
• North India
• North East India
• International
• Maldives (Discontinued)
• All Domestic Tours
• All International Tours
• Offbeat Tours
• Domestic Cruise Tours
• Jungle Lodges by JLR
• Kabini River Lodge
• Bandipur Safari Lodge
• JLR Kings Sanctuary
• River Tern Lodge
• Kali Adventure Camp
• Hampi Heritage & Wilderness Resort
• K Gudi Wilderness Camp
• Car Rentals
• Destinations
• Tourist Places on Drive
• Driving Directions
• * Workation
• * Tour Plans
• List Property
• Tourist Places Within 100 Kms

27 Places to Visit near Mysore within 100 kms (2024)

• within 5 km
• within 10 km
• within 20 km
• within 30 km
• within 40 km
• within 50 km

1. Bandipur National Park

Bandipur National Park is one of the well preserved wildlife parks in Karnataka , and among the top places for a wildlife tour in India. Located between Mysore & Ooty, it is about 80 km from Mysore and 215 km from Bangalore. Spread across 874 sq.km, Bandipur is a part of the famous Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve along with Nagarhole National Park, Mudumalai National Park and Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary. It is home to around 70 tigers and over 3000 Asian elephants, as well as other animals like leopards, dhole, gaur, sloth bears, and a variety of birdlife. Jeep Safaris and Mini Bus Safaris are arranged by the forest department. The entry point & interpretation center of the park is located in Bandipur village on Gundlupet - Ooty Road. The best time to visit Bandipur is from June to October. Staying at Bandipur Safari Lodge is the best way to explore the park as their package includes Jeep Safari into the park with experienced guides. Bandipur can also be visited along with Ooty tour packages as it lies on Bangalore - Ooty road.

Distance from Mysore: 80 Kms

2. Nagarhole National Park

Nagarhole National Park is one of the best wildlife sanctuaries in India . Also known as Rajiv Gandhi National Park, the park is situated about 218 km from Bangalore, and is among the must include places in Karnataka Tour Packages . Spread across Mysore and Kodagu districts of Karnataka, Nagarhole got National Park status in 1988 and declared as 37th Project Tiger Reserve in 1999. The Western Ghats Nilgiri sub-cluster of 6,000 Sq. km, including all of Nagarhole National Park, is under consideration by the UNESCO World Heritage Site status. It is one of the top attractions you must include in Coorg tour packages . It is situated to the north-west of Bandipur National Park . The important animals in Nagarhole are tiger, leopard, wild dog, sloth bear, the hyena, spotted deer, sambar, barking deer, wild boar and elephant. Bus & Jeep Safari available in the park run by forest dept from Kutta & Dhammanakatte (kabini side). Staying at Kabini River Lodge is the best way to explore the park as their package includes Jeep Safari with experienced guides.

Distance from Mysore: 88 Kms

3. Srirangapatna

Srirangapatna or Srirangapattana is a historical town in the Mandya district of Karnataka. About 18 km from Mysore, and 124 km from Bangalore, it is among the popular tourist places in Karnataka owing to its cultural, religious, and historic importance. Srirangapatna is one of the top places to visit near Bangalore . The entire town is surrounded by the river Kaveri to form a river island. Srirangapatna is among the must include place in your Mysore tour packages . Ranganathaswamy Temple, Daria Daulat (Palace of Tipu Sultan) and Gumbaz (Mausoleum of Tipu Sultan) & Sangama are the must include places in Srirangapatna Tour Packages . Laksha Deepotsava, Ratha Sapthami, and Brahmotsavam are the famous festivals celebrated with much fanfare at Srirangapatna.

Distance from Mysore: 16 Kms

4. Somnathpur

At a distance of 137 km from Bangalore, 35 km from Mysore & 50 km from Shivanasamudra Falls , Somnathpur is well known for the breathtaking Prasanna Chennakesava Temple, one of the three famous & finest representations of Hoysala architecture (other two being temples at Belur & Halebid). This is one of the three Hoysala temples nominated for UNESCO World Heritage Site status. This is one of the popular tourist places to visit near Bangalore & Mysore and one of the wonderful weekend getaways from both the cities. The Hoysala temples are known for minute & intricate carvings and sculptures with metal like polishing. It is one of the well known Karnataka tourist places and also one of the best places to experince Mysore Tourism . Located on the banks of Cauvery River, Chennakesava Temple was built in 1268 by Somnatha, a general of King Narasimha III. The temple stands on a raised platform like other Hoysala temples. The temple comprises three shrines and three wonderfully carved peaks with a common Mandapa. The three sanctums once housed beautifully carved idols of Keshava, Janardhana and Venugopala. Today, the idol of Lord Kesava is missing but the other two are still worshipped by the visitors. The Somnathpur temple is famous for its elaborate and ...

