MANDYA DISTRICT TOURISM PLACES

1.Gagana chukki:

The Gagana Chukki Falls on the left bank of the river Kaveri, when observed from Shiva Samudra is a treat to watch. A side view of the fall from the bottom of the valley seen from the location of Dargah on the farther side of the valley gives the onlooker a special experience. Here is the left branch of the river Kaveri which fall from a height of about 300 feet, that looks like something falling from the sky with and hence the name ‘Gagana Chukki’. Madhya ranga; this is 25 kms southeast from Malavalli, five kms north from the hand post of Sattegala (Kollegal Taluk). This is a small island of about five km length and one and half km breadth formed by the river Kaveri and belongs to the revenue limits of the village Sattegala, the place being locally referred as ‘Heggura’. In this place, now referred as ‘Madhya Ranga’ is the temple of Shreeranganatha as well as temples of Someshwara and Veerabhadra. In the dargah of Hazrat Syed Mardane Ghayab, a festival (Urus) is held during 19th and 20th day of the month of Ramzan.

2.Kokkare Belluru:

This is 18 kms northwest to the taluk centre Madduru and referred in ancient inscriptions as ‘Belluru, Beluru, Chikkabeluru’ which was a part of Kalalenadu. Three hero stone records are reported from this place. From the last five decades the place is famous as a bird sanctuary because of its intimate contact with Crane bird called ‘Kokkare’.

This sanctuary is little bit different from the environment at Ranganatittu, Hemagiri and Gendehosahalli in the district. The crane birds migrate from different parts of the world during the period from January to July, construct their nests and settle on trees like /tamarind, Gobbali at the middle of the village. After hatching the eggs, return to their homeland. Hence, the village obtained a surname Kokkare attached to its name Belluru and has become a natural bird sanctuary. One can see numerous crane birds on the trees of the village as well as many more on the skyline. They have different colour in their beak, neck, feet and feathers; some of them are light red, some are light black and many are white. Every year in and around Sankranti festival (January) the Pelicans (Hejjarle) and white birds (Bellakki) migrate to this place, built nests, hatch eggs and then return to their Homelands before the rainy season (July), similar to a woman returning from her parents’ house with grown up children.

3.Adichunchanagiri :

This Sri Kshetra, a pilgrim centre, is 20 kms north from the Taluk centre Nagamangala and two kms. East of Chunchanahalli. One among the two Gurupeethas of Vokkaliga community, the Mahasamsthana Matha at Adichunchanagiri is world famous. People believe that this place has a tradition from the days of Ramayana. Moreover, the place is referred in inscriptions as Chunchanakote (1205 A.D.) Chunchanahalli (1484 A.D), Adichunchanagiri (1896 A.D) and was a part of ancient Kalkuni nadu during Hoysala regime. Until now, nine inscriptions (four in Chunchanahalli and five on the hill) are reported from this place.

Chunchanagiri has different species of Trees and plenty of Peacocks.. The Matha has a Siddha Seat as well as ancient temple of gods Chandramouleshwara, Annapurneshwari and Bhairava. Towards the south of the Matha there is a Kalyani, referred as Bindu Sarovara. Sri Annadani Matha with Jwala Peetha (fire chair) here is a special attraction.

After the howling rock, on the road to Beladakere, there is a Nagarakallu, a boulder in the shape of a serpent. Nearby is the Sappeswami cave. Chunchanagiri has become a place of Penance to Saints, and sacred to devotees. In October 1981, the Forest department has proclaimed that 0.88 sq.km of land area on this hill where a great number of Peacocks live, as “Adichunchanagiri Navilu Vanya Dhama” (a wild life sanctuary for peacocks). The area has become a famous Tourist spot for nature lovers.

Temples in this place conduct worship and festivals like Nityotsava, Teppotsava, Masotsava and Varshotsava. according to Shaivagama tradition. Special festivals are conducted here on the days of Sankaranti, Kartike and Gurupoornima. Devotees assemble in large numbers to the annual Jatra of God Gangadhareshwara and Kalabhairaveshwara for nine days, from Phalguna Shuddha Saptami to Phalguna Shuddha Purnime.The attractive celebrations include Kolata, Tammatepada, Sobanepada, Nandikolu kunitha and Keelukudure dance. Fire and cracker show on that occasion attracts the Tourists