Karnataka, the eighth largest state in India, is a veritable treasure trove of tourist delights. By virtue of its varied geography and long and rich history, Karnataka boasts of numerous spots of interest for tourists.
Karnataka, the "Lofty land" is bounded by Andhra Pradesh in the east, Maharashtra in the north and Tamil Nadu and Kerala in the south. A long coastline hedged by miles and miles of tall, waving, palmgroves frames this pretty land. The majority of the Karnataka state lies on the Deccan Plateau. Bangalore is the state capital.
Karnataka boasts a diverse flora and fauna, which make it a nature tourist's paradise. The state's long and colourful history, and the many forts, temples, mosques, and churches make Karnataka a great place to explore.
Garden city Bangalore, Jog Falls,the beaches of Karwar and Malpe, Golgumbuz in Bijapur, the stone temples of Belur and Halebid, Mysore Palace, the list is endless.
Famous Heritage towns of Karnataka - HAMPI,AIHOLE,BADAMI,PATTADAKAL,HOSPET,BELUR and HALEBID
Hampi and Pattadakal
Hampi and Pattadakal are the two most famous heritage towns of Karnataka. These are historical sites that highlight the temple ruins of Karnataka. A tour to Hampi and Pattadakal is like a gateway to the historical facet of Karnataka.
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BADAMI and AIHOLE
Badami situated in North Karnataka, the Capital of the Early Chalukyas. It is noted for its beautiful carved cave temples, artificial lake , Museme & rock-cut into the cliff face of a red sandstone hill, of the 6th & 7th Centuries. It is picturesquely situated at the mouth of a ravine between two rocky hills. Its all four cave temples - all hewn out of sandstone on the precipice of a hill. They display the full range of religious sects which have developed in India.
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Belur and Halebid
These two tiny temple towns 16 km apart were once at the centre of a great empire. The 12th century Hoysalas who ruled from here had a culturally thriving reign. They patronized the arts and encouraged temple architecture. Belur was dedicated to Vishnu(specifically Lord Krishna, an avatar of Vishnu), whereas Halebid’s patron god was Shiva.
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Bijapur
Bijapur - is well known for the great monuments of historical importance built during the Adil Shahi dynasty. Think of Bijapur and the first thing that comes to the mind is Gol Gumbaz - the tomb of Mohammed Adil Shah.
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Chitradurga
">Chitradurga gets its name from Chitrakaldurga,an umbrella-shaped lofty hill found here,Tradition dates the chitradurga district to the period of the Ramayana and Mahabharatha. The whole district lies in the valley of the Vedavati river,with the Tungabhadra flowing in the Northwest. The Well Known Tourist Place in Chitradurga is the Fort. The fort of chitradurga with seven circumbulations surrounds the seven hills of Chinmuladri range.
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HOSPET
The Tungabhadra Dam (TB Dam) to the north of Bangalore is situated 5 kms from Hospet town and is the largest dam in Karnataka. Stand at either end of the dam and view the enormous amount of waterpower the dam stores. Built across the river Tungabhadra, the stored water is shared between the states of Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka. The drive to the dam winds through hills with brown patches of soil and green streaks of vegetation. The narrow roads snake through small colorful houses that dot the side of the road.
The flow of water from the dam can be viewed in all its glory on August 15 each year. With the advent of monsoon in the month of May-June, all the spillway gates are closed and water is stored in the dam. It is not released unless it reaches the danger mark. On Independence Day, all the 33 spillway gates are opened and water gushes out in a symbolic representation of the jubilation in the hearts of thousands of Indians when India gained Independence.
Directions:
- 340 kms from Bangalore lies Hospet.
- Train No.6591 for Hospet to Bangalore; Train No. 6592 for Bangalore to Hospet) : First AC (1A) : Rs 1286; Second AC (2A) : Rs 751 .
Famous Hill Stations of Karnataka :
JOG FALLS (India's highest waterfall)
Jog Fall located at southern state of Karnataka is India's highest waterfall. Its height is 830 feet and is located on Sharavati River. The falls are in four distinct cascades called as, Raja, Rani, Roarer and Rocket.
Backwater of this river Sharavathi forms so many small islands.
This place is almost resides in the border of Western ghats of mountain ranges. Afternoon is the best time to watch the fall as sunlight will directly fall on the water fall. There are viewing points to see and enjoy the water fall.
LocationJog is located in Shimoga District of Karnataka, 30 km away from Sagara, 104 km from Shimoga, and 379 km away from Bangalore.
Best Time To VisitFor a Tour to Jog Falls, the best time to visit is June to September is the best time as monsoon remains active during this time of the year.
HistoryJog Falls is formed by the Sharavathi River, gushing down from a height of 253 meters. The river originates at Ambuthirtha in Thirthahalli taluk, flows north-west through the Western Ghats forming the Jog Falls before joining the Arabian Sea at Honavar.
Tourist AttractionsMake your Tour to Jog Falls memorable by visiting these famous tourist places near Jog Falls –.
Honnemaradu:
Situated on the back waters of River Sharavathi, this island formed with the backwater of Linganmakki Dam is famous for water sports.
Tunga Anecut Dam: Situated 15 km from Shimoga, this dam was built across the river Tungabadra. You can enjoy boat trips around the lake.
Lion Tiger Reserve:
This Lion - Tiger Reserve / Safari is located nearly 12 km from Shimoga towards Jog Falls.
