If you are looking for a spiritual retreat combined with stunning architecture and natural beauty, then Mantralyam, Lepakshi, and Kadari are the perfect destinations for you. Here is a 2-day itinerary that will take you through the highlights of these three beautiful locations.
Mantralyam is a holy town situated on the banks of the Tungabhadra river. Visit the Raghavendra Swamy Mutt, a popular pilgrimage site that attracts thousands of devotees each year. In the morning, attend the abhishekam (ceremonial bath) of the Brindavanam (final resting place) of Sri Guru Raghavendra Swamy. Afterward, explore the town and visit Panchamukhi Anjaneya Temple, Bichhali Betta, and Alampur Jogulamba temple. End your day with a walk along the banks of the Tungabhadra river.
Start your day early and drive to Lepakshi, a small village known for its magnificent 16th-century Veerabhadra Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is famous for its hanging pillar, an architectural wonder that has been standing without any support for over 500 years. Afterward, visit the Lepakshi Nandi, a 4.5-meter-high monolithic bull statue, and explore the ancient ruins of the Vijayanagara Empire. In the late afternoon, proceed to Kadari, a village known for its scenic beauty and the Sri Yaganti Uma Maheshwara Temple. Visit the temple and witness the natural formation of the Nandi statue, which increases in size every year. End your day with a beautiful sunset view at Kadari hill.
If you have additional time, you can visit the historic town of Hampi, known for its ancient monuments and temples. You can also visit the Daroji Sloth Bear Sanctuary, located around 45 km from Hampi. For adventure enthusiasts, try rock climbing and bouldering in Hampi, which is known for its granite boulders. If you are a nature lover, you can take a coracle ride in Hampi and enjoy the scenic beauty of the Tungabhadra river.
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