ಬುಧವಾರ, ಅಕ್ಟೋಬರ್ 29, 2008

KARNATAKA A LAND OF SANDALWOOD WITH RICH HERITAGE

CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION:
FACTS AND FIGERS
GEOGRAPHY
HERITAGE KARNATAKA
ARTISTIC KARNATAKA
DEVINE KARNATAKA
FESTIVE KARNATAKA
ROMANTIC KARNATAKA
COSCADING KARNATAKA
WILD KARNATAKA
BEACHES OF KARNATAKA
CONCLUSION

INTRODUCTION
Karnataka is The land Known as “GANDHADA GUDI” The land Of Sandalwood which is as diversified as the seven clours in the vibgyor.
This land has everything to offer to the feast of a tourist from any part of the universe. This reflects the spectrographic magnitude of the splendid state. So does its theme.

FACTS AND FIGERS:
Total area: 1,91 976 km²
Total districts: 29
Biggest district: Gulbarga
Smallest District: Kodagu (coorg)
Capital: Bengalooru or Bangalore (silicon Valley of India)
Official Language: “KANNADA”
Population : 5,28,50,562 (2001)
Density:275 per km²
Literacy: 69.6%
Governor: Rameshwara Thakur
Chief Minister: B.S Yadiyurappa
Tourism Minister: Gali Janardhana Reddy

GEOGRAPHY:

The state has three principal geographical zones: the coastal region of Karavali, the hilly Malnad region comprising the Western Ghats (Sahhyadri) and the Bayaluseeme region comprising the plains of the Deccan Plateau. The bulk of the state is in the Bayaluseeme region, the northern part of which is the second largest arid region in India. The highest point in Karnataka is the Mullayyanagiri hills in Chikkamagalooru District which has an altitude of 1,929 metres (6,329 ft). Some of the important rivers in Karnataka are the Kaveri, the Tungabhadra, the Krishna and the Sharavati

HERITAGE KARNATAKA:

Nowhere else in India can you find such a profusion of monuments as in Karnataka. No wonder, Karnataka has been called the "Cradle of Stone Architecture". The magnificent world heritage sites at Hampi and Pattadakkal, the exquisite temples at Belur, Halebidu, and Somnathpur, the cave temples of Badami and Aihole and the stately Forts, Domes and minarets of Bijapur resurrect the state's history and cultural affluence. These peerless wonders are eloquent reminders of a rich heritage.


HAMPI:
Hampi was the capital city of the powerful south Indian Vijayanagar Empire . Founded by Harihara and Bukka in 1336, it fell to the Muslim rulers of north India in 1565 after the disastrous battle of Talikota and subsequently lapsed into decline and abandonment. The ruins of the historical monuments have stood the ravages of man and time and still evoke memories of the grandeur of a bygone era.


BADAMI:
Picturesquely situated at the mouth of a ravine between two rocky hills, the exquisite sculptures and the rust red sandstone cliffs of Badami tell many a tale of yore. Climb a flight of steps to reach the four ancient rock-cut caves replete with carved pillars and bracket figures, all hewn out of red sandstone on the precipice of a hill.


PATTADKAL:
With its beautifully chiselled temples, this World Heritage Site on the banks of the Malaprabha river bears testimony to the richness of Chalukyan architecture. Pattadakal reached its pinnacle of glory under the Chalukya kings and was once used as a ceremonial centre where kings were crowned and commemorated. It has a cluster of 10 major temples, each displaying interesting architectural features..


AIHOLE:
A tranquil village on the banks of the Malaprabha river, Aihole is acclaimed as the cradle of Hindu temple architecture. There are hundreds of temples in the villages and fields nearby. The most impressive one is the Durga Temple with its semicircular apse, elevated plinth, and the gallery encircling the sanctum. The Lad Khan Temple, which is one of the earliest temples, was originally a royal assembly hall and marriage mantapa chosen as the abode of a Muslim prince, Lad Khan temple.


LAKKUNDI:
12km southeast of Gadag is the modest village of Lakkundi. Here, scattered among the tiny houses and dusty lanes are 50 stunning temples and 29 inscriptions dating back to the Kalyana Chalukya period. The most ornate and spectacular of these is the Kashi Vishwanatha Temple.


