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Chikballapur

State
Karnataka

Chik Ballapur is a city in the State of Karnataka with a population of approximately 62,683. The closest tourism destination to Chik Ballapur is Nandi-Hills. Other close by tourism destinations include Nrityagram, Hesaraghatta and Lepakshi. The nearest major railway station to Chik Ballapur is bangalore (SBC) which is at a distance of 7.3 kilometres. The nearest airport is at Bangalore which is at a distance of 54 kilometres. Lying at an elevation of 3005 m, which makes it a high-altitude city.

Shopping

Greater Chikballapur Area is not known for unique folk art or any other touristy item worthy of mention. Although Chikballapur is known for silviculture, it is difficult to find silk scarves or anything like it for gift-giving.

Topic
Upcoming

Biligiri Rangaswamy Hills (BR Hills)

State
Karnataka

The Biligiri Rangaswamy Sanctuary (B R Hills) at K Gudi (Kyathadevara Gudi), just 90 km. from Mysore, on a hilly terrain at an altitude of 3300 ft., (to 5000 ft.,) above sea level. The sanctuary is spread over 525 sq km, interspersed with valleys, streams and scenic spots. It is 226 km by road from Bangalore via Mysore and Chamarajanagar.

Accessibility

Air: Nearest domestic airport is Mysore which is at a distance of 90 km from BR Hills. Mysore is connected to Bangalore by regular flights. Bangalore International airport which is at a distance of 235 km from BR Hills is the nearest major airport. Bangalore is well connected to most of the major cities in India and many cities in abroad. Taxi facilities are available from the airports. It charges about Rs 1500 from Mysore and Rs 4500 from Bangalore.

Rail: Nearest railway station to BR Hills is Mysore, which is nearly 90 km away. Taxi charge from Mysore to BR Hills is about Rs 1500. Mysore is well linked to other cities in India by train through Bangalore Majestic railhead. Regular train services are available from Mysore to Bangalore.

Road: KSRTC buses connect BR Hills with other cities in and around. Regular transport public buses are available from B R hills to Mysore, Chamarajnagar, Kollegal and Kanakapura.

Shopping

Tourists can go shopping in the BR hills. The place has some shops which sell local crafts and forest products.

Tourists can pick up baskets and a lot of other products made from food and leaves. There are many basket weaving units. They can learn a thing or two about the art besides of course buying some. Tourists can also buy excellent quality honey from the shops here. They can also shop for authentic sandalwood and its products. These come at incredible prices and are of the best quality. The place does not have any great shopping mall or big retail outlet but the small shops of this little town have its own unique charm.

Accommodation

The Jungle Lodges camp is the best place to stay in BR Hills for the simple reason that you will be living in the lap of nature. You can choose from tented accommodation, huts on stilts, and a heritage hunting lodge here.

Things to do

Fishing: Fishing in the Cauvery waters is an experience that tourists would remember for a long time. The river flows through stones, rocks and deep ravines and then falls from the Deccan plateau to lead to the formation of the waterfalls of Barachukki and Gaganachukki.

The Cauvery is the natural habitat of the Mahseer fish. This fish is the greatest game fish in the world and it is sheer delight to fish for it in the waters of the river. The tourists are however not allowed to take the Mahseer home. Instead they have to release it back into the waters to prevent the fish from being extinct altogether.

River Rafting: The calm, blue waters of the Cauvery offer some excellent scope for river rafting. A glide through the river flowing through lush green forests is perfect for freshening the hearts, minds and souls of the tourists.

There are many camps that organize rafting though September to May. Tourists would be accompanied by experienced guides who would take them for rafting and also provide a few tips on how to practice it to perfection. Tourists often come to this place for the perfect rafting experience. This place is far away from the maddening crown. The beautiful natural scenery and the quiet of the place would surely make everyone want to come to this place again and again.

Trekking: BR Hills, tucked away in the south eastern part of Karnataka offers an excellent opportunity to trekkers. This is the perfect place to trek amidst lush green surroundings and a variety of wildlife.

The place has a wildlife sanctuary which is the habitat for a large variety of flora and fauna. Tourists, with the help of experts can go on a guided tour to the place and learn a lot of the area.

Tourists can also trek up to some of the tourist sights of the area including the Biligiri Rangaswamy temple and Dodda Sampige Mara

BR Hills is a trekker’s paradise and tourists can hope to have a very enriching experience here.

