Melkote
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Understand
Melukote is a 4,000 year old town near Mysore city. The building are simply amazing and the poeple follow the same 4,000 year old Brahmin lifestyle even now. Eyesores like electricity, motor bikes and mobile telephones have affected this hillock also.
Talk
Even though the language that is generally spoken is Kannada, Tamil is also understood and spoken by many. English can also be used as people are well educated.
Get in
If you are travelling by public transportation, you have to alight at Jakkanahalli junction and get an autorickshaw for the last seven kilometer trip up the hill. Buses are also available every one hour from Jakkanahalli junction.
By Bus
KSRTC operates buses regularly from K.R.Nagar to Melkote.
By Car
Melkote is 51 kms from Mysore and It is 131 kms from Bangalore.
From Mysore, You have to go on Mysore-Bangalore Highway and after Srirangapatana, You have to take a diversion on the left and then reach Pandavapura and go straight for another 26 kms to reach Melkote.
From Mysore, You have to go on Mysore-Bangalore Highway and after Srirangapatana, You have to take a diversion on the left and then reach Pandavapura and go straight for another 26 kms to reach Melkote.
Get around
Upper Melukote can be covered by foot in one hour. Lower Melkote is more spacious and less worth exploring because it is full of modern concrete buildings. More natural scenery can be enjoyed by walking down the hill for a distance of seven kilometers upto Jakkanahalli junction.
See
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Cheluvanarayana swamy temple
address: Upper MelukoteVery beautiful stone structure of unbelievable big area. -
Yoga narasimha temple
address: Old MelukoteYoga narasimha temple is atop the hill and you can take car till halfway the hill and have to climb few steps to reach Yoga narsimha temple.All temples in Melkote are open till 6'0 clock in the evening.
Do
Count the old buildingsThe old buildings on the hilltop are so numerous that they cannot be counted in one stretch. Their beauty is beyond description and enjoying a single hut can take half an hour and their style cannot be captured in your modern camera.
Eat
Melkote is famous for Puliyogare, A south Indian food made with Rice, Tamarind and Ground nuts. You can buy Puliyogare gojju from any Iyengar shop which can be mixed with rice to prepare a quick snack at home.
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Subbanna Mess
address: upper MelkoteRs.100 for a Rs.50 level lunch. You are not allowed to eat in peace as the owner constantly observes you and intervenes giving directions for proper ancient way of eating. -
Annapoorna Mess
address: Near Yedhushala BookstallRs.60 for vegetarian lunch on stiched leaves. -
Shree Nidhi Restaurant
address: KSRTC bus station
Sleep
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Bagur Yathri Nivas
address: Upper MelkoteRs.500 for rooms without bath with only bed and no windows. Roof level ventilators give light and keep away cold winds.Simple and unique experience.