KITTUR CHENNAMMA FORT:
Located on the Pune-Bangalore highway about 50km from Belgaum and 32km from Dharwad, the tiny town of Kittur with its dilapidated palace, monuments, statues and horse tongas (rickshaws) evokes the glories of a bygone era.


CHITRADURGA FORT:
Chitradurga, on the highway linking Bangalore with Hospet, is famed for its massive Kallina Kote (Palace of Stone) fort, a marvel of military architecture made impregnable by the Nayak Palegars.


BIJAPUR:
The one-time capital of the Adil Shahi kings (1489-1686) is dotted with mosques, mausoleums, palaces, fortifications, watchtowers, and strong gateways, with the massive Gol Gumbaz, The second largest and biggest dome in the world.


GULBARGA FORT:
Originally built by Raja Gulchand and later fortified by Ala-ud-din Bahman, the fort contains large buildings, mosques, temples, stables, ammunition dumps, carriages, 15 towers, 26 guns, and several beautiful courtyards. The piece-de-resistance of the sprawling fort is the 38,000 sq. ft. Jumma Masjid with its elegant domes and arched columns reminiscent of the great mosque of Cordoba in Spain.


BIDAR FORT:
Catch a glimpse of Karnataka's richly textured history in this rugged 15th century fort surrounded by a triple-moated wall hewn out of red rock, with intricate battlements and an imposing gateway. The crumbling ruins of the bastions and gates, royal baths and kitchens, audience halls, and pleasure pavilions stand as silent testimonies to Bidar's past glory. The Rang Mahal has elaborately carved wooden pillars, Persian couplets engraved in tiles and exquisite mother-of-pearl inlay work.


MYSORE PALACE:
All roads in Mysore lead to the Mysore Palace. Built in Indo-Saracenic style with domes, turrets, arches, and colonnades, the palace is a treasure house of exquisite carvings and works of art from all over the world. Intricately carved doors open into luxuriously furnished rooms. The majestic Durbar Hall has an ornate ceiling and many sculpted pillars. The Marriage Pavilion is adorned with glazed tile flooring, stained glass windows and domed ceilings..


SRIRANGAPATTANA:
The island fortress of the legendary warrior king Tipu Sultan is just 16km from Mysore city. Inside the fortress is Tipu's mosque with its twin minarets, the celebrated Ranganatha Swamy Temple, Tipu's Summer Palace, the Wellesley Bridge, and the dungeons where British officers were once imprisoned.


SOMANATHPUR:
Situated in the unobtrusive village of Somnathpur, 35km from Mysore, the exquisitely carved, star-shaped temple with triple towers is a perfect example of Hoysala architecture.


BELUR:
On the banks of the Yagachi river in Belur, a star-shaped temple with hand lathe-turned filigreed pillars and sculptures will take your breath away. It is the only Hoysala temple still in active worship. Friezes of charging elephants, each different from the other, mythological figures, military scenes, dancers and musicians, and elaborate decorative motifs charge the imagination.


HALEBEEDU:
Just 17km away from Belur is Halebid, the ancient capital of the Hoysalas. The temple, perched on a star-shaped base amidst lawns, is a sculptural extravaganza. Its walls are richly carved with an endless variety of Hindu deities, sages, stylised animals, birds, and friezes depicting the life of the Hoysala kings.


BANGALORE PALACE:
Modelled on the lines of the Windsor Castle, the Bangalore Palace flaunts turreted parapets, battlements, fortified towers, and arches. Entry to the palace is restricted. It was built by Odeyars of Mysore.


TIPU’S FORT AND PALACE:
A visit to Tipu's Fort is an enriching experience. Built in 1791, this summer retreat of Tipu Sultan in Bangalore is a two-storied ornate wooden structure with fluted pillars, cusped arches and balconies. It now houses a museum, which contains artefacts relating to the Hyder-Tipu regime.