Topic
Upcoming
Best time to visit
June to November

Bijapur

State
Karnataka

Bijapur was founded by the Chalukyan dynasty during the 10 th century. Bijapur came under Muslim influence towards the end of 13 th century and was ruled by various rulers including Allaudin Khilji, Bahamani Sultans and Adil Shahi dynasy. Bijapur experienced a great burst of architectural activity under the Adil Shahi dynasty. The Adil Shahis encouraged building activity to such an extent that Bijapur itself has over 50 mosques, more than 20 tombs and a number of palaces.

The foundations of this historic city were laid during the reign of the Chalukyan Dynasty of Kalyani between the tenth and eleventh centuries. They called it Vijayapura or the "City of Victory" from which comes its present name Bijapur.

History

The origin of Bijapur goes back to the early medieval period. The Chalukyan rulers of south India, between the 10th and 11th centuries laid the foundation of Bijapur. At that time, it was called as Vijayapura (the City of Victory). The local Yadavas rulers ruled it for about a century. Ala-ud-din Khilji, the Sultan of Delhi, captured it and made it a part of his empire at the end of the 13th century. Khilji could not hold on to Bijapur for long and it became the part of the Bahamani Empire in 1347. The golden period of Bijapur started with the decline of the Bahamani rulers, when, in 1489, Yusuf Adil Shah, one of the nobles under the Bahamani rulers, laid the foundation of the Adil Shahi dynasty and made Bijapur the capital of his kingdom. The Adil Shahis ruled Bijapur until 1686, when the last great Mughal ruler Aurangzeb defeated them.

Accessibility

Air: The nearest airport to Bijapur is Belgaum, which is about 205 km away. Belgaum is connected to Mumbai by domestic flights. From Belgaum to Bijapur, taxi charge is about Rs 3500/-. Mumbai (486 km) and Bangalore (550 km) are the International Airports close by, from where it requires about 12 – 13 hours travel to reach Bijapur by Taxi/ buses.

Rail: Bijapur is connected by rail to many cities in the state and also the cities in the neighboring states. It is well connected to Bangalore, Mumbai, Hyderabad and Hubli.

Road: KSRTC buses are running regularly between the nearby cities to Bijapur. Tourist luxury buses are regularly available from Bangalore and Mumbai, each will cost about Rs 1200-1500 per head.

Accommodation

Apart from Karnataka State Tourism Development Council's hotels and lodges, there are a number of hotels in the city to suit all types of budget. Most of the hotels in Bijapur are located on the Station Road/Gandhi Road.

Hotel Mayura Adhil Shahi.
Hotel Mayura Adhil Shahi Annexe.
Hotel Sanman, Station Road.
Hotel Samrat, Station Road.
Hotel Godavari, Opp. KSRTC Workshop, Shastri Nagar.
Hotel Madhuvan International, Station Road.

Attractions

Bijapur Music Festival
The Bijapur Music Festival - featuring the stalwarts of Indian music - is organized by the Government of Karnataka every year in January / February.

Topic
Upcoming

Bidar

State
Karnataka

Bidar is an important historical town as it witnessed many vicissitudes in its eventful history. It was a part of the Bahamani Kingdom which comprised of Bijapur, Gulbarga, Bidar, Golconda, and Birar. It was one of the most prosperous cities of south India during the period of 11th century to 16th century.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/kalyan3/473691269/in/set-72157604726151511/

History

In ancient time, Bidar formed an important part of the kingdom of Vidharba, referred to in the Mahabharata. It became the part of the Chalukyan Empire in the 10th century. The capital city of the Chalukyan rulers is located at Kalyani, which is 57 km from here. Bidar witnessed many upheavals during the early medieval period. It was taken over by the Yadavas of Devangiri and later by the Kakatiyas of Warangal in the 14th century. It then became a part of the Bahamani kingdom in the 14th century. The disintegration of the Bahamani kingdom into five small states led to the rise of the town and the Sultanate of Bidar. Sultan Ahmad Wali I shifted his capital from present-day Gulbarg to Bidar and built a fort here in 1429. The Bahamani rulers ruled here until 1487. The chequered history of Bidar did not stop here. The Barid Shahi dynasty took over Bidar, which was in turn taken over by the Adil Shahi rulers of Bijapur. It was annexed and incorporated into the Mughal Empire by Aurangzeb in 1656 while on his way to conquer the southern parts of India. The Nizam rulers of Hyderabad took over Bidar in the early part of the 18th century. After India gained independence in 1947, the rule of the Nizam was abolished and Bidar became the part of the Indian state of Karnataka.

