Karnataka Travel Guide
Karnataka displays a remarkable contrast with the rapid growth of the IT industry
at one end and vast expanses of rural farming at the other. Apart from being
a major producer of coffee, sandalwood, spices, and betelnut, the state is also
known for its silk weaving industry.
Places to visit in Karnataka
Bangalore : Bangalore, the capital city of Karnataka, is a veritable
melting pot of various races and cultures and is one of the most cosmopolitain
and modern cities of India. Also known as the Garden city and Silicon Valley
of India has well - laid out parks, gardens, long avenues of blossoming trees
and salubrious climate. Emerging as the hi-tech capital of India and is the
main center of India's software industry. It has other major industries also
like aircraft, electronics, and machine tools and home to many well-known multinational
software companies. The 'Nehru Planetarium' is a popular attraction which gives
lectures and shows on a regular basis.
Bangalore's history begaun in 1537 when a local chieftan called Kempegowda
received land from his overlord, the Vijaynagar emperor. Kempegowda's Bangalore
was enlarged and developed by two muslims Hyder Ali and his son Tipu Sultan.
Founded by KEMPE GOWDA more than 400 years ago, Bangalore is special in every
respect - a Salubrious Climate, Beautiful parks, Avenues, Old and New Buildings,
Museum, Theatre, above all theCultured People - a standing testimony for Secular
INDIA.
PLACES TO VISIT
Vidhana Soudha : One of the most prominent landmarks of the city, is
a magnificent granite structure housing both the Legislative Chambers of the
State Government. This building is standing tribute to the Indian Temple architecture
and the Pride of Bangalore.
Lalbagh : The exotic gardens, laid out by Hyder Ali in 1760, span an
area of 240 acres in the heart of Bangalore, is amongst India’s most beautiful
otanical parks. This holds the key to major contribution in maintaining the
City’s healthy environment for generations.
Palace of Tipu Sultan : Palace of the "Tiger of Mysore" - TIPU
SULTAN is one of the most remarkable Islamic buildings in the city, this two
storeyed ornate wooden palace has been converted into a museum and is a mine
of information about the glorious period of Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan.
Bull Temple : The Bull Temple is famous for the myth it carries and an
awesome monolithic deity of Nandi, the celestial bull, carved out in the typical
Dravidian style of architecture. The sheer size of the monumental structure
measuring 4.57 metres in height and 6.10 metres in length, is breathtakingly
real.
Museum : Museum is a tribute to the person who saw and appreciated the
creativity in nature, Sir M. Vishveshwaraiah, one of the architects of modern
India. It contains diverse information on the contribution of science and technology
to human welfare and industrial development.
Ulsoor Lake : This lake being one of the eight lakes built by Kempe Gowda
around then Bangalore is spread over an area of 1.5 sq.km. Dotted with picturesque
tiny islands, it provides a welcome break from busy sightseeing and shopping.
One can take boat rides or just watch the cool ripples of the exotic lake
Cauvery Handicrafts Emporium : A Government of Karnataka undertaking
is set up for the benefit of Art Lovers, is a shopper’s paradise, this
emporium houses exquisite handicraft items in rosewood, sandalwood, wood-inlay,
lacquerware and bidriware.
How to Reach There
Airport : The nearest airport is Bangalore.
Rail : Bangalore has a railway station and is well connected by rail
with major cities like Bombay, Chennai, Hyderabad, Delhi and many more.
Road : Bangalore is connected by road to all the important cities of
Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala and Andraha Pardesh.
When to visit
The climate in Bangalore is salubrious throughout the year.
Mysore : The cultural heart of Karnataka, Mysore is situated about 140
km from the capital city of Bangalore. A city of natural beauty, royal aura
and quaint charm it never fails to charm its visitors. The mysore of legends
takes its name from fmous demon called Mahishasure, a great warrior who ruled
as tyrant until he was killed by the goddess Chamundeshwari.
The Mysore seat of history was the capital of several imperial dynsties and
later of the princely state of Mysore, the seat of the Wodeyar Maharajas.
