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Kolar

State

Kolar is located at a distance of about 68 kilometres from Bangalore. It lies in the eastern part of Karnataka. It is situated on the Bangalore to Chennai National highway (NH-4). Kolar is also known for its fortresses and temples.

History

Kolar town, the headquarters of this district was formerly known as Kuvalala. Kolar was the first capital of the Gangas, till about the 4th century A.D. In 1004 A.D., the Cholas annexed Kolar with their empire. Later, Kolar came under the Vijayanagar empire, before being taken over by the British in 1768. In 1792, Kolar was given to Tippu Sultan, by the British. This town came under the rule of Maharaja of Mysore and since then several improvements have taken place and with a result that it became the district Head quarters. It was Krishnaraja Wodeyar who was responsible for connecting the road and Railways.

Historically, Kolar is said to be associated with the epic age, which recalls many legends associated with Avani in Mulbagal Taluk, which was also called Avani Kshetra. This region is home to legends from the Ramayana and Mahabharata.

It is also believed that the sage Valmiki, the author of the epic Ramayana, lived here and Sri Rama stayed here on the way back to Ayodhya, after his conquest of Lanka. The legend goes further to establish that Seetha Devi, after being rejected by Rama, gave birth to her twins Lava and Kusha in this Avani.

The hill to the west of Kolar, called the Satasringa Parvata or 'Hundred-Peaked Mountain' is 'Antharagange', associated with the story of Parasurama and his fight with King Kartaviryarjuna over Surabhi, the divine cow.

Accessibility

Air: The nearest airport is Bangalore airport.

Rail: The nearest railway junction is Bangarpet at a distance of about 15 km

Road: KGF is located on NH-4 Local. Government buses ply on regular basis daily from Bangalore.

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Kodachaadri

State

Kodachadri is a pleasant hill resort located at a distance of about 115 kilometers from Shimoga and 36 kilometers from Hosanagara, State of Karnataka. This picturesque hill is located such that it overlooks the vast Western Ghats.

History

Kodachadri seems to have attracted the attention of humankind since long time. Probably prehistoric men also trekked in this area and several monolithic structures or menhirs (big rocks with a length more than 12 feet) are found near Nagara- Nilsakal, at about 20 k.m from this place.[1] Ancient mother goddess temple is there near the top of the peak and legend says that the goddess slayed Mookasura several thousand years ago. This belief can be compared with ancient practice of worshipping Mother Goddess during prehistoric time all over the world. At present, Kodachadri is popular among locals and Keralites since at least 500 years or more. Sage Shankaracharya is said to have visited this place and established Kollur temple. Original goddess is situated at the top of Kodachadri. Piligrims from Kerala,Tamilnadu and Karnataka state visit Kollur and some of them Kodachadri also, remembering the visit of Sage Shankaracharya.

Accessibility

Air: The nearest Airport is Mangalore

Rail: The nearest railhead is Shimoga

Road:

Accommodation

The stay at a nearby bigger place. Kollur (15 km) has several Guest House and lodges as well as homestay accommodation and this is a good option. Nearest Town Kundapura has several lodges with A/C and Non/Ac rooms. The district centre Shimoga (80 km) is also a choice but the journey takes around four hours. To watch the sun set at Kodachadri, one has to stay at Kodachadri peak and natural option is Bhat's house. He will charge nominal amount for food and room and basic shelter is provided. There is one Travellers' Bungallow at Kodachadri with very very basic facilities and for reservation, contact Officer in charge, PWD, Hosanagar, Shimoga district. One or two Homestay facility are also available near Main Road.

Things to do

Trekking
The mountainous terrain, untouched by human intervention and development, and the dense forests totally un-violated by the modern technologies, make Kodachadri a trekker’s dream destination. It takes five hours to trek to Kodachadri peak. Kollur is a popular base for trekkers to begin their exploration of the hills. The trekking route from Nagodi, the biking route from Nittur village, the route via the Arishinagundi falls, which is accessed for the climb down, and the route via Hidlumane falls are the most interesting of them.

