Kavishaila

Kavishaila is a rock monument and hilltop memorial located in Kuppalli village, Thirthahalli Taluk, Shivamogga District, Karnataka. Dedicated to renowned Kannada poet Kuvempu (Kuppali Venkatappa Puttappa), it marks his favourite spot where he drew inspiration and was later cremated. The monument features a large rock with his poems engraved and offers panoramic views of the Western Ghats, attracting literary enthusiasts and nature visitors.

Visitors can expect a short climb via stone steps to a hilltop with a large megalithic rock monument engraved with poems of Kuvempu. The site offers open rocky terrain, forested surroundings of the Western Ghats, and panoramic valley views. There is a memorial structure, inscribed stone slabs, and a viewpoint area for sightseeing and photography in a quiet, natural setting.

Kavishaila is closely associated with Kuppali Venkatappa Puttappa, known as Kuvempu, Jnanpith Award-winning Kannada poet and writer. It was his favourite solitary place for contemplation and writing. After his death in 1994, he was cremated here as per his wish, and a rock memorial with his poems and signatures of prominent literary figures was established.

The site holds literary and cultural importance as a tribute to Kuvempu, one of Karnataka's most revered poets. The rock inscriptions display his poems and the site is visited by literature enthusiasts. It is part of the Kuvempu heritage circuit in Kuppalli along with Kavimane, his house museum.