BELLARY
Bellary Fort Built a top the Ballary Gudda or Fort Hill, during Vijayanagar times by Hanumappa Nayaka . Hyder Ali took possession from the Nayaka 's in 1769 , got the fort renovated . and modified with the help of French engineer. Legend has it that the engineer was hanged , for over looking the fact that the neighboring Kumbra Gudda was taller than Bellary Gudda.


ADI CHUNCHANAGIRI:
The seat of the Swami of the Vokkaliga community, this small town is a noted center of Bhairva Worship . The main attraction here is the gangadeshwara Temple , Which attracts pilgrims in thousands during the annual Jatra and the Peacock Sanctuary . The Matha provides accommodation for guest visitors at its guest house .


ARTISTIC KARNATAKA:
Karnataka has a wide range of songs and dances that revolve around hunting food gathering and burial rites. The state's rich and vibrant culture is reflected in varied art forms: Yakshagana, puppetry or Bombeatta, Bhootha Aradhane, Krishna Parijatha, Nagamandala and the various Kunithas


YAKSHAGANA:
A trip to the coastal belt would be incomplete without watching the Yakshagana - an elaborate dance-drama performance unique to Karnataka.


TOGALU GOMBEYAATA:
The ancient art of leather puppetry draws heavily from mythology, especially stories from the Ramayana and the Mahabharata. This art form is still prevalent in some remote villages.


BHOOTA AARADHANE:
No less interesting is the Bhootha Aradhane or devil worship, very common in the coastal towns of Karnataka. Idols representing 'bhoothas' are taken out in a procession to the beating of drums and bursting of firecrackers. As the procession ends, the idols are placed on a pedestal.


NAAGAMANDALA:
People of Dakshina Kannada perform an elaborate ritual called Nagamandala to appease the serpent spirit. It is conducted in an extravagant manner throughout the night, wherein dancers known as the Vaidyas dress themselves as nagakannikas and dance the night away.


CLASSICAL DANCES:
The Mysore style of Bharatanatyam, which is the oldest and most popular form of classical dance in India, is widely performed here. Other mainstream classical dances here include Kuchipudi and Kathak.


KRISHNA PARIJATA:
A folk theatre art form popular in Uttar Karnataka. It is a combination of Yakshagana and Byalatta with themes culled from the great epic Mahabharata.


MUSIC:
Imbued with the devotion of Kanaka Dasa and Purandara Dasa, the music of Karnataka flourished under the royal patronage of the Vijayanagar Empire and the Wodeyars. Direct in descent in the Mysore Veena tradition are Veene Seshanna and Veenae Doreswamy Iyengar. T. Chowdiah gave the violin in Carnatic music a new character altogether. Gangubai Hangal, Bhimsen Joshi, Mallikarjuna Mansur, Kumar Gandharwa, Basavaraj Rajguru, and Puttaraj Gavai M .Venkatesh Kumar, Siddaram jambaldinni,narasimhlu vadavati are some of the illustrious names in Karnataka's contribution to Hindustani music.


DIVINE KARNATAKA:

Karnataka is as much famed for its shrines, mosques, churches, and Jain basadis as it is for its natural and scenic splendours. These architectural wonders hold the key to the state's spiritual and historical past. Legends mingle with history, giving its shrines an evocative ambience that brings to life the richness of the state's spiritual culture. The religious circuit fascinates pilgrims and tourists as the enigma of Indian philosophy unravels in its architecture, religion, and cultural traditions.


GOKARNA:
This coastal town draws Hindu pilgrims, Sanskrit scholars, and beach buffs alike. Apart from its famed beaches and the Centre for Sanskrit Learning..


UDUPI:
Approximately 60km from Mangalore is the Vaishnavite pilgrimage town of Udupi. This was the sanctum of Madhwacharya, the great Sanskrit philosopher. It is as much renowned for its chefs, cuisine, and restaurants as it is for its Krishna Temple and various mutts.


MOOKAMBIKA TEMPLE:
130km from Mangalore, amid the green canopy of the Western Ghats, lies the village of Kollur. Here, the Mookambika Temple, one of the seven most sacred spots of the coastal region, is dedicated to the goddess of emotional power and strength.