Mysore is known for its Palaces, gardens and oriental opulence. The beautiful
Mysore Palace is a masterpiece meticulously planned and designed by the English
architect Henry Irwin and is the home of the famous Wodeyars rulers. The palace
provides you an enduring and spectacular view when illuminated with 97,000
electric bulbs shimmering against an inky black night. A priceless national
treasure and the pride of a kingdom. The Dussera Festival of Mysore is very
famous its held here evry year around October for ten days and nine nights
the townremains agog with much festivity music, colour and illumination.
Important toursit attraction in Mysore :
Maharaja Palace (Royal Palace), Jagmohan Palace, Sri Jayachamarajendra Zoo,Sri
Chamarajaendra Art Galllery, Brindavan Gardens is located on the KRS Dam,
about 15 km from Mysore, Chamundi Hills, Sandalwood Factory, Silk Factory,
Srirangapatnam Tipu Sultan's former capital, Srirangapatnam is a picturesque
island in the Cauvery River 16 kms from Mysore on Banagaore Road, its is noted
for Ranganath temple.
How to Reach There
Airport : The nearest airport is Bangalore, about 139 km.
Rail : Mysore has a railway station and is well connected by rail with
major cities like Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad and many more.
Road : Mysore is connected by road to all the important cities of Karnataka,
Tamil Nadu and Kerala.
When to visit
The climate in Mysore is salubrious throughout the year.
Hassan : Located in the heart of Malnad and about 195 km from the capital
city of Bangalore, Hassan is a picturesque, quite and peaceful town. The city
acts as an entry point to famous archeological sites Belur, Halebid and Shravanabelgola,
all situated in its close vicinity. ISRO's Satellite Tracking System Centre
is also located in Hassan.
Some of the other popular attractions in Hassan are Hasanamba Shrine, a temple
with an anthill representing the deity Hasanamba. It opens only once in a
year for a week in October, and a fair 'Jatra' is held on this occasion. District
Museum of Hassan has some of the finest sculptures, paintings, weapons, and
coins. Not to be missed occasion in Hassan is the festival of Mahamastakabhisheka
when the giant statue of Bahubali is anointed with coconut oil, yogurt, ghee,
bananas, dates, almonds, poppy seeds, milk, saffron and sandalwood after every
12 years.
But the importance of Hassan as a tourist spot is only because its proximity
to famous archeological sites of Belur, Halebid and Shravanabelgola. Shravanabelagola
is a famous Jain pilgrimage center and is famous for a giant monolithic statue
of Gomateshwara carved out of granite in 981 AD.
How to Reach There
Airport : The nearest airport from Hassan is Bangalore about 195 km.
You can catch flights for major destinations in India like Delhi, Calcutta,
and Mumbai from here.
Rail : Hassan has a railway station about 2 km from main town. It is
well connected to Bangalore, Mysore, and Mangalore by regular trains.
Road : Hassan is well connected with Mysore, Mangalore and Bangalore
by road.
When to visit
The climate in Hassan is pleasant through out the year.
Belur : Belur is about 38 kms from Hassan and about 220 km from capital
city Bangalore and situated on the banks of the river Yagachi, It was once the
capital of the Hoysala Empire. What the Parthenon is to Greece and the Pyramids
to egypt, the Hoysala temples at Belur are to the South India.
In 1116 king Bittiga repudiated Jainsim and returned the Hoysalas to the
Hindu fold renaming himself Vishnuvardhana. In the same year he defeted the
mighty chols and, to celebrate this victory, ordered a temple erected at Belur,
The main temple Chenna keshava Temple took 103 years to build and is a classic
example of Hoyasala style. It rises, like a rococo wedding cake in the stone
from a star shaped plinth one of the hallmarks of Hoysala building design
and bracket figures or 'Madanikas' representing the masterpieces of craftsmanship,
the temple and its. These temples have become rich repositories of ancient
Hindu Culture, The pillars of the temple are richly carved and you can spend
hours studying the minute carvings on the exterior. The inside of the temple
is masterfully carved with figures of deities, animals and sensuous dancers
and no space had been left blank.
Other tourist attractions.
Situated on the west of the Chenna Kesava Temple is Veeranarayana temple.
This temple houses the shrines of Kappe Chenniga, Andal, Saumya Nayaki, and
other deities.
