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Tumkur

State
Karnataka

Tumkur, now known as Tumakuru, is the headquarters of Tumkur District. Positioned in eastern part of Karnataka in South India, Tumkur is an industrial town that is fast developing into a big city. Elevated lands interspersed by river valley make the place scenic.

History

The seat of administration of Tumkur district in Karnataka was founded by Kante Arasu of Mysore Royal family. On the occasion of Suvarna Karnataka, Tumkur was renamed as Tumakuru. It is believed that the name Tumkur possibly originated from Tumbe uuru (due to the abundance of a kind of flower called Tumbe huuvu), or from Tamate Uuru (referring to a folk musical percussion instrument Tamate that was probably used here).

Accessibility

By Air: The nearest airport is at Bangalore.

By Rail: Tumkur has a railway station on the Southern railway, 43m northwest from Bangalore.

By Road: Tumkur is well-connected by a network of roads to different parts of the state, with National Highway 4 passing through the city.

Accommodation

Enjoy a comfortable stay while on a Tour to Tumkur at the hotels in Tumkur, offering a remarkable blend of tradition and modernity. Some of the major hotels in Tumkur are Hotel Sri Nanjundeswara, etc.

District
Tumkur
STD Code
0816
Topic
Upcoming
Termperature
Summer 32-40°C, Winter 17-30°C
Best time to visit
October to March

Talacauvery

State
Karnataka

Talakaveri is famed as a mountain region with the original source of famous river Cauvery and hence the name Tala-Cauvery (head of Cauvery). It is a holy pilgrim center for Hindu devotees and is located in the Brahmagiri hill at 1,276 m above the sea level. Talacauvery is located in Kodagu district of Karnataka, India.

Accessibility

Air: Nearest airport to Talacauvery is Mangalore terminal, which is about 160 km from Talacauvery. Taxi charge for the travel from Mangalore to Talacauvery is about Rs 2000. Nearest International airport is Karipur (Kozhikode), which is 200 km away from Talacauvery. It cost around Rs 2500 from Talacauvery to Karipur. Karipur airport is connected to many Arab cities. Mangalore air terminal is connected to Bangalore and Chennai.

Rail: The nearest railway stations are Hassan, Thalassery, Kannur and Kasrgod, all are nearly 130 km away from Talacauvery. Nearby major railhead is Managalore which is connected to all cities in India with rail facilities.

Road: Talacauvery is well connected by KSRTC buses of Kerala and Karnataka. The nearest bus junction where frequent buses are available is Madikeri. Many private buses also connect Madikeri with other nearby cities

Getaways
Bhagamandala
Topic
Upcoming

Udupi

State
Karnataka

Udupi is an important Vaishnavite coastal town and is known for its Krishna temple. The name Udupi was derived from the Tulu name “Odipi” associated with a temple at Malpe devoted to Lord Vadabhandeshwara. Udupi is also believed to have been derived from the Sanskrit words “Udu” meaning stars and “Pa” meaning Lord or King. Udupi is also renowned for its delectable cuisine and Udupi restaurants present all over India.

Legend says that the moon and his wives made their prayer at the Chandramouleeshwara temple at Udupi, creating a linga that can be seen even today. According to this story, therefore, Udupi means the land of the "lord of the stars," the moon.

History

Udupi is the birth place of Sri Madhvacharya, who set up the Astha Mathas, one of the most important pilgrimage sites in the state. It is popularly believed that the name of Udupi originated from its Tulu name Odipu. According to other sources, the name Udupi is a result of merging the Sanskrit words Udu (stars) and Pa (Lord).

Accessibility

By Air: Major airport nearby is Mangalore Bajpe airport, which is nearly 60 km away. Mangalore airport is connected to many cities India.

By Rail: Udupi railway station lies on the Konkan Railway line connecting Mangalore to Mumbai. It is well connected with all major cities in Konkan line, and also with other cities in India via Mangalore rail terminal.

By Road: Udupi is well connected with other neighboring cities by Karnataka Road Transport Corporation buses. Regular bus services are available from Mangalore to Udupi.

Shopping

Although Udupi is a temple town but it offers excellent opportunities for shoppers as well. Udupi has a number of supermarkets that include Sampoorna in carstreet, Little Pai near Gitanjali cinema, Diana Stores in K. M. Marg and Court Road Junction. Pantaloon Retail India Ltd has opened it hypermarket Big Bazaar in the heart of the city near Taluk Office. In this hypermarket you will find everything from A to Z of daily use. Udupi is also famous for jewellery all over the world.

