Bhatkal
Bhatkal is a port town in Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka, India. Bhatkal is a prosperous town with old quaint houses sharing space along with modern designer mansions and elegant shopping complexes. Steeped in history, abounding in edicts, monuments reflecting the glory of a bygone era, the thriving town is a canvas of peace, affluence and piety.
By virtue of its strategic location, Bhatkal has a cherished history. Bhatkal witnessed the rise and fall of several dynasties and rulers. A part of Hoysala Empire in 1291 to 1343, Bhatkal later fell into the hands of the Vijayanagara Empire.
With a multi-religious population of about 60,000, the town is often referred to as a “mini model of India” representing and reflecting infinite diversity.
Visitors to Bhatkal go back carrying with them pleasant memories of the flora and fauna, the surreal beaches, archaeological splendors and elegant mosques. The easiest way to travel in and around Bhatkal is to hire a cab from Bhatkal Town.
Places of interest
Jamia Masjid
By far the biggest mosque in the town, the Jamia Masjid symbolizes the culture of the people of Bhatkal. Located amidst old houses on the Jamia Street, this giant mosque has been renovated from the older one. The older one too had undergone two renovations. The earlier mosque, known as Jamia Masjid Qadeem is believed to have been built in 1447 A.D. an inscription in Persian dated 851 Hijri (or 1447 A.D.) found on a marble slab is still preserved. Because of its gold-plated dome the Masjid is locally called the `Chinnadapalli’ (Golden mosque). The present Masjid can accommodate about 5,000 namazis at a time.
Murdeshwar Temple
This picturesque place is situated 16 km from Bhatkal has a gorgeous temple perched on the hillock by the shore. The presiding deity is Lord Shiva. The sea is an intrinsic part of the temple scape at Murudeshwar. The sea surrounds the temple towering on the small hill called Kanduka Giri on three sides. Two life-size elephants in concrete stand guard at the steps leading to the temple. The Murdeshwar temple has a history that dates back to a few centuries. As one ascends the hillock, there is a shrine of Jattiga seated on a horse.
The Chandranath basadi
The Chandranath basadi stands out as a prominent one and is well maintained. As the name itself suggests, the Chandranath basadi has a statue of Jain Teerthankara, Chandranath. The architecture of the place dates back to the 14th century when it was said to be the capital of Salva dynasty. The basadis are housed in the Chandragiri and Indragiri hills that stand facing each other.
Other places of interest:
Know more about Bhatkal –
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bhatkal
Hotels in Bhatkal -
http://www.india-hotels-directory.com/bhatkalhotels/murdeshwar-resort-bhatkal.html
