Sringeri
Sringeri is a small Town in Southern India, in Chikmagaluru district of Karnataka. The Town is famous for the Shree Sharada Peetam, a Temple of the Goddess of knowledge, Devi Sharadamba, an incarnation of Devi Adi Parasakthi, which was established by Shri Adi Sankaracharya in 8th Century CE. The Temple is located on the banks of River Tunga, which joins bhadra to become Tungabhadra, a tributary of River Krishna joining in Kurnool District
As per sources, while Shri Adi Shankarar went around, in search for areas for establishing the Peetams, he comes to the town on the bank of river Tunga. It was during Monsoon time and the river was filled with water. Heavy rains lashed across the hilly Western Ghats. At this time, on the banks of the river Tunga, he saw a Frog struggling. The frog had gone into labour, and it was time to lay eggs and it couldn't move around anywhere. At this moment, a Cobra snake, which happens to pass through, spreads his hood around the frog, turning its protector, rather than killing it. This scene surprised Adi shankarar, who decided that there could be no other better place for setting his Peetam, than a place where foes turn protector. Hence, he prayed to the Goddess, and established the Temple on the banks of the river, Tunga
Get in
By plane
The nearest airport is Mangalore (110km from Sringeri)
By train
Shimoga or Kadur is the nearest railroad and is linked to Bangalore. Shimoga is about 110 km from Sringeri and connected through Pvt buses
The Shimoga Express (Train Number : 16227) runs from Mysore to Talaguppa. The train departs from Bangalore (Station Code : SBC) at 2310 hrs and arrives at Shimoga, next day at 0450 hrs. The train can also be boarded in Bangalore at Yashwantpur and Malleswaram.
A similar train - Bangalore Express (Train Number : 16228) departs Shimoga (Station Code: SME) at 2220hrs and arrives at Bangalore (Station Code : SBC) at 0420 hrs next day. Both trains run on all days in a week.
Kadur is located on the Mumbai-Bangalore line and has Daily connection to Mumbai through Chalukya/Sharavati Express. apart from that the station is connected with Kohlapur with Ranu Chennamma Express.
Kundapura (KUDA) is nearest major railway station on Konkan Railway route connecting Kerala and Mangalore through Mumbai and is an important stop for all trains passing through this route . It is located about 75 km from Sringeri . Private taxi and Govt.(KSRTC)/Private buses also there from Kundapura city.
By car
From Bangalore catch the NH-4 bound to Mumbai till Nelamangla, and turn left at Nelamangla Bye-pass to catch the NH-48 bound to Mangalore. Carry on for 150 km to Hassan, and exit Hassan on the route to Chikmaglur. Pass through Belur at 40 km and cross chikmaglur. Take a left as you enter Chikmaglur town towards Mudigere Road, and watch out for the sign to Aldur. Take a right towards Alur and another right in the Town of Alur towards Balehonnur. Cross Balehonnur and arrive at Jayapura at 12 km. If you are very comfortable with ghat road and riding a small vehicle, take a U turn to left in Jayapura to carry on towards Sringeri. or else, carry on to Koppa and then take a left towards Sringeri at Koppa
this section for driving is only for experienced drivers. Amateaur drivers are advised against driving on these routes. Avoid self driving in monsoon as visibility will be poor. Avoid driving post 6PM as the roads will be isolated
By bus
The KSRTC (State Owned Transport) operates buses from all major cities to Shringeri and Shimoga. Tickets can be booked from online vendors, KSRTC offices or online . There are also a good number of buses and private transport from Shimoga town to Sringeri.Sringeri is connected through Luxury buses by KSRTC from Bangalore and Mysore
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Get around
See
- Agumbe. located at around 25 km from Sringeri. Regular bus services are available to this place from Sringeri. This place is known for the beautiful sunset Spot in the middle of ever green forest valley.
- Hariharapura. located at around 20 km from Sringeri. The place has Sri Sharada Lakshminarasimha Peetam established by Sri Adi Shankaracharya on the banks of the River Tunga. The place is serene amidst forest, Arecanut farms and rice fields and surrounded by small hills. Hariharapura also boasts of a 110 year old bridge across the Tunga connecting it to Koppa. This bridge is believed to have been built by Sir M Visveswaraiah. Hariharapura is an ideal place to visit the surrounding places in the western ghat region.