DHARMASTHALA:
Besides the many Jain basadis and a museum, the centrepiece of this temple town is a 39ft. monolith statue of Lord Bahubali. Dharmasthala, situated 65km east of Mangalore, in Belthangady taluk of Dakshina Kannada district, is a remarkable example of communal harmony and religious and cultural tolerance.


MURUDESHWAR:
Located on the main Mangalore-Karwar highway, Murudeshwar is sandwiched between the picturesque Western Ghats and the Arabian Sea. Its main attractions are its beach, an awesome Shiva statue, and a Shiva Temple built with Chalukya and Kadamba sculptures in the Dravidian style of architecture.


ISKCON TEMPLE:
(International Society For Krishna Consciousness) Visit this ornate temple just 10km west of Vidhana Soudha cord road Rajaji Negara Bangalore. Built on a hillock with granite, marble, and Korean glass, this huge cultural complex was established to promote Vedic culture and spiritual learning.


SHRAVANABELAGOLA:
A short 148-km drive from Bangalore takes you to Shravanabelagola, a prominent Jain pilgrim centre in Hassan district. Shravanabelagola is home to Asia's largest monolithic statue - Lord Gomateswara here towers 58ft.


MUDABIDRI:
Mudabidri is known as the 'Jain Varanasi' of South India. There are 18 Jain basadis in Mudabidri; the oldest of them is the 15th century Chandranatha Basadi, also known as the Thousand Pillars Basadi. The main entrance, which faces the east, opens onto a superb monolithic pillar in front of the doorway.


VENUR:
The town is famed for its eight basadis and the ruins of a Mahadeva Temple. An 11m high Bahubali statue, dating back to 1604, stands on the Southern bank of the Gurupur river.


KARKALA:
The towering 42ft. monolith of Gomateshwara standing atop a granite outcrop on the outskirts of the town is the main attraction here. The Chaturmukha Basadi, completed in 1586, has four identical Jain tirthankara images facing in four different directions.


SRINGERI:
It is believed that this town was named after Rishyashringa, who figures in the famous Indian mythological epic Ramayana as the chief priest at the sacrifice of King Dasaratha.


TALACAUVERY:
Set amidst the picturesque Brahmagiri Hills is the source of the Cauvery river with the Talacauvery Temple built around it. On Tulasankramana day (October 17th) thousands of pilgrims flock to the river's birthplace to witness the miraculous rise of the fountainhead..


BANAVASI(VANAVAASI):
Nestling deep in the forests of the Western Ghats on the border of Uttara Kannada and Shimoga districts, this temple town is located on the Vardha river and is known for its rice, sugarcane, arecanut, spices, and the famous Banavasi pineapple. This is where the eminent poet Pampa wrote his poems.


KHWAJA BANDE NAWAZ DURGAH-GULBARGA:
The tomb of the great Sufi saint Khwaja Bande Nawaz, a magnificent building in the Indo-Saracenic style, holds pride of place in the hearts of Muslim devotees. Thousands of Hindus and Muslims visit the durgah each day to pay homage to the saint. It is the venue of an annual urus (festival) attended by nearly one hundred thousand people, both Muslims as well as Hindus..


SHARANABASAVESHWARA SHRINE:
Dedicated to the Hindu saint and reformer Basaveshwara, the temple is a popular year-round pilgrim centre for Hindu devotees. A chariot festival which draws thousands of pilgrims is held in Basaveshwara's honour near the Gulbarga tank.


MALKHED : Malkhed a town 40 kms away from gulbarga was the capital city of Rashtrakootas. It was known as “Maanyakhetha” . Now we can see the glimpses of Rashtrakootas like fort , jain basadi Can be seen here. and here we can see the moola brindavanam of sri jayateertharu who is known as teekacharyaru and he concidered as the first respected critic in the world. he wrote teeka grantha means critics to 37 sarvamoola granthas (books) of sri madhwacharya.


