About:

Chamarajnagar is a district located in the southern part of Karnataka, bordering Tamil Nadu. Known for its rich cultural heritage, diverse wildlife, and scenic landscapes, it is a prominent destination for nature lovers and those interested in historical and religious sites. The district is home to the famous Bandipur and Biligiri Ranganatha Hills (BR Hills) wildlife sanctuaries, making it a great spot for ecotourism. Chamarajnagar also boasts several temples, forts, and natural reserves that reflect the region’s historical and spiritual significance. The combination of dense forests, picturesque hills, and temples attracts visitors throughout the year.

The District capital is the city of Chamarajanagar. The administrative units of districts in south India are known as taluks. The taluks of Chamarajanagar include Chamarajanagar taluk, Yelandur taluk, Kollegal taluk, and Gundalpet taluk. Many languages are spoken within the district. Kannada being the state language of Karnataka, is the main language in Chamarajanagar district. Tamil is a minor language within the district but of great importance in many areas within the district. Kollegal taluk has a great deal of Tamils, and was originally part of the Tamil Nadu state, in the Salem District.

Chamarajanagar is known for a good extent of forest land within its boundaries. Hence, it has a very high population of forest-dwelling tribals - Soligas, Jenu Kurubas, Betta Kurubas. Most of these tribes inhabit the forest of B R Hills, Malai-Mahadeswara Hills, and Bandipur National Park. All of these are protected areas. These tribals all have their own dialect, usually with a strong Tamil influence.

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Climate/Weather of Chamarajnagar District:

History of Chamarajnagar District:

Educational Institutions of Chamarajnagar District:

Other Institutions

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Culture of Chamarajnagar District:

Sericulture is a tradiitional activity in the district. In terms of number of families engaged in rearing silk worms as also the area under mulberry crops, Chamarajanagar district occupies a prominent place.

Chamarajanagar, on the banks of the Cuvery River is a treasure trove of religious and cultural legacy. The legendary Malemahadeshwara Betta shrine accompanied by its annual car rally attracts flocks of tourists.

How to reach Chamarajnagar District?

Tourist Attraction

Chamarajeshwara Temple : The biggest temple in Chamarajanagara, which was built during end of 19th Century. Temple resembles Nanjanagudu Srikanteswara temple and has a very big gopura.

Survarnavathi Reservoir is 16 km. from Chamarajanagar. Net Storage Capacity of the Dam is 1258.76 mft., length of overflow of dam - 160 ft. Top width of dam is 18 ft.

The Kanakagiri hill has been described by ancient historians and writers as Nakopama Shaila, meaning a hill in the form of a Heaven. Since ancient times Srikshretra kanagiri was one of popular Jain centres of the world. Kanakagiri situated near Maleyur in Chamarajanagar District was well known for its sandalwood and rich forestry around it.

BR Hills : Biligiri Rangana Betta (short form: BR Hills), refers to a cliff in the BR Hills range which is a North-South range in the Yelandur Taluk. It is famous for the Ranganathaswamy temple.: Apart from being a religious centre, BR Hills is also the location of the BR Hills Wildlife Sanctuary. It is spread over an area of 539.52 sq. km. Some of the important animals found here are tigers, sloth bears, elephants and gaurs.

Bandipur Wildlife Sanctuary (52 km):Situated on the Mysore-Ooty, this wild life sanctuary adjoins the Mudhumalai sanctuary in Tamil Nadu and the Wayanad sanctuary in Kerala. Herds of bison spotted deer, Elephants and sambar can be seen here. Tigers and lepards can be spotted occasionally. Bandhipur has been brought under 'Project tiger' since 1974.

Biligirirangana Hills Wildlife Sanctuary (109 km):Located at a height of 5,091 ft., this beautiful sanctuary is a home to a variety of wildlife such as gaur, chithal, sambar bears, elephants, panthers, tigers and a wild varity of birdlife. The Soligas, a native tribe also live here. The temple of Bilgiri Rangaswami is situated on these on these Hills, at 1567 meters above sea level.

Dzogchen Monastery, Dhondenling Tibetan Settlement, Odeyarpalaya, Kollegal Taluk.A large monastery in the Nyingma Tradition of Tibetan Buddhism

Kaveri Fishing Camp:The river Kavari at Bhimeswari, abounds in a a varity of fish including the Carnatic Carp and the mahseer. This place is a protected area for thr fish, as the anglers are advised to release the fish, after catching them. the wild beauty of the river and the countryside, are sure to hook any tourist.

Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation nearby Chamarajnagar District:

• Jungle Lodges K Gudi Wildernes
• Ambuja Farms, Chamarajanagar
• KSTDC Mayura Prakruti

Chamarajnagar District Major Attraction