How to Reach There
Airport : The nearest airport from Belur is Bangalore about 220 km. You
can catch flights for major destinations in India like Delhi, Calcutta, and
Mumbai from here.
Rail : Nearest Rail head is Hassan about 38 km. It is well connected
to Bangalore, Mysore, and Mangalore by regular trains.
Road : Belur is well connected with Hassan, Mysore, Mangalore and Bangalore
by road
When to visit
The climate in Belur is pleasantly beautiful through out the year with April
being the hottest and December the coolest
Halebid : Halebid temples and Palaces were once part of the last Hoysala
Kingdom in the 12th and 13th centuries is located 16 Km from belur. On a clear
day you can have a glimpse of the giant Gomateshwara statue at Sravanabelgola
looming in the distance. . It was also known as Dwarasamudra-gateway to the
sea - indicating the numerous water bodies that must have been there at the
time.
Hoysaleswara Temple, the main attaction here was built in 1152 AD It
is dikutachala temple, meaning it has two shrines on the same platfrom, They
both are deicated to shiva. The secnd temple in Halebid is Shantaleswra temple
The two temples took some 100 build and are still incomplete. the interior of
the temple is filled with detailed friezes and sculptures depicting scenes narrated
in Mahabharatha and Ramayana. Two massive Monolithic bulls are also carved inside
the temple.
Other palaces to see
Kedareswara Temple with star-shaped pillars and carved ceilings built by Veerballa
II and his younger queen Abhnava Ketala Devi in 1219 AD the temple was never
compeleted. Also Basadi Halli, a group of Jain temples, famous for their highly
polished Blackstone pillars and carved ceilings.
How to Reach There
Airport : The nearest airport from Halebid is Bangalore about 226 km.
You can catch flights for major destinations in India like Delhi, Calcutta,
and Mumbai from here.
Rail : Nearest Rail head is Hassan about 32 km. It is well connected
to Bangalore, Mysore, and Mangalore by regular trains.
Road : Halebid is well connected with Hassan, Mysore, Mangalore and Bangalore
by road.
When to visit
Though the climate in Halebid is pleasant through out the year you can avoid
May to mid-June, as it's relatively hot period.
Hampi :Hampi kniown as the lost empire is located on three sides by natural
rock ramparts and on the north by the Tungabhadra River at the heart of Karnataka
and is 13 km from Hospet. The capital of famous Hindu kingdom of Vijaynagar
Empire during 14th century to middle of 16th century. is the world Heritage
site now has most beautiful and wonderful of all the ruins in India. The stark
beauty of the rock formations that dominaytes the landscape defy descriptions.
Mountain of rocks stacked up in gravity defying balancing about to roll down
onto town. Hampi is regarded as one of the important historical cities of India.
The crumbling ruins of temples, the broken dance of nymph, the impassive
resistance of fortifications, worn sculptures od demons, gods, soldiers, elephant,
snakes......... A bewildring kaleidoscope of the images inflames your imagination.
Every silent ruin you enter you feel the excitement of an explorer on the
verge of discovery. ruins in Hampi are stretched over an area of about 33
km and the surviving structures are sufficient to describe the glorious past
of the famous Vijayanagar Empire. The area here is completely barren surrounded
by huge boulders; all balanced on a rocky and undulating terrain.
This erstwhile capital of the Vijayanagar Empire boasts of some exquisite
examples of temple architecture of that period. The Virupaksha Temple, Achutaraya
Temple, Hazara Rama Temple and the Vithala Temple are worth visiting here.
Queen's bath, monolithic Ganesha, Ugra Narasimha, the watch towers are some
of the other relics worth visiting in Hampi representing the history and culture
of the Great Vijaynagar Empire.
Virupaksha Temple : The main attraction in these ruins is the famous
Virupaksha temple dedicated to Shiva also known as Virupaksha or Pampapathi.
The columns are carved with figures of animals. This temple is functional even
today and the street leading to the temple is used to organize chariot ceremonies
held every year in February.