Distance from Mysore: 35 Kms

5. Shravanabelagola

Shravanabelagola is one of the most popular Jain places of pilgrimage in Karnataka . About 83 km from Mysore, and 140 km from Bangalore, it is one of the popular places to visit near Bangalore . Shravanabelagola is famous for the Bahubali Statue, among the must include places in Shravanabelagola tour packages . With a height of 58 feet carved out of a single block of granite, the statue is supposed to be the tallest monolithic stone statue in the world. Gomateswara temple, Odegal Basadi, Tyagada Kamba, Siddhara Basadi, Chennanna Basadi, Akhanda Bagilu, Chamundaraya Basadi, Chandragupta Basadi, Chandraprabha Basadi, Kattale Basadi, and Parshwanatha Basadi are important places to visit in Shravanabelagola . Once in 12 years, Shravanabelagola celebrates the Mahamastakabhisheka festival which attracts thousands of devotees and tourists from all over India. Shravanabelagola can also be visited along with Mysore tour packages .

Distance from Mysore: 83 Kms

6. Shivanasamudra Falls

Shivanasamudra is one of the best waterfalls near Bangalore and also among popular one day trip from Bangalore . It is about 130 km from Bangalore. Shivanasamudra is a segmented waterfall with several parallel stream formed adjacent to each other. Situated on River Kaveri, Shivanasamudra is among the popular Tourist places in Karnataka . The island of Shivanasamudra divides Kaveri River into two parts that form two waterfalls, one is Gaganachukki and the other is Bharachukki. Gaganachukki includes a huge horsetail shaped waterfall dropping from a height of 90 m and two large parallel streams that cascade down through a rocky bed from a height of over 320 feet. Asia's first hydroelectric power station was set up in the downstream of the falls in the year 1905. Barachukki is a cascading fall with a height of 70 m forming several streams through the wide rocky formations establishing superb natural beauty. This place offers breathtaking sight in the peak monsoons. Shivanasamudra is among the must include place in your Mysore tour packages . An interesting way to watch the beauty of the waterfall is to take a coracle ride to the mouth of the magnificent waterfall.

Distance from Mysore: 68 Kms

7. Talakadu

At a distance of 24 km from Somnathpur , 32 km from Sivanasamudram & 49 km from Mysore, Talakadu is a historical place situated on the banks of Kaveri River n Karnataka. It is one of the popular places to visit in Somnathpur . Talakadu is a beautiful place surrounded by temples and is among prime place to visit on a Mysore trip . Talakadu had over 30 temples, most are them are buried in the sand today. Some of these temples have been excavated and are open to the public. There are five temples dedicated to Lord Siva - Pathaleshwara, Maruleshwara, Arkeshwara, Vaideeshwara, and Mallikarjuneshwara Temple. The Keerthinarayana temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu is a beautiful site with wonderful carvings. Talakadu was ruled by several dynasties - Gangas, Hoysalas, Rashtrakutas and Vijayanagara Kings. The temples of Talakadu have mixed architecture styles of these dynasties. Talakadu is also known for 'Curse of Talakad' by Alamelamma on the Wodeyar Dynasty of Mysore. A famous festival called Pancha Linga Darshana is celebrated here once in 12 years. It is held on new moon day in the month of Karthika when two stars conjoin, the stars of Khuha Yoga and Vishaka. Timings: 6 AM to 6 PM

Distance from Mysore: 50 Kms

8. Brindavan Gardens

About Brindavan Gardens

History of brindavan gardens, layout of brindavan gardens.

Distance from Mysore: 19 Kms

9. Golden Temple / Tibetan Monastery - Bylakuppe

About Bylakuppe Golden Temple

History of golden temple, the architecture of the golden temple, 10. ranganathittu bird sanctuary.

