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Sunday, January 10, 2010
Friday, December 4, 2009
VISITING SPOT IN MAHARASHTRA
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Thursday, December 3, 2009
Karnataka Tours | Tourist Places in Karnataka
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.
Important toursit attraction in Mysore
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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TOURIST PLACES IN TAMILNADU
PLACES TO SEE IN TAMILNADU, INDIA | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Kapaleeswarar, an ancient Shiva temple, is the biggest temple in Chennai. A masterpiece of Dravidian style and displays the architectural elements - gopurams, mandapams and a tank. There are some fragmentary inscriptions dating back to 1250 AD. Sri Parthasarathy Temple, devoted to Lord Krishna, was originally built by the Pallavas in The Santhome Cathedral Church built in 1504, then rebuilt in neo-Gothic style in 1893, this Roman Catholic Church near Kapaleeshwarar temple is said to house the remains of St. Thomas the Apostle. St. Thomas Mount situated near the Meenambakkam airport, is the place where the apostle is said to have been killed. St. Thomas is believed to have lived in Little Mount Shrine (a tiny cave) when he came to India around 58 A.D. Known locally as Chinnamalai, the cave is entered via the Portuguese Church that was built in 1551. Fort St. George was built in the 1640 A.D., the first bastion of British power of India, the fort has undergone much alteration. The fort is now used by the Tamilnadu Legislative Assembly and the Secretariat office. The 46m high flagstaff at the front is actually a mast salvaged from a 17th century shipwreck. St. Mary's Church built in 1678-80, was the first English Church in Chennai, and is the oldest surviving British Church in India. There are reminders in the Church of Clive, who was married here in 1753, and of Elihu Yale, the early Governor of Chennai who later founded the famous American University The Fort Museum has a collection of objects from the tenure of the East India Company in Chennai including letters from Robert Clive. There are many contemporary paintings too. The Snake Park with its lizards, crocodiles and turtles is more interesting. It is well maintained with generous enclosures. The Snake Park has a wide variety of reptiles. The next compound is the 'Children Park', which has a small collection of animals and birds and a big play area for children. Kalakshetra devoted to the revival of classical arts, was founded by Rukmini Devi Arundale in 1936. Classical dance, music, traditional textile designs and weaving are taught in natural surroundings. The Theosophical Society, is set in a tranquil spot on the banks of the Adyar river. There is a huge banyan tree, with its branches spreading over an area of 40,000 square ft, where discourses are conducted. The Valluvar Kottam, on the corner of Kodambakkam High Rd and Village Rd, honours the acclaimed Tamil Poet, Thiruvalluvar, whose classic work - one thousand three hundred and thirty kurals (couplets) - are reputed to be about 2000 years old. Established in 1976, Valluvar Kottam replicates ancient Tamil architecture with the 1330 verse Kural inscribed on panels. The outer structure in stone is a replica of the temple car of Thiruvarur in Tamilnadu. Birla Planetarium houses : Situated in Kotturpuram in Chennai, the B. M. Birla Planetarium houses a modern, fully computerised projector, which depicts the heavens on a hemispherical dome. The National Art Gallery situated in Egmore were established in 1857. There are sections on geology, archaeologym anthropology, numismatics, botany, zoology and sculpture, besides a collection of armoury. Well worth visiting, the Government Museum is on Pantheon Rd, between Egmore and Anna Salai. The buildings originally belonged to a group of eminent British citizens, known as the Pantheon Committee, who were charged with improving the social life of the British in Chennai. The main building has a fine archaeological section representing all the major south Indian periods including Chola, Vijayanagar, Hoysala and Chalukya. It also houses a good ethnology collection. The bronze gallery has a superb collection of Chola art. One of the most impressive is the bronze of Ardhanariswara, the androgynous incarnation of Shiva. The stretch of beach known as the Marina extends