Accessibility

Air : The nearest airport is Hyderabad (136 Kms).In Karnataka, Bangalore is connected all major towns of India.

Rail : Bidar is connected by rail with Bangalore, Mumbai and Hyderabad.

Road : Bidar is connected by road to: Hyderabad (136 kms) Bangalore (669 kms) Bijapur (246 kms) Gulbarga (110 kms) Basavakalyana (73 kms) KSRTC Buses ply from Bidar to Bangalore, Bijapur, Gulbarga, Raichur and Sholapur. Bidar is connected by road to most places in South India. Some of these are:

Hyderabad (136 Kms)| Bangalore (669 Kms) | Bijapur (280 Kms) | Basavakalyan (73 Kms)

Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation buses ply from Bidar to Bangalore, Bijapur, Gulbarga, Raichur and Sholapur.

Accommodation

Hotel Mayura Barid Shahi, Main Road.
Hotel Kaveri, Jabshetty Market, Gandhi Gunj Road.
Hotel Kailash, Near Bus Station Road.
Basavakalyana Tourist Hotel, Bus Stations Road

Topic
Upcoming

Bheemeshwari

State
Karnataka

Bheemeshwari is a small town famous for its beautiful fishing camp in the scenic Karnataka forests. It lies between the Shivanasamudra falls and Mekedatu falls, on the Cauvery river. An idyllic setting on the banks of the picturesque Cauvery River, the camp at Bheemeshwari attracts domestic and international visitors. It is nestled amidst the Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary, It is also known as the 'Angler's paradise', because of the Mahseer fishes found here.

Accessibility

By Air: Bangalore International Airport is the Major airport nearby,100 km away from Bheemeshwari.

By Rail: Nearest major railway station is Bangalore Majestic, connected to all railway junctions in Indian cities.

By Road: KSRTC buses are available from the major cities to Bheemeshwari. Many luxury buses are available from Bangalore to Bheemeshwari.

Things to do

Boat Rides: Tourists can enjoy coracle boat rides while they are on the beautiful land of Bheemeshwari. There are many tour operators which organize boat rides as part of the package tour to the place.

The waters of the Cauvery are perfect for the tourists to go on boat rides. The river flows through the green forests and a ride through the river would acquaint the tourists with the rich and diverse vegetation of the area. They can also sight different animals and birds in the forests while they are cruising through the river.

This is one of the best things to do while on an excursion to this perfect tourist spot.

Cauvery Fishing Camp: This fishing camp is located by the Cauvery river and is very popular with the tourists. The place, set amidst lush green forests and hills is the perfect place to rejuvenate you. This is a beautiful and peaceful spot and is the camp is an excellent place for the tourists to stay when they come to Bheemeshwari.

The fishing camp provides certain basic amenities to the travelers during their stay there. Food is served in the open air dining room.

One of the most important activities to engage in while at the camp is fishing for the Mahseer fish which is the largest tropical gaming fish in the world. Tourists are however not allowed to take the fish home. They have to catch and release it to save it from being extinct.

Day visit costs Rs 850/-, while stay in the cottages cost Rs 1,900/- per person per night. Prices includes Stay, Lunch, Dinner & Breakfast, Coracle Ride, Joy Fishing, Guided Trekking, Forest Entry Fees, Camera Fees and Taxes. Angling is at an extra cost of Rs 1,000/-. Similarly, river rafting costs extra.

Doddamakkali Nature Camp: This is an isolated place tucked away 7 km away from Bheemeshwari. Tourists can trek up to this place and spend a quiet day before returning to the town. The Cauvery River flowing through the region comes here and collects into a pool. Since there is no current the pool is ideal for water sports.

There are 6 tents which are located around the place and this is perfect to spend some time in isolation. This is one place which must be visited while touring Bheemeshwari. Tourists can explore the unexploited beauty of the region and return feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.

The activities here are similar to the Bheemeshwari Camp. Day visit costs Rs 850/-, while stay in the cottages cost Rs 1,600/- per person per night. Prices includes Stay, Lunch, Dinner & Breakfast, Coracle Ride, Joy Fishing, Guided Trekking, Forest Entry Fees, Camera Fees and Taxes.

Note that that you can go there only by prior booking. And they fill fast! So, do plan for your trip as early as you can to get an assured booking. Bookings can be done by calling (080) 2559-7021 (/ 024 / 025).

