The temple of Kodandarama, which is a state-protected, stands in the south-east of the City. It seems to have been constructed in three stages. This temple is a structure in the Hoysala style, so for as the garbhagriha and sukanasi are concerned, the remaining portions being subsequent additions in the Dravidian style. The present navaranga is of the 14th century A.D., while the mukhamantapa (porch) may be of the 16th century A.D. According to the sthalapurana, proud Parashurama was subdued at this place by Lord Ramachandra, and as per the request of the former to show him the scene of his marriage, the latter took here Sita to his right and Lakshmana to his left.

A single, secluded hill that has been successfully posing as a hill station ever since King Krishna Rajendra Wodeyar IV made it his summer haven in 1932. Kemmannagundi’s compact charm, views, waterfalls, gardens make it one of the most fun filled short holidays from Bangalore. Still it is lacking from amenities like good restaurants & accommodation. Major places to see are – flower garden maintained by horticulture department, trek to Kalhati waterfalls or Hebbe falls. Trek to Z point to watch the sunset.

This is the highest peaks in Karnataka, ideal place to watch sunset.

The sanctuary is surrounded by Mullaianagiri, Hebbegiri, Gangegiri & Bababudangiri hills & has tributaries of Bhadra River flowing through it. Western border is Bhadra reservoir surrounded by scenic hills & slopes.

This beautiful “horse face” shaped landscape designed by rain. Overlooking the Arabian sea, these broad hills are chained to one another with deep valley & steep precipices. The land here grows coffee, areca nut, palms, cardamom & mango – all at the same time.

Major places to visit around Kudremukh are as below:
Kudremukh Peak (6250 ft): This peak is situated just before the town. To reach the top, one needs to hike a bit. On a clear day, blue edge of the Arabian sea is visible from the top. Peak is generally closed during the summer due to forest fire fear.

Lakya Dam: Located just outside Kudremukh, dam is built by KIOCL (Karnataka Iron Ore Company Limited) to deposit the red sludge from its mines. It is a great place for evening walk.

Kudremukh National Park: Located about 10 kms from the town, consist evergreen rain forests & is extremely beautiful. Forest here is thick. Hence big game sightings are rare. Places worth visiting within the park are Hanuman Gundi waterfalls & Gangamoola, where the Tunga, Bhadra & Netravati rivers originate.

Sringeri situated on the banks of Tungabhadra, was established by Sri Adi Shankara, the exponent of the Advaita philosophy in 9th Century A.D. It is famous for Vidyashankara Temple and Sharada Temple. In the Vidya Shankara shrine, there are 12 zodiac pillars, which are so constructed that the rays of the sun fall on the pillar corresponding to the month.

Horanadu has an ancient temple of Annapoorneshwari, which has been renovated recently. With the installation of the new image of Adi Shakti, now the temple is called Adi - Shaktyatmaka Shri Annapoorneshwari. The place attracts lots of pilgrims who are provided free boarding and lodging by the temple.

Just 10 kms from the Hoysala capital of Halebid is Belavadi, another place in the district with historical associations. This ancient village is dotted with temples and shrines, the most outstanding of them being Veeranarayana temple - a fine specimen of Hoysala architecture.

Marle is another place of antiquity noted for its temples, chief amongst them being the Chennakeshava temple dating back to 1150 A.D.

Amrithapura is known for the Amrithapura temple built in 1196 A.D by Amriteshwara Dandanayaka, a general of the Hoysala ruler Ballala II. Delicacy of touch, originality of design and fine feature has made this temple one of the notable structures of the Hoysala period.