Archaeological Sites in Karnataka

Are you a history buff? Does the stories and relics of the old speak to you? Then you’d surely know that India is a hotbed of various civilisations. From the Indus Valley Civilisation to the Harappan Civilisation to Mohenjo-Daro Civilisation- hundreds and thousands of people and cultures have thrived in India for thousands of years. So naturally, there are many years’ of culture to be discovered and learned still. Just like the rest of India, Karnataka, situated in South India, is also rich in historical and archaeological heritage. Much has been learned over the years through excavations, but much more is still left to be learned. So keeping all these in mind, here are 10 archaeological sites in Karnataka which would surely leave you mesmerised:

Hampi

Hampi is a small village in Karnataka. There are numerous temples here, all dating back to the Vijayanagara Empire. You’d also be interested to know that UNESCO declared it as a World Heritage Site. This village is located within the ruins of the city of Vijayanagara. The most famous of the temples located in Hampi is the Virupaksha Temple, amongst others. The beauty of Hampi is absolutely mesmerizing. Hampi’s architecture is unlike any other, which you will be able to see in all its buildings.

Temples to see: A few temples to see in Hampi are:

• Virupaksha Temple
• Hemakuta group of temples
• Vijaya Vittala Temple
• Krishna Temple
• BadaviLinga
• Lakshminarasimha etc.

Aihole

Aihole is a historical village which is situated in the Bagalkot district of Karnataka. It is famous for its Chalukyan architecture. While here, you’ll get to see about 125 stone temples, all dating back to the 5th century CE. It has huge historical significance as, apparently, it is the “cradle of Hindu rock architecture”. The Chalukyas started their experience gaining from these temples and went on to build the great temples of Pattadakal.

Temples to see: The most important temples in Aihole are:

• Durga Temple complex.
• Lad Khan Temple.
• Ambigera Gudi complex.
• Mallikarjuna temple complex.
• Chikki temple etc.

Brahmagiri Archaeological Site

Brahmagiri is an archaeological site in the Chitradurga district. When historians first excavated the site, they unearthed rock edicts of Emperor Ashoka. Also, legend has it, the sage Gautama Maharshi and his wife Ahalya lived here. The Brahmagiri site is a granite outcrop, at about 180 m above the surrounding plains. It is famous for a large number of megalithic monuments. The earliest known settlements here date back to 2nd millennium BC.

Sanganakallu

Sanganakallu is an ancient village settlement from the Neolithic period. It is a complex of hills situated approximately 8 km from Bellary. Also, apparently it is one of the earliest village settlements and is the largest village complex in South India. Furthermore, there are various Neolithic rock art on boulders and various other structures.

Hallur

This archaeological site is situated in the Haveri district of Karnataka. Hallur is South India’s earliest Iron Age site. While here, you can find ruins of housing structures with circular floors which are very interesting to look at.

Hire Benakal

Hire Benakal is a megalithic site in the Koppal district of Karnataka. You can find around 400 megalithic funerary monuments here. You can feel the eeriness setting in around you, when in the presence of the 400 megalithic monuments. They give off a sense of mystery and wonder and take you back to the past. Also, all these structures are different in shape and size, making it even more interesting.

Kanaganahalli

Kanaganahalli is located at a distance of 3 km from Sannati, in the Gulbarga district of Karnataka. This is an important Buddhist site, where you’ll find an important Buddhist Maha Stupa site. The remains date back to 1st century BC. Apart from the massive Stupa, you can find many brick structures in the form of Chaitya-Griha. Also, the sculptured panels depict various Jataka stories as also stories on the life of Lord Buddha. Along with these, you can find the portraits of many Satavahana kings. But probably the most interesting thing that you can see here is the stone sculptured slab bearing the name Raya Ashoka. Also, historians excavated the first inscribed portrait of Ashoka from the ruins of the Buddhist stupa, located here.

Basaralu

Basaralu is a town located in the Mandya district of Karnataka. It is home to the Mallikarjuna temple, which is a beautiful example of the Hoisala architecture. It is a temple of Lord Shiva. The Hoysala king Vira Narasimha II’s commander, Harihara Nayaka, made the temple in the year 1234. Once here, you’ll find that the temple complex comprises of two shrines dedicated to the deities Mallikarjuna (or Shiva) and Chandikeshwara. The Mallikarjuna shrine is sure to dazzle you, with the Balahari “linga” and the beautiful lotus carving on the ceiling. The beautiful carving at the base of the temple will leave you spell-bound.

Nittur

Nittur is a village in the Siruguppa taluk in the Bellary district. Emperor Ashoka’s minor decree has made it famous. Historians excavated it here.

• Also Read: List of Forts & Palaces in Karnataka

Sidlaphadi

Sidlaphadi is located near Badami and is a pre-historic rock bridge and rock shelter. The natural rock bridge will look like a wide arch between two sandstone boulders. It is interesting to note that there are numerous lightning-made holes in the natural rock arch. These holes, consequently, allow sunlight to enter the cave which lets you see inside and explore. Also, these rocks also served as a shelter for prehistoric people.

So these were the 10 archaeological sites in Karnataka. They will surely make you wonder about the times gone by and how far human beings have come in these years. But, it is important to note here that these places are extremely hot during the summer months and so, you should visit them during the period of October to March, as the weather remains pleasant.  So what are you waiting for? Start packing!