Melukote
ಮೇಲುಕೋಟೆ
A Vaishnavite holy town on a rocky hill, where the Yoga Narasimha Temple at the summit and the ancient stepped tank make striking photos.
Melukote lies about 50 km north of Mysuru. The 12th-century philosopher Ramanuja lived here for 12 years, and it remains an important Vaishnavite pilgrimage site. In the town centre, the Cheluvanarayana Temple holds the Vairamudi festival every year in March or April, when the deity is paraded wearing a diamond crown. At the summit, the Yoga Narasimha Temple is reached by climbing about 400 steps, and it offers views over the plains. The wide stepped tank called Kalyani has served as a filming location for several films. Puliyogare, tamarind rice, is a local speciality.
Opening hours
Temples approx. 07:30–13:00 and 17:00–20:00
Nearby sights
- Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary
- Ranganathaswamy Temple, Srirangapatna
- Brindavan Gardens & KRS Dam
- Daria Daulat Bagh
- Gommateshwara Statue, Shravanabelagola
- Gumbaz, Srirangapatna
- GRS Fantasy Park
- St. Philomena's Cathedral