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Karnataka Haritage Tour, Travel Hampi Badami Tour.
Karnataka is described as India’s Theatre of Inspiration,
owing to its vastness and diversity.
On its way to becoming South Asia’s most preferred
tourist destination, Karnataka currently attracts the
largest number of tourists in South India.
The state offers every kind of travel attraction and
holds appeal to a diverse array of tourists. It is among
the world’s most ancient civilisations and is
home to two World Heritage Sites – Hampi and Pattadakal.
In terms of natural attractions, 22 percent of the state’s
land area is made up of forests; Karnataka is home to
Jog Falls - Asia’s highest waterfall.
In addition, Karnataka boasts of a 320km unspoilt coastline
as well as several breathtaking hill stations that are
ideal for ecotourism projects. For adventure lovers,
Karnataka offers white-water rafting possibilities,
not possible elsewhere in India, other than in the Himalayan
region. Colourful art forms, indigenous crafts and a
rich cultural legacy add further sheen to Karnataka’s
diverse tourism potential.
Alongside heritage, culture, and natural splendors,
Karnataka also boasts of Bangalore -- India’s
Silicon Valley, and a rapidly growing metropolis.
In short, Karnataka has all else except snow and has
much to offer discerning travellers, as well as tourism
entrepreneurs. The state is also fast emerging as a
sought after MICE destination - ideal for meetings,
employee incentive packages, conventions and exhibitions.
Falls
Jog Falls
The Jog in Shimoga District is the tallest water fall
in India where the river Sharavati jumps from a height
of 293 mts. into four beautiful cascades . The best
time to visit is only during July to October. (See Surviving
te death-defying 960 feet fall from Jog Falls)
Shivasamudra falls
In Mandya district Shivasamudra fall has twin jumps,
Gaganachukki and Bharachukki, one km away from each
other and their water has been harnessed for production
of power from 1901. The river Shimsha , a tributary
of the Cauvery, has its fall in Malavalli taluk in Mandya
district.
Abbi Falls
The Abbi fall is 5 km away from Madikeri, Kodagu district
which is a perennial hill-station.
The Irrupu falls
48 km from Virajpet in Kodagu District, is bounded by
scenic locals.
Kallatti Falls
The Kalatti fall is 100 km from Kemmanugundi at Kallattipura
in Tarikere taluq is another beautiful fall with water
leaping down from a height of 400 feet. There is an
old Veerabhadra temple very near the Falls.
Chunchanakatte Falls
The picturesque Chunchanakatte Falls in Mysore district
is at the place of the same name which also has an ancient
temple of a Lord Rama close by Uttara Kannada is famous
for its Unchalli (Lushington) Falls. Aghanashini river
creates this water cascade which screams down from a
height of about 450 feet.It is near Yellapur (19 km.
away) in Uttara Kannada Called `Mini Niagara', Gokak
Falls is another fall known for its beauty. Cascading
from a height of 170 feet, it is famous for its spread
and shape. Gokak Falls must be visited in July-August
when it will be in full bloom.
Banglore
Capital of the Southern state of Karnataka, Bangalore
today is Asia's fastest growing cosmopolitan city. It
is home to some of the most high tech industries in
India. The I. T industry views Bangalore as the 'byte-basket'
of India. Bangalore is also home to some of India's
premier scientific establishments. Blessed with a salubrious
climate, gardens & parks, natural lakes, architectural
landmarks, shopping malls, the best restaurants and
pubs in this part of the globe, business opportunities,
Bangalore is the ideal gateway to India and beyond.
Bangalore offers something for everyone-music and dance
concerts (Western and Indian), dramas, exhibitions,
carnivals, conferences and more.
Places of Interest
The Bangalore Palace & Fort - Lal Bagh - Cubbon
Park - Government Museum - Iskcon Temple
The Bull Temple - The Gangadhareshware Temple - The
Dharmaraja Temple –
Dargah Hazarath Tawakkal Mastan - Jumma Masjid - Ravindra
Kalakshetra - St. Mary's Church
Indian Institute of Science (IISc) (TATA Institute)
- Vidhana Soudha - The Bangalore Race Course
Excursion
Bannerghatta National Park - Tipu's Palace –
Hesaragatta – Ramohalli - Muthyalamaduvu
Ramanagaram - Janapada Loka – Channapatna –
Mekedatu - Nandi Hills.
