Sringeri

State

Sringeri, one of the most revered holy towns in South India, is located on the banks of Tunga River. The town is in Chikmagalur village in Karnataka. Sringeri has got it name from the epic character Rishyasringa who figures in Ramayana.

It is a bustling city with the presence of world renowned Sri Sarada Samsthanam (Sri Sringeri Sharada Peetham) established in 7th century by Saint Adi Sankaracharya. Adi Sankaracharya, the great exponent of Advaita Vedanta philosophy, had established his first monastery in Sringeri. This is regarded one of the Shakthi Sthalas in India. It is first Mutt out of the original four Sankara Ashrams in India.

Sringeri as a pilgrim town houses many other temples including 14th century Vidyashankara temple. This temple is located at a picturesque location along the banks of the river in a pleasant ambiance. The temple architectural style is a specimen of the Vijayanagar style of architectural brilliance. Chenna Keshab temple and Sharadamba Temple are other two important shrines in Sringeri.

As a part of the western Ghats, Sringeri offers immaculate views of nature. The region surrounding are rich with beautiful scenery and amazing water falls. There are many known attractions in and around Sringeri. Agumbe (a spectacular sunset point), Jog Falls (one of the highest waterfalls in India), Kudremukh (an entertaining hill-station) and Sringagiri hills (the birth place of Sage Rishyasringa) are all at driving distances away from Sringeri.

Sarada Navrathri festival is an important festival attracting thousands of devotees to thus temple town.

History

According to legend, Sringeri was discovered by Sri Sankaracharya. While Adi Shankaracharya was walking by the Tunga river, he saw a cobra with a raised hood, providing shadow from the scorching rays of the hot sun, to a frog about to spawn. Impressed with the place where natural enemies had gone beyond their instincts, he selected this place and decided to stay here and teach his disciples and stayed here for twelve years.

Accessibility

Air: The nearest Airport to Sringeri is Mangalore International Airport Bajpe, which is at a distance of about 100 km away. There are domestic flights operated from Mangalore to many major cities in South India. Pre-paid taxis are available from airport to Sringeri, taxis will charge about Rs 1,300 to cover about 100 km.

Rail: Nearest railhead is at Udupi, which is connected by rail to Chiknagalur and other major cities in south India. Taxicabs are available from Udupi to Sringeri and it charges less than Rs 1,000.

Road: Government bus services connect Sringeri with all cities in and around the city. Sringeri is well connected by bus to Bangalore, Chikmagalur, Udupi, Mangalore and Shimoga.

Accommodation

Enjoy a comfortable stay while on a Tour to Sringeri at the hotels in Sringeri, offering a remarkable blend of tradition and modernity. Some of the major hotels in Sringeri are Travelers' Bungalow, Temple Guest House, P.W.D. Guest House, etc.

STD Code
08265
Best time to visit
October – March