The Chennakesava Temple (ಶ್ರೀ ಚೆನ್ನಕೇಶವ ದೇವಸ್ಥಾನ) Belur.

The temple was commissioned by Hoysala King Vishnuvardhana in 1117 CE. Scholars are divided about the reason why King Vishnuvardhana commissioned the construction of the temple. The military successes of Vishnuvardhana is considered a probable reason.^[1] Some scholars believe Vishnuvardhana commissioned the temple to surpass his overlords, the Western Chalukya Empire (who ruled from Basavakalyan), after his military victories against them.^[2]According to another theory, Vishnuvardhana was celebrating his victory against the Cholas of Tamil country in the battle of Talakad, which resulted in the annexation of Gangavadi (modern southern Karnataka) by the Hoysalas.^[3] Another explanation points to Vishnuvardhana's conversion from Jainism toVaishnavism, considering this is predominantly a Vaishnava temple.^[4] The Hoysalas employed many noted architects and artisans who developed a new architectural tradition, which some historians call Karnata Dravida tradition.^[5] A total of 118 inscriptions have been recovered from the temple complex, covering the period between c. 1117 CE to 18th century, which give details of the artists employed, grants made to the temple and renovations.




The Chennakesava Temple (Kannada: ಶ್ರೀ ಚೆನ್ನಕೇಶವ ದೇವಸ್ಥಾನ) originally called Vijayanarayana Temple(Kannada: ವಿಜಯನಾರಾಯಣ ದೇವಸ್ಥಾನ) was built on the banks of the Yagachi River in Belur, an early capital of the Hoysala Empire. Belur is 40 km from Hassan city and 220 km from Bangalore, in Hassan district ofKarnataka state, India. Chennakesava literally means "handsome Kesava" and is a form of Hindu God Vishnu. Belur is well-known for its marvelous temples, built during the rule of Hoysala dynasty, making it and nearby Halebidu, a favored tourist destination in Karnataka.

MORE:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chennakesava_Temple :

Baba Budangiri / Dattagiri

Dattagiri Hills or Baba Budan Giri Range is a range of mountains in the Western Ghats of Karnataka, India. The range, originally known as Chandra Drona Parvatha, takes its current name from the Dattapeeta Cave and 17th century Sufi saint Baba Budan. The Dattagiri or Baba Budan Giri Range includes the highest peaks of Karnataka. Unique mountain flowers called Kurinji blooms in these hill ranges once in every 12 years and the last time this spectacle happened here was in 2006.

Peaks in the Dattagiri Hills/Baba Budan Giri Range include:

• Mullayanagiri (height 1930 m)
• Dattagiri/Baba Budan Giri (height 1895 m)

Dattagiri / Baba Budangiri (or Bababudangiri or Baba Budan Giri) is a mountain in the Dattagiri Hill Range / Baba Budan Giri Range of theWestern Ghats of India. Located in the Chikkamagaluru District of Karnataka, Dattagiri/ Baba Budangiri is known for its shrine which is a place of pilgrimage for both Hindus and Muslims.

Peaks in the Dattagiri / Baba Budan Giri Range are the Mullayanagiri and Dattagiri/Baba Budangiri (height 1895 m).

Mullayanagiri also spelt Mullayangiri or Mullainagiri is the highest peak in the Baba Budan Giri Range. With a height of 1930 m (6317 ft.), it is the highest peak between the Himalayas and the Nilgiris.

Manikyadhara Falls

Manikyadhara Falls is situated near Kemmangundi of Chikmagalur district. It is located on the Baba Budan Giri HIlls, which is a sacred place for both Muslims and Hindus. It is one of the main attractions of Baba Budan Giri or Dattapeeta.

Location: It is located approximately 40 km from the chickmagalur town.

Water falls have always magnetized the tourists in large. No matter from where you belong, but if you’re a hardcore nature lover and easily get magnetized by the scenic and serene splendor, then waterfalls will certainly catch your attention slickly. Out in Karnataka, India, the Manikyadhara Waterfalls are also intended to lure the tourists coming its way. Located 1 km away from the Baba Budan Giri Range, the Manikyadhara Waterfalls are exhibiting the gorgeousness of a natural element called “water,” that head-on strikes the ground constantly after smoothly flowing at a decent height amid rocks, pebbles and other debris

Locally, these falls are known as Nellikayi Theertha, which is enclosed by the boundaries of Chikmagalur district. Unlike most of the waterfalls, the water here falls in the form of droplets that shimmers when sunrays kisses it. That is why it’s additionally named as “Manikyadhara,” means a string of Pearls. To be precise, the Manikyadhara falls are soulfully nestled within the exquisite hills of Basavangudda and Waddin Gudda Ranges, coupled with the Shola forest, located at the height of 6000 feet above the sea level. For physically challenged tourists, it’s not an easy task to witness the graciousness of Manikyadhara falls because after parking the cars, the tourists ought to climb down around 200 steps to share the glimpse of this marvelous natural creation.

The water remains cold throughout the year, so if you love to get a shower of extremely cold water, especially in summers, then don’t miss the opportunity to feel the purest form of water on your skin. While taking the shower, you will feel the limpidness of the liquid pouring on you and certainly, this experience is undoubtedly rejuvenating. Believers and especially inhabitants believes that you get relieved of ailments, if take a bathe under the falls. Also, it’s a pilgrimage center for the Muslims. Amongst them, it is believed that saint Hazrat Dada Hayath Mir Khalandar along with his 4 disciples crossed into this region, and when he prayed to god, water automatically began falling in the form of this waterfall. Surprisingly, those who take a bathe under this pilgrimage fall leave a piece of their garment here to get a wish fulfilled, which is quite interesting.

Mullayanagiri (ಮುಳ್ಳಯ್ಯನಗಿರಿ)

ullayanagiri (Kannada: ಮುಳ್ಳಯ್ಯನಗಿರಿ) (also spelt Mullayangiri or Mullainagiri), is the highest peak in Karnataka, India. Mullayanagiri is located in the Baba Budan Giri Range of theWestern Ghats. With a height of 1930 m (6317 ft.), it is the highest peak between the Himalayas and the Nilgiris.