Accommodation

Enjoy a comfortable stay while on a Tour to Udupi at the hotels in Udupi, offering a remarkable blend of tradition and modernity. Some of the major hotels in Udupi are Karavali Hotels, Hotel Durga International, Hotel Rukmini Residency, Mother Palace, etc.

Attractions

Makara Sankranti Festival
Udupi's main festival, Makara Sankranti comes in the Hindu month of Makara usually falls in the month of January. During Makara Sankranti a grand chariot festival is celebrated in which people carry images of Lord Krishna, Chandamouleeswara and Ananteshwara in procession. An another chariot festival is celebrated on the 7th day, when the Aaraattu is carried out in the Madhva Sarovar tank. The seven day Makara Sankranti festival also involves a float festival.

Paryaya Festival
The Paryaya Festival is held once in two years when the management of the Krishna temple is handed over to the next Matha. Each of the Mathas is headed by a Swami who takes the charge of the temple during his tenure. The Paryaya festival is a colourful festival attracting thousands of devotees from all over the country.

District
Udupi
STD Code
08252
Topic
Upcoming
Termperature
Summer 22 to 40°C, Winter 10 to 32°C
Best time to visit
September to October
Famous For
The town of Udupi is an important pilgrimage centre and is known for its Krishna temple.

Yana

State
Karnataka

Yana or Bhairavakshetra is an important pilgrimage center that has also become a popular rock climbing destination. It is situated in the beautiful evergreen forests in the Sahyadri range. The region offers variety of rock formations, rugged mountains, trickling waterfalls and a holy temple.

History

A popular legend associated with Yana holds that Bhasmasura, an evil demon, performed penance to Lord Shiva and obtained the power of reducing to ashes anybody on whose head he placed his hand. An ungrateful Bhasmasura, however, soon decided to test the boon on his benefactor. Devotees believe that when Bhasmasura pursued Shiva with the intention of destroying him, Shiva took abode in the Bhairaweshwara peak at Yana. Legend has it that the other peak is called Jaganmohini in honour of Vishnu, who took the form of Mohini and saved Lord Shiva's life.

Accessibility

By Air: The nearest airport is Dabolim (Goa), around 210 km from Yana.

By Rail: The nearest railway station from Yana is Kumta.

By Road: Frequent buses are available from the city to either Sirsi or Kumta. From the Bangalore airport cabs services are available as well. The KSRTC (Karnatake State Road Transport Corporation) and many private buses that ply frequently from Bangalore.

Accommodation

There is no accommodation at Yana. It is suggested to stay at Kumta or Sirsi.

District
Uttara Kannada
Topic
Pilgrim
Upcoming
Termperature
Summer 22-37°C, Winter 19-32°C
Best time to visit
October to March

Dubare

State
Karnataka

Dubare is a reserve forest area located amidst the lush greenery of Coorg on the banks of river Kaveri, in between Kushalnagar and Siddapur. The local tribes, Kurbas are the inhabitants of the region. Dubare is famous for the Elephant Camps that are run in this region. Each camp has about 150 elephants. Since the times of the Maharaja of Mysore, the Dubare Reserve Forest was used to train the elephants for the impressive Mysore Dussehra festival. At the camp one can even take part in various elephant activities under the watchful eye of a trained guide. You can scrub, feed and ride the elephant.

Accessibility

Air: Mysore domestic Airport is the nearest airport, which is at distance of about 75 km from Dubare. Taxi charges about Rs 1200 from Mysore to Dubare. Bangalore International Airport is the major airport nearby. Bangalore is about 227 km away from Dubare and it costs about Rs 3200 by taxi. Bangalore is well connected to most of the major airports in India and abroad.

Rail: Nearest rail head is Mysore, which is 75 km away. This station is connected to Bangalore and other local cities in the state. Taxi charges from Mysore to Dubare are about Rs 1200.

Road: Many state owned buses are available to reach Dubare from nearby cities. KSRTC buses from Bangalore to Dubare costs about Rs 350 and buses from Mysore to Bandipur costs Rs 150 approximately.

Things to do

Fishing: The Elephant Training Camp, which trains the wild elephants with the help of local tribes Kurabas, is under the Forest department. It is a scenic beauty to watch the tamed elephant bath in the river and to be scrubbed fresh by their mahouts. The mahouts will then exhibit the various commands the elephants can comply with. This can be vividly portrayed by making elephants execute some mock logging operations.

