Yana Rocks

Yana Rocks

Very impressive group of unusual limestone rocks rising above the forest. Especially impressive are two rock formations – Bhairaveshwara Shikhara and the Mohini Shikhara, rising up to 120 m tall.

Gommateshwara Statue

Aerial view of Gomateswara Statue

Possibly the largest monolithic stone statue in the world, erected at the end of the 10th century. Height – 17.4 meters.

Gol Gumbaz

Gol Gumbaz

Mausoleum of Mohammed Adil Shah, built in 1659. One of the largest domed structures in the world, visually very impressive building.

Vijayanagara

Kallina Ratha in Hampi, Vijayanagara

Remnants of the former capital city of Vijayanagara Empire, flourished in the 14th – 16th centuries. Now ruins extend over an area of 40 km2. Contains unique and highly original architecture.

Hire Benakal

Hire Benakal

A visually impressive group of some 400 megalithic tombs – dolmens. These structures were built in the time period between 800 and 200 BC. The largest megalithic site in South India.

Brahmagiri megaliths

180 metres high granite outcrop with numerous megalithic structures. Settled at least since the 2nd millenium BC. Ancient cemetery with 300 stone cists, painted pottery. Stones with later inscriptions – Ashokan edicts.

Kupgal petroglyphs

Huge amount of Neolithic petroglyphs in unusual locations – peculiar rock formations with deep depressions. Many petroglyphs depict cattle, also people herding animals. Some of the depressions make loud sound similar to gong, when struck with boulders – this effect could be used in rituals.

Trikuteshwara temple

Trikuteshwara temple, Gadag-Betageri

Complex of extremely ornate temples from the 11th – 12th centuries, mostly devoted to Shiva.

Kasivisvesvara temple

Kasivisvesvara temple

Hindu temple built in the 11th – 12th centuries, one of the most ornate historical temples in region.

Chennakesava temple in Belur

Chennakesava temple in Belur

One of the most impressive and ornate examples of Hoysala style in architecture, built in 1268. Building is covered with seemingly countless sculptures.