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Kemmanagundi

State

An offbeat destination, Kemmannagundi is a secluded hill station situated at a height of 1434 meters in the Chikkamagalaru district. Kemmannagundi was the chosen summer haven of King Krishna Rajendra Wodeyar IV, the Maharaja of Mysore. He built his summer palace here in 1932 to escape from the British who kept snatching away the city of Mysore from his family. The region was developed under the patronage of the monarch who maintained the natural surroundings, built good roads, developed ornamental and landscaped gardens etc. The King owned Kemmannagundi for almost 10 years after which he donated the land to the government of Karnataka.

History

The puranas say Kemmannagundi was called ‘Chandra Drona Parvatha’. Water, gushing down through innumerable herbs and medicinal plants, is believed to cure many diseases, including the common cold and skin ailments.

This hill resort in the Baba Budan Hills was once the summer retreat of the Maharaja of Mysore, the Wodeyar King Krishnaraje Wodeyar IV, after whom the hill station is also named the K.R. Hills.

Accessibility

Air: Mangalore is the nearest domestic Airport, which is 190 km away and Bangalore is the nearest international Airport, which is 295 km away. Taxi cab costs about Rs 4000 from Mangalore and Rs 6000 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: Nearest Railway Station is Tarekere, which is connected by rail to Mangalore and Bangalore. Tarekere is about 15 km from Kemmanagundi and taxi will cost about Rs 300 from railway station to Kemmangundi.

Road: Kemmanagundi is well connected by bus services. Private and public transport buses connect frequently to Chikmaglur (55 km), Bangalore (295 km) and Mangalore (190 km). A/C deluxe and luxury buses are available from Bangalore and Mangalore to Kemmanagundi, which cost about Rs 4 per km.

Accommodation

Kemmannagundi provides accommodation to suit various budgets. Dattatri Bhavan, Vana Darshinki, Narayana Kuteera, Budan Giri lodge, Virupaksha lodge, Dhoopada Giri lodge, Kallahatti lodge, etc., are some of the places tourists can enjoy staying.

The Horticulture Department''s Guest House is the most popular place to stay. You can also stay at neighbouring Chikmaglur and Shimoga, which have a range of budget and deluxe hotels.

Things to do

Trekking: Trekking is always challenging, exciting and enjoyable in places like Kemmanagundi, where steep climbs and descends are inevitable to have a good trek or nature walk.

One can trek the route to Hebbe falls, unspoiled region for grant views and untouched mostly by development. Local guides leading the trekkers are mostly affordable here, and their guidance help many tourists as many of the trekking routes are undulated terrains and can be wet and slippery.

Trekking is not so easy here, one need to wear sturdy clothes and trekking shoes. Only adventurous people can engage here to enjoy the challenges in trekking trains of Kemmanagundi. One can trek down to Hebbe falls and up to the Z point, to their charm to face the adventurous actions required to reach there.

District
Chikkamagalaru district
STD Code
08262
Topic
Best time to visit
September to February

Katil

State

Katil is a religious place known to the people of Karnataka as the abode of the mother goddess Durga Parameshwari. The sacred temple of the goddess inKatil lies on the banks of the river Nandini. People come here from far away places in search of peace and prosperity. They firmly believe that Mata Parameshwari will save them from all the adversities in life and bless them with eternal peace and happiness. Whenever you go to Katil in Karnataka you will have to get into the sanctum through the Dwajasthamba Mandapa. You will first have to worship the silver-covered flag mast.

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Karkala

State
Accessibility

Air: Mangalore is the nearest domestic Airport, which is about 70 km away and Bangalore is the nearest international Airport, which is 370 km away. Cab costs about Rs 1500 from Mangalore and Rs 7000 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: Nearest railhead to Karkala is Indrali station in Udupi. Prepaid taxi services are available from railway station to Karkala. This station is connected to Mangalore Junction.

Road: The public transport buses from Bangalore and Mangalore passes through Karkala and hence Karkala is connected to all major cities in Karnataka by buses. Special luxurious buses ply from Karkala to Bangalore (370 km), Chennai (700 km) and Hyderabad (670 km). These buses charge about Rs 3 to Rs 4 per kilometer.