At a distance of 3 km from Srirangapatna, and 16 km from Mysore, Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary is a small sanctuary situated in Srirangapatna, Karnataka. It is one of the must include places in wildlife tours in India and among the must visit Mysore tourist places . Spread across 67 sq. km, the sanctuary comprises six islets on the banks of the Kaveri River. It was declared in 1940 as a result of many requests from Dr. Salim Ali who surveyed the birds in this area. Since then, the sanctuary has become a paradise for bird watchers. The sanctuary is a breeding ground for many migratory birds from all over the world. It is home to a wide species of birds including cormorants, darters, white ibis, spoon billed storks, open-billed storks, painted storks, white-necked storks, egrets, herons, terns, swallows, kingfishers, sandpiper, etc. A boat ride takes you to the six islets crowded with many species of birds. The best time to visit the sanctuary is between June & October. Timings: 9 AM to 5.30 PM Entry Fee: Rs. 60 for Indians, Rs. 30 for Indian Children, & Rs. 200 for Foreigners Boating Charges: Rs. 60 for Adults & Rs. 200 for Foreigners Parking: Rs. 30 for Four wheeler & Rs. 20 for Two wheeler

11. Cauvery Nisargadhama

About Cauvery Nisargadhama

Things to do at kaveri nisargadhama, stay at kaveri nisargadhama.

Distance from Mysore: 90 Kms

12. Janapada Loka / Folk Art Museum

At a distance of 52 Kms from Bangalore City Railway Station, the Folk Art Museum or Janapada Loka is situated on the Bangalore - Mysore highway near Ramanagaram. This is one of the popular places of interest in Bangalore. Numerous collections of masks, artifacts, costumes, collection of folk music and videos of folk dances are exhibited in the museum. Spread over 15 acres, the artifacts in the museum are kept in three buildings namely Lokamahal, Lokamatha Mandira and Chitrakuteera. In Lokamahal the visitors can find interesting folk puppets, utensils, instruments, weapons and masks. In Lokamatha Mandira a wide variety of baskets, utensils and earthen jars are featured which were used to store & grain pickles. In the Chitrakuteera a number of photographs covering different aspects of folk life is displayed. The other attraction of the museum is a huge elegantly carved temple chariot. The museum also has an amazing amphitheatre. There is a lake at the rear end of the museum with boating facility. Timings: 10.30 AM to 5 PM.

Distance from Mysore: 92 Kms

13. Lakshmi Narasimha Temple - Nuggehalli

At a distance of 29 km from Shravanbelagola, and 52 km from Hassan, Lakshmi Narasimha Temple is an ancient temple located at Nuggehalli in the Hassan district of Karnataka. It is one of the popular places of heritage in Karnataka, and among the must include places in Shravanabelagola Packages. The Lakshmi Narasimha Temple at Nuggehalli was built in 1246 CE by Bommanna Dandanayaka, a commander in the Hoysala Empire during the rule of King Vira Someshwara. The town of Nuggehalli was called Vijaya Somanathapura in ancient times and gained importance as an agrahara (place of learning) during the time of Bommanna Dandanayaka. The temple is maintained by the people who reside around the temple area called Agrahara, an area donated to Brahmins by the ruling people in view of maintaining and performing poojas in the temples that they built. Built with soapstone, the temple is a good example of 13th-century Hoysala architecture. The temple is dedicated to Lord Narasimha who is believed to be an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Like other Hoysala temples, the Lakshmi Narasimha Temple at Nuggehalli is also built on an elevated platform called the jagati. The temple is constructed as a trikutachala i.e. it has three sanctums. The three shrines are located around a central closed mantapa with 9 bays. The ceiling of the closed mantapa is supported by four lathe-turned pillars which are deeply domed in the center. The main temple is raised with a statue of Lord Narasimha in ...

Distance from Mysore: 100 Kms

14. Panchalingeshwara Temple - Govindanahalli

At a distance of 5 km from Kikkeri, 19 km from Shravanabelagola, and 56 km from Hassan, the Panchlingeshwara Temple is an ancient Hindu temple located at Govindanahalli village in the Mandya district of Karnataka. It is one lesser-known Hoysala temples in Karnataka and among the top Hassan tourist places. Panchalingeshwara Temple was constructed around 1238 AD during the reign of the Hoysala King Vira Someshwara. This temple is constructed in Pancha-kuta style and is probably the only surviving example of its kind built during the Hoysala period. The temple is protected as a monument of national importance by the Archaeological Survey of India. The famous sculptor of Hoysala times, Ruvari Mallitamma, is known to have made contributions to the temple. The whole structure faces east and the entrance is provided via two porches facing each other. Each entrance is guarded by its own set of dwarpalas (guardians). The temple consists of five sanctums connected with a common navaranga (hall). All the garbhagrihas are provided with their own shikhara and are connected with the navaranga via suknasi. These five garbhagrihas houses five different manifestations of Shiva which are Sadyojata, Tatpurusha, Vamadeva, Aghora, and Ishana. The shikhara of all the five shrines are richly decorated in Dravidian style. An intriguing feature of this temple is that though the temple is dedicated mainly to Lord Shiva, the outer walls of the temple carry images of various forms of ...