Vithala Temple : This beautiful peace of architecture is situated on
southern banks of the Tungabhadra River, and is a great example of Vijayanagar
art. The main pavilion consists of 56 pillars elaborately carved producing different
musical notes when stuck by an object. In its quadrangle stands a magnificent
stone chariot, perfectly proportioned with an engineering technology so superb
that the stone wheels can rotate.
Hazara Rama Temple : Located in the royal center of the town. Hazara
Rama Temple, ornate with intricate carvings depicts scenes from the Ramayana.
The walls of the temple are carved both on the exterior and the interior with
stories from the epics, dancers and troops. On the walls of the sanctum are
two rare depictions of Vishnu as the Buddha. Other important tourist attractions
are Tungabhadra Dam, Mahanavami Dibba or the royal seat, a platform used by
the kings to view the Dassehra festivities. The Lotus Mahal, a graceful two-storey
palace is a photographer's delight and is an attractive synthesis of Hindu and
Islamic architecture.
How to Reach There
To visit Hampi, reaching Hospet can be the best option as it provides all the
basic facilities to tourists.
Airport : The nearest airports is Bellary about 75 km. Other airports
near Hampi are at Bangalore about 350 km and Belgaum about 200 km well connected
by Indian Airlines flights to most parts of India.
Rail : Hospet about 13 km is well connected by rail line to Bangalore,
Hyderabad, Hubli and Vijapur.
Road : Buses are available from Hampi and regularly ply between Hampi
and Bangalore and many other destinations. It is well connected
When to visit
Best seasons to visit Hampi are the monsoon and winter.
Hospet : Hospet is famous site of the great Vijayanagar kingdom situated
about 13 km from Hampi and about 350 km from Bangalore, Hospet is known as the
gateway to Hampi. Hospet is popular for the famous Tungabhadra Dam located on
the River Tungabhadra. Travel Hospet, the city that entices its tourists with
its bounteous nature. The significance of Hospet lies in its propinquity to
the World Heritage Site of Hampi.
Major Tourist attractions near Hospet are The hill and fort town of Chitradurga
is often referred to as Kallina Kote or the Place of Stones. The bold rocky
hills and picturesque valleys with huge towering boulders offer nature at
its best at Chitradurga. The Palegars, Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan built the
famous fort of Chitradurga. The fort lies enclosed in series of seven walls
and is known for its military architecture. There are as many as nineteen
gateways to the fort. There are several ancient temples inside the fort. You
may visit the Sampige Siddeshwara temple, the cave shrine of Hidimbeshwara,
Ekanathamma, Phalguneshwara, Gopalakrishan, Anjaneya, Subbaraya et al. at
the hilltop of Chitradurga. Of these the Hidimbeshwara is the oldest. The
largest temple in the town happens to be dedicated to Goddess Uchchangtamma
who was the patron goddess of the Paleyagars. The temple has a two-storied
building and boasts of a unique swing arch and tall lamp-pillar. Thirty-five
kilometers from Chitradurga is Nayakana Hatti. The major tourist attractions
at Nayakana Hatti are the temple and tomb of saint Tippe Rudraswamy.
The other major attraction near Hospet is the Tungabhadra Dam built on the
Tungabhadra River. Just around the dam is a very beautiful garden developed
in Japanese style.
How to Reach There
Airport : The nearest airport is Bellary about 75 km. Other airports
near Hospet are at Bangalore about 350 km and Belgaum about 200 km well connected
by Indian Airlines flights to most parts of India.
Rail : Hospet Railway Station is well connected by rail line to Bangalore,
Hyderabad, Hubli and Vijapur.
Road : Buses are available from Hospet and regularly ply between here
and Bangalore and other major cities of Karnataka
When to visit
Best season to visit Hospet is September to February.
Bijapur : Bijapur ancient muslim capital siuated 575 kms from capital
city of Bangalore. The one time capital of of the Adil shahi Kings is dotted
with mosques, mausoleums, Palaces, fortifications watchtowers and strong gateways.
Bijapur's greatest attractions are architectural, specially, Islamic architecture,
Minarets, domes and echoing burial chambers all conjure up images of Arabain
nights.The grace of monuments, in this city is in complete contrast to the
sculptural extravaganza of the Chalukyan and Hoysala temple further south.
The two main attractions of this town are the Gol Gumbaz and Ibrahim Roza.