Hampi and Vijayanagar
HAMPI, the seat of the famed VIJAYANAGARA empire was
the capital of the largest empire in post-mogul India,
covering several states. The empire reigned supreme
under Krishnadevaraya, the Emperor. The Vijayanagara
empire stretched over at least three states - Karnataka,
Maharashtra, and Andhra Pradesh. The destruction of
Vijayanagar by marauding Moghul invaders was sudden,
shocking and absolute. They reduced the city to ruins
amid scenes of savage massacre and horrors beggaring
description.
Although in ruins today, this capital city once boasted
riches known far beyond the shores of India. The ruins
of Hampi of the 14th Century lies scattered in about
26 sq. km area, amidst giant boulders and vegetation.
Protected by the tempestuous river Tungabhadra in the
north and rocky granite ridges on the other three sides,
the ruins silently narrate the story of grandeur splendor
and fabulous wealth. The splendid remains of palaces
and gateways of the broken city tells a tale of men
infinite talent and power of creativity together with
his capacity for senseless destruction.
Places of Interest
Malyavanta Raghunathaswamy Temple - Virupaksha Temple
- Vithala Temple Complex
House of Victory - Ramaswami temple - King’s balance
- Queen’s Bath - Lotus Mahal
Elephant Stables - Pushkarini Tank - Mahanavami Dibba
- Mustard Ganesh (Sasivikalu Ganesha)
Noblemen’s Palace.
Mangalore
Mangalore district is a panorama of palm-fringed beaches,lush
green fields and enchanting forests. It is sheltered
by the soaring western ghats on the east and the mighty
Arabian sea roaring along its western shores.With an
important port,this coastal town is a major commercial
centre.The lifeline of the district, the National Highway
No 17 almost runs parallel to the sea for over 95 kms
in the district. Nowhere does the distance between the
highway and the sea exceed more than a few kilometers
Mangalore,the district headquarters, has a long history
of maritime trade. Though developed as a business and
commercial centres Mangalore still retains its old world
charm-old tile-roofed buildings amidst coconut groves,
fishing boats silhouetted against the darkening skyline,
fishermen hauling in rich catch of fish,sea food served
in spicy coconut curries. Mangalore is a remainder of
the good times of life.
Places of Interest
Dharmasthala – Subramanya – Kollur
- Karkala - Venoor – Moodabidri.
Excursion
Udupi.
Udupi
Udupi, 60 Kms from Mangalore, is where Madhwacharya,
the propounder of Dwaitha philosophy, lived and taught
700 years ago. Madhwacharya established the eight Sanyasi
Mutts at Udupi. According to legned, the statue of Sri
Krishna in the famous temple here is believed to have
turned around to give darshana to the kuruba devotee,
Kanakadasa, who was not allowed to enter the temple
because Kanakadasa belonged to a different caste. It
is best known as the seat of Madhwa renaissance, founded
by the sage Madhwacharya, outcome of which are Ashtamathas,
located in the famous Car Street, surrounding the Sri
Krishna Temple.
The 'Paryaya' festival held once in two years when
the management of the temple changes hands is a colourful
spectacle drawing thousands of devotees from all over
the country.
Udupi, known elsewhere as a Temple City is the headquarters
of the district, known world over to the millions of
food lovers as the birth place of Udupi Hotels. Most
of the hotel owners in Karnataka are from Udupi.
Places of Interest
Shree Krishna Temple - The Town of Udupi.
In Udupi, food is the greatest binder
Mysore
140 Kms from Bangalore lies the abode of untold grandeur
and glory. Mysore,the capital city of the Wodeyars has
always enchanted its admirers with its quaint charm,rich
heritage, magnificent palaces,beautifully laid-out gardens,
imposing buildings,broad shady avenues and sacred temples.
There's an old world charm about the city that reaches
out and leaves no one untouched
Mysore, or Mahishur as it was called then, traces its
history back to the mythical past,when Goddess Chamundeshwari
of Chamundi Hills killed the wicked buffalo-headed demon,
Mahishasura. Mysore Dasara is the celebration of this
victory of good over evil. Mysore also has associations
with the Mahabharata and King Ashoka of the 3rd century
B.C. During the Wodeyar rule Mysore reached the Zenith
of its glory as a fabled centre of oriental splendour.
Mysore is one of the major cities of Karnataka. Today,
Mysore is a vibrant city teeming with tourists and visitors.