Attractions

Kambala Water Buffalo Races: Kambala Water Buffalo Races is a unique adventurous sport of Karkala region. When the fields are flush with water, this is the one sight not to be missed for any of the travelers. Karkala-Moodabidri’s renowned Kambala water buffalo races are held during the period November through February.

As per the historical evidence, the beginning of the race is supposed to be way back to more than 1000 years. This is an event held during post cultivation, when farmers offer tribute to the Gods for shielding their crops from ruins and in turn this marks the beginning of the next crops season started by sowing the seeds.

Lot of celebrations, cultural activities and games adds to the festive atmosphere in Kambala Water Buffalo Races. In this race, buffaloes paired, are racing through the fertile paddy fields, in tune with the strike of musical drums. One will be surprised to see how fast a modest buffalo, but healthy, can run. The festival is accompanied by much drinking and merry making.

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Kakkabe

State

Kakkabe is 38 kms from Madikeri, the headquarters of Coorg, and is situated in Karnataka's Western Ghats. It is the largest producer of honey in South East Asia. It is a sleepy little town and a perfect get away for a weekend. Kakkabe is flourishing and has developed to a popular tourist destination. Nalnad palace and Padi Igguthappa temple the holiest Kodava shrine, Thadiyendamol Coorg's highest peak are the main attractions here. And also trek to the scenic Kabbe Pass and Chelavara Falls.

Accessibility

Air: Mangalore is the nearest domestic Airport, which is 135 km away and Bangalore is the nearest international Airport, which is 250 km away. Cab costs about Rs 2500 from Mangalore and Rs 4000 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 rail heads are Mysore (125km), Hassan (115 km) and Kannur (110 km). Mangalore is the major junction nearest to Kakkabe. Manglore is well connected to all cities in India. Taxi cab costs about Rs 2500 from Mangalore to Kakkabe.

Road: Kakkabe is well connected by KSRTC buses; these buses touch all major cities in and around Kakkabe. Many tourist buses from Mangalore and Kozhikode passes through Kakkabe and it cost about Rs 3 – Rs 4 per kilometer.

Things to do

Rock Climbing: A fast growing adventurous sport, Rock climbing, is packed with excitement and if one wants to experience this thrilling sport, Thadiyendamol in Kakkabe invites with its full vibrancy. This sport is a real challenging one, straining and pushing out all your energies out of you. This hill provides easy and convenient access to climbers.

In Kakkabe, Rock climbing will feel almost like mountaineering except that instead of snow there are rocks involved in this adventure sport. If you are good at climbing, then you can definitely try out this sport in Thadiyendamol, but certain climbs can often prove grueling, merciless and tough, but the fancy and magic of the surrounding mountains in Kakkabe will keep spirits high up to sky.

Recommended time to Rock climbing is September to May.

Trekking: Kakkabe is a trekker’s pleasure to those people seeking for serenity, as there a number of treks small and medium and of varying grades that is apt for most visitors. Though most trails are parasite infected during the monsoon.

The most admired trek is the one to the undulated Thadiyendamol peak - it has the prestige of being the second highest peak in Karnataka. It is a long trek and the view from the hill top is imposing and breathtaking. Trek to the waterfalls nearby through the coffee plantations. The well laid trekking trails in Thadiandamol is challenging and enjoyable.

Another fascinating trekking trail starts from Chelavara village and leads through the various waterfalls including Baliatra falls, Emmepare Falls, Thadiandamol peak and the ruined structures of Nalakkanad palace and ends at the Iguthappa peak. It is really a thrilling experience to trek through these stunning and appealing forests of Kakkabe.

Recommended time for Trekking is September to May.

District
Kodagu
STD Code
08272
Topic
Termperature
Summer 23-31°C, Winter 16-26°C
Best time to visit
September and May

Kabini

State

Kabini is one of the most popular wildlife destinations in Karnataka, probably because of its easy accessibility, lush green landscape surrounding a large picturesque lake, and fantastic sightihgs of large herds of elephants. It is 80km away from Mysore and 205km from Bangalore, and comprises the south-eastern part of Nagarhole National Park. Situated on the banks of River Kabini, this forest reserve is spread over 55 acres of forestland and water bodies.