Places of Interest : Gol Gumbaz : It is the mausoleum of Mohammed Adil
Shah (1626-56), his two wives, his mistress, one of his daughters and a grandson.
Built in 1659, it’s four walls enclose a majestic hall 1704 sq. m in area,
buttressed by octagonal seven storey towers at each of the corners. This basis
structure is capped by an enormous dome said to the world’s second largest
after St. Peter’s, Vatican city. The diameter of the dome is 38m. Around
the base of the dome at the top of the hall is a three meter wide gallery known
as the “whispering gallery” since the acoustics here are such that
any sound made is repeated 10 times over.
Ibrahim Roza : This beautiful structure was constructed at the height
of Bijapur’s prosperity by Ibrahim Adil Shah II (1580-1626) for his queen.
The emphasis here is on elegance and delicacy and its 24m high minarets are
said to have inspired those of Taj Mahal. It is one of the few monuments in
Bijapur with substantial stone filigree and other sculpturally decorative work.
Badami : Badami is located in the Bijapur District of Karnataka, at the
southern most point of the Deccan Trap. in a round AD 55o the Chalukyas shifted
their capital from Aihole to Badami remaining ther until they were ousted by
Pallva king a century later Badami is picturesquely nestles amongst hills which
enclsoe the healing watres of Bhuthanatha Lake and famous for its cave temples
carved out from soft sandstone hills, Badami is popularly regarded as the 'cradle
of Temple Architecture'.
Several temples cluster on the shores and in the natural gorge that leads
into the city. while these deserve a visit, it is the gigantic carvings on
the walls of the four cave temples that made Badami famous
The Cave 1 Although this cave contains an image of four armed Vishnu,
the deity who dominates is Shiva. Attended by his servent the dwarf Ganas, he
is shown in many forms: as Natraja, The lord of the cosmic dance; as Ardhanareshwar,
a half man, half woman aspect as Bhuthanatha, the God of Souls; and as lingam
protected by hooded Cobra.
Cave 2 : Two stone doorskeeprs guard the entrance to this cave dedicated
to Vishnu. The huge sculptures portray him in some of his incarnations, including
Krishna.The temples are full of beautiful sculptures of animals like varaha
(boar).
Cave 3 : Here the theme of Vishnu's incarnations continues. There are
also some very beautiful though faded, frescos.
Cave 4 : This cave is honours Jain deitis. the meditative figure in the
shrine is Mahavir, the founder of jainism and enormous large carving figure
of Jain saint, Parshwanatha. The Archaeological Museum is another tourist attraction,
which houses some outstanding sculptures of the by gone era including the remarkable
Lajja-Gauri images of fertility cult.
How to Reach There
Airport : The nearest airport is Belgaum about 150 km. Other important
airport near Badami is Bangalore about 500 km, the place is well connected by
Indian Airlines flights to most parts of India.
Rail : Nearest rail-head is Hubli about 130 km and the place is well
connected by rail line to Bangalore and Hyderabad.
Road : Buses are available from Badami and regularly ply between Badami
to Belgaum, Hubli, Bijapur and many other destinations
When to visit
Best season to visit Badami is September to February.
Aihole : Aihole is famous as the 'Cradle Of Indian Architecture'.originally
named Aryapura, and located about 40 Kms fto the north west of Badami, was a
university town that patronised art culture and education. It had been the first
ancient capital of Chalukyas, who reigned in the fifth century. Aihole, a picturesque
village nestling on the banks of the Malaprabha river is home to more than 125
temples. the original inhabitants built more than 50 temples inside thier fort
walss and another 50 outside before moving on to Badami. Each intricately carved
and rich in detail, scattered all around the village. These temples were built
between the 6th -11th centuries and some of them even earlier. Aihole is is
architeturaly important beacuase its temples are prototypes for both North and
South Indian style. Important Durga Temple situated in the heart of Aihole near
the Fort wall laid out like a Buddhist temple but with unique semicicular apse
containing high releif carvings of Hindu deities: the all powerfull goddess
chamundi devi is overcomeing a buffalo demon, whilst the bold eyes of Narasimha,
the half lion god. The interior of this temple is full of fascinating Carvings.
