Chamarajanagar district was bifurcated from Mysore district. Chamarajanagar is southern-most district of Karnataka. The original name of this place was Arikottara. The Wodeyar king of Mysore Sri Chamaraja Wodeyar, was born here and hence this place was renamed after him. Chamarajanagar district borders the state of Tamil Nadu and Kerala. Chamarajanagar town is the headquarters of the dictrict. Chamarajanagar town is located at a distance of 185 km from Bangalore
PLACES OF INTEREST IN CHAMARAJANAGAR DISTRICT
Chamarajeshwara Temple
The Chamarajeshwara Temple is the main temple in Chamarajanagar, which was built during end of 19th Century.
Bandipur Wildlife Sanctuary
Bandipur wildlife sanctuary in Gundlupet taluk is located at a distance of 52 km from Chamarajanagar. It is situated on the Mysore – Ooty Road. Bandipur wildlife sanctuary is adjoins with the Mudumalai sanctuary in the neighbouring state of Tamil Nadu, the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary of Kerala, and the Nagarhole National Park to the north-west. Bandipur is considered as one of the best wildlife sanctuaries in India.
Apart from Tigers and leopards other animals like Elephant, Gaur, deer, Sloth bear, Mouse deer, Wild dog, Wild boar, Barking deer, Four horned Antelope, Hyena are also found here. Birds like Grey Jungle fowl, Pompadour Green Pigeon, Honey Buzzard, Vulture, Grey-headed Fish Eagle, Brown Hawk Owl, Bay Owl, Malabar Trogon, Nilgiri Flycatcher, Malabar Pied Hornbill, Little Spider hunter, Plain Flower pecker are found here. King Cobra, Common Cobra, Python, Adder, Viper, Rat Snake, Water Snake, Marsh Crocodile are the reptiles found here.
Biligirirangana Hills Wildlife Sanctuary
BR Hills or Biligirirangana hills Wildlife Sanctuary is located at 109 km from Chamarajanagar. The Biligirirangana range of hills are picturesquely situated between the Kaveri and Kapila rivers. It is located at a height of 5,091 ft above sea level. It is spread over an area of 539.52 sq. km. Some of the important wildlife found here are gaur, chithal, sambar, bears, elephants, panthers, tigers and a wide variety of birdlife. The BT hills is also famous for the Ranganathaswamy temple. The annual fair held held here in April.
Male Mahadeshwara Hills
Male Mahadeshwara Hills or MM Hills is located at a distance of 94 km from Chamarajanagar. Malai Mahdeshwara hills is a popular shaiva pilgrim centre and Hill station. The ancient and sacred temple of Sri Male Mahadeshwara is located here. It is believed that Sri Mahadeshwara Swamy came here to perform penance in Male Mahadeshwara Hills. According to tradition there are seven hills identified in the puranas as Anumale, Jenumale, Kanumale, Pachchemale, Pavalamale, Ponnachimale and Kongumale. All these hills form Male Mahadeshwara Hills. The forests are inhabited by a variety of animals, birds and reptiles. They are found in large numbers too. Elephants are the most prominent species.
Hogenakal Falls
Hogenakal Falls is on the border between the states of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. The name Hogenakal is derived from Kannada language, it means smoky rocks. “Hoge” means “smoke” and “kal” means “rocks”. When the water is falling on the rocks it looks as if smoke is emanating from the rocks because of the force of the water.