Distance from Mysore: 71 Kms

15. Lakshmi Narayana Temple - Hosaholalu

At a distance of 16 km from Kikkeri, 25 km from Melukote, 26 km from Shravanabelagola, 55 km from Mysore, and 69 km from Hassan, the Lakshminarayana Temple is an ancient Hindu temple located at Hosaholalu in the Mandya district of Karnataka. It is one lesser-known Hoysala temples in Karnataka and among the top places to visit in Hassan. Lakshminarayana Temple in Hosaholalu was built by King Vira Someshwara of the Hoysala Empire in 1250 CE. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the temple may not be as famous as the other temples of Karnataka but it is a mystifying place. The beautifully carved sculptures, grand temple interiors, and the overall design of this shrine are the most attractive features. Built out of Soapstone, Sri Lakshminaryana Temple at Hosaholalu is a splendid example of a trikuta vimana (three shrines) temple though only the central shrine exhibits a tower on top. The lateral shrines are square in construction with five projections and no special features. The temple is built on a jagati (platform) that resembles a star. This platform is raised and has a pillared hall or navaranga in the center and the three shrines around it. The interior of the temple consists of a closed hall (navaranga) of modest size with four polished lathe-turned pillars supporting the roof. The four central pillars divide the hall into nine equal 'bays' (compartments) and nine decorated ceilings. Each pillar is beautifully carved with sculptures of young dancing girls in various ...

Distance from Mysore: 55 Kms

16. Mallikarjuna Temple - Basaralu

At a distance of 32 km from Melukote, 53 km from Shravanabelagola, 65 km from Mysore, and 108 km from Hassan, the Mallikarjuna Temple is an ancient Hindu temple located at Basaralu in the Mandya district of Karnataka. It is one of the Hoysala temples in Karnataka and among the top places to visit in Hassan. The Mallikarjuna Temple in Basaralu is dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva and was built by Harihara-dandanayaka in 1234 CE during the rule of the Hoysala Empire King Vira Narasimha II. Harihara and his two brothers consecrated god Mallikarjuna in the name of their father. They also constructed a tank nearby, in the name of their mother. This temple is protected and maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India. Stands on a jagati or the raised platform, the Mallikarjuna temple is a highly ornate example of Hoysala architecture. Built-in the trikuta style (3 shrines), the temple faces east and consists of a Nandi-mandapa, navaranga, and antarala or sukanasi. The entry to the 3 shrines is through a common mandapa (hall). The sanctum sanctorum houses the Shivlinga representing god Mallikarjuna and the other two shrines have Surya and Nagas. The temple has only one shikhara built upon the sanctum sanctorum and is elaborately embellished with sculptures. This temple has various distinctive features of the mature Hoysala period architecture. The base, like all Hoysala temples, has six layers of decorative moldings that comprise elephants, horse riders, lions, ...

Distance from Mysore: 67 Kms

17. Hemagiri Falls

At a distance of 10 km from KR Pete, 14 km from Kikkeri, 32 km from Melukote, 63 km from Mysore, and 67 km from Hassan, Hemagiri Waterfalls is a scenic waterfall located at Bandihole village in Karnataka. It is one of the popular places to visit near Hassan while holidaying in Karnataka. Hemagiri Falls is formed due to a weir or a low dam built across the Hemavati River to supply water to the surrounding villages and their farmlands. And when the river has good flow during the monsoon season, this weir overflows and forms the Hemagiri Falls across the entire width of the river, and is a treat to watch. When the flow is low, one can safely go under the falls and take a shower, but when the flow is heavy, all you can do is find a nice spot near it, admire the lush nature around and lose yourself in the roar of the waterfall. The lush green farmlands and serene hillocks are an enticing feature of this spot. This spot seems to be a film shooting locale for some of the Kannada movies. People frequent this place for relaxation and recuperation. Not only do you get to enjoy this panoramic waterfall, but also visit many ancient temples located in the vicinity. And the best part is that there are hardly any crowds so, it is a perfect hidden weekend getaway. Timings: 6 AM - 6 PM Entry: Free

