If you are going to visit,
Karnataka then Chikmagalur must be there on your list.
Located in the Malnad area of the Western Ghats,
Chikmagalur is surrounded by the majestic peaks of Mullayanagiri,
and Baba Budanagiri
On its sides.
is dotted with famous waterfalls like Hebbe and Kalhatti treasure.
Along with these,
the densely wooded sanctuaries of Muthodi and Bhadra,
are an enticing invitation for all such wildlife and nature loves treasure.
Image Credit: Little Black Book
However,
what many may overlook as one of the best places to visit in this town.
It’s lesser-known lakes and rivers, like Ayyanakere,
one of the biggest lakes in Chikmagalur
and the second largest in Karnataka.
Also known as Dodda Madagadakere,
this lake is formed at the eastern base of,
the Baba Budanagiri hill range.
Flows over the eastern plains, thereby acquiring the name Veda,
and after joining the Avati stream, comes to be known as Vedavati.
It is located at a distance of around 20km,
from Chikmagalur and can be reached by road.
The nearest village is known as Sakharayapatna,
which derives its main water source for agriculture from its the lake.
In fact,
Ayyanakere was constructed with the sole purpose of,
providing the water needed.
For agriculture for villages located
as far as 15 kms away through ten canals linked to the lake.
Despite being adorned with beautiful landscapes in and around it,
Ayyanakere remains largely unknown.
It’s a place that combines rustic charm.
With a breathtaking view of Agumbe and Sringeri hills.
Around it offering spectacular sunrises and sunsets.
Ayyanakere serves as the perfect picnic spot.
To do a spot of fishing in solitude or with your loved ones.
Image Credit: Srinivasa S on National Geographic
Numerous legends and treasure stories associated.
With the place make Ayyanakere even more alluring.
It is believed that the lake,
was originally built by Rukmangada Raya,
the ruler of Sakhyarayapatna village.
Was later beautified by the Hoysala kings.
During the days of Rukmangada Raya,
the lake was maintained by a waterman (nirganti) named Honna Billa.
One new moon,
a cowherd,
Channa Billa and
Honna Billa,
were sitting by the lake,
when the goddess of the lake emerged.
She warned that the lake would soon breach,
thereby inundating all the nearby villages and destroying them.
Panicking,
the two of them requested the goddess,
to give them some time to go to the.
Discuss with the masters about possible ways to prevent such calamity.
The goddess promised to wait till their return,
and with no other solution at bay,
the duo beheaded themselves at the town gate,
thereby making sure that they never return.
Today,
a mantapa stands in their honour commemorating their sacrifice.
Another legend goes that the lake used to overflow repeatedly,
and several rituals,
had to be performed as suggested by a contemporary saint,
known as Nirvanaswamy,
who finally succeeded in overcoming the problem once and for all.
Visiting Ayyanakere,
cannot be complete without a visit
to the Shakuni Ranganatha Swamy temple located nearby
in Sakharayapatna (about 5 kms from the lake),
along with a Prasanna Balleshwara shrine on.
A hillock with Hoysala scriptures of Ganapathi,
Surya and Krishna adorning the walls.
The Shakunagiri mountain offers trekking trails to be explored as well.
Need any more reasons to add this hidden treasure to your list?
Want to organize a trip to this place?
Contact us now! connect@trippintraveller.com
