Shravanabelagola Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, things to do, where to stay, and what to eat in Shravanabelagola. Get all the information you need for a perfect trip to this beautiful destination in Karnataka.


Introduction to Shravanabelagola

Shravanabelagola, also known as Shravanabelagola, is a beautiful town situated in the Hassan district of Karnataka in Southern India. The town is located on the top of a hill and is famous for its Jain temples and monolithic statues. It is one of the most popular pilgrimage destinations for Jains in India. The town’s main attraction is the statue of Lord Bahubali, a 58-foot high monolithic statue which stands atop Vindhyagiri Hill.

List of Places to Visit in Shravanabelagola

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Jaina Math And Museum

The Jaina Math and Museum is a place that showcases the history and culture of Jainism. It is situated in the heart of Shravanabelagola and is a must-visit place for those who want to learn more about Jainism. The museum features a large collection of ancient Jain manuscripts, sculptures, and paintings.

Chandragiri Hill

Chandragiri is another important hill in Shravanabelagola, which is popular among tourists for its stunning views of the town. Visitors can enjoy a beautiful sunset and amazing views of the surrounding hills and valleys from the top of this hill.

Natural Attractions of Shravanabelagola: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Vindhyagiri Hill

Vindhyagiri Hill is known for its mesmerizing views and is a popular tourist attraction in Shravanabelagola. Visitors can climb the hill to see the monolithic statue of Lord Bahubali and to enjoy the panoramic view of the surrounding areas.

Bhandara Kere (Lake)

Bhandara Kere is a beautiful lake situated in the heart of Shravanabelagola. It is a popular spot for locals and tourists who come here to enjoy a picnic, a boat ride or just to relax by the tranquil waters.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Shravanabelagola

Shravanabelagola offers many hiking and biking trails for adventurers looking for some outdoor fun. The most popular hiking routes are the ones that lead to Vindhyagiri Hill and Chandragiri Hill. Visitors can also explore the surrounding areas on a bike and enjoy the beautiful scenery on the way.

Best Things to Do in Shravanabelagola: Activities and Tours

Visit the Bahubali Statue

A visit to the Bahubali statue, located on the Vindhyagiri Hill, is a must-do activity in Shravanabelagola. The statue is a symbol of peace and non-violence and is one of the largest monolithic statues in the world.

Attend Mahamastakabhisheka Festival

Mahamastakabhisheka is a grand festival that is celebrated once every 12 years in Shravanabelagola. The festival is a major attraction for tourists who come here to witness the grand ceremony of the anointing of the Bahubali statue with milk, curd, honey, saffron, and other precious materials.

Week-Long Itinerary for Shravanabelagola

Here is a sample itinerary for a week-long trip to Shravanabelagola.

Day Activity
1 Visit the Bahubali statue and explore Vindhyagiri Hill
2 Visit the Jaina Math and Museum and learn about the Jain culture
3 Visit the Chandragiri Hill and enjoy the scenic views
4 Explore the town of Shravanabelagola and taste local food and drinks
5 Take a bike ride around Shravanabelagola and visit nearby villages
6 Enjoy a boat ride at Bhandara Kere and watch the sunset
7 Attend the Mahamastakabhisheka festival (if it’s happening during the time of the visit) or spend the day relaxing in the town

Food and Drink Scene of Shravanabelagola

Must-Try Dishes

Shravanabelagola is known for its delicious vegetarian cuisine. Some of the must-try dishes include:

  • Ragi Mudde: a popular dish made from ragi flour and water
  • Oondhi: a sweet dish made from urad dal and jaggery
  • Bisi Bele Bath: a rice dish cooked with lentils, vegetables, and spices

Local Beverages

Shravanabelagola is famous for its healthy and refreshing beverages. Some of the popular ones include:

  • Buttermilk: a healthy drink made from curd, water, and spices
  • Lemon Soda: a refreshing drink made from lemon juice, soda, and sugar
  • Sugarcane Juice: a sweet drink made from fresh sugarcane juice

Where to Stay in Shravanabelagola: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Shravanabelagola offers a wide range of accommodation options for visitors. Some of the popular ones include:

  • Jain Math Guesthouse
  • Hotel Shravanabelagola
  • Maurya Residency

What to Buy in Shravanabelagola: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Some of the popular souvenirs to buy in Shravanabelagola include:

  • Sandalwood Sculptures
  • Jain Manuscripts
  • Local Handicrafts

Local Culture and Customs of Shravanabelagola

Shravanabelagola’s culture is mainly influenced by Jainism, and the town is known as one of the most important Jain pilgrimage centers in India. The locals are friendly and welcoming, and visitors are expected to respect the local customs and traditions.

Best Time to Visit Shravanabelagola

The best time to visit Shravanabelagola is from October to February when the weather is pleasant and cool. It is also the time when many festivals take place in the town.

Do’s and Don’ts of Shravanabelagola

Do:

  • Respect the local culture and traditions
  • Dress modestly when visiting temples
  • Hire a guide to explore the town and learn about the local culture

Don’t:

  • Wear shoes inside the temples
  • Litter in public places
  • Click pictures of the locals without their permission

Safety and Health

Safety in Shravanabelagola

Shravanabelagola is a relatively safe town, but visitors should take precautions while travelling alone at night or in isolated areas.

Health in Shravanabelagola

Visitors are advised to carry mosquito repellent, especially during the monsoon season, and to drink only bottled water.

Getting to Shravanabelagola: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Shravanabelagola

The nearest airport to Shravanabelagola is the Bangalore International Airport, which is approximately 150 km away.

Bus Stations Near Shravanabelagola

Shravanabelagola is well-connected by road and has a bus station that offers regular bus services to nearby towns and cities.

Other Options

Visitors can also hire a taxi or a private car to reach Shravanabelagola from Bangalore or other nearby cities.

How to Get Around in Shravanabelagola

Shravanabelagola is a small town, and visitors can explore the town on foot. Visitors can also hire a bike or a taxi to travel around the town and nearby areas.

Where to Go Next from Shravanabelagola: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Some of the nearby destinations from Shravanabelagola include:

  • Bangalore
  • Mysore
  • Hampi

Conclusion

Shravanabelagola is a beautiful town that offers a unique blend of Jain culture, natural beauty, and history. With this comprehensive travel guide, visitors can plan a perfect trip to Shravanabelagola and explore all that this beautiful town has to offer.

Lord Gommateshwara- The world's largest monolithic stone statue Lord Gommateshwara- The world's largest monolithic stone statue Temple Guest House is inside a coconut farm Temple Guest House is inside a coconut farm Adipampa library has good ambience and a selection of English novels Adipampa library has good ambience and a selection of English novels View from above the Vindhyagiri hill View from above the Vindhyagiri hill Bahubali Bahubali Yakshi- majestic chauri bearer Yakshi- majestic chauri bearer Cholenahalli School Cholenahalli School Police Station Road Police Station Road