Distance from Mysore: 62 Kms

18. Yediyur Siddalingeshwar Swamy Temple

At a distance of 53 km from Shravanabelagola, 90 km from Hassan, and 94 km from Bangalore, Yediyuru Siddhalingeshwara Temple is a pilgrimage center situated in Yedeyuru Village in Karnataka. It is one of the famous temples in Karnataka and among the top places to visit in Shravanabelagola. Situated on Bangalore-Hassan-Mangalore road, Sri Siddalingeshwara Swami Temple is one of the most important pilgrimage centers of the state as it is the tomb i.e., Nirvikalpa Shivayoga Samadhi of Tontada Siddhalinga a great Vireshaiva teacher and author who flourished at the end of the 15th century. He traveled far and wide preaching Sharana faith which is predominantly praying with ISHTA LINGA (Atma linga) as envisaged by Basavanna, Allamaprabhu, and a vast group of learned men and women from all walks of life. He performed 12 years of penance at a garden belongs to Vokkaligara Nambiyana (Thota) and hence came to be known as Thontada Siddalingeshwara Swamy. The Siddlingeshwara temple faces north and is a fairly large Dravidian structure. An inscription near the entrance says about the spiritual greatness of the teacher while scenes from the life of Sidhalingha are depicted on the Gopura. There is a small shrine for Veerabhadra Swamy in the basement. Sri Siddhalingeshwara Swamy is considered to be an incarnation of Lord Shiva. He is known to perform miracles on a large number of people belonging to different caste and creed. Many sick and suffering people are believed to be cured ...

Distance from Mysore: 94 Kms

19. Balmuri & Edumuri Waterfalls

At a distance of 12 km from Srirangapatna Railway Station & 15 km from Mysore, Balmuri Falls & Edumuri Falls are man-made waterfalls on the way to KRS dam in Karnataka. Situated near Brindavan Gardens, it is one of the must include places in Srirangapatna Tour Packages . Balmuri Falls is famous of the two and is a favorite film shooting spot. Balmuri Falls is actually a small waterfall created by a check-dam constructed on river Cauvery. The water flow is not heavy during the dry season and it is safe to enjoy & play in the waters here. It is a good picnic spot and is typically visited in the winter. Edumuri Falls is about 500 m east of Balmuri Falls and is a good spot to swim and play in the water. There is also an ancient Ganesha temple in the vicinity. Timings: 6 AM - 5 PM Entry: Free

Distance from Mysore: 15 Kms

20. Melukote / Melkote

At a distance of 50 km from Mysore and 133 km from Bangalore, Melkote / Melukote is a historical town located in Pandavapura taluk of Mandya district, Karnataka. Also known as Thirunarayanapuram, it is one of the popular pilgrimage places in Karnataka and also one of the best places to visit as part of Mysore Tour. Melkote can also be included in your Mysore holiday packages . The town is built on rocky hills known as Yadavagiri or Yadugiri overlooking the Cauvery valley. The town derives its name from two words, Melu means top and Kote means fort. According to the history, the great Vaishnava saint Sri Ramanujacharya lived here for about 14 years in 12th century AD and thus it became a prominent center of the Srivaishnava sect of Brahmins. There are two popular temples reside in this town, one is Cheluvanarayana Swamy Temple and the other one is Yoga Narasimha Swamy Temple. These temples existed even before Sri Ramanujacharya came to this place. The main temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu known as Thirunarayana or Cheluvaraya installed by Lord Krishna. The utsavamurthy or procession idol of the deity is referred as Cheluvapille Raya whose original name appears to have been Ramapriya. This utsavamurthy was lost when the Moghuls invaded the place and it was recovered by Ramanujacharya from Bibi Nachiyaar the daughter of Mohammed Shah. The temple has been under the patronage of the Mysore royal family and is ...