Enthusiastic tourists can opt here for free elephant rides within the camp. One can enjoy the rarest friendship of tamed elephants in this camp, where in one can get a lucky chance scrubbing the elephants and feeding them.

Rafting: The rafting in river Kaveri is another major attraction in Dubare. There are few good camps around Dubare that offer rafting down the Kaveri river. Coorg Adventure Sports Club has started river rafting near Dubare Elephant Camp in Kushalnagar.

Adventure Club makes use of three river rafts. The rafting will commence near Dubare and will conclude at Kushalnagar Polytechnic College, Madapattana. It covers a total of 11 km. One rafting can accommodate seven persons. The adventurers will be equipped with life jackets along with head gear.

The best time for rafting is from mid-June to mid-September.

Trekking: Dubare is a place where adventurous tourists can demonstrate their capabilities and get thrilled. Trekking along the wild forests, hillocks and river banks brings lot of cheers to those who love this sport.

There are great trekking opportunities for the enthusiasts in Dubare. This place has many luxuriant trekking ways in the middle of forests and hills. Some of the well known trekking trails are in the hills of Brahmagiri, where one could trek their way to the Irrupa Falls.

District
Kodagu
STD Code
08272
Topic
Upcoming
Termperature
Summer 23-37°C, Winter 13-30°C
Best time to visit
September to March

Dharamsthala

State
Karnataka

Dharamsthala, literally means the land of Charity, is located at the scenic banks of River Netravati in the district of Dakshina Kannada in Karnataka. The city stands as a specimen of religious tolerance, social living and cultural preservation. Here charity is a way of life for the people and the populaces observe Dharam without any discrimination and hesitation. Thousands of pilgrims were fed by free meals in this place irrespective of caste, religion and creed. The visitors get free lodging as well in this city.

Accessibility

Air: The nearest Airport to Dharamsthala is Bajpe Mangalore International Airport, which is at a distance of about 65 km away. There are domestic flights operated from Mangalore to many major cities in South India. Pre-paid taxis are available from airport to Dharamsthala, taxis will charge about Rs 900.

Rail: Nearest major railway station is at Mangalore. Mangalore is a major junction connecting all major railheads in India.

Road: There are plenty of buses connecting Dharamsthala from all over the Karnataka state. Karnataka Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) runs frequently from all nearby cities to Dharamsthala.

Topic
Upcoming

Devbagh

State
Karnataka

Devbagh is a breathtaking island in Karwar district in Karnataka and just 22 kms south of Goa border. Known for its pristine beach, well accented fine golden sand, casuarinas, azure blue waters and secluded beaches due to lack of mass tourism in this area, Devbagh is one of the 5 islands off the coast of Karwar. Devbagh Beach has a Portuguese charm as Karwar was once a Portuguese colony and is also a present home to many tribal colonies like Halakki Vakkals.

In Devbagh village one can enjoy some of the simple sights of a fisherman's colony and the hustle -bustle caused when the fishermen bring in their catch or set out in their cataraman to cast their nets in the morning. One can accompany a fisherman in his native two man dug out and try their hand at angling.

Accessibility

Air: The nearest airport is Goa, which is about 60 km from Devbagh. Taxi takes about 2 hours travel and charges about Rs 1000 to reach from Airport to Devbagh. Goa is well connected to Mumbai, Belgaum and Bangalore. Nearest International airport is Bangalore which is about 520 km away from Devbagh.

Rail: Nearest railhead is Karwar, which is nearly 10 km away from Devbagh. Taxi fare from Karwar to Devbagh is about Rs 200. Karawr is a station in the Konkan line connecting to Mumbai and Mangalore.

Road: KSRTC buses connect Devbagh to other cities in the state. Private deluxe and A/C super deluxe buses are available from Mangalore, Madagaon (Goa) and Bangalore. These buses charge about Rs 3 to Rs 4 for a kilometer travel.

Shopping

There is no fancy shopping to be done here. The best you can do is picking up trinklets and souvenirs.

Accommodation

In the island you can stay at Devbagh Beach Resort and Great Outdoors Island Resort. The main land has options like Hotel Bhandra, Hotel Sadanand and Kiran Deluxe Hotel. For travelers on a shoestring budget, there is the Port And Inland Water transport Guest House.

