A Day Trip to Kolar

 
We have been planning for a Kolar trip for quite long time. And as we all know, kolar is one of the nearest attraction from Bangalore(Approximately 90 KM).
After a bit of discussion among the family members, we have finally decided to cover three places in Kolar.
1) Kolar Gold Fields - Our school text books told much about India's one of the main Gold Mines. So decided to explore more.
2) Kodi Lingeswara Temple - Found through Google.
3) Rama Lingeswara Temple, Sita Temple - Found through Google.

Some videos below.

 
 
Kolar is a beautiful city with so much of agricultural activities happening. The atmosphere is so peaceful with nice roads all around. City has a BEML factory, which has nice surroundings and spread across acres. The city has so much old building which are going to collapse any time, which showcases the old rich culture when the gold mines were active. There is a Government of India's Rock analysis center institutes which carry out lots of researches around gold mines.

Gold Mines - Kolar:
Our School text books talked much about Kolar gold mines. So before reaching Kolar we have set our navigation to Kolar Gold Fields. The google navigator will take you to the kolar gold fields city where actually you cannot see any gold fields. We have stopped vehicle in between when ever we find a localite, to check more details about the gold fields. They have directed us towards the 5 closed gold mines. These mines were closed and entry was restricted. When we peep through the factory gate holes, it gives a deserted look. Remember these mines are unlike other mines where you can see the open mine areas. They were closed and tunnel kind of structures where you need to enter the closed factory gate to see the mines. Also the localities warned of any poisonous cyanide water around the mines. So we have clicked some pictures around and moved back to next destination.
 
Kotilingeshwara temple
'Attractions in Kolar' Google search pointed us the Koti(Kodi) Lingeshwara Temple. It is around 20 Minutes from the place where Gold mines located.

Below are some of the points about the temple.

• Temple was founded by Swamy Sambha Shiva Murthy(Pooja happens since 1980)
• As of now ninety lakh Shiva Lingas placed around the temple by Devotees.
• The tallest Shiva Linga in the entire world(108 ft - 33 meters)
• There is also a big Nandi statue(35 ft -11 meters).
• The temple is surrounded by lakhs of small lingams spread over an area of 15 acres.
• Entry fee is 20 Rs per head, (Car parking 30 Rs)
• Inside the temple complex there are shrines of Brahma, Vishnu and Maheshwar, Lord Venkataramani Swamy Temple, Lord Rama, Lakshmana and Sita Temple, Lord Anjaneya Temple, Goddess Annapoorneshwari Temple, Lord Panduranga Swamy Temple, Lord Panchamukha Ganapathy temple,  Goddess Kannika Parameshwari Temple and Goddess Karumaari Amma Temple.
• Temple provides meals till 3 PM (Rice with sambar).    

Ramalingeshwara temples - Avani:
Sita temple is located on top of the hill with around 500 steps and 45 minutes walk from Rama Lingeshwara Temple.
We were in search of Sita temple and on the way google showed we have reached the place. We have asked the people around, they showed one temple in that area, which was Rama Lingeshwara. This is basically a group of temples in dravida style. The temple construction was started by Nolamba dynasty construction which was partially renovated later by the Chola dynasty. As of now temple is maintained by Archaeological Survey of India(ASI), unlike other ASI monuments, pooja happens in these temples.
Some points below,

• Temple is located at avani town of the Kolar district.
• The temple complex comprises four major shrines wit Shiva Lingas, the myth says this Lingas were one each for Rama, Lakshmana, Bharata and Shatrughna.
• There is also shrines for Vali and Sugriva.
• This temple is said to be in the premises of old Valmiki Ashrama.
• Sita temple is 1 Hour walk from Rama Lingeshwara Temple.

 
By evening 6 PM we were back to Bangalore.