Sunday, March 13, 2016

Koti Lingeshwara - Om Namah Shivaya

I had been longing to visit this place for a while as it is close to Bangalore (around 100+ kms). We a family of 5 visited this place on 13th March 2016. Let me jump to my review directly

Highlights

- Shivaling everywhere! Haven't seen so many before. +1 for that (See pics below)
- You can carry camera inside temple with a fairly high fee of 100 Rs. 
- There are wheel chair options for physically challenged which I haven't seen before in other temple.
- Good if not "Must see" place for one day trip from bangalore
- Road conditions are great except for last 20 KMS (small road but not bad roads)
- The priests inside temple explains in details about this place.
- Surprised to see many celebrities and politicians have donated in this place and they have shivaling in their names :)
- You can club "Bangaru Tirupati" visit which is near to this place (I did not visit though).

Lowlights

- This is more of a day trip and not a "true" pilgrimage trip. Good view for eyes but no feeling of "bhakthi" sadly. This is just one time visit.
- DO NOT go during summer.  There is no shelter near those idols and they don't pour water anywhere and you can't just walk as it is too hot (even at 4 PM).
- Money oriented (Ex : Chappal stand fee is Rs 2 as printed but they charge you Rs 5 quoting "Jatre time" lol)
- WORST EVER TRAFFIC  to reach this place even on sunday. KR Puram and Hoskote toll plaza (long queues) are horrible while going and coming back.




Folks, these things might help you 

1. Start early or start after 2 PM from Bangalore and don't go in summer. If you don't like traffic or stay in "Bangalore south" then honestly whole journey is terrible.  Specially crossing KR Puram and then hoskote toll. After that it is a smooth ride.
2. Coordinates to reach this place  12.998357, 78.295764
3. Near hoskote there is only one good hotel (Udupi bhavan i guess) and then Kamat nearing Kolar. If you miss that then don't worry. There is one in Bangarpet right opposite to government bus stand. Do visit that hotel - M Meenakshi mess (Veg hotel). They serve on banyan leaf and water they use the mineral water. Medium spicy food and clean. It is a good place considering that area. See the photo below in case you want to visit
4. GPS can misguide to reach this place. After Kolar you have to take right turn (Ramp on flyover) towards KGF / Bangarpet. Keep an eye on that.
5. Between 12:30 to 3:00 the temple will serve lunch.

Happy journey and keep travelling


























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