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Horanadu Hills

Horanadu

About:

Horanadu Hills, nestled in the Western Ghats of Karnataka, is a scenic and spiritually significant area famous for its natural beauty, lush greenery, and the revered Annapoorneshwari Temple. Located in the Chikmagalur district, Horanadu is known for its mist-covered hills, coffee plantations, and serene atmosphere, attracting pilgrims and nature lovers alike. It offers a tranquil escape for those looking to immerse themselves in both spirituality and the scenic landscape of the Western Ghats.

The main deity of Annapoorna is made of gold and she looks very beautiful. A sense of fulfilment is felt when a person visits this temple and it is said that a person who seeks the goddess' blessings would never have any scarcity for food in life. It is believed that lord Shiva once had a curse and that this curse was reversed when the lord visited Goddess Annapoorna and sought her blessings.

Location info:
Horanadu is situated in the Chikmagalur district of Karnataka, around 330 kilometers from Bangalore and approximately 125 kilometers from Mangalore. The area lies amidst dense forests and coffee estates, with the hills providing a breathtaking view of the Western Ghats.

Climate/Weather:
The climate in Horanadu is generally cool and pleasant year-round. Summers (March to May) have moderate temperatures ranging from 20°C to 30°C. Monsoons (June to September) bring heavy rainfall, which enhances the region's lush greenery but can make travel challenging. Winters (October to February) are cool, with temperatures between 15°C and 25°C, making it the best season to visit.

History:
Horanadu holds a deep religious significance due to the Annapoorneshwari Temple, dedicated to Goddess Annapoorneshwari, the goddess of food and nourishment. According to legend, the temple was established centuries ago by the sage Agastya, who consecrated the deity as a provider of food and prosperity to all devotees. Over time, the temple has been renovated and expanded by various dynasties and devotees. In recent history, it was renovated in the early 20th century, gaining popularity as a pilgrimage site. The deity here is considered extremely powerful and benevolent, offering blessings of food and sustenance to all who seek it. The Annapoorneshwari Temple’s tradition of feeding devotees without any charge embodies the spirit of sharing and generosity, central to the Indian ethos. The temple, along with the surrounding Horanadu Hills, attracts thousands of devotees and tourists each year, creating a unique blend of spirituality and natural beauty.

Interesting things to do:
Temple Visit: The Annapoorneshwari Temple is a major attraction, where devotees come to seek blessings and partake in the free meals served. Trekking: Various trails around the hills offer scenic treks through forests, coffee plantations, and rivers. Bird Watching: The Western Ghats are home to diverse bird species, making it an excellent spot for bird watchers.

Interesting things to Visit:
Kalasa: A nearby town known for its historical Kalaseshwara Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, and scenic surroundings. Kudremukh National Park: Located a short drive away, this national park offers a rich biodiversity and is ideal for wildlife enthusiasts.

Kalasa:
Kalasa, meaning a water pot, is the abode of the Kalaseshwara Temple of Lord Shiva and is a holy temple-town and a tourist spot located near Kudremukh on the banks of river Bhadra. Local mythology points the origin of Kalasa connected to the wedding ceremony of Shiva and Parvathy. It is believed that visiting Kalasa bring punya, a greater religious merit. The Girija Kalyana, commemorating the marriage of Shiva and Parvathi, is an important festival here attracting many tourists.Kalasa, an agricultural land, depends on Bhadra river for its water needs. It is famous for the agriculture products such as coffee, varieties of Ayurvedic herbals and plants and spices. Located in the midst of the heart of the Western Ghats, Kalasa has nearly a pretty pleasant climate in all the seasons. Kalasa attracts many tourists with private resorts and five major water spots, known as pancha theerthas. This is a nice place to spend some time to get the religious blessings as well as natural enjoyment.

Mobile range info:
Mobile connectivity in Horanadu is available but may be weak in certain remote areas. Major network providers generally have coverage, especially near the temple and town center.

How to reach?
Nearest Railway Station: The nearest railway station is in Chikmagalur (about 100 km), with Mangalore providing broader rail connectivity.
Nearest Airport:Mangalore airport
Road Transport:Horanadu is well-connected by road from Chikmagalur, Mangalore, and Bangalore. Buses and taxis are available from nearby towns.