Places around Jog FallsExplore the land of Jog Falls, visiting the places around it, while on a Tour to Jog Falls –.
Sagara:
A small town in the district of Shimoga, located 30 km from Jog Falls, Sagara is home to several ancient temples and famous for Sandalwood gifts/furnitures.
Siddapura:
A small town in Kodagu district, Siddapura lies in Western Ghats, providing captivating views of the Sahyadri mountain ranges.
Sirsi:
A town in Uttara Kannada district, Sirsi is like a hill-station set amidst emerald green forests and several waterfalls.
Where to stayEnjoy a comfortable stay while on a Tour to Jog Falls at the hotels in Jog Falls, offering a remarkable blend of tradition and modernity. Some of the major hotels in Jog Falls are Sharavati Tourist Home, Tunga Tourist Home, Inspection Bungalow, Jog Falls Guest House, etc.
How To ReachBy Air : The nearest airport is at Bangalore.
By Rail : You can take a train to Sagara from Bangalore, from where you can get into buses to Jog.
By Road : You can reach Jog Falls directly by availing of buses to Jog from Bangalore. Alternatively, from Bangalore you can take a bus to Sagara, from where local bus to Jog is available.
MYSORE
Mysore was the old capital of Karnataka and second largest city 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.
Mysore Attractions :
The Mysore Palace: A silhouette of the Mysore Palace, illuminated with ninety seven thousand light bulbs shimmering against an inky black night is one of the most unforgettable images of the city. Located in the heart of the city, it stands as a reminder of the splendor and affluence of its erstwhile rulers, the Maharajas of Mysore. It was the pride of a kingdom, and is now a priceless national treasure!.
The Chamundeshwari Temple is one of the noted Hindu places of worship and is situated atop the Chamundi Hill. On way to the Chamundi Hills is the Lalitha Mahal, a guest palace now converted into a heritage hotel.
St. Philomena's Church is one of the oldest churches in Mysore. Built in Gothic style, the church is among the largest in India. Stained glass windows and lofty towers give this cathedral an imposing look.
KRS Dam / Brindavan Gardens:One of the most visited places in Mysore by locals and by tourists is the famous Brindavan Gardens. Located about 19kms from the heart of Mysore these beautiful gardens are laid out below the Krishnaraja Sagar dam built across the river Cauvery. These gardens are famous for the illuminated dancing fountains that come to life after sunset. The Krishnaraja Sagar Dam (KRS) (known as Kannambadi to the locals) itself is a superb example of excellent engineering and itself is a tourist attraction in Mysore. Sir M. Vishveswariah, one of India's finest engineers, built it in 1924.
Shri Jayachamarajendra Art Gallery was established in 1875 and has a rare collection of some beautiful paintings from the same era. The gallery is located in Jagmohan Palace and exhibits paintings by Raja Ravi Varma, Svetsolav Roerich and traditional paintings from Mysore. The traditional gold leaf paintings and some exquisitely carved statues in sandalwood, ivory and stone are also exhibited in the gallery. The old paintings in the gallery have been done in mineral and vegetable dyes and paints.
The Mysore Zoo was set up by the royal family and houses some rare and exotic birds & animals. Situated amidst lush green surroundings, the zoo has acquired fame for breeding some rare animals in captivity.
Mysore Dasara
Dasara in Mysore is a sight one would remember for a long time even after leaving the place. It is believed that the presiding deity of the city has the power to conquer evil forces and this has led the citizens to celebrate the festival with much gaiety and fervor.
The tradition of celebrating Dasara with such grandeur started with the 16th-century rulers of Vijayanagar. After the disintegration of Vijayanagar Empire, the tradition was kept alive by rulers of Mysore and continues till now.
During the month of October and November, for ten days the Dasara festival is celebrated and the city is at its colorful best with music and dance, Sports, Literary competitions, fairs and exhibitions all over. All this culminates in the Dasara procession and a torchlight parade on the tenth day.
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How to reach Mysore:BY AIR: The nearest airport from Mysore is 140 km away in Bangalore, from where one can take flights for most of the important cities in India.
BY RAIL: Mysore is connected with most of the metros like Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, and Chennai through regular trains.
BY ROAD: There is a good network of roads that connects Mysore to other important cities of the region.
Mysore Images
The Karnataka Government has recently introduced The Golden Chariot - train which connects popular tourist destinations in the state and Goa.
The Golden Chariot
Welcome aboard a fascinating journey through the many worlds of Karnataka. Embark on a luxurious voyage of discovery through the Cradle of Stone Architecture. THE GOLDEN CHARIOT train named after the famous Stone Chariot in Hampi, a world heritage site, in Southern India will travel through timeless Historical Heritage Sites, Resplendent Palaces, Wildlife and Golden Beaches.
It.s 7 Nights / 8 Days colorful journey begins every Monday from Bangalore and traverses through Mysore, visiting Srirangapatna, Mysore Palace; the Nagarhole National Park (Kabini) and continuing to the historical sites of Shravanabelagola, Belur-the 11th century cradle of Hoysala architecture and a world heritage site,Halebidu, Hampi and thereafter entering into the triangular heritage site of Badami, Pattadakal, Aihole, and finally the Golden Beaches of Goa before ending in Bangalore.
Tour: 7 Nights / 8 Days.
Places Covered: Bangalore - Srirangapatnam - Mysore - Kabini - Shravanabelagola - Belur - Halebid - Hampi - Badami - Aihole - Pattadakal - Goa.
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