Galibore Fishing Camp: This place is perfect for a relaxed vacation. Located amidst the back drop of mountains with a river flowing through the place, Galibore makes for a beautiful spot to visit. It is at a distance of 16 km from Bheemeshwari. The place has huge Terminalia Arjuna trees which gives the place its distinct charm.

Tourists can be treated to the sight of elephants coming in herds to the river to drink water. Tourists might also see crocodiles, turtles and different types of colorful birds. The place has a good Barbecue corner which is a favorite with the tourists.

The activities here are similar to the Bheemeshwari Camp. Day visit costs Rs 850/-, while stay in the cottages cost Rs 1,900/- per person per night. Prices includes Stay, Lunch, Dinner & Breakfast, Coracle Ride, Joy Fishing, Guided Trekking, Forest Entry Fees, Camera Fees and Taxes. Angling is at an extra cost of Rs 1,000/-. Similarly, river rafting costs extra.

Note that that you can go there only by prior booking. And they fill fast! So, do plan for your trip as early as you can to get an assured booking. Bookings can be done by calling (080) 2559-7021 (/ 024 / 025).

Trekking: This is a great place to be for tourists who want to enjoy trekking to one of the best places in the region. Bheemeshwari has a lot to offer by way of beautiful green surroundings, wildlife and a perfect fishing spot. The area is surrounded by beautiful valleys and drained by numerous rivers and streams. There are many trekking routes in the area and the travelers can choose between the easy and the difficult ones.

The surrounding forest is the natural habitat of a large number of animals including deer, elephants, monkeys, leopards and wild boars. Besides these there are a large variety of birds that tourists can sight while they are trekking.

Topic
Upcoming

Bhagamandala

State
Karnataka

Bhagamandala, located on the banks of river Cauvery , is a small pilgrim town nestled in the picturesque hill district of Coorg. It is considered a sacred place because of the confluence of the Cauvery River with its tributaries, Kannika and Sujyoti. The place where the rivers meet is called the Triveni Sangama and is where devotees perform their sacred rituals. During the annual festival of Tula Sankramana the number of pilrims visiting Bhagamandala increases in number.

History

Bhagamandala was a part of the independent Kodagu kingdom and was annexed by the Mysore ruler, Tipu Sultan in the late 18th century. It was then renamed to Afesalabad. But soon after a local ruler, Doddaveera Raja, waged an intense week-long assault on the intruders, by the end of which he succeeded in evicting them and recapturing the temple complex and the town of Bhagamandala.

District
Coorg District
STD Code
08272
Topic
Upcoming
Best time to visit
Throughout the year

Belur

State
Karnataka

Belur, the early capital of the Hoysala Empire, is a small town located on the banks of River Yagachi. It is considered as the Banaras of South and is thus also known as Dakshina Varnasi. Belur and its twin town Halebidu, are hidden treasures for travellers in Karnataka. Belur is famous for its magnificent Hoysala Temple Complex. This place is famous for its exquisite temples.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/abhijeetrane/6673122043/

History

Belur was briefly the capital of Hoysala Kingdom and was constructed in the 10th century to mark the victory of the Talkad King Vishnuvardhana against Cholas. Belur's history is closely linked to its sister city - Halebid.
Sadly, while the Hoysala empire is very much part of Karnataka's historical consciousness and the sculpture and dancing of that era are still commemorated in the state, there is very little that remains in terms of the archaeological legacy of the Hoysala era. In addition to a few surviving temples in Belur and some ruins at Hale Belur (Old Belur) which lies a short distance away from the current township of Belur there are no other know remnants of that era.

Accessibility

By Air: The nearest Airports are Bangalore, 222 Kms & Mangalore, 194 Kms.

By Rail: The nearest Railhead is Hassan, which is connected to other major junctions like Bangalore, Mysore & Mangalore.

By Road: From Hassan, Belur is just 38 Kms away and a host of transport options can be found to travel to these points Regular buses ply from Bangalore(222 kms), Halebid (16 kms), Hassan (40 kms), Hospet (330 kms), Mangalore (124 kms), Mysore (149 kms) to Belur.

Shopping

Belur, the temple town is a must see place for the spiritual tourist. Tourists can carry home stone idols, sculptures and terracotta items. Hassan enroute to Belur is also a good place for shopping for curios, which are typical of the state of Karnataka. Karnataka has a rich tradition of handicrafts and silk sarees, sandalwood, ivory brassware and wooden toys that you can buy in Bangalore from the government-sponsored emporia or from the numerous shopping malls in Bangalore.

