Situated 3,680 ft above the mean sea level, Garudanagari is a scenic hill-fort near
Arasikere in
Hassan District. Originally named Nonabanakal, this hill-fort resembles a 'Garuda' and was named Garudanagari. It has a history of over 400 years. The Chandramouleshwara temple and a tank at this hill were constructed by
Hyder Ali. The Chandramouleshwara temple stands as a symbol of Hindu-Muslim harmony. One portion of the temple is similar to a mosque and the other looks like a temple. Along with the Chandramouleshwara temple, there are Swamy Lingeshwara and Nonaba Lingeshwara temples. Another attraction is the tomb of a yogi, which is revered by Hindus and Muslims. There is a tree here called 'Putrajaji Vriksha' which is found only in
Bababudangiri Hills in
Chikmagalur District.
The hill climber's paradise, Garudanagari is 27 km from Arasikere and 69 km from
Hassan. The nearest railhead is at Arasikere, which is located 165 km west of
Bangalore.