BASAVAKALYAN:
Once the capital of the Kalyana Chalukyas and the centre of a great social and religious upheaval in the 12th century, Basavakalyan in Bidar district is famed for its cultural heritage


GURUDWARA NANAK JHIRA SAHIB-BIDAR:
Legend has it that Guru Nanak halted at Bidar at a time when the area was reeling under a severe drought. The Muslim saints requested him to invoke the blessings of the divine in order to obtain water. The crystal clear stream that still flows out of a rock near the Gurudwara is believed to be God's answer to the Guru's prayers.


BANASHANKARI:
En route to Badami is a quaint hamlet that takes its name from the goddess Banashankari. Built in the Dravidian style, the temple is dedicated to Banashankari, a form of Parvati highly revered by the weaver community


KOODALASANGAMA:
Situated at the confluence of the rivers Krishna and Malaprabha in Bagalkot district, this pilgrim centre is famed for its Chalukyan-style Sangameshwara Temple. Koodalasangama is associated with the great 12th century poet and reformer Basaveshwara.


SIDDHAGANGA:
Siddhaganga, a famous pilgrim centre, has a hilltop temple dedicated to Siddhalingeshwara. At the entrance of this temple six shrines can be seen. The Veerashaiva Mutt, an important educational and pilgrim centre, is close by.


SHIVAGANGA:
This four-faced hill (1368m) resembles a Nandi from the east, a Ganesha from the west, a linga from the south, and a cobra from the north. An arduous climb takes you to the two main shrines, Gavi Gangadhareshwara Cave Temple and Honnadevi Temple.


DEVARAYANADURGA:
Set amidst hills and dense forests, Devarayanadurga is dotted with hilltop temples like the Yoganarasimha and the Bhoganarasimha. It is also famed for Namada Chilume, a holy natural spring, and the Mahalakshmi Temple at Goravanahalli


NANJANGUD:
An important pilgrim centre on the banks of the Kapila river, famous for the massive Nanjundeshwara Temple. Built in the Dravidian style, this temple is one of the biggest of its kind in Karnataka. The town takes its name from the temple.


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.


TALAKAD:
Situated on the banks of the river Cauvery, the Kritti Narayana Temple, also known as the Vaideshwara Temple is completely buried beneath sand dunes. The temple comes to life when it is excavated once every 12 years during the Panchalinga Darshan.


FESTIVE KARNATAKA:

The fascinating fairs and festivals of Karnataka are a celebration of life in all its infinite variety. Most of them are exclusive to the state and reverberate with colour and gaiety. Every hamlet and village, every town and city has its own calendar of events to be celebrated.


DASARA (NAADA HABBA):
Treat yourself to the pomp and pageantry of the Dussehra festival in Mysore. This festival commemorates the victory of the Goddess Chamundi over the demon Mahishasura. Pageants, parades, and music create a kaliedoscope of colour and gaiety. Crowds jostle to catch a glimpse of the glittering palace.


Hampi Festival (VIJAYA UTSAVA):
The ruins of Hampi come alive with the strains of music and sounds of dance when the State Government holds the Vijaya Utsav to recreate the grandeur of the erstwhile Vijayanagar Empire and a bygone era. Similar festivals are held at Halebid, Pattadakal, Karavalli, and Lakkundi. Other district festivals are held in consultation with the District Commissioners of different Districts. Month: November


TULA SANKRAMANA:

Come October, the people of Kodagu look forward to this annual festival. It is believed that Goddess Cauvery appears in the form of a sudden upsurge of water in a small tank to give darshan to the innumerable devotees gathered here. This event is known as theerthodbhava, which is celebrated with much festivity in Kodagu.


VAIRAMUDI FESTIVAL:
The sleepy town of Melkote comes alive during the annual Vairamudi festival when the deity of the hill shrine dedicated to Lord Vishnu is adorned with the legendary diamond-studded crown brought from the Mysore Palace. This nightlong event, part of the 10-day Brahmotsavam, is witnessed by thousands of devotees.
Month: March


KUMBALA (BUFFELLO RACE):
When the fields are flush with water, buffaloes race down a slushy track, egged on by a strong-muscled farmer who surfs his way down the track behind the beasts while balancing precariously on a trailing wooden plank.A riot of colour, frenzied cheers, and shining torsos slick with sweat mark this annual sporting event where the prize goes to the swiftest.