Not to be missed spots here include the two-tiered Buddhist Temple, the Jain
Meghuti Temple and the Museum behind the Durga Temple.
The other important temple in Aihole are Lad khan Temple, which is perhaps
the oldest temple in the region dating back to 5th century. Hutchimalli Temple
has a splendid sculpture of Lord Vishnu sitting atop a giant cobra, the Uma
Maheswari Temple with a beautifully carved Brahma seated on a lotus and Ravalphadi
Caves that is dedicated to Lord Shiva.
How to Reach There
Airport : The nearest airport is Belgaum about 160 km. Other important
airport near Aihole is Bangalore about 480 km and the place is well connected
by Indian Airlines flights to most parts of India.
Rail : The nearest railway station is Begalkot and Hubli about 130 km
and the place is well connected by rail line to Bangalore and Hyderabad.
Road : Aihole is connected by road to Pattadakkal about17 km, Badami
about41 km
When to visit
Best season to visit Badami is September to February.
Pattadakal : Pattadakkal situated on the banks of the Malaprabha river
and 30 kms from Badami was the last capital of the Chalukyans and place where
the Chalukyas crowned their kings. Pattadakkal is a UNESCO World Heritage Site
for it comprises some of the best of Chalukyan arts and architectures. The town
has about a dozen temples representing the finest examples of the Chalukyan
architecture.
The Chalukyas have left a scattering of fine temples, all built with the
local pink sandstone are include Virupaksha Temple, Mallikarjuna Temple, Galganatha
Temple, Papanatha Temple, Jambulinga Temple and the Jain Temple among many
others.
The Virupaksha temple, is a huge stone stucture with sculptures depicting scenes
from both the Ramayana and Mahabharata built in south Indian style is the most
beautiful of all temples in Pattadakkal. It has a large gateway depicted with
numerous inscriptions, describing the victory and conquest of Kanchi by Vikramaditya
II, the great Chalukyan king.
The other attraction here is the famous Jain Temple, built in Dravidian style
and situated in the close vicinity of Virupaksha Temple (500 mts.). The Rashtrakutas
who defeated and succeeded the Chalukyas in the 8th century built this architecture,
which possesses some very beautiful sculptures inside.
You can also enjoy the annual The Pattadakkal Dance Festival organized by
the Karnataka government.
How to Reach There
Airport: The nearest airport is Belgaum about 160 km. Other important airport
near Aihole is Bangalore about 480 km and the place is well connected by Indian
Airlines flights to most parts of India.
Rail: The nearest railway station is Badami about 30 km and Hubli about 130
km and the place is well connected by rail line to Bangalore and Hyderabad.
Road: Pattadakkal is well connected by road to Badami about 30 km.
When to visit
Best season to visit Badami is September to February.
Mangalore, Beaches in Mangalore
Mangalore picturesquely located between Arabian Sea and the Western Ghats,
Mangalore is lying on the backwaters formed by the confluence of the Netravathi
and Gurpura rivers. A benevolent and powerful goddess called mangala devi
has given her name to Managalore goddess of fortune in whose name a temple
was built here in the 9th century by King Kundavarma. Mangalore is India’s
9th largest important port, this coastal town has emerged as a major commercial
center exporting coffee, cashew nuts and fishes. Decorative tiles from Mangalore
are used all over India and famous for bidis, cigarettes rolled from single
tobacco leaf, is a cottage industry.
Mangalore is famous for its beautiful, exotic, lustrous and virgin beaches
and rightly so known as the ' entry point to Beach Country'. The famous beaches
here include Ullal Beach attracting tourists all through the year. Another
important beach here is Karwar Beach with gentle waves and picturesque blue
water of the Arabian Sea it can be a perfect holiday destination providing
fascinating experience for all the beach lovers.
The other attractions here include not to be missed Yakshagana performance,
a unique and elaborate form of dance in south India .The kambala an annual
buffalo race is yet another exciting event. In another performance known as
Talamaddlay a local deity Sharbeshwara Maha Ganapathi is worshipped in an
elaborate festival that marks Ganesh Chaturthi every year.