for 13km. South of the pitiful aquarium is the Ice House, once used to store massive ice blocks transported by ship from North America. It later became the venue from which Vivekanand preached his ascetic philosophy CHIDAMBARAM This city is known as the 'city of the Cosmic Dancer'. It is 245 Kms away from Madras. The image of Nataraja (the dancing Shiva) represen Nataraja Temple : Open from 4am to noon and 16.30 to 21.00. This temple is situated in the middle of the town. The complex of the temple covers an area of 40 acres and It is said to be the oldest complex in southern India. It surrounded by four broad "chariot" streets. The tower designed in canonical texts and built of granite upto the ceiling with the structure of seven storeys in brick and mortar. There is a 1000-pillared hall, the Nritta Sabha court carved out like a gigantic chariot. The main image of Nataraja is within a rectangular shrine, covered with copper tiles and gold and it is called the "The Golden Hall". The 108 poses of Bharathanatyam classical dance are carved on the walls of eastern tower. The annual festival held in December/January. In February/March, leading dancers from all parts of India congregate and dance in the temple as an offering to Nataraja. The Chitrakootam : The Chitrakootam is another shrine, situated adjacent to the Nataraja temple is dedicated to Lord Govindraja. It has five halls. The Nritta sabha, the hall of immortal dance has 56 pillars depicting dance figures. The Deva Sabha was the hall of festivals and meeting place of the administrators. The Chit sabha (Hall) houses the Akasa Lingam and Kanaka sabha houses the Nataraja image. COONOOR It is the second largest town of the three Nilgiri hill stations. This place is very pleasant to relax. It has an interesting market. SIM PARK : It is the heart of Coonoor. It has been developed into a botanical garden partly in LAMB'S ROCK : This rock is situated 6 km away on high precipice. From here one can view the tea and coffee estates and plains of coimbatore. UDHAGAMANDALAM (OOTY) : It is the 'Queen of the Blue Mountains'(nilgiri). Ooty is famous for its rolling hills which covered with pine and eucalyptus forests. It was discovered and developed as a summer retreat by British Collector John Sullivan. The British life style were developed with cottages and clubs - tennis, golf and riding. BOTANICAL GARDENS : It is 2km east of the railway station. Opens from 0800 to 1800. 1,000 varieties of plants, trees, orchids, ferns, shrubs, medicinal plants and alpines are planted here. It has an area of 20 hectors. The small lake here which contains a fossil of a tree trunk, calculated as 20 million years old. The Annual flower show held here in the third week of May. This show is the main attraction of Ooty. The rose garden contains over 1,500 varieties of roses. It opens from 0800 to 1800. OOTY LAKE : This was constructed between 1823 to 1825 by Collector John Sullivan as an irrigation tank. The Boats are available at the Boat House for riding on the lake. STONE HOUSE This house was built by John Sullivan. It was occupied by the Principal of the Govt. Art College. The tribals called its name as Kalu Bangla (stone bungalow). ST. STEPHEN'S CHURCH It is the first church built in Ooty,1820. It is said that the wood for this church brought from Tipu Sultan's Lal Bagh Palace in Srirangapatnam after his final defeat. These wood had to be hauled up by the elephants from the plains. It has a clock tower, nine tubular bells and a gallery. COIMBATORE It is a center of rich agriculture area and is noted for its agricultural university. This university is now internationally known for its agricultural research. The seed breeding experiments center is opened here. The cotton textile mills are boomed here on the development of hydroelectricity from the Pykara Falls in 1930. BOTANICAL GARDEN This garden is situated at the west edge of Coimbatore. It has an area of 300 hectors. It is surrounded by fields. The formal gardens includes the topiary section with casuarina groves and rose gardens, the informal area covers with wide variety of trees, including flooring trees. The VOC Park and Zoo near the stadium has a toy train circuit. KANCHIPURAM It is situated 76 Kms southwest of Madras. It was successively the former capital of the ancient Pallavas, Cholas and Vijayanagar empire. This old city is known as 'the Golden city of 1,000 temples'. It is one of the seven