Happy TravellerWelcome to Chitapur, a small town located in the Kalaburagi district of Karnataka, India. Known for its polished stones and toor dal, Chitapur is a hidden gem waiting to be explored. The town is spread over an area of 3.5 km² and has an average elevation of 403 metres (1322 ft). Chitapur is located on the main railway from Hyderabad to Mumbai, 50 km from Gulbarga district. Here are some of the top places to see in Chitapur:
Sannati: Located on the banks of the Bhima River in Chitapur taluka of Gulbarga District of Northern Karnataka, Sannati is famous for the Sri Lakshmi Chandrala Parameshwari Temple and the excavations by the Archaeological Survey of India. In 1986, when the roof of the Mahakali temple (sub shrine) in Chandrala Parameshwari temple complex collapsed, it destroyed the idol. However, it revealed four Ashokan edicts on the floor and foundation stone of the temple. These edicts were written in the Prakrit language and Brahmi script and one of them was used as the foundation of the pedestal for the Mahakali idol. Sannati is also the place where Rishi Markandeya meditated and also composed parts of Markandeya Upanishad. A small temple has been renovated at the place where Markandeya is believed to have sat in meditation. Sannati Chandrala Parmeshwari and Hongunti Hingulambika are family deities of many Brahman and Hindus families of Karnataka, Maharashtra, AP etc. Every year, the Chandrala Parameshwari Devi Mahotsav is held during the Navaratri festival. The temple has a history of nearly 800 years and was renovated in 1985. An important Buddhist site, Kanaganahalli is 3 km from Sannati, which is also on the banks of the river Bhima. It is the place where an ancient Buddhist Mahastupa site was found. Sannati village in Chitapur Taluk along the banks of the river Bhima where rock edicts of the period of the King Ashoka and a possible early Buddhist settlement has been excavated.
Nagavi University: Chitapur town has the famous and ancient Nagavi University at the southern part of the town, which operated between the 10th and 13th centuries. There are ruined temples and mosques scattered all around this area probably belongs to Rashtrakoot Empire. Capital Malkhed of Rashtrakoot is located east of Chittapur about 14 km. Chittapur town has its own historic background of Nagavelambika Temple and Hajarat Chittavali shaha Darga.
Chittapur Railway Station: The Chittapur railway station is an important railway station on the Hyderabad-Mumbai line. It is well-connected to major cities in India and is a convenient way to reach Chitapur.
With its rich history and cultural heritage, Chitapur is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Karnataka. Come and explore this hidden gem and discover the many treasures it has to offer!
