Deep in the forest near Gerusoppa stands one of the most beautiful monuments in Uttara Kannada: the Chaturmukha Basadi, a perfectly symmetrical stone Jain temple with four identical entrances, each opening onto a shrine to a Tirthankara.
Gerusoppa was once a flourishing capital. In the 16th century it was ruled by Rani Chennabhairadevi, the 'Pepper Queen', who governed for over five decades and traded pepper with the Portuguese. Most of the old city has been swallowed by forest and the basadi is its finest survivor. It is protected by the Archaeological Survey of India.
Look for the carvings on the pillars, the inscriptions and the guardian figures at each doorway. The stone floors heat up quickly, so come early or late.
Tips
- Combine with Samshi hanging bridge and Jog Falls for a Sharavathi River valley day.