sacred cities of India and is famous for The kings from Pallava and Vijayanagar period built various temples. They also patronised all the arts making Kanchipuram, a great center of learning not only for Hindus but also for Jains and Buddhists. The Tamil religious and literary works flourished during this period. The teachings of Sankaracharya (spiritual teacher) is carried at the Sankaracharya Matt. The Headquarters of the 'Math' is situated at Kanchipuram. The Ekambareswara Temple is at north western part of the town. It was constructed in the mid of 9th century by the Pallavas. It has a 200 ft gopuram with more than 10 stories of intricate sculpture. The temple is dedicated to Shiva. There is a mango tree, thought to be 3,500 years old, inside the courtyard. The four main branches is said to bear fruit with a different taste depicting the four Hindu Vedas (oldest known Hindu religious text). The Kailasanatha (Shiva) Temple The temple is situated at Putleri street, 1.5 Km west of town centre. It was build by Pallava king Rayasimha in late 7th century. The foundation of this temple is made of granite, the superstructure was built from carved sandstones. There are sculptures of Shiva in various poses, to give a picture of different aspects of mythology. The Vaikunthaperumal Temple (Vishnu's Paradise). This temple was built in the 8th century. It has 4-storey vimana in square with three shrines, each with a different pose of Vishnu. Its colonnade lion pillars and extensive sculptures bears historical pallava inscriptions. The Varadaraja Temple (bestower of boons), also known as Devarajaswamy Temple is 3 Km south east of town. This temple is a place of pilgrim and is dedicated to Vishnu. Its beautifully carved 100 pillar mandapam is one of the attractions. The 100 ft high gopuram was originally built in 11th century. It was renovated by the Vijyanagar Kings after 500 years. Tiger Cave this shady and beautiful place is four km north of Mamallapuram and signposted off to the right of the road. It's more a clump of boulders than a cave-- it's name comes from the shrine at the entrance which features a crown of carved tiger heads. It's a popular picnic spot on weekends. Tirukkalikundram just 14 km from Mamallapuram, this popular pilgrimage centre is also known as Tirukazhukundram, which means Hill of the Holy Eagle. Its hilltop temple is famous as the place where two eagles come each day, just before noon to be fed by the priest . Crocodile Bank this successful breeding farm was set up to augment the crocodile populations of India's wildlife sanctuaries. Visitors are welcome and you can see crocs of all sizes. Mamallpuram, situated on the shore of the Bay of Bengal is an ancient sea-side town. The Pallava art at this place emphasises robust earthy beauty, imbibed with life. The Pallavas have created many marvelous monuments sculptural panels, caves, monolithic rathas and sculptural temple Mythological episodes, epic battles, demons, gods, animal, all vividly depicted on the wall sculptures are breathtaking real and artistic. These monumental splensours and the sunny beach attract tourists from all over the world. Vendantangal Bird Sanctuary : About 35 km of Chengalpattu, this is one of the most spectacular water-bird breeding grounds in India. Cormarants, egrets, herons, storks, ibies, spoonbills, grebes and pelicans come here to breed and nest for about six months from October/November to March, depending on the monsoons. At the height of the breeding season , there can be up to 30,000 birds at once. The best times to visit are early morning and late afternoon. The only place to stay is the three-roomed Forest Department Rest House at Vedantangal vellage. KANYAKUMARI It is one of India's holiest site. It got it's name from the deity of the place, Goddess Kanya Kumari; the virgin. The memorial to Swami Vivekananda, on a rocky promontory just over 400 meters off shore. The Bay of Bengal, the Indian Ocean and the Arabian Sea meet here together. You can see the spectacular sight of Sunrise, Sun Set and moonrise from here. The full moon in the month of April is especially unusual when you should be able to see the sun and the moon on the same horizon. The black monazite and red garnet sand deposited by water gives a different colour on sand at the beach. Kanniyakumari Temple. The temple overlooks the shoreline. The deity, Devi Kanniyakumari is' the protector of India's shores' has