KARAGA:
Discover the 9-day Karaga, a tradition started and sustained by a Tamil-speaking community of gardeners called Thigalars. The Karaga festival is held at the Dharmaraya Swamy Temple in Bangalore. Just after dusk on the Karaga day between March and April, a priest dressed in female attire leads a spectacular procession to the accompaniment of dazzling swordplay by a number of dhoti-clad, bare-chested Thigalars. Month: April


MAHA MASTAKAABHISHEKHA:
Once in 12 years the well known Jain pilgrim centre, Shravanabelagola in Karnataka gets transformed into a throbbing city, when millions of devotees converge to participate in the spectacular ceremonies for the Maha Mastakabhisheka (sacred head anointing ceremony) of the magnificent 18 metre high statue of Bahubali..


ROMANTIC KARNATAKA:

Karnataka has its share of several lesser known hill stations. Each has its own unique charm; take your pick from sandalwood forests, coffee plantations, trekking trails, waterfalls, and wildlife. Nestled in the Western Ghats, these hill stations present spectacular views of dense forests, deep valleys, and magnificent sunsets.


KODAGU (COORG):
Madikeri is the picturesque capital of Kodagu (also called Coorg,) the land of coffee, cardamom, colonels, and the Cauvery.


AGUMBE:
If you enjoy spectacular sunsets, sparkling streams, verdant village vistas, and an unspoilt rustic ambience, Agumbe is the place for you. Situated at an elevation of 826m in Shimoga district


KEMMANAGUNDI:
The picturesque hill station of Kemmangundi is located at a height of 1434m above sea level. This was the summer retreat of Krishna raja Wodeyar IV.


KUNDADRI:
Located on Theerthahalli-Agumbe road, about 12km from Theerthahalli, Kundadri Hill is a gigantic monolithic rock formation. Surrounded by dense evergreen forests, it is a lovely place for trekking.


KODACHADRI:
Situated 100km from Shimoga and 36km from Hosanagara is this enchanting mountain which overlooks the vast Western Ghats. Kodachadri is famed for its glorious sunrises and sunsets.


BILI GIRI RANGANA BETTA:
Lose yourself in these ancient hills, which take their name from the Ranganatha Swamy Temple that sits at the edge of a granite precipice with a drop of more than 1000ft. into a dense forest.


NANDI BETTA (HILLS):
This popular weekend getaway is just 60km from Bangalore. The bracing air and serene environs of Nandi Hills, perched at a height of 1455m above sea level, provided Tipu Sultan and the British with an idyllic summer retreat.

CHIKKAMAGALOORU:
Nestled in the Baba Budan hills, Chikmagalur is a calm, serene town full of surprises with hills, valleys, streams and coffee plantations. Coffee seed was planted here for the first time in India.

CASCADING KARNATAKA:

Karnataka abounds in a torrent of sparkling waterfalls set amidst the sylvan environs of the districts of Kodagu and Uttara Kannada. West-flowing rivers gush through thick forests in coastal Uttara Kannada, breaking into streams that meander over hilly tracts to end in a series of dramatic, plunging finales throughout the region.


JOG FALLS:
Bear witness to nature's headlong tumble as the Sharavati river makes a spectacular drop of 810ft. (253m) in four distinct cascades - known locally as Raja, Rani, Rover, and Rocket - to create the highest falls in Asia.


UNCHALLI FALLS:
Heggarne, a dreamy hamlet in Uttara Kannada district, is just 35km from Siddapur. A further 5km trek from Heggarne through dense forests brings you to the picturesque Unchalli Falls.


MAGODU FALLS:
The mesmerising Magod Falls are located 80km from Karwar. Here, the Bedthi river takes two distinct leaps to hurtle from a height of 650ft. into a rocky ravine.


HEBBE FALLS:
An 8km trek from Kemmangundi along a steep and narrow path leads you to these sprightly falls. Surrounded by dense forests and coffee plantations, Hebbe Falls gushes down from a height of 250ft.

SHIVANASAMUDRA FALLS:
Discover nature's handiwork in the form of this tiny island-town 65km east of Mysore. Forested hills and lush green valleys cradle a small hamlet and two fine temples.