21. Biligiri Ranga Hills / BR Hills

At a distance of 85 km from Mysore, 40 km from Chamarajanagar and 170 km from Bangalore, the Biligiri Ranga Hills popularly known as the BR Hills is a lofty hill range in Chamarajanagar district of Karnataka. It is considered to be the wildlife corridor that connects Eastern Ghats to Western Ghats. This is one of the popular tourist places to visit near Mysore and is one of the top attractions you must include in Mysore packages . BR Hills is famous for BRT Wildlife Sanctuary (Biligiri Rangaswamy Temple Wildlife Sanctuary). The sanctuary is situated at an altitude of 5091 feet and is spread across an area of 540 km. It was declared a tiger reserve in 2010 by the Karnataka State Government. The highest peak within the sanctuary is the Kattari Betta. The wildlife sanctuary is inhabited by a number of animals including elephants, sloth bears, bison, deer, porcupines and a number of other wild animals. It is said that the sanctuary has more than 250 species of birds like the Paradise Flycatcher, Racquet Trailed Drongo and the Crested Hawk Eagle, etc. Another attraction of the BR Hills is the 500 years old famous Biligiri Rangaswamy Temple which is situated on the highest peak of the hill range, on the white cliff (biligiri) which gives the hill its name. The local form of the deity is called Ranganath, another form of Lord Vishnu and is depicted in a unique standing position. ...

Distance from Mysore: 86 Kms

22. Chunchanakatte Falls

At a distance of 55 Kms from Mysore , Chunchanakatte Falls is a famous waterfall formed by Cauvery River. The river flows into Chunchanakatte forming a 60 feet tall and about 350 feet wide waterfall. It is one of the top Mysore tourist places to visit in monsoon and another popular attraction not to miss in a Mysore tour package . Legend describes that Lord Rama during his tenure in the forests stayed in this place on the behest of the tribal couple Chuncha and Chunchi. There is a belief that Goddess Sita took holy bath in this place and till now the water colour in that area looks like mixed with turmeric and other holy powders used for pooja. The place is very scenic surrounded by waterfalls and greenery. Lord Kodanda Rama temple is situated just beside the waterfalls. There is a hydraulic power generating station installed.

Distance from Mysore: 56 Kms

23. Kokkare Bellur Bird Sanctuary

At a distance of 71 Kms from Mysore, 85 Kms from Bangalore City Junction, Kokkare Bellur Bird Sanctuary is located in Mandya District of Karnataka and is about 20 km from Mandya. The name of the village is derived from Kokkare meaning stork and Bellur meaning village of jaggery. This is one of the popular tourist places near Bangalore & Mysore. The Mandya district is famous for sugarcane fields and this village is famous for having large colonies of Painted Storks and Spot-billed Pelicans nesting in trees within the village. It is home to cranes, painted storks and pelicans. The best season to visit the migratory birds is October to March. Timings: 6 AM to 6 PM

24. Harangi Dam

At a distance of 34 Kms from Madikeri & 10 Kms from Kushalnagar, Harangi Dam is built against a small stream, a tributary of river Cauvery at Hadgur village. The dam is 846 meters long with a height of 47 meters. The dam attracts large crowd during the monsoon season when the gates are opened and the water is released. It is one of the popular sightseeing places in Coorg . The backwaters are spread across several acres with small islands in the middle and thick forest on the banks. There is a small garden near the dam and a stone statue of Goddess Cauvery. Just around the reservoir there is Chamundeshwari Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva & Goddess Parvathi. August to October is the best time to visit the dam. Timings: 8 AM to 6 PM.

Distance from Mysore: 96 Kms

25. Bheemeshwari

At a distance of 103 km from Bangalore City Junction and 58 km from Mandya and 84 km from Mysore Junction, Bheemeshwari is a small town in Mandya district of Karnataka. It is located between the Shivanasamudra Falls and Mekedatu on River Cauvery. This is one of the popular tourist places to visit near Bangalore and a well known place for the activities of trekking and adventure near Bangalore city, apart from being a famous Bangalore weekend getaway for one day trip. Bheemeshwari is a great spot for eco-tourism and is a natural habitat for the Mahseer fish found in the waters of the Cauvery River. Mahseer is considered as one of the finest game fish in the world. A number of fishing camps have been developed here where professional and amateur anglers can catch mahseer. The surrounding lush forest cover is home to many animas like elephants, wild boars, monkeys, jackals, crocodiles, otters and leopards; as well as a variety of water birds like herons, ibis, cormorants and kingfisher. Bheemeshwari is also a great place for trekking and boating. Tourists can participate in adventure activities like river rafting on the Cauvery, enjoy a coracle ride, take a nature walk to just sit back and indulge in bird watching. Bheemeshwari is surrounded by lush green forests and lies in the midst of steep valleys, this place is ideal for trekking ...

26. Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary

About Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary

History of mudumalai wildlife sanctuary, layout of mudumalai wildlife sanctuary, 27. masinagudi.

At a distance of 20 km from Bandipur, 30 km from Ooty, and 98 km from Mysore, Masinagudi is a small beautiful hill station and a well-established tourist hotspot nestling amidst the Nilgiri district of Tamil Nadu. It is one of the popular places to visit near Ooty, and among the must include places in Mysore Tour Packages . Situated on Mysore-Ooty Road, Masinagudi forms a part of the Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary. Lush green forest cover, stunning waterfalls, gushing rivers and rivulets, and picture-perfect landscapes make Masinagudi an ultimate weekend retreat for all those who love wildlife safaris. It is a haven for nature lovers and wildlife photographers. Masinagudi is considered one of the most perfect jungle getaways near Bangalore as it is home to a large variety of flora and fauna. The town boasts of the famous Mudumalai National Park, Moyar River, Pykara Falls, Theppakadu Elephant Camp, Maravakandy Dam, and more. Jeep Safari is the best way to explore endangered animals like leopards, elephants, Bengal Tiger, wild boar, and birds in Madumalai. One can also go for camping and trekking in the jungles of Masinagudi. Apart from Mudumalai, the Bandipur Tiger Reserve is also a popular hotspot here. Visit the Theppakadu Elephant Camp for an unforgettable experience amongst elephants as you go right into their abodes. This place is home to an ...

Please wait... the destinations are being loaded

Most Asked Questions on Mysore Getaways

Mysore is a travellers delight because of the marvellous weekend destinations easily accessible from the city. One can plan so many trips around Mysore to take a quick weekend break. Ensure to cover most important places to visit near Mysore like Coorg, Ooty, Chikmagalur, Wayanad, Sakleshpur, Bandipur, Mangalore, Yercaud, etc.

Mysore is surrounded by many beautiful hill stations. Some of the most popular hill stations to visit near Mysore are Coorg, Ooty, Chikmagalur, Wayanad, Sakleshpur, Yercaud, Kemmanagundi and Yelagiri Hills.

There are many popular beaches near Mysore that are perfect for those who want to relax and rejuvenate mind and body at the beach. Mangalore, Udupi, Kannur and Kozhikode are some of the popular beach destinations nearest to Mysore.

There are numerous excellent places to visit near Mysore within 300 kms for 2 days weekend trip. Some of the best recommended places are Coorg(268 km), Chikmagalur(178 km), Ooty(128 km), Wayanad(130 km), Bandipur National Park(80 km), Mangalore(251 km) and Yercaud (263 km).

There is no dreath of offbeat places near Mysore. Most popular offbeat tours near Mysore are Coffee Estates in Coorg and Wayanad, trekking at Chembra Peak, Baba Budangiri and Mullayangiri, River Rafting in Coorg, Camping with Activities in Wayanad and Coorg, wildlife safari tours in Bandipur, Kabini & Bhadra Sanctuary.

Top 6 Karnataka Packages

Most popular tours, most popular tourist places in karnataka.

Similar Getaways

Popular Mysore Getaways

• Top Places to Visit near Mysore
• Best Hill Stations around Mysore
• Best Waterfalls near Mysore
• Adventure / Trekking near Mysore
• Popular Beaches around Mysore
• Top Heritage Sites near Mysore
• Wildlife Sanctuaries near Mysore
• Pilgrimage Sites around Mysore

100% SECURE PAYMENTS

Domestic & international cards accepted.

Our WhatsApp Numbers

International tours, +91-8217845740, south india tours, +91-7995649483, goa, maharashtra, gujarat tours, +91-7032828835, north india tours, +91-9535139583, rest of india, +91-7799591230, request quote, travellers #.

Explore Tour Packages

Planning a Trip?

Discover affordable tour packages, need customized tour request quote, login / sign-up, your sign in was successful itinerary will be downloaded shortly., sign up with trawell.in.

Already Created Account? Login Here

Sign in with Trawell.in Account

Forgot Password?

New User? Sign Up Here

Activate Your Trawell.in Account

Your account is activated successfully. Login Here

Reset Your Trawell.in Password

Your password has been reset successfully. Login Here

Booking Policy