Nearest Visiting places:
Kalasa: Known for its scenic landscapes and the ancient Kalaseshwara Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva. Sringeri: A renowned pilgrimage site for Hindus, known for the ancient Sharadamba Temple and Sringeri Mutt. Kudremukh: Famous for trekking and wildlife, Kudremukh is known for its rolling hills and the Kudremukh peak.

Everyone who visits the Annapoorna temple is provided with a three course vegetarian meal irrespective of their religion, language, caste, or creed. Male visitors to the temple have to remove their shirts and preferably cover their shoulders with a towel or a shawl as a symbol of respect and humility in front of god.The main deity of Annapoorna is made of gold and it is believed that a person who seeks the goddess' blessings will never have any scarcity for food in life. It is also believed that Lord Shiva had a curse upon him once and that this curse was reversed only when the Lord visited Goddess Annapoorna and sought her blessings.

On an average around 5000 devotees are said to visit the Devi temple every day, travelling through the midst of thick forests and valleys. The route to the temple traverses ghats, amazingly dense forests and vegetation. The scenery and the pristine atmosphere have a spiritual effect on every person travelling to and visiting the Annapoorneshwari Temple.

Nearest Petrol Pump:

The nearest petrol pump is in Kalasa, approximately 10 kilometers from Horanadu, and there are additional options in Chikmagalur and Karkala for long-distance travelers.

Jyothi Petrol Pump:Sagar,Shimoga,Karnataka,India

Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation:
Horanadu offers basic accommodations near the Annapoorneshwari Temple, including guesthouses and small lodges. For a wider range of options, including budget hotels and homestays, nearby towns like Kalasa and Chikmagalur provide comfortable accommodations.

Things to carry:
Water Bottles: Staying hydrated is essential, especially during treks or temple visits. Rain Gear: Monsoon season can bring unexpected rains, so carry an umbrella or raincoat. Comfortable Footwear: For exploring trails or temple premises, wear comfortable, sturdy shoes. Sunscreen and Hat: Helps protect from the sun, especially if trekking or walking. Binoculars: Ideal for birdwatching in the surrounding forest areas.

Tips & Suggestions:
Best Time to Visit: October to February is ideal, with cool weather and clear views of the hills. Dress Modestly: The temple and surrounding area have religious significance, so dressing respectfully is recommended. Plan Ahead During Festivals: Horanadu can become crowded during major festivals, so plan your trip accordingly. Carry Cash: ATMs may not be readily available in remote areas, so it’s best to carry cash for local purchases.

Help Line/Phone Number:
Annapoorneshwari Temple Office:+91-8263-273224
Nearest Hospital:
Venkateshwara nursing home:Hassan,Karnataka,India
Jyothi Hospital:Laila,Belthangady, Dakshina Kannada, Karnataka,India,ph:08256 233939