- Kigga. It is located about 9 km from Sringeri and is famous for Rushyasringeshwara temple who is known as rain . Regular bus services are available to Kigga from Sringeri ( Frequency: One per hour).
- Maghe Bailu. A beautiful Village located in the middle of ever green forests. This village became famous when the villagers started producing electricity on their own. A small beautiful Wwater falls called MagheBailu falls is located in this village. Its about 5 km from Kigga village. No bus facility available to this village as well.
- Mallikarjuna temple (Mallappana betta).
- Narasimha Parvatha. A trek spot. Trek is of about 8Km.Trek starts from Kigga to reach the peak of Narasimha Parvatha.In case you are trekking permission has to be taken from the forest department in Sringeri.
- Narasimha Vana. This is where the present Jagadguru of Dakshina( southern) Shankaracharya Mutt H.H Sri Bharathi Teertha Swamigalu resides.
- Rajiv Gandhi Samskrutha vidya Peetham. This place is around 2 km from Sringeri in a place called Menase.
- Sirimane. A beautiful waterfalls which is just 4 km from Kigga Village. You will not get any bus to reach this place. You need to hire a car or an auto rickshaw from Sringeri. Or should be ready to walk from Kigga village.
- Sringeri Sharada Peetham. The main temple of Sringeri established by Sri Adi Shankaracharya.
- Tunga river Bank. Famous for fishes. Fishing is banned in this area. But you can feed the fishes. People generally feed puffed rice.
- Uluve bird Sancuary. Its the home of hundreds of cranes. Its on the bank of river Tunga. Its located at about 5 km from Sringeri town.
Do
Shri Sharada Temple is the major place of interest in this Town. Next to this temple, on the exact banks of river Tunga, is the Shri Vidyashankar Temple, built in the old Hoysala style architecture. Fish is very famous in the river Tunga, however fishing is not allowed. Visitors are given packets of puffed rice to feed the fish and its a delightful sight
The Narasimhavana is located on the other side of the river, connected through a Foot over bridge. The Ashrama is a very peaceful place for relaxation and a quick stroll
There is no dress code to enter the temple. However if you are planning to go to Narasimhavana where Swamiji resides, carry a set of dhothi. Men are supposed to take off their shirt before entering "GuruBhavana" (Swamiji's place). Even though women don't have any dress code, they are expected to wear either a saree or salwar kameez.
Buy
- Sringeri Banana Chips -> Sringeri is famous for Banana chips.
- Pickles -> Malnad part is famous for pickles. There are many shops which sells pickles, thokku etc out of these stores Vijaya Narasimha store in Bharathi Street is the most famous one
- Happala (Papads) -> Sringeri is also famous for "Jackfruit Happala"
- Several Vedic Books and others related to ancient Sanskrit literature are available at Mutt Store
Eat
- Apart from the accommodation provided by the temple, there aren't too many hotels around.
- Sringeri Mutt provides hygienic good food during noon and night time.
- There are many good small budget mess around the temple street.
Drink
Sleep
Many decent budget lodges are available in Bharathi street of Sringeri. Sri Mutt has many decent lodges but has to be booked well in advance. Like most of the other lodges on Bharathi Street, it does not permit alcohol or meat. Shankara kripa, Sharada Kripa, Bharathi Vihar and Yatri Nivas are the town's Mutt lodges.
- Panchavati Cottages Suitable if you're looking for a quiet place. Not a low-end budget option, but a fair value.
- Advaith Lancer A hotel on the banks of river Tunga, more fancy than most others in town.
- Vidya Bharathi tourist home, Bharathi street.
Stay safe
- Do not try swimming in the river as there are many whirlpools.
If you are not used to walking barefoot for two hours, you will miss most of the charms of Shringeri. They ask you to remove your shoes at the temple entrance, but after seeing the temple, you have to cross the river and walk in the beautiful areca nut farm to reach the cute residence of the chief priest. So take some training in walking on the gravel path. The chief priest is an Indian scientist who has renounced the material world and selected the world of spirituality.