Shravanabelagola - it is all about the world's tallest monolithic statue, and it is naked ;-)!

Very Nice
Good blog. I had been there myself. I think that that statue was carved out of a single granite rock some time in 900 AD, but I think the project started in 600 or so AD. Also, there is the hill where Chandragupta Maurya fasted to death in around 300 BC. I think he was the emperor of much of India and he had defeated one of Alexanders generals and had married the general's daughter to seal the peace and to increase trade with Greece. So that place has a lot of really interesting history.

Sacred places with special energy
I'm thrilled your health is better and you are exploring again. Has your illness impacted your need and desire to visit more spiritual places or would that have evolved naturally anyway? You look so happy sitting down to your vegan meal. We look forward to meeting you. I got a chuckle at your t-shirt idea. Thanks again for another great blog.

Temple Architecture in Karnataka
Hi, I am glad that you enjoyed some beautiful places in Karnataka, and dwelt more on the positives than the negatives. I also appreciate ancient sculpture whether in India or overseas. I was born and brought up in Bengaluru but now live overseas. Over the last few years I also (re-) visited Somnathpur, Belur, Halebid, Shravanabelagola, Hampi, Badami, Aihole, Pattadakal etc and had a great time. I am pretty sure you will thoroughly enjoy Badami, AIhole, and Pattadakal as these are 6th century temples. Best to stay in Hampi or Hospet and visit these as day tours. You may check out my Flickr albums on these and other places if you wish by googling "halappa ashoka flickr" (I cannot put any links here)

Great post.
Hi Nina and Markus, I’ve always avoided pilgrimage places too, but I must mention that after reading your blog about Shravanbelogola I’m intrigued. As a parent I want to take my kids to places which offer entertainment, but this place looks like it can offer both culture and fun. Thank you for the info. Cheers!