Your trip to Mangalore will be incomplete without a visit to the 10th century
Manjunatha Temple, St. Aloysius College Chapel, Sultan Battery, Light House
Hill Garden, Mangala Devi Temple and the Jumma Masjid.
How to Reach There
Airport : The airport at Bajpe is nearest, about16 km from the city.
Major airways services have been flying here.
Railway : Mangalore has a railway junction connected to Bangalore and
Mumbai.
Roads : The place is well connected with neighboring areas by roadways.
When to visit
Best season to visit Badami is September to February.
Coorg : Coorg is one of the most beautiful and exotic hill stations of
south India. It is located at an altitude of about 1100 m above the sea level
and at a distance of about 120 km from Mysore and 195 km from the capital city
Bangalore. Coorg or Kodagu, as the people of this little district in Karnataka
call their land, is a different facet of India: unsullied, beautiful, green,
and exciting with the lovely blue Sahyadari Mountains, dense forested valleys,
gurgling mountain streams and waterfalls. It is the land of coffee bushes resplendent
with red berries, cardamom fields covered with white and purple blossoms, old
silver oak trees laden with huge hives, and of a sturdy handsome people called
the Coorgis who charm by their hospitality and cuisine, their intriguing customs
and the reverence with which they worship their river, the Cauvery. The birthplace
of Cauvery River and home of thickly coffee-covered hills, cardamom fields covered
with white and purple blossoms, the exotic smells of sandalwood tress and green
pepper, all this make the region a perfect holiday destination. The region as
a whole appears like a natural paradise.
In the morning the hills here provide you some heart rendering views. A pleasant
misty climate, a clear blue sky, morning mist rolling down from hill slopes,
melodic and heart touching songs of mynas give enchanting experiences of nature.
Coorg is a region of scattered villages and hamlets, with a few townships
standing out. Postcard pretty with their red-tiled cottages and purple flowering
shrubs, the Kodagu towns have an old-world charm about them. Madikeri is a
little hill station and the headquarters of this beautiful district. The city
houses the historic Madikeri Fort, the Omkareshwara Temple dedicated to Lord
Shiva and Vishnu, and some beautiful viewpoints such as Raja's Seat. Around
Madikeri, there are many recreational and pilgrimages such as Abbey and Irupu
Falls.
However, there are other places nearby too which should not be missed on
a trip to Coorg. Talcauvery is the place where the River Cauvery originates.
Nagarhole National Park is one of the better-managed Indian wildlife sanctuaries.
You can spot hundreds and hundreds of elephants moving in herds in the Kabini
region.Coorg being the major producer of coffee and oranges in India, it is
but imperative that main centre of research in the production of coffee and
oranges, the Horticulture Research Centre is located in this district. Harangi,
situated 36 km from Madikeri, is a popular picnic spot famous for its treehouses.
Another place worth visiting here is the Omkareshwara Temple, dedicated to
Lord Siva. It is a blend of architectural features of Islamic and Gothic style.
A gilded ball with a weather clock over the dome of the temple adds to the
attraction of the temple.
The Coorg region also posses some of the beautiful and heart throbbing waterfall
sights. Abbi Falls and Irpu falls are famous tourist spots in and around Coorg.
The region as a whole never fails to enchant your senses and soul.
How to Reach There
Airport : The nearest Airport to Coorg is at Mangalore at a distance
of about 130 km. The Bangalore airport is about 200 km from here.
Rail : The nearest Railway Station to Coorg is Mysore, about 120 km.
Road : Coorg is well connected by roads with major cities like Mysore,
Mangalore and Bangalore.
When to visit
Best season to visit Coorg is from November to April. It rains heavily during
July-August and the Cauvery gets flooded. Avoid a Coorg tour during monsoons.
Jog falls : Formed by the river Sharavati, the grandeur of the 253m high
falls is best appreciated by a tour during and after the monsoon.
Udupi : Udipi is one of the south India's most important Hindu centres
and the seat of Dwaita, system of Hindu philosophyits delicious cuisine and
Udupi restaurants.
Hubli : This center of the Indian textile industry is situated 420 kms
from Bangalore. It is also a major junction for Mumbai, Bangalore and Goa.
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