an exceptionally brilliant diamond on her nose ring which is supposed to shine out to sea. The temple opens from 0430 to 1130 and from 1730 to 2030. Non-Hindus are not allowed into the sanctuary. Gandhi Mandapam. Mahatma Gandhi's (Father of Nation) ashes were placed in 'public view', before immersion in the sea and the memorial was built in a way that the sun shine on the spot where the ashes were placed, on his birthday, the 2nd October at midday. Vivekananda Memorial. It is about 500 meters away from mainland. This memorial stands on one of two rocks separated by about 70 meters. It opens from Wednesday to Monday. Tuesday is holiday. It opens from 0700 to 1100 and from 1400 to 1700. The Bengali religious leader and philosopher Swami Vivekananda who came here as a devotee of the Devi and found the Ramakrishna Mission in Madras. The rock over here was renamed on his name as 'Vivekananda Rock and memorial'. It was built in 1970. The design of the mandapa incorporates different styles of temple architecture from all over India. Now it houses a statue of Vivekananda. The divine foot print 'Pada Parai' of Devi is also seen here. Mundanthurai Tiger Sanctuary : Mundanthurai is in the mountains near the border with Kerla. The closest railway station is at ambasamundram, about 25 km to the north-east, and buses run from here to Papanasam, the nearest village, from where you can catch another bus to the Forest Department rest house. Kuttralam ( Courtallam) : About 135 km north-west of Kanyakumari at the base of the Western Ghats, the village of Kuttralam is a popular 'health retreat' for Indian families who come to stand and wash under waterfalls believed to be rich in minerals and capable of curing almost anything. Of the nine waterfalls, the only one in the village itself is the 60 m high Main Falls, a sheer rock face is carved with old Hindu insignia that is visible only during the dry months of January and February. Other falls, mostly accessed by shuttle buses, are up to eight km away. Nagercoil : 20 km away from Kanyakumari has the famous Nagaraja temple, Nagaraja is the presiding deity and the images of Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu are also enshrined here. The entrance to the temple resembles Chinese architecture of Budha Viharas and the temple contains images of Mahavir and Paraswanatha, the Jain Tirthnkaras. MADURAI This city is 191 Km south west of Thanjavur. It is the second largest city of Tamil Nadu. The name of this city is derived from the Tamil word for Honey. The Meenakshi Temple is near by to the Chithirai street. Visit : Daily from 0430 to 1230 and 1600 to 2130. For photography permission is required from the main office, when the temple is open. Time from 1230 to 1600 only. There are two sanctuaries in the temple, one is to Meenakshi (the fish eyed Goddess, consort of Shiva) and the other is to Shiva in the form of Sundareswar. The gopurams have been repainted in bright colours. The high point of the temple is the 'Hall of a Thousand Pillars', was built around 1560. This hall adorned with 985 elaborately carved pillars. The Temple art museum is in the hall of a Thousand Pillars. This pillars have beautiful images. Among the mandapams, the Kambattadi Mandapam is outstanding for its excellent sculptured representations of the manifestations of Shiva on the pillars. Tirumala Nayak Mahal is 1.5km north of Meenakshi temple. Visit to Palace: Daily from 0900 to 1300 and 1400 to 1700. It is an Indo-Saracen Palace, built by Tirumala Nayak in 1636. The Sound and Light show, shown here is excellent. Show start at 1845. This show dramatizes the Madurai's past in English THANJAVUR This city is 55 km east of Tiruchirappalli. It is the highly fertile delta of the Cavery River and the capital of the Cholas during their supremacy. The Brihadiswara Temple is at W.Main Road at S.Rampart street. Visit: 0600 to noon and 1600 to 2030. This temple is dedicated to Shiva, but the sculptures on the gopuram is dedicated to Vishnu and inside there are Buddhist sculptures. The gaint The Raja Museum and Art Gallery is at the Nayak Durbar Hall. Visit : Thursday to Tuesday from 1000 to 1300 and 1400 to 1700. It has the magnificent collection of Chola bronzes with different interpretations of the same figure from early to late chola dynasty. The Saraswati Mahal Library has 8,000 rare palm leaf and paper manuscripts in many languages Many of the smaller towns in the