Discover Vidyanagar: Karnataka’s Hidden Gem with Sacred India Tour & Travels
About Vidyanagar
Vidyanagar is a township in the Bellary district of Karnataka. Vidyanagar township is about 300 km from Bengaluru Airport and 1 km from Vidyanagar Airport. When you are in Vidyanagar, you can visit Panchvati temple, Daroji Bear Sanctuary, Hampi sites, Tungabhadra dam, Bellary Fort, Kumbara Gudda, Shiva Temple of Balleshwara and the historic Turkish Martyrs Graveyard.
The temperature of Vidyanagar ranges from 17 °C in winter to 35 °C in summer. The majority of the people speak Kannada and English in Vidyanagar.
Vidyanagar township is well connected by air, road and rail to major parts of Karnataka. Regular flights operate from Vidyanagar Airport to Bengaluru and Hyderabad airports. If you are planning to visit by train, then Toranagallu Railway Station is 5 km away from Vidyanagar township, and it will take 15 min by taxi. Bus service to Hampi, Bengaluru and Hyderabad is available daily from Bellary.
Places to visit in Vidyanagar
Panchavati Temple
Panchavati Temple is situated 0.5 km from Vidyanagar township. The Panchvati temple has modern architecture and design. It has sanctums for many Gods. One can also meditate here in peace. Its serene and mystical aspects of architecture will mesmerise you with its beauty.
Hampi
Hampi is situated on the banks of the Tungabhadra river, 35 km from Vidyanagar. It was once the capital of the Vijaynagar Empire. The ancient temples, forts, sculptures and monuments make it a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Hindu-style architecture of the temple reflects the work of Cholas, Pandavas and the Vijayanagar Dynasty. The landscape here is stunning, so you can enjoy the evening at the beach. Purandara festival is celebrated in Hampi with great zeal in the Vittal temple.
Daroji Sloth Bear Sanctuary
It is 23 km away from Vidyanagar township. Around 120 Sloth Bears are present in the Sanctuary. Star Tortoise, Pangolins, Quails, Pea Fowls, Monitor lizards, Mongoose, Wild Boars, porcupines, and Partridges are also available in the Sanctuary.
Tungabhadra Dam
The Tungabhadra dam is nearly 47 km away from the Vidyanagar township. It is built on the Tungabhadra River and is used to supply water, generate electricity, and irrigate.
Bellary Fort
This fort is built on top of Ballari Gudda and is 35 km away from Vidyanagar township. It was constructed during the Vijayanagara period by the Palegar Chief, Hanumappa Nayaka. It is divided into the Upper Part and the Lower Part. The upper fort has deep wells for water storage, a citadel, barracks, and temples, while the lower fort has two entrance gates and the Anjaneya Temple.
Bellary Zoo
It is 35 km away from Vidyanagar Township and 3 km from Bellary Bus Stand. It is stretched over 2.5 sq. km. The zoo has a small garden and houses the Crocodile, Jackal, Python, Cobra, Blackbuck, Indian Peafowl, Chital Panther, Bear, tigers, Boar, etc. One can visit here for photography and videography.
Shri Guru Kottureshwara Temple: Shri Guru Kottureshwara Temple is at Kotturu and is 66 km away from Vidyanagar township. It is dedicated to Saint Kottureshwara. Rathotsava or Guru Kottureshwara Theru festival is held every year before Shivratri, and it is celebrated with great enthusiasm.
Sanganakallu: This is an ancient archaeological site situated 42 km from Vidyanagar township and around 8 km from Bellary. It is a group of hills in the south and is one of the earliest settlements in South India. The oldest village settlement is found in Sanganakallu-Kupgal.
Kumarswamy Temple: Kumaraswamy Temple is believed to have been built during the 8th century by Rashtrakutas. It is situated 28 km from Vidyanagar township and 10 km away from Sandur town. This temple is dedicated to Lord Kartikeya. An annual festival is organised every year at this temple.
Kotturu: Kotturu is named after Saint Kottureshwara. It is the samadhi sthal of Basappa Lingaswamy. It is around 68 km from Vidyanagar township. Kotrabasappa Temple is a must-visit when you are in Kotturu.
Kaladham: It is situated in Vidyanagar township. Kaladham is an Arts and Cultural Centre to bring awareness about India’s heritage. It has a museum, performance galleries, courts, OAT, dance hall, library, conference hall, etc.
About Bengaluru Airport
Kempegowda International Airport or Bengaluru Airport is 30 km away from Vidyanagar. You can reach the airport by car, bus or taxi. Bengaluru International Airport Limited operates this airport. The airport is named after the founder of Bengaluru International Airport Limited, i.e. Kempe Gowda. The IATA code of Bengaluru Airport is BLR. This airport caters to both domestic and international flights. But it has only one terminal to handle both domestic and international flights. Air India, Air Asia, IndiGo, SpiceJet, Vistara and Alliance Air operate from here for major cities of India, including New Delhi, Kolkata, Goa, Lucknow, Cochin and Mumbai. The airport handles 25 million passengers each year. Various facilities like restaurants and food, ATMs, parking, shops & stores, lounges, wi-fi, and free trolleys are available at the airport. The complete address of Bangalore Airport is – KIAL Rd, Devanahalli, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560300, India.
