Gundimane - Homestay Near Jog Falls

Ikkeri was the capital of the Keladi Nayakas which is situated 3 Kms from Sagara, Shimoga district. It is around 48kms from GundiMane. Ikkeri in Kannada literally means two streets (double road).

Originally the fortress consisted of 3 walls, 2 built with bamboo and the inner one built with mud and in the center was a palace built with mud and timber with intricate carvings. None of this exists now though excavations are still going on to unearth part of the ruins of the palace and the fort. The only reminder of the bygone era is a temple dedicated to Aghoreshwara (Lord Shiva). The temple is built at a height and it is huge and beautiful. The sculptures on either side of the huge doorways and pink paint used all around the doorway of the temple is unique and striking.  The temple is built using laterite material, which is abundantly found in this part of the region. The temple inside with pillars supporting a huge hall and the main center shrine is dedicated to Aghoreshwara and the shrines next to this are dedicated to Ganapathi, Subramanya etc. The stone ceiling has geometrical patterns sculpted on them. A separate shrine in the same compound is dedicated to goddess Akhilandeswari / Parvathi, consort of Lord Shiva. The stone doorway is carved and shaped beautifully to complement the idol. There are some sculpted stone pillars of that of a mythological animal being ridden by a human. The huge stone Nandi / vehicle of Lord Shiva is housed opposite to the temple in open stone mantapa / porch is huge and polished like glass.
It is set in a beautiful locale with rain forests covered hills, lakes with lilies and water snowflakes with exotic trees and in the courtyard like Naga Sampige blooming to be plucked by devotees and offered to the god.