Thanjavur area are well known for their impressive Chola temples. The distances of each from Thanjavur are in brackets Thirukandiyur (10 km) the temple here, Brahma Sirakandeshwara and Harsaba Vimochana Perumal, are noted for their fine sculptural work. Thiruvaiyaru (13 km) the famous temple here is dedicated to Siva and is known as Panchanatheshwara. Accommodation is completely booked out every January, when an eight day music festival is held in honour of the saint, Thiagaraja. Tiruvarur (55 km) the Thyagarajaswami Temple ar Turuvarur, between Thanjavur and Nagapattinam, boasts an 807-pillared hall and the largest temple chariot in Tamil Nadu. It's dragged through the streets during the 10 days car festival in March. There are numerous cheap places to stay around the bus stand. Velenkanni (94 km) this is the famous Christian pilgrim centre, the site of the famous Catholic Roman Church of our Lady of Good Health, people from all religions flock to the Church, many donating gold and silver models of cured body parts. A major festival is held at the beginning of September. TIRUCHIRAPPALLI It is 325 km south west of Madras. Tiruchirappalli was the heart of Tamil Nadu, situated at the head of the Kaveri delta. The Pallavas, Pandyas and Cholas chose this city for their feudal wars. The city is known for its temple architecture. The Rock Fort : Open from 06.00 to 20.00 It is 272ft above the city on the banks of the At the base of the Rock Fort, there are two temple bazaars which sell all items especially items for worship. Wood and clay toys are the traditional products of the region. The Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple This temple is at Sri Rangam Island, in the middle of the Cauvery river. This temple was built by various dynasties including the cheras, Pandyas,Cholas, Hoysalas and the Vijayanagar Empire between 13th and 18th centuries. It covers an area of 2.5 sq.km and the main temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. This temple with seven concentric walls and 22 gopurams has a north to south orientation. Sri Rangam island is also known as a centre for religious philosophy and learning. The great Vaishnava acharya Ramanuja taught and wrote in the Srirangam School during the 11th century. Sri Jambukeswara Temple. This temple is situated about 2.5 km east of the Sri Ranganathaswamy temple. It has an interior with a large central court, an excellent example of the Dravidian architecture of A D 1600. The rampant dragons, elaborate foliated brackets and royal Nayak portraits are incorporated to its courtyards pillars. Thiruvanaikkaval It is the another shrine to Shiva, 6 Km east of Srirangam, named for a legendary elephant that worshipped the linga. It has five walls and seven gopurams with a finest Dravidian architecture work. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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the 8th century and renovated in the 16th century bt the Vijayanagars. It houses the five 'avatars' of Lord Vishnu, and has a small temple shrine dedicated to Vishnu's consort, Vedavalli Ammai. It's one of the oldest surviving temple in Chennai.
bearing his name.
ted by the bronze image known throughout the world as the most perfect synthesis in metal of art. The best time to visit the place is during April/ May and December / February. 
Japanese style. About 330 varieties of roses can be seen here. After the Flower Show in Ooty the fruit and vegetable show is held in May. The Pasteur Institute opposite the main entrance to Sim's Park researches into rabies and manufactures polio vaccine.
hand-woven silk fabrics.
Nandi bull, within a single courtyard is the second largest in India. There are 80 ton block of granite capped in the pyramidal tower, pulled to the top along an inclined plane that began in a village 6 Km away. The carefully planned and executed architecture make the temple a fine example of Dravidian artisanship.
river Cauvery. The rock cut into 437 steps, leads to the temple. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vinayaka (the mythical half-man, half-bird Garuda who is Vishnu's Vehicle, famous in the Epic Mahabharata). Along the way to temple there are landings and shrines. There are cave temples cut into the rocks, dedicated to Ganesh (the elephant God) and Shiva. There is an excellent view of the city from the top of this fort. 
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