Topic
Upcoming

Dandeli

State
Karnataka

Dandeli city is located on the banks of River Kali in Uttara Kannada District and 458 kms from Bangalore. It is one of the last patches of pristine forest left in the Western Ghats. The location is surrounded by dense deciduous forests, which is one of the richest wildlife habitats in the world.

It is home to several valuable trees, animals and reptile species and over 450 species of birds. This is the only place in Asia where the black panther has been tracked.

Dandeli is home to Gowli nomadic shepherds, the Lambanis and Negroid Siddis.

Accessibility

Air: The nearest airport to Dandeli is Belgaum, which is about 90 km away. Belgaum is connected to Mumbai and Bangalore by domestic flights. From Belgaum to Dandeli, taxi charge is about Rs 1300. Bangalore is the nearest International Airport, from where it requires about 12 hours travel (about 481 km) to reach Dandeli by Taxi/ buses.

Rail: Nearest railhead is Alnavar, which is 35 km away from Dandeli. Alnavar is well connected to Belgaum, Bnagalore and Hubli.

Road: State owned bus services are connecting Dandeli with Alnavar (35 km), Dharwad (55 km), Hubli (72 km) and Belgaum (90 km). Tourist buses are available from Bangalore to Dandeli, which covers about 480 km and cost about Rs 1500.

Accommodation

The Kali River Resort is a hot favourite. It has 11 tents facing the Kali river as well as rooms and dormitories. You can also stay at the Bison River Resort, State Guest House and Hornbill Resort that has tree houses and tents.

Things to do

Kulgi Nature Camp: This is an ideal place to lodge in while you are at the Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary. The camp is located at a distance of about 12 km from the Dandeli bus stand in Kulgi village. This is a very popular place with the tourists for the tented accommodation facilities that it offers. Located in the middle of the forests of Dandeli, it has about twelve tents named after different birds. It is spread over a large area and makes for a comfortable stay while you are exploring the sanctuary.

Tourists need to contact the Dandeli wildlife division of Dandeli to make arrangements for accommodation during their stay in the place.

Rafting: Dandeli, located by the Kali River makes for a great rafting location. There is almost 9-14 km of rafting facility available with class 3 rapids continuing for 2-3 hours or more.

The rapids are named Adi's beard, The stitch, Snuggler's trove, Stanley's squeeze and many more. Each of the rapids have there own features. Tourists are taken upstream, put in an inflatable boat and then are pushed down the river. They are accompanied by trained guides who even give them lessons in rafting.

There are many tour operators who organize white water rafting for the tourists and they have excellent facilities.

District
Uttara Kannada
STD Code
08284
Topic
Upcoming
Termperature
Summer 22-40°C, Winter 10-32°C
Best time to visit
Throughout the year

Chitradurga

State
Karnataka

Chitradurga is a town in the southern part of the Indian state of Karnataka. It is also the headquarters of Chitradurga district. Chitradurga was also known by the names Chitradurg , Chitrakaladurga, chittaldurg. Chittaldrug was the name officially used by the British Govt.

Chitradurga derives its name from Chitrakaldurga. It is located at a distance of 202 kms Northwest of Bangalore. History dates Chitradurga District to the period of the Ramayana and Mahabharata. Located at the base of a chain of lofty peaks, Chitradurga is characterized by its stunning boulder-strewn landscape. The whole district lies in the valley of the Vedavati River, with the Tungabhadra river flowing in the Northwest.

History

Chitiradurga got its name from the umbrella-shaped lofty hill Chitrakaldurga present here. Historically, Chitiradurga dates back to the period of the Ramayana and Mahabharata.

According to a story in the epic Mahabharatha, a man-eating giant named Hidimbasura lived on the Chitradurga hills. He was a terror to everyone there. When Pandavas were on a exile, Bhima and the giant had a war and he killed Hidimbasura. Peace was bought to the entire region. The boulders there were used as part of the arsenal. The city rests on boulders which are the oldest rock formation in the country.

Accessibility

Air: The nearest airport is at Bangalore airport (200 kms)

Rail: The closest railhead is at Davangere and Bangalore (via Tumkur, Arsikere, Birur, Chikkajajur). From Bangalore - 240 kms (Via Tumkur, Arsikere, Birur, Chikkajajur).

Road: Chitiradurga is located at the junction of NH-4 (Bangalore-Poona National Highway) and NH-13 (Sollapur-Mangalore National Highway), and hence, is well-connected by a vast network of roads. From Bangalore - 200 Kms (NH4) It is on the Bangalore Pune highway.