It is known the world over for its exotic sandalwood
and rich silks.Its grand and imposing palaces,majestic
temples,gardens leave an ever-lasting impression on
the visitor.
Situated 770m above sea level,Mysore has a warm and
cool climate throughout the year.
Local Sights
Mysore Palace
Chamundi Hills - Brindavan Gardens - St. Philomena's
Church - Mysore Zoo - The Art Gallery
Excursion
Daria Daulat Bagh - Tipu's Summer Palace - Fort - Himvad
Gopalaswamy Hills - Melkote
Talakad – Shivsamudra - Nagarhole National Park
- Kabini River Lodge - B.R. Hills.
Bijapur
530 kms to the north-west of Bangalore is the ancient
town of Bijapur, the capital of the Adil Shahi dynasty.
Bijapur is close to Belgaum - the gateway to Karnataka
from Goa and Bombay. Bijapur has many places of Historical,
Cultural and Architectural interest
Places of Interest
Gol Gumbaz - The Gol Gombaz (Gola Gummata) - Jumma Masjid
- The Malik-e-Maiden
The Ibrahim Roza
Excursion
Aihole - Pattadakal – Badami - Basavana Bagewadi
– Kudalasangama
Aihole
Famous as the "Cradle of Indian Architecture",
Aihole has over a hundred temples scattered around the
village.
At Aihole, no fewer than 125 temples, dating from the
Chalukyan and the later Rashtrakuta period (6 - 12th
century) are found lying in clusters within the village,
in surrounding fields and on rocky outcrops and many
of the temples are remarkably well preserved. The various
temples here reflect the spirit of architectural experimentation.
The Durga temple is one of the most unusual in shape
and elaborate.
Places of Interest
Lad Khan - The Durga (Fort) Temple - The Hutchimalli
Temple - Revalphadi Cave
Konthi Temple Complex (Kwanthi Gudi) - Uma Maheswari
Temple - Jain Meguti Temple.
Badami
Here is four artificial and one natural cave temple
of the 5th century, which inspired all subsequent Hindu
empire temple building, in the south. Of these, two
are dedicated to the Hindu God Vishnu, one to Shiva,
one is a Jain temple and the natural cave is a Buddhist
temple
The capital of the Early Chalukyas, Badami is picturesquely
situated at the mouth of a ravine between two rocky
hills. Badami is famous for its four cave temples -
all hewn out of sand stone on the precipice of a hill.
Enter the first cave temple - past Shiva's door keepers
- and there he is! The eighteen-armed Nataraja striking
81 dances poses!
The largest and most ornamental is the third cave temple
dedicated to Vishnu. Overlooking the cave temples is
a reservoir dotted with temples dedicated to Vishnu
and Shiva. Also a must are the Bhutanatha temples that
lend their name to the lake beneath the cave temples.
Places of Interest
Badami Caves – Banashankari Temple Tank - Bhutanatha
Temple.
Belur
Belur in Hassan district (222 kms from Bangalore and
38 kms. from Hassan) is famous for its magnificent Hoysala
Temple Complex. The Chennakeshava temple here was completed
in 1116 by Hoysala Vishnuvardhana to commemorate his
victory over the Chola. It took 103 years to complete.
The facade of the temple is filled with intricate sculptures
and freizes-with no portion left blank. Elephants, episodes
from the epics, sensous dancers nothing was left uncarved.
The Veeranarayana temple houses the shrines of Kappe
Chenniga, Andal, Saumya Nayaki, and other dieties.
Belur was the capital of the Hoysala Empire before
it was shifted to Halebid. The Chennakeshava (a form
of Krishna) temple here is built on a star shaped plan
and stands in a walled courtyard surrounded by smaller
shrines and columned hallways. The quantity of sculptural
decoration is staggering and it took 103 years to complete
this temple, which deserves all admiration.
Halebidu
Halebidu (former Dwarasamudra) in Hassan district is
in Belur taluk and 27 kms away from Hassan and was the
capital of Hoysala after Belur. It has one of the finest
Hoysala temples. The twin Shiva Temple with a common
platform and two garbhagrihas, one beside the other
have a common broad navaranga. One of them houses Vishnuvardhana
Hoysaleshwara Linga and the other Shanthaleshwara Linga.
Infront of the Hoysaleshwara is the Nandimantapa and
behind that is a shrine of Surya with a two-metre-tall
image. The temple doorways are highly ornate and impressive.
