Situated in the Shivamogga district of Karnataka, approximately 18 kilometres from Thirthahalli, stands the 9th-century fortress known as Kaveladurga. This concealed hill fort carries a profound historical heritage, as revealed in the latter part of this narrative. The former bastion of the Keladi Nayakas witnessed a succession of rulers during its existence. Today, scant traces endure what was once a grand and distinctive architectural marvel. The vestiges of structures within its compound evoke the echoes of a bygone era.

Tiruvaiyaru, a quaint town in the southern state of Tamil Nadu, houses an ancient Hindu sanctuary - the Aiyarappar Temple. Devoted to Lord Shiva, its origins are traced back to the 9th-10th centuries CE. Revered as the Dakshina Kailasham (southern Kailashi), this temple holds a place of profound sanctity among the sacred sites of Tamil Nadu.

The Venkataraman Temple, dedicated to Venkateswara, an incarnation of Vishnu, resides in the town of Gingee and stands as the town's grandest sanctuary. Constructed by the Nayakas in the 16th century, this temple, nearly 450 years old, stands today as a testament to its former magnificence, with its splendour and glory enduring through time.

The Kailasanathar Temple in Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu, India, stands as a remarkable example of Dravidian architecture and serves as a vibrant representation of the area's profound cultural heritage. Believed to have been constructed in the early 8th century AD under the rule of King Narasimhavarman II from the Pallava dynasty, this temple dedicated to Lord Shiva holds significant renown for housing some of the earliest and finest instances of Hindu mural art in Tamil Nadu.

The Thanumalayan Temple, alternatively known as the Sthanumalayan Temple, stands as an ancient marvel nestled in the town of Suchindram within the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. This exceptional and singular temple venerates the Hindu trinity (trideva) comprising Shiva, Vishnu, and Brahma, earning renown for its distinctive architecture and historical eminence.

The Doddabasappa Temple, situated in Dambal, Karnataka, India, is a splendid illustration of 12th-century Indian temple architecture. Devoted to Lord Shiva, the temple's remarkable architecture and intricate carvings can be attributed to the renowned Western Chalukyas. Constructed in a distinctive star shape, the temple draws devotees and tourists alike throughout the year.

Situated at the foot of the Brahmagiri hills, approximately 40 kilometres from Ballari, is an unassuming village with a significant archaeological site. This site, nestled in Brahmagiri, Karnataka, continues establishing southern India's fundamental chronology and ceramic sequence. It stands as the standard against which all subsequent archaeological discoveries are gauged, with the earliest settlement unearthed at this location dating back to at least the 2nd millennium BC.

The Aghoreshwara Temple is a beautiful and historic temple located in the town of Ikkeri, in the Indian state of Karnataka. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and was built during the 16th century, under the patronage of the Keladi Nayakas, a dynasty that ruled the region at that time. This impressive temple is built in a unique style that has the influences of the Dravida, Kadamba, Hoysala, and Vijayanagara schools of architecture.

Approximately 60 kilometres from the bustling city of Bengaluru lies the tranquil village of Nandigram. Resting amidst the numerous hills that adorn its landscape, two temples emerge as remarkable wonders of design and construction – the Bhoganandiswara Temple and the Arunachaleswara Temple, twin temples that have stood side by side for centuries.

Located in the Shivamogga district of Karnataka, about 18 kilometres from Thirthahalli, is a 9th-century fortress called Kaveladurga. This closely-guarded location of the hill fort remnants is hidden within the unassuming hamlet of Thirthahalli. Accessible by a bridle path, this erstwhile stronghold of the Keladi Nayakas lies in a state of neglect today. Oblivion now surrounds this once majestic fortress.