Accommodation

Some of the major hotels in Chitiradurga, offering a remarkable blend of tradition and modernity as well as a comfortable stay, are Maruthi Inn Deluxe Lodge, Mayura Deluxe Lodge, Brudhavana Lodge, Sri Krishna Vilas Tourist Hotel, etc.

Hotel Prakash, Prakash Lodge, Opp. District Hospital, B.D.Road.
Maruthi Inn Deluxe Lodge, M.H. Road.
Mayura Deluxe Lodge, Santhe Bagilu.
Brudhavana Lodge, Roopavani Road.
Roopavani Restaurant, Roopavani Road.
Sri Krishna Vilas Tourist Hotel, Santepet Circle.
Union Lodge, Near KSRTC Bus Stand, B.D.Road.
New Krishna Bhawan, B.D.Road.
Pravasi Nilaya Tourist Lodge, B.D. Road, Santepet.
Sri Gayathri Bhawan, Holakere Road.

District
Chitradurga district
STD Code
08194
Topic
Upcoming
Best time to visit
October - February

Chikmagalur

State
Karnataka

Chikmagalur situated in southwestern part of Karnataka, it is nestled in the Baba Budan hills. Chickmangalur literally means, 'The Younger Daughter's Town.' Legend reads that this town had been given as a dowry to the younger daughter of Rukmangada, the famous chief of Sakrepatna. Chikmagalur is a calm, serene town full of scenic surprises. Hills, valleys, streams and snow-white coffee blossoms are all here to woo. In and around Chikmagalur there are beautiful hill stations and places of picturesque beauty. The district is strewn with many holy spots and proliferates legends associated with stories from the epics of Ramayana and the Mahabharata.

History

The birth place of coffee in India is Chikmagalur.The first seeds were sown about 350 years ago on the slopes of Baba Budan Giri Hills in Chikmagalur.As History tells it is the Arab Connections that led to the mushrooming of the coffee industry in India.The story goes like this a piligrim known as Baba Budan also known as Hazarat Shah Janab Allah Magatabi smuggled seven seed of coffee from Mecca while he was on a piligrimage.The seer sowed these seeds in his garden near a cave in Chandragiri.

The Hills was called as Chandra Drona in the ancient age and now called as Baba Budan Giri after the seer.Mysore Maharaja KrishnaRaja Wodeyar III gave away lands and establised norms for growing coffee in India.Even Tipu Sultan gave inam and rent free lands to farmers to grow coffee.

Sanctuary, taking picnics to the picturesque Kemmanagundi and Bababudangiri hills or just trekking around the region.

Accessibility

Air: Mangalore is the nearest domestic Airport, which is 170 km away and Bangalore is the nearest international airport, which is 240 km away. Taxi cab costs about Rs 2500 from Mangalore and Rs 3500 from Bangalore. Mangalore air terminal is connected to Bangalore and Chennai. Bangalore airport is well connected to almost all airports in India. International flights to major foreign cities are also operated from Bangalore.

Rail: The nearest railway station is Kadur (40 km) and Hassan (60 km). The Major railhead near Chikmagalur is Hubli which is 239 km away from the heart of the city. Kadur to Chikmagalur by taxi costs around Rs 600. Hubli is well connected

Road: State owned bus services are available connecting Chikmagalur to other major cities in the state. Special deluxe luxury buses are available from Chikmagalur to Mangalore (170 km), Bangalore (240 km) and Hubli (239 km). Bus fares for deluxe buses are Rs 3 – 4 per km.

Accommodation

Some of the major hotels in Chikmagalur, offering a remarkable blend of tradition and modernity as well as a comfortable stay, are The Taj Garden Retreat, The Planters Court Hotel, Hotel Mount Palace, Hotel Rajmahal, etc.

Hotel Taj Garden Retreat, K.M Road, Chikmaglur.
Naveen Lodge, Indira Gandhi Road.
Prakash Lodge, Indira Gandhi Road.
Quality Inn, Indira Gandhi Road.
Padanshree Lodge, Near Taluk Office.
Woodlands,Indira Gandhi Road.
Rajmahal, Indira Gandhi Road.
Vasantha Vihar Lodge, Rathanagiri Road.
Usha Lodge, Malladuru Road.

District
Chikmagalur
STD Code
08262
Topic
Upcoming
WGW_Bangalore
Termperature
Summer 22-40°C, Winter 10-32°C
Best time to visit
September - March
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