ABBE FALLS:
Tucked away between private coffee and spice estates, Abbey Falls (9km from Madikeri) offers a splendid backdrop for picnics. As you make your way past stocky coffee bushes and tall trees.


KALAHATTI FALLS:
Water cascades from the top of the Chandra Drona Hill from a height of 45m to flow before the Veerabhadreshwara Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.

GOKAK FALLS:

Located 65 kms from Belgaum, Gokak gets its name due to the Goki trees found in abundance in these areas.


WILD KARNATAKA:

Karnataka's forests and wildlife are her priceless natural heritage. The State boasts of some of the largest jungle tracts south of the Vindhyas. From the majestic evergreen forests of the Western Ghats to the scrub jungles of the plains, a wide variety of habitats teem with diverse flora and fauna, some of them endemic to the region. Some of these jungles were the private preserves of former rulers. Thanks to their protection, these jungles have survived. However, some of the lesser-known ones are sanctuaries protected by the local populace.


BANDIPUR NATIONAL PARK:
Explore the environs of Nagarhole, Kannada for 'Snake River.' The Rajiv Gandhi National Park derives its name from the winding course of the river that flows through the forests.


RAJIV GANDHI NATIONAL PARK NAGARHOLE:
Explore the environs of Nagarhole, Kannada for 'Snake River.' The Rajiv Gandhi National Park derives its name from the winding course of the river that flows throughthe forests.


B R HILLS SANCTURY:
A unique blend of hill resort and wildlife sanctuary. The hills take their name from the ancient Ranganatha Swamy Temple that sits at the edge of a granite precipice with a drop of more than 1000 ft.


CAUVERY WILD SANCTURY:
Tucked away amidst mountains, valleys, a mighty river, jungle sounds, and lush greenery, the sanctuary is an idyllic getaway where anglers and nature enthusiasts can get a whiff of raw adventure.


RANGANATITTU BIRD SANCTURY:
Just outside Srirangapatna, near Mysore, the Cauvery river meanders around a string of tiny islets, which together form a splendid nesting site for waterfowl.


KOKKARE BELLR PELICARNY:
Every year, hundreds of winged visitors come together to set up a unique orchestra at Kokkrebellur with their shrill cries and cacophonous calls.


BANNERGHATTA NATIONAL PARK:
For a walk on the wild side, look no further than the southern outskirts of Bangalore city, where you can find everything from avifauna to panthers in the Bannerghatta National Park.


ANSHI NATIONAL PARK:
Located in an eco-sensitive part of the Western Ghats, Anshi is rich in rare species of flora and fauna. About 197 species of birds have been spotted here.


DANDELI WILDLIFE SANCTURY:
Undulating streams, whispering bamboo, diverse wildlife, and innumerable trekking trails make Dandeli a dream destination.


GUDVI BIRD SANCTURY:
An obscure village in Sorab taluk of Shimoga district, comes alive in June as the energetic chirping of birds fills the air.


BHADRA BIRD SANCTURY:
The sanctuary takes its name from the eponymous river, its lifeline. Popularly known as Muthodi Wildlife Sanctuary, after the village on its periphery, it is a great place to sight the ferocious tiger..


MANDAGADDE BIRD SANCTURY:
You can witness the seasonal congregation of birds on a tiny island in the mid-course of the Tunga river at Mandagadde village, 30 km from Shimoga on the Shimoga-Theerthahalli road


KUDUREMUKH NATIONAL PARK:
The Kudremukh, or Horse Face Range, gets its name from the unique shape of its peak. The broad hills, 95km south-west of Chikmagalur town..


CHAMRAJ NAGAR:
Experience the magic of the deep jungles of the Chamrajnagar range, one of the hottest bio-diversity spots in the world.


BEACHES OF KARNATAKA:

Karnataka have some beautiful beaches in its coastal line which is covered by Arabian sea. Karnataka has a 320-km long coastline, arrayed with famous beaches, that invites those wants a break from the chafing grind of urban life. The tranquility and the charm of the region coupled with the impetuousness of the coastal folk, and their delightful cuisine is just awesome.


