Cycling to Sri Kedareshwara and Chennakeshava Temples, Nagalapura

Starting point from Bangalore: ~100 km
Starting location: Lakshmipura
Cycling distance: 19 km one way (Total 38 km)
Destination: Nagalapura, Kedareshwara Temple
Road Condition: Decent most of the way, Bumpy after 2 km from starting point for 2 KMs

Before Start of Bicycle Ride

Being the first Bicycle trip in my endeavor to visit unseen Hoysala temples, my first choice was Nagalapura for unknown reasons. May be I was inspired by an Instagram post that had the reference to this place.

Another reason was the distance for the ride, my options were to be between 25-50 KMs and this fit the bill.

Did Google search and found that the temple is open from 9 am to 5 pm all days and found the perfect place to park my car in Lakshmipura. Right next to Hassan highway, parked my car in front of a house and told them my plan told for riding bicycle to Nagalapura Hoysala Temple.

House owners were cool and said they would look after my car till I return and they were curious where I was heading. When I said Nagalapura they said, I am at the wrong place. Nagalapura was no where near and I need to go to Nagamangala.

But I argued telling that this Nagalapura with historic Hoysala temple was near Turuvekereand this road will take me there. Then the conversation turned funny, they innocently said "Your google" is wrong and "Our google" is right. I showed my phone but they were not convinced. An aged gentleman showed up then said he vaguely remembers a temple and its called "Kodi Nagalapura" another name for the place. What a relief 🙌

On the Way

Not much of elevation over the route. After 2 KMs from the start the road is little bumpy with lots of potholes for about 2-3 KMs.

Hardly any traffic throughput the route, you will get to pass many water bodies and villages. Most of the way there is no shade.

If you plan to refill water M Kodihalli is apt place with few shops. Though you can fill water at any village, just ask for it and always villagers are courteous.

At the Destination

Reached the village and first to see was the Sri Chennakeshava Temple, Nagalapura, to my shock there was a fence around the temple and entry gate was locked. Was totally disappointed and asked a few villagers nearby, they told me to go to the next temple (Kedareshwara temple), caretaker of the temple can be found there and he can bring the keys and open the temple for me.

So if temple is locked don't worry, Finally caretaker sent his grandson with keys to open the temple.

Overwhelming to experience the temple being opened just for me :)

Temple

There are 2 beautiful temples within vicinity of 500 meters. Temples were built sometime in 12th century by Hoysala kings, its not known the name of the king.

Some unique things about the temples are

Both temples don't have Gopura or Vimana
Both temples are unfinished
Part of the carvings on the road side is good other side its incomplete or stolen
Well maintained and clean

Kedareshwara Temple, Nagalapura

Just at the
entrance of the temple is the Bilva Tree and its auspicious to use leaves of
the tree for puja of Lord Shiva.

Entering the temple, you will find on the left-hand side idol of Ganesha, don’t
miss it!

Main Deity of
the temple is Shiva in form of Linga. You can enter the sanctum
sanctorum and do pradakshina around the Shiva Linga.

Opposite to
entrance wall are Brahma, Virupaksha and other deities.

Shiva Linga, Kedareshwara Temple, Nagalapura

Shri Chennakeshava Temple, Nagalapura

Main deity is Keshava. Beautifully carved idol is in the sanctum sanctorum.

Checked on the daily rituals or puja done, he explained that the priest comes from a different place and once a day some rituals are performed.

Few Tips

There is an alternate route to Nagalapura, this takes through Adichunchanagiri. See the pic in the map. Road condition might be better and it will be 24 km one way.

Since you are going to temple, better to carry a pant. Some temples don't allow you to enter in shorts (What I do is ride on convertible shorts and carry extensions)
Carry Sufficient water with you.

There is a small shop in Nagalapura to buy water, chocolates and some fruit juice. Shop is on another street behind the Shri. Chennakeshava Temple street
Breakfast on the way can be at Paakashala, Kunigal. Crowded place and breakfast was average. Its about 45 minutes before ride starting place.
Lunch I had after Kunigal at Dwaraka Veg. Empty and food was good. Its next to Kamat Upachar which is closed as on that day.