Horanadu Hill Station Nearest Attraction
Belavadi
It is a big Hoysala temple, 12 km from Halebid. There are few visitors. King BIddiga converted to Hinduism under the influence of a philosopher and called himself Vishu Vardhana. At first he built this temple and defined Vishnu in it.....more
Sringeri
Sringeri is a monastic temple town started by Shankara, who promoted the Advaitha philosophy in the 9h century. The temple was built in the 14th century with the support of Vijayanagara .....more
Hebbe Falls
Hebbe Falls are situated about 10 km away from the famous hill station Kemmangundi in Karnataka, India. This waterfalls are inside a coffee estate and can be reached either by walk or four-wheeler.....more
Kalhatti Falls
Kalhatti Falls start at the top of the Chandra Drona Hill, from a height of 45m to flow before the Veerabhadreshwara Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Situated 10km from Kemmangundi, Kalahatti is about 250 km form Bangalore.....more
Manikyadhara Waterfall
Manikyadhara Falls is situated near Kemmangundi of Chikmagalur district. It is located on the Baba Budan Giri HIlls, which is a sacred place for both Muslims and Hindus. It is one of the main attractions of Baba Budan Giri or Dattapeeta.....more
Sirmane / Sirmane falls
Sirimane falls, a tributory of Tunga river which decends from the Western Ghats ranges near Sringeri in Chikmagalur District of Karnataka. Sirimane falls is one of the pretty waterfalls, located about five kilometres from Kigga, and is around 22 km away from Sringeri.....more
Bababudangiri Hills
Bababudangiri shrine (also known as Dattatreya Peeta or Dattatreya Peetha) is a shrine located on Bababudangiri hill in the Chikmagalur District of the state of Karnataka in India.This peak is one of the highest in Karnataka.....more
Gangamoola Hills
Located in the Samse Taluk of Chikmagalur district, the Gangamoola hill is surrounded by thick forests. It is the origin of three mighty rivers, the Tunga, Bhadra and Nethravathi.The highlights of the region are a Goddess Bhagavathi shrine and a Varaha image, 1.8 metres high, within a cave, which become inaccessible during the monsoons....more
Kemmannugundi Hills
55 kms north from Chickmagalur town on the Baba Budan range is the scenic hill station of Kemmannugundi called K.R hills, after the Wodeyar king Krishnaraja Wodeyar - IV who made it his favorite summer camp. Situated at a height of 1434 meters and surrounded by thick green forests. K.R Hills makes and ideal health resort.....more
Kudremukh Hills
The unspoilt Kundadri hill station in Karnataka situated in Teerthahalli taluk of Shimoga, still remains one of the favorite spots for tourists keen in mountain trekking. The mountains are unexplored and one can feel the excitement in discovering new pathways to the peak.....more
Horanadu Temples
Horanadu the holy city of Chickmagalur district of Karnataka, is famous for the Annapoorneshwari Temple. Dedicated to Goddess Annapurneshwari, (Goddess of Food and Grains) this temple was built in 1973.It is believed that one who visits the temple and takes the blessing of the Deity one shall never go hungry in their life. ....more
Shringeri Temples
Situated in southwest region of Karnataka, Chikmagalur is around 200 km from the capital city Bangalore.90 km west of Chikmagalur town is Sringeri situated on the banks of river Tungabhadra. Sringeri was discovered by Sri Sankaracharya as a place where even natural animosities did not exist, as he saw a frog in labour protected from the scorching rays of the sun by a raised hood of a cobra.....more
Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary
38 kms from Chikmagalur, this sanctuary is must for wildlife enthusiasts. Gaur, chital, sambar, elephants and tigers are some of the wildlife found here. This place is truely mysterious, magical and mind-blowing. The secrets of the jungle unwind as you go deep into the seemingly silent forest.....more
Muthodi Wildlife Sanctuary
The Muthodi Forest Reserve is one of the four main parts of the Bhadra Wild life Sanctuary, the other three being Tanikecoil, Lakkavalli and Hebbe.38 kms from Chikmagalur, this sanctuary is must for wildlife enthusiasts. Gaur, chital, sambar, elephants and tigers are some of the wildlife found here.....more
Kudremukh National Park
Kudremukh National Park, Karnataka is one of the most popular national parks in India. Located in Mangalore, it is surrounded by Kudremukh or the Horse Face range overlooking the Arabian Sea. The topography of Kudremukh National Park, Karnataka is marked by deep ravines and steep cliffs.....more
Bhadra River
The Bhadra River is a river in Karnataka state in southern India.The Bhadra originates in the Western Ghats range, and flows east across the Deccan Plateau, joined by its tributaries the Somavahini, Thadabehalla, and Odirayanahalla.....more
Tunga River
The Tunga River is a river in Karnataka state, southern India. The river is born in the Western Ghats on a hill known as Varaha Parvata at a place called Gangamoola. From here, the river flows through two districts in Karnataka - Chikmagalur District and Shimoga District.....more
Lakkavalli Dam
Lakkavalli is a small town in Chikmagalur district, Karnataka state, southern India. Lakkavalli is the site of a dam across the Bhadra River; the dam is used for irrigation and power production.Lakkavalli is a small village situated at a distance of 22 km from Tarikere and 45 km from Shimoga.....more
Muthodi National Park
....more
Sootanabbi / Hanuman Gundi Falls
....more