Melkote

About Melkote

There is Yoganarasimhaswamy temple on a hill overlooking the main temple.There are numerous legends and myths attached to this place. It is believed that Rama, Krishna and Balarama worshipped here at different timezones.

History

Apart from the temples, this place has been a haven for Sanskrit scholars. There is a century old Sanskrit college and 28year old Academy of Sanskrit Research. In this premise lie the two 30f eet pillars, Rajdwara, a classified monument believed to be 1000 years old. Legend behind this is that the famous sculptor Jakkanacharya challenged his rivals to build enterance to Melkote in single night. Here rivals cheated by sounding the gong just past midnight when it actually supposed to sound at 5 am. Upset by this Jakkanacharya left the place leaving an unfinished pillar. To this day the pillars look unfinished and ravaged by time.

A celebrated sacred town built on the rocky hills named Yadugiri, where the great exponent of visistadvaita philosophy Ramanuja lived. The Chellapillai temple dedicated to Krishna & Narasimha temple constructed on the very summit of the rock are some of the striking edifices worthy of notice

Location info

• **Address:**Mandya is about 100Kms from Bangalore and 40 Kms from Mysore, on Bangalore-Mysore State Highway - 17.

• **District:**Mandya

• **Nearest City:**Mandya

• Best time to visit: October- April
  One can visit this place anytime of the year, en route to Mysore.

Climate & weather

Summers 220 - 400C. Winter 100 - 320 C.

Things to do at Melkote

This place is also famous for its handloom cloth.

Things to visit & highlights

50 Kms north of Mysore is this sacred pilgrim center know for its Vairamudi festival in March/April. More than a lakh visitors congregate here for the festival. This place is also famous for its handloom cloth.

How to reach Melkote

• **Nearest Railway Station:**Mandhya

• **Nearest Airport:**Mysore Airport

**Road Transport:**On Bangalore- Mysore Road one has to take a right turn after Mandya, go past Pandavapura and take on Melkote. Distance : From Bangalore 160kms, Mysore 60kms.

Hotels & accommodation nearby

Mysore is a city that is visited by many tourists round the year. Due to its proximity to Bangalore, all tourists who to the capital city, also come to Mysore. To accommodate these many tourists, there are ample of hotels in Mysore. Major share of hotels in Mysore are above average and budget hotels. However number of luxury hotels is also quite impressive. The main hotels of Mysore are Hotel Ginger, Hotel Paradise and Quality Inn Southern Star. The most magnificent of all is the Lalitha Mahal Palace Hotel. This heritage palace hotel is among the best in South India.
Lalitha Mahal Hotel

Nearest visiting places

• Sivasamudram Island

About 65kms, East of Mysore, you will find the tiny island town of Shivasamudram in Mandya district. Here the River Cauvery meanders to fall into cascading Shivasamudram Falls. This sparking waterfalls flows through the abundant sylvan forest of Karnataka in Deccan Plateau, plunges 320 feet into gorge into a spate, breaking into a cloud of misty foam. The falls are 893 metres wide

• Srirangpatnam Island

Situated on the Cauvery River, the island-fortress of Srirangapattana is famous as the former capital of the great kings, Hyder Ali, and his son, Tipu Sultan, the ‘Tiger of Mysore’. The ruins of the magnificent fortress that stands here is the main tourism attraction

• Karighatta Temples

Karighatta is a hill situated a few kilometres outside the ‘island’ town of Srirangapatna. It is situated off the Bangalore-Mysore road just before Srirangapatna. The name translates to “Black Hill” in Kannada. The hill has a Hindu temple devoted to a form of Hindu god Vishnu, called “Karigirivasa”

• Srirangapatna Temples

Srirangapatna also spelt as Srirangapattana, is city of historic, religious, and cultural hub situated in Mandhya district of Karnataka, just about 13kms from Mysore. A must see place on Bangalore- Mysore Highway. Here you will come across the entire town as an island enclosed by River Kaveri

• Srirangapatna Archeology

The river Kaveri surrounds Srirangapatnam , which is 16 km north of Mysore.it was the capital of Muslim Mysore kingdom, which was at loggerhead with the English and the Mysore king

• Bhimeshwari Sanctuary

The sparkling blue waters of Cauvery wind through rocks and ravines and fall off the Deccan Plateau to form the twin falls of Barachukki and Gaganachukki.About 35 kms downstream is yet another set of falls called Mekedatu (Goat’s Leap)

• Melukote Wildlife Sanctuary

Melkote Temple Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Mandya District of Karnataka and is about 5 km from Melkote. Meant specifically for the protection of wolf, the sanctuary is divided into two blocks, namely, Mudibetta and Narayandurga. Deciduous scrub forest occupies the sanctuary

• Srirangapatna Historical

Srirangapatna also spelt as Srirangapattana, is city of historic, religious, and cultural hub situated in Mandhya district of Karnataka, just about 13kms from Mysore. A must see place on Bangalore- Mysore Highway. Here you will come across the entire town as an island enclosed by River Kaveri

• Hemagiri Falls

This place is located 8 Kms from KR pet enroute to Kikere town or Govindhalli. It is better to take the route back, in view of bad roads on the same stretch to reach Kikere town. The river is in full flow during monsoon and it is a treat to watch

• Shivasamudram Waterfalls

The Shivasamudram falls is a segmented waterfall since the river Cauvery branches into two separate falls - the western falls known as Gaganachukki and the eastern falls, Bharachukki. Shivasamudram falls is the second biggest waterfall in India and the sixteenth largest in the world

