How Chintamani got its Name

This town is named after its founder Chintamani Rao, a maratha Chieftain. it is famous for its gold and silver trade and its agarbathi(incense) industry. one of the oldest dargahs in Karnataka, the Murugmulla Dargah of Fakhi Shah Wali about 8 Kms from Chintamani,draws thousands of pilgrims.

The Important temple in the town is Varadanjeneya Temple. This temple is situated on  the hill and as one cannot reach the top in a vehicle we have to trek the hill through   the stony steps.Thus it is a place which is peaceful and has immense scenic beauty  as it is situated on the hill.

Chintamani sight Seeing

Kaiwara: This town is associated with the epic, Mahabharatha. known as Ekchakrapura, this is where the pandavas lived in exile,incognito,Bhima, one of the pandava brothers is said to have killed the asura(demon) bakasura, who was tormenting the people, myth has it that a nearby cave in the hill, contains  the corpse of the demon, which supposedly drips blood during Shivaratri  .  There is a garden complex in complex in kaivara, containing gardens and musical fountains. Also in the gardens are five cottages named after the pandavas and a mini Zoo with herbarium. the temples of Amaranarayana and Bhimeswara as well as the Yogi Narayana ashram are worth a visit.

Rishi Valley: Nestling among ancient hills (altitude: 2500 feet) that form the south-eastern fringe of the Deccan plateau,  a hill which marks the west face of the valley. The area enjoys salubrious climate. The campus (about 250 acres) with its gardens, orchards, fields and woods, has an extensive green canopy of trees planted since the Centre's inception. The Rishi Valley Land Care Project involves the staff, students, and interested visitors in afforestation, water conservation and soil regeneration programmes, besides protection and documentation of the plant, bird, and animal life of the valley.                         

The Murugmulla Dargah of Fakhi Shah Wali about 8 Kms from Chintamani,draws thousands of pilgrims from all over the country.

How to reach Chintamani

Chintamani is well connected by  road with almost all the important towns and cities in the State. The nearest airport is at Bangalore.