PILGRIMAGE Major Religion : Hinduism, Jainism, Islam Famous Temple : Somnathpur Temples, Badami Cave Temples Famous Mosques : Jumma Masjid in Bangalore Famous Church : St. Mary's Church in Bangalore

Holy Bath at Tungabhadra in Hampi

Pilgrimage in Karnataka – All Faiths Beckoned

Karnataka since ages has fostered people of all religion, making it a culturally diverse state. It is possession of some of the best pilgrim sites of the country. Be it Hinduism, Islam, Christianity or Jainism, every pilgrim is welcomed in Karnataka. The rock cut cave temples and the architectural monuments built by the Chalukyas, Cholas and the Hoysalas form an important religious attractions of Karnataka.

The pilgrimage tours of Karnataka is a mus for all those who want to cherish the holy places that lies bedecked in Karnataka. Visit the heritage sites of Hampi or Pattadakal that showcases unique temple ruins. Bijapur is overwhelmed with Muslim architecture while churches form an integral part of many cites of Karnataka.

Jain Saint of Srabanabelagola

Pilgrim Sites in Karnataka – The Holiest Acculturation

Karnataka a culturally rich country wherein religious spots of almost all the religions fine their home. However, due to its lineage of Hindu history, it becomes an inevitable fact that Hindu temples will be dominating the list of pilgrim sites in Karnataka. Visit the heritage destination of Mysore and Somnathpur to see some of the exquisite temples. The rock cut cave temples of Badami are the finest example of the Chalukyan architecture. Udupi also offers great religious tours in Karnataka. Udupi, 60 Kms from Mangalore, is where Madhwacharya, the profounder of Wraith philosophy, lived and taught 700 years ago. The 'Paryaya' festival held once in two years when the management of the temple changes hands is a colourful spectacle drawing thousands of devotees from all over the country.

One should visit the town of Moodabidri, 391 kms from Bangalore. This rural towm is famous for its 1000 pillared Jain shrine. Another Jain pilgrimage is Karkala, 376 kms, known for its 12.8m high monolith of Gomateshwara. Melkote (155 kms) is a sacred pilgrim centre known for the Vairamudi Festival held during March and April.

Sabrimala pilgrims, Karnataka

Other pilgrim destinations of Karnataka includes the Kukke Subramanya, which is one of auspicious place located amidst hills of Western ghats. Lord Subramanya is the deity worshiped here in the temple of Kukke Subramanya. 128 ks from Mangalore, Kollur is a major pilgrim spot in Karnataka renowned for Mookambika temple located on a spur of the Kodachadri peak. Gokarna, Dharamsthala and Katil are other places of religious interest.