BHATKAL BEACH:
Famous Bhatkal Beach is located at a distance of 16-km from Bhatkal and 126 km from Karwar. Dotted by the calm blue seas and majestic hills, this beach is a popular tourist spot and known for the exquisite temples. Best season to visit Bhatkal beach is from August to March.


KARWAR BEACH:
Karwar is situated just 100 km from Goa is a perfect holiday with gentle waves, palm-laced beaches, silver sand, and calm, peaceful alleys. A voyage through Goa makes a good starting point of discovering the thrills of the sea, sand and sun. Major attractions of this place include the Sadashivgad Hill fort with a Durga temple, the unique Octagonal Church, and the 300 year old Venkataramana Temple.


MURUDESHWARA BEACH:
Located 16 km from Bhatkal, Murudeshwar beach another famous beach of Karnataka is believed to have been sanctified by Pranalinga of Mahabaleshwara thrown by Ravana. It is a popular picnic spot, having beautiful blue waters of the sea and the majestic mountains. Other attractions around this beach are the Murdeshwar temple, the Kanduka Giri and the fort of Tipu Sultan. This lovely destination can be visited throughout the year.


KURMAGADA BEACH:
Kurumgad -a tortoise-shaped island is situated at a distance of 4 km from the mainland. The beach is famous for the hilltop Narasimha Temple where thousands of devotees throng the temple during the annual jatra held on Pushya Purnima every year in early January. One can enjoy viewing the sea and the sand.


MALPE BEACH:
About 6 km from Udupi is Malpe, Malpe is a perfect hangout zone with its virgin beach. The infinite tract of golden sand, pleasantly swaying palm trees, the clear blue sky and the ripple of the sea all set an ideal disposition for an unforgettable holiday here.


GOKARNA BEACH:
Gokarna, a beach town has some most splendid beaches of the region. Om beach, one of Gokarna's five famed beaches, is in the shape of a 'Om,'- most spiritual symbol of Hindus. The other famous beaches, compressed between massive steep rock that project like delicate fingers into the sea, are Gokarna, Kudle, Half Moon and Paradise. One can visit Gokarna any time round the year.


KAUPU BEACH:
Kaup is situated at a distance of 12 km from Udupi, on the coastal belt. Kaup has a lovely beach that offers a perfect holiday destination with calm sea and beautiful location. Beside it beach, Kaup has attractions of a ruined fort and an old 100ft high lighthouse.


MARAVANTE BEACH:
Maravanthe beach is 50 km from Udupi. The endless stretch of golden sand, swaying palm trees, clear blue sky and the flow of the sea attracts a large number of tourists to this spot. At sunset, the red sky and golden rays convert the entire environs into a fairyland of scenic beauty. A drive further up are the Belekal Theertha falls, near Baindur.


CONCLUSION:
Finally Karnataka is a kind of state In India which is having a diversified culture interms of language food festivals rituals and finally Tourist Destinations also.



SANJEEV KUMAR SIRNOORKAR

4 ಕಾಮೆಂಟ್‌ಗಳು:

Unknown ಹೇಳಿದರು...

excellent information dude,

proude to be kanndiga...


Siddaramesh from sedam--Gulbarga--Banglore

Unknown ಹೇಳಿದರು...

Nice Blog! Thanks for sharing the post.. Get the Best Online Bus Ticket Reservation Services in all over India in one step with Ticketgoose. Orange Travels of Bus Tickets through www.ticketgoose.com with simple money transaction procedures. Can also select seats, Book return Tickets and also cancel Tickets Online. Log on today and enjoy the benefits of the attractive discounts on offer.
Orange Travels

Social Entrepreneurship for Agri Development ಹೇಳಿದರು...

NICE BLOG my self nagaraju l g i am doing phd in INNOVATIVE TOURISM PRODUCTS AND THEIR IMPACT IN KARNATAKA, CAN I GET CHANCE TO WORK WITH U

Gruhakhoj.com ಹೇಳಿದರು...

Very well written.Loved the way you explain about your blog.Thank you for sharing the information
nice creativity and infrastructure ... Belgaum Real Estate