Outer walls have rows of intricate figures narrating
episodes from epics like Ramayana, Bharatha and Bhagavata.
The place has a Parshwanatha basadi with highly polished
pillars in which on- lookers queer images are reflected.
There is a Museum of the A.S.I. The Kedareshwara temple
is another monument built by Ketaladevi, Ballala II's
Queen. Chatchatnahalli (nearby) has a trikuta temple
built by Chatta Dandanayaka in 1220.
Places of Interest
Kedareshwara Temple - Hoysaleshwara Temple.
Pattadakal
Pattadakal saw the Badami Chalukya art in its full
bloom. It is 22 km away from Badami and 514 km from
Bangalore. Here the best temples of the style, the Virupaksha
and the Mallikarjuna are seen. These were built by the
queens of Vikramaditya II (734-44) in memory of his
victorious march against Kanchi, the Pallava capital,
and the temples were named by them after themselves
as the Lokeshwara (by Lokadevi) and Trailokeshwara (by
Trailokadevi), which came to be known as the Virupaksha
and the Mallikarjuna respectively. The two magnificent
temples with their nicely engraved lively figures on
walls and the massive square pillars are in sand stone.
Pattadakal itself was known as Kisuvolal (`Red Town')
as the sand stone here is reddish in colour.
The Sangameshwara, Chandrashekhara, Jambuling and Kadasideeshwara
are the other major temples here, and Pattadakal has
also a Jaina basadi of Rashtrakuta times with two beautiful
elephants in this front. The Galaganath here which is
dilapidated, has caurvilinear (rekhanagara) shikhara.
Places of Interest
Virupaksha Temple – Mallikarjuna Temple.
Shravanabelagola
Shravanabelagola in Hassan District is 157 km away
from Bangalore is an important Jaina centre. There is
a pond and two stony hills, called Chandragiri and Indragiri.
Chandragiri has the Chandragupta basadi of the Gangas
and the Parashwanatha basadi here is the biggest. The
town below the hill has the Jaina matha whose walls
have very old paintings. Indragiri has the Gommata monolith,
58' tall, installed by a Ganga general and scholar Chavundaraya,
and also Siddhara basadi, Odegal basadi, Chennanna basadi
and Chauvvisa Tirthankara basadi, and also the finely
engraved pillar called Tyagada Brahma Pillar. The floral
designs on it are excellent. To the north of town is
Jinanathapura which has the Aregal basadi and the Shantinatha
basadi of Hoysala times. Shravanabelagola has over 500
inscriptions, and some of them are recording death by
starving (`sallekhana') by Jaina ascetics and laymen.
Coorg / Madikeri
252 kms from Bangalore and 1525 m above sea level lies
Madikeri, the district headquarters of Kodagu. Coorg
or Kodagu(originally called Kodaimalenadu) means 'dense
forest on steep hill'. Dubbed as the Scotland of India,
this town has a lot to offer to the tourist. Misty hills,
lush forest, acres and acres of tea and coffee plantation,
orange groves, undulating streets and breathtaking views
are what make Madikeri an unforgettable holiday destination.
Places of Interest
Madikeri Fort - Raja's Seat
Excursion
Abbi-Falls - Bhaga-mandala - Tala-Kaveri – Iruppu
Falls - Dubare - Nagarhole National Park
Valanoor - Nisargadhama - Harangi Dam.
Karwar
519 kms north-west of Bangalore is Karwar. The district
headquarters of Uttara Kannada; this is an ideal place
to relax. Karwar has sacred pilgrim centres, historical
towns and some of the most beautiful beaches in the
country.
The Devbagh beach is a must for beach lovers. Gentle
waves, palm-laced beaches, silver, clam, peaceful alleys,
soft songs of birds and a great sunset Karwar has all
the makings of a perfect holiday.
Once an important trade centre of the British, French,
Portuguese and the Arabs, the charming town is complemented
by a glorious weather and an excellent beach which is
said to have inspired Rabindranath Tagore to pen his
first play.
Places of Interest
Dargah of Peer Shan Shamsuddin Kharobat - Naganatha
Temple
Excursion
Gokarna – Honnavar – Bhatkal – Banavasi
- Shivganga Falls – Dandeli - Magod Falls –
Sirsi
Lalguli Falls – Ulavi - Lushington Falls. |