• Bheemeswari River

Listen to the sweet hum of the rippling river… Feel the chill of the water… and get to face her majestic beauty by riding down the river in a raft…The Cauvery is one of the most majestic and sacred rivers in the country. Flowing through the thick forests of Karnataka, this river is home to India’s only protected fish species - The ‘Mahaseer’

• Mahadevapura River

Mahadevapura is located in Mandya district of Karnataka in India. A great picnic spot which is quite far away from modern world. A famous spot for film makers shooting nature scapes -for this hamlet by the Cauvery, offers some of the prettiest frames for any cinematographer

• Mekedatu River

Mekedatu, in Kannada means Goat’s leap, which is situated 98kms south of Bangalore. river Cauvery flows into a deep and narrow gorge, so narrow, that a goat could leap over it and that is how it got its name

• Adichunchanagiri Peacock Sanctuary

Located in Mandya District, Adichunchanagiri peacock sanctuary is covered with scrub forest and plantations. The altitude here varies from 770 - 1000 m. The sanctuary was established with the specific purpose of protecting the peacock

• Kokkare Belluru/Bellur Pelicanry

Kokkare Bellur (Village of Storks), a small village off the main highway between Bangalore and Mysore, is one of the few nesting sites in India of the spotbilled pelican. In addition, it is also home to hundreds of painted storks

Tips & suggestions

sacred pilgrim center know for its Vairamudi festival in March/April. More than a lakh visitors congregate here for the festival. This place is also famous for its handloom cloth.

Helpline & emergency contacts

• **Police Station:**Mandya

• **Nearest Hospital:**Mandya

• Society/Community Phone Number

Mobile network coverage

Airtel, Jio, BSNL, and Vi all provide coverage across Karnataka. 4G is reliable in Bangalore, Mysore, Mangalore, Hubli, and along highways. Coverage may be weaker in deep forest areas of Bandipur, Nagarhole, and certain Western Ghats sections. Most hotels, resorts, and cafes in tourist areas offer free Wi-Fi.

Food & restaurants nearby

Karnataka’s cities offer diverse cuisine. Bangalore has a legendary food scene from iconic darshinis (stand-up eateries) to craft breweries. Mysore is known for Mysore pak and traditional meals. Temple towns (Udupi, Dharmasthala, Murudeshwar) offer excellent vegetarian fare.

Nearest petrol pump

Petrol pumps are available in the nearest town or on the approach road — check locally for the closest option.

Accessibility

Religious sites may have steps at the entrance and may not have ramps. The interiors are generally level once inside. Some historic sites have uneven stone floors. Visitors with mobility concerns should check in advance.

Rules & restrictions

Modest dress is required: shoulders and knees must be covered (scarves or shawls are often available at the entrance). Photography is generally permitted without flash, but video may be restricted. Maintain silence inside. Mobile phones should be on silent mode. Remove shoes if required (indicated by signage). Do not touch artefacts or altars. These are active places of worship — respect services, festivals, and devotees.

Best photography spots

Karnataka has a rich collection of churches primarily in Mangalore (Mangalorean Catholic), Bangalore (colonial-era), and Mysore. St. Philomena’s Cathedral in Mysore (neo-Gothic, one of Asia’s largest) and the Rosario Cathedral in Mangalore are the most photogenic. The interiors of Mangalorean churches with their detailed altars are worth shooting.

Best time to visit Melkote

Early morning (6:00-9:00 AM) is the best time for a peaceful darshan with fewer crowds. Major festivals attract large crowds — visit on regular days for a more serene experience. Winter months (October to March) offer pleasant weather for temple visits.

Timings & opening hours

Typically 6:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Pooja timings vary — morning abhisheka is usually around 6:00-7:00 AM, evening aarti around 6:00-7:00 PM. Some temples have specific timings for darshan. Temple may close during midday hours.

Entry fee & tickets

Entry is generally free for all devotees. Special pooja tickets or darshan packages may cost ₹50-₹200. Camera fee: ₹20-₹50 for still cameras, ₹100-₹200 for video cameras. Parking is usually free or nominal (₹10-₹20).

Duration needed

30 minutes to 1 hour for darshan and exploring the temple premises. If the temple has historical significance or architectural interest, plan 1-2 hours.

Safety tips

Temple premises are generally safe. Keep valuables secure in crowded areas. Follow temple rules and dress code. Remove footwear before entering the inner sanctum. Be aware of your surroundings during festivals when crowds are heavy.

Things to carry

Carry a shawl or scarf for covering shoulders if required. Small change for offerings and donations. Camera (check photography policy first). Water bottle. Footwear bag if you prefer to carry your shoes.

Nearest airport, railway & bus

Nearest railway station varies by location — typically the district headquarters station. Nearest airport: Kempegowda International Airport (BLR) or Mangalore International Airport (IXE). Local transport includes buses, auto-rickshaws, and taxis.

Frequently asked questions

What is the dress code for visiting the temple? Modest clothing is required. Shoulders and knees must be covered. Traditional Indian attire is appreciated.

Is photography allowed inside the temple? Photography rules vary — check signage at the entrance. Flash photography and video recording are typically restricted inside the sanctum.

What are the main festivals celebrated here? Major Hindu festivals like Mahashivaratri, Navaratri, and annual temple festivals (brahmotsava) are celebrated with special poojas and cultural programmes.

Quick facts

• Type: Tourist Attraction
• State: Karnataka
• Category: Pilgrims Destination

Visitor information

Please check locally for current visitor information.

Photo gallery of Melkote

Photos coming soon. In the meantime, you can find images of Melkote on popular travel photography sites and social media.