We have all heard and read about the the famous Kolar gold fields ,the only gold mine of India. Kolar is located at a distance of about 68 km from Bangalore.
It lies in the eastern part of Karnataka. Situated on the Bangalore to Chennai National highway NH-4.
It is 65 KM from Bangalore, 268 KM from chennai, 229 KM from Mysure and 572 KM from Hyderabad.
If long to go on a long drive for a day’s outing from Bangalore then Kolar may just suit you right.
If you want to visit all the places in Kolar then you will need atleast 2 days to do so.
But then I really dont think Kolar is a real tourist destination .Yes if you have absolutely nothing to do over the weekend. Not a bad idea .However you may want to visit this place to see the Koti Lingeshwara temple for religious purpose.
To Kolar
We started at about 7 a.m in the morning .Should have started a little earlier.But then waking up early is never easy right.
Picked up my friends and started from K.R Puram at about 8.30 a.m.
The road is pretty good.We took a break at about 9 a.m to have breakfast. Nandi Grand is a nice ,big, more importantly clean restaurant at about 10-15 km from K.R puram bridge.
There is nothing scenic about the road till you are about 5-8 km from Kolar .You will come across a really big Resort on the way.After which you start seeing rocky hills with little vegetation.They look naturally beautiful.
Kolar come on the left hand side of the road after taking the diversion from the NH-4.We reached Kolar by 12 noon.We picked up some refreshments right from outside town and made our way to the Someshwara temple.
Someshwara Temple
Kolar boasts of a rich history under the reign of several dynasties. Someshwara is one of its testimonials.A fine structure built on about 1-1.5 acre of land in the heart of the town.
Built by the Cholas in the 11th century who were then dethroned by the Chalukyas. The temple was later expanded by the Vijayanagar Empire. It is a fine example of the Vijayanagar style of architecture. The carvings on the inner pillars of the temple have an international connection which depicts the importance and value of trade to the King.
Architecture
The temple is every architect’s delight considering the beauty of Dravidian style. The huge gopura on the entrance stands testimony to the hand of the Cholas in the construction of this temple.
The temple has heavy Prakara walls, a Kalyana Mantapa (Wedding hall), a Mukha Mandapa with massive pillars, a Vasantha Mantapa (Marriage Podium) and a shrine for goddess Parvati Devi.
The Kalyana Mandapa has 64 – 16 sided pillars, a few depicting men, riding horses and others represent mythological stories. The carvings on the pillars bear influence of the European, Chinese style.
We spent about half an hour exploring the temple,the carvings on the old stone temple.We then offered our prayer and left to see the Kolaramma Temple which was hardly 200 mts from here.
Kolaramma Temple
The Kolaramma temple is dedicated to Goddess Shakti.It is smaller than the Someshwara temple but older.
The temple is built in Dravida Vimana Style and dates back to the Ganga period. The temple has several Chola renovations and additions were made by them in the 11th century, followed by Vijaynagar rule in the 15th century. The Cholas made several inscriptions in the temple, the earliest inscription belongs to the period of Rajendra Chola I from 1012 to 1045 A.D.
Architecture
The temple is built using granite stones and is around 800 years old. The temple is L-shaped housing two shrines, one for Durga who is known as Kolaramma and another for Saptamatrikas. There are nearly 30 inscriptions in both Tamil and Kannada found in the temple complex.
We spent another half an hr here exploring the temple.After this we left with our local friend to Kotilingeshwara temple.
Kotilingeshwara Temple
Had no idea it was about 35km from Kolar! However the road is nice and peaceful and more scenic than the NH-4.It took us about 40 min to reach the temple.
KotiLingeshwara meaning 1cr shivlings .You will be greeted here with a sea of black idols.
There is no history to the place as it is fairly new.
We could not find any good place to have our lunch here.So we drove back to NH-4 intersection near Kolar town to Adigas there for a really late lunch around 3-3.30.Had masala dosas curd rice and bisibele bhat.
It was a little late for us to go to the Antarganga now as it was already 4p.m.We however decided to cover that as well.
Antarganga
A good place for trekking.
Antharagange, a sacred perennial spring, that pours sweet water from the mouth of a bull.
This scenic spot, known as Shatha Shringa Parvatha, abounds in rocks of many shapes and rare flora and fauna. The hill top resembling a snakehood- (Havina Hede), gives a bird’s eye view of seven towns. It is accessible from two routes, steep steps on one side and a motorabel route on the other. The graphite temple of Neelakanteshwara, at the foothills, is an attraction.
On top of the hill there is a huge plateau.
Adima Village
After antargange,our localite friend suggested that we also have a feel of the adima village as its a nice drive up the hill to a ashram on the top.We didnt need telling twice.
Off we left for Adima!The drive up the hill was beautiful.As it was late evening the breeze was cool and pleasant.On the way up we found a few spots worth mentioning and stopping.A view point from where Kolar can be mapped and a small rock temple.
We were however late for the ashram.As it closes down by 6 p.m.However the drive alone was worth it.
We covered a great deal of kolar but still missed Budikote the birth place of Hyder Ali,Avani, famous for the Sita temple, Gold mines which are about 40 KM from Kolar but anyway are closed to public now.
We would have liked to cover Budikote the birth place of Hyder Ali.Which according to the locals doesn’t have much to offer.However according to me it does have its mark in history.
We also missed out on Avani, famous for the Sita temple situated on a hill. This temple is one of the few temples dedicated to Sitadevi in India.
The village is located at 32 km from Kolar. It is a popular location for rock climbing
If you intend to visit these places as well.You will have make it a two day trip.You have a couple of hotels for over night stay on the highway.The woodys is preferable.However if you want cheap lodging the Sri Shanti Sagar can be opted.
Kolar is a great place for outing especially ,the bangaloreans for a weekend getaway.
Happy travelling when you visit Kolar!!
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