Melkote
Melkote is an important religious centre. The Cheluvarayaswami Temple, built in the 12th Century, enjoyed the patronage of the Mysore Maharajas as well as Tipu Sultan. The temple Gopuram is rose-coloured and has lions' heads facing north, south, east and west. The cloister-area pillars display ornate carvings. The Vairamudi Festival is held here between March and April, when the temple deity is adorned with jewels belonging to the former Maharajas of Mysore.