Accommodation

Belur, the temple town is located 34 kms from Hassan. Famous for its exquisite temple, Belur is known as the Dakshina Varanasi or Southern Banaras.Hassan is a convenient. base to visit Belur.In order to facilitate the influx of tourists, a large number of hotels have come up in Hassan.

The hotels in Hassan cater to all categories of tourists, those belonging to the star category as well as the budget hotels.

Some of the prominent hotels in Hassan:

3 Star Hotels

Hotel Hassan Ashok

2 Star Hotels

Hotel Southern Star

Other Star Hotels

Hotel Suvarna Regency
Hoysala Village Resort

Hotels in Belur

Sri Raghavendra Tourist Home
Sri Annapoorna Lodge
Sri Vishnu Lodge
Sri Gayathri Bhawan
Traveller's Bungalow
Hotel Mayura Velapuri

District
Hassan District
STD Code
08177
Topic
Upcoming
Termperature
Summer 30-40°C, Winter 10-22°C
Best time to visit
October - April

Belgaum

State
Karnataka

Belgaum, also known as Malendu or Rain Country, is located at the foothills of the Sayadhri range. The place is not only famous for its history but also for its natural beauty. It is also home to several divisions of the Indian Armed Forces.

History

The past of Belgaum is chequered. It was overrun many times, owing to its strategic location on the Indian peninsula. In the past Belgaum was known as Venugrama (Bamboo village) because of the abundance of bamboo trees in this region. It was a part of the Chalukya Empire (6th-8th century ad), as is evident from the remains of monuments found here. The history of Belgaum town dates back to 12th century ad, when it was built and ruled by local rulers by the name of Rattas. A fort built by the Ratta rulers still stands here and is an important tourist attraction. Belgaum was later ruled by the Yadavas of Devangiri and then became a part of the great Vijaynagar Kingdom. The Bahamani rulers of the Deccan captured it in the 15th century. They not only renovated the Belgaum fort, but also built the Jami Masjid and other important monuments. The Mughals took over Belgaum and renamed it as Azamnagar. Belgaum witnessed a prolonged power struggle between the Mughals and the Marathas. The Marathas took over this town and held it until the British took over.

Accessibility

By Air: Belgaum has an airport and daily flights are plying between Mumbai and Belgaum.

By Rail: Belgaum is connected by rail to Bangalore (via Londa), Mumbai (via Miraj), Vasco da Gama.

By Road: Belgaum is connected by road to most places in south and west of India.

Shopping

Belgaum is the place to shop for wonderful handmade wooden toys as well as pottery, leather goods and jewellery.

Accommodation

There are few hotels in Belgaum. Whatever accommodation is available in Belgaum is cheap and suits every pocket. The Karnataka State Tourism Development Council's hotel Mallaprabha is the main hotel of this town and is located on the bypass on the main national highway.

STD Code
0831
Topic
Upcoming

Bandipur

State
Karnataka

Bandipur is a wonderful wildlife centre, built by the Maharajas of Mysore and is situated in the Nilgiris. The Kabini, Moyar and Nugu Rivers drain the area. This place is under Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve and is also the first Biosphere Reserve of the country.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/subharnab/2641816119/

Accessibility

By Air: Bangalore International Airport is the major airport, 215 km away from Bandipur.

By Rail: Nearest railhead is Mysore, which is 80 km away. This station is connected to Bangalore and other local cities in the state.

By Road: Many state owned buses are available to reach Bandipur from nearby cities.

Accommodation

The forest department maintains reasonably priced lodges, rest houses and cottages. Sprawling deluxe bungalows are also available.

District
Chamarajanagar, Gundlupet
STD Code
08229
Topic
Upcoming
WGW_Bangalore
Termperature
Summer 22-40°C, Winter 10-27°C
Best time to visit
March to June and September to November

Anthargange

State
Karnataka

Anthargange is a hill range situated near the city of Bangalore. The rocky hills are a haven for trekkers and adventurous travelers. Numerous caves and rocky outcrops will keep any traveler busy with exploration. For the more daring traveler, activities such as rappelling, high rope traversing and caving are available.

District
Kolar
Topic
Upcoming
Termperature
Summer 22-37°C, Winter 19-32°C
Best time to visit
Oct - Mar
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