What excites us most in our trips is the last-minute additions or diversions in the plan. At Belgaum, through a common friend, we met a businessman who has interests in history and architecture. And he suggested that we check out Halashi and gave the directions to reach there. Obviously, not many people have heard about the place.
Halashi is a small village about 42 km from Belgaum. At 27 km from Belgaum city, on the Belguam-Dandeli road is Khanapur town. Halashi is about 15 km from Khanapur. With the western ghats as backdrop, the road to Halashi is scenic.
Halashi has a few dilapidated temples scattered across the village. The temples are currently under Archaeological Survey of India. The prominent among them, the Bhoo Varaha temple is maintained well and has regular puja ceremonies.
Halashi was the second capital of the Kadamba kings who ruled the region during the period of 345-525 AD. The first capital was Banavasi. There are many stories and myths about the origin of Kadamba dynasty. However, it has been broadly accepted that Kadambas was the first indigenous kingdom of Karnataka and the first to make Kannada as the official language. Kadambas fought the mighty Pallavas of Kanchi and remained sovereign.
With some local people’s and our taxi driver’s help, we managed to find the other two temples, though they are in a dilapidated state. The Kadamba architecture is said to have similarities with the Chalukyan, the Pallava and the Satavahana architectures.
After Halashi, we decided to have a quick drive to Jamboti village, close to Goa border. According to our driver, there was a possibility of getting some good-quality forest honey.
A local tea shop owner had a few bottles. We tasted it and picked up a bottle.
Halashi is about 42 km from Belguam by road. Khanapur (15 km) is the nearest town for boarding and lodging.
Seems like quite offbeat place. I remember one localite told me on my Hampi trip that there are 100s of Hampi in Karnataka and Tamilnadu but they yet to be recognized. It is good to know that this place is currently under Archaeological survey of India.
Regards
Rachit
Very nice piece! These places are also popular for another interesting tradition. They make Ganjifa cards in some of the villages around these locations. I’ve heard that these are the only places where these are made now. Ganjifa is a card game based on Dasavathara theme.
A very happy New Year to both of you.
It was a pleasure to learn about such hidden places still having relics of ancient times. A very happy New Year to both of you. Camp: Chennai.
Those are nice forgotten places of history. thanks for highlighting Kadamba Architecture. Interesting places to visit , if one has the inclination to see how glorious those places were in the olden days.
Nice captures of the temple, & village. Thanks for the trip down the history lane.