The state of Karnataka is indeed rich as a hub of religious places and pilgrim centers. Dotted with many temples, churches and mosques portray the true aura of Kannada art and architecture, while reflecting the culture.

Halebidu city, one time capital of the Hoysalas, was known as Dwarasamudra. From both Belur and Hassan Halebidu is accessible.

The city was founded in early 11th century but was ravaged by Muslim invasions by the end of the 14th century. Though many buildings had fallen prey, a few shrines like the Hoysaleswara and Kedareswara Temples survived.

Construction of the Hoysaleswara Temple was started in 1121 AD by Ketamalla, a general of King Vishnuvardhana. There are two shrines, one dedicated to Lord Shiva as Hoysaleswara and the other to Shantaleswara. These are very similar to the Belur shrines in every detail. The most magnificent part of the temple is its outer wall, which is completely covered with friezes of amazing variety. The Kedareswara Temple was built by Ballala II. The temple has three superstructures and some fine sculptures.

Shravanabelagola is a Jain pilgrim centre that is picturesquely situated between two hills Indragiri and Chandragiri. From time immemorial this has been reputed as a seat of learning of Jainism. The monolithic statue of Lord Gomateshwara or Bahubali, a Jain saint, stands majestically on top of the hill at an altitude of 930 metres. The nearly 1000 year old statue, created during the time of Chamundaraya, a minister of Ganga King Rajamalla, is said to be the tallest and one of the most graceful in the world.

There are several Jain bastis on the hills and 43 images of Thirthankars. One has to climb about 500 rock-cut steps to reach the summit. At the plains, there is a charming Belagola Lake.

A spectacular ceremony called `Mahamastakhabhisheka` is held once in 12 years. On this particular day the statue is anointed with milk, curds, ghee, saffron and gold coins.

To reach this important religious place the pilgrims can make use of the nearest airport at Mysore (93 km). The nearest railway station is Hassan. One can also arrive at Sravanabelagola through Belur, Bangalore and Mangalore by road.

Kalastigiri Falls is located 10 km from Kemmangundi, a popular hill station in Karnataka. The falls cascading from the Chandra Lord Gomateshwara Drona hills flow right in front of Sri Veerabhadreswara Temple. One can visit this holy spot on way from Kemmangundi hill station to Tarikere.

Situated at an altitude of 1912 metres, Bababudangiri is sacred for both Hindus and Muslims. Atri Maharshi and Anasuya were believed to have done penance here. Hindus revere it as Inam Dattatreya Peetham. A cave here is considered by Muslims as the samadhi of Bababudan, a Muslim saint, who is believed to have introduced the first coffee plantation in this hilly region with seeds brought from Mecca. It is accessible from Kemmangundi.

Aihole was the capital of early Chalukyas from 6th to 8th centuries AD. Situated on the banks of Malaprabha river, Aihole is well known as the cradle of Hindu temple architecture. There are about 125 temples divided into 22 groups. Temples of Durga, Ladh Khan, Gowda, Suryanarayana , Kontiand Ramalinga Swamy are some of the important ones. Aihole is at a distance of 34 km from Bagalkot.

Badami is 44 km away from Aihole. This was once the capital of Chalukyas from the 6th to 7th centuries AD. Structural and rock cut cave temples are located here. Bass reliefs of Nataraja, Mahishasuramardhini, Ganesha, Shanmukha, Ardhanareeswara and Harihara are noteworthy.

Pattadakal was the commemorative site for the Chalukyan rulers from the 7th to 9th centuries AD. The temples here include Kada Siddeswara, Jambulinga, Sangameswara, Mallikarjuna, Virupaksha and Papanatha. A 22 km journey from Aihole wil lead the pilgrims to this religious place.

Koodalasangama is also an important pilgrim centre is situated at the confluence of the rivers Malaprabha and Krishna. The Shiva temple here is dedicated to Lord Sangameswara. In the temple complex there are images of Basaveshwara, his consort Neelamma, Nandi and Ganesha too.

Apart from these host of sacred sites the pilgrims can also drop in at the temples in Dharwad district. This district boasts of a few major shrines built in the 12th century by Kalyani Chalukyas and Vijayanagar rulers.

These include the following:-

Doddabasappa Temple at Dambala

Someshwara Temple at Lakshmeshwar

Nageshwara Temple at Bankapura

Trikuteshwara Temple at Gadag

Siddhadeva Temple at Haveri

Adikeshava Temple at Kaginelli

Mallari Temple at Gudda Guddaapura

Jain Temple at Lakkundi.