History

Once there was a Maharaja in Mysore who loved the outdoors. His kingdom eventually spread over beautiful countryside, jungles teeming with wildlife. The flowing river kept everything lush and green and flourishing. And he loved the environs so much that he built a hunting lodge by the banks of Kabini, a tributary of the Kaveri. His guests and travelers from all over the world stayed there.

Thus, Kabini became quite popular. It also became the headquarters of the world famous kheddah (the corralling of wild elephants for domestication in the Royal stables and for agriculture, held every three or four years by the Maharaja and his descendants till 1971).

Even today the lush forest around Kabini remains unspoilt. People still come from all over the world to enjoy its richness and diversity of its flora and fauna.

Accessibility

Air: Bangalore is the nearest Airport, which is 208 km away from Kabini. Cab costs about Rs 4000 from Bangalore Airport to Kabini. Bangalore airport is well connected to almost all airports in India. International flights to major foreign cities are also operated from Bangalore.

Rail: Nearest railway station is Mysore, which is about 80 km away from Kabini. Mysore is well connected with other cities in India through Bangalore Majestic Terminal. Mysore railway station to Kabini costs about Rs 1500 by taxi car.

Road: Kabini is well connected by KSRTC buses to all neighboring cities including Bangalore. Bangalore and Mysore are connected to Kabini by many deluxe buses. Bangalore to Kabini costs about Rs 300 – Rs 400 by state bus and Rs 600 - Rs 800 by private deluxe A/C buses. Mysore - Kabini costs about Rs 125 for state bus and Rs 300 by deluxe bus.

Things to do

Boating: Apart from enjoying wildlife safaris, one can also choose to take a cruise down the Kabini river. One can see fabulous sceneries, feasting the eyes for a lifetime memories with the flora and fauna around the lusting greeneries, atop of the boat.

On the way through the dense woodlands, in a boat cruise, glimpses of animals like leopard, gaurs, antelopes, crocodiles, tigers, cobras and pythons and a herd of wild elephants moving leisurely or a vociferous leopards, moving behind the dense undulated terrains of Kabini forests are abundantly possible.

Kabini offers, besides the animals, an interesting view of a rich variety of plant life.

Elephant Camp
To reach this elephant camp at Balle, you must drive via Karapur and it would take less than half an hour. After taking a left on from Mysore-Mananthavady Road, Balle Camp can be reached in 15-20 minutes. Here entry is free and timings are from 7am to 6pm. In April and May, this place is closed for tourists. There is something special about this place and what exactly is that, would be clear when you will see these huge creatures being fed their snack. The sight of elephants standing in a row, resting their trunks on wooden poles uncomplainingly and waiting for their turn to get the snack is amusing.

Elephant Safari: Elephant safari helps the visitor to travel through such intricate terrains where even jeeps cannot venture. One can take himself back to the old golden era, when only the Kings used to ride on these gigantic animals, since nothing can even match up to with the dignity of the Pachyderm.

Any tourist reaches this destination can proudly sit over the cushion (seat) on the top of the animal which moves slowly and steadily and fulfill their adventurous dream of an Elephant Safari. If any animal rules Kabini, it is the elephant. The forest reserve has the single largest congregation of Asiatic elephants.

Elephant safari is offered in Sunkadakattee. Here one can enjoy the thrill of moving around the thick forests on tamed elephants.

Jungle Safari: Eco friendly tourists and environmentalists love to travel around the dense and populated forested regions of Kabini, for its diverse topography and wide-ranging collection of animal and plant life. Go on a jeep safari for wildlife sighting and have a truly mingling of wild life for a unique experience. Nature walks are nice options to loose oneself in the exuberant environs at Kabini.

Tourists and nature lovers pour into the place in good numbers to enjoy the sights and spend some quality time here. The Kabini is adorned with the lush vegetation with one endless streak of verdant green. Various tourist operators can also arrange for a nature walk which will be exciting and unforgettable. This area is awesome for Jungle safari as the climate is mostly warm and temperate and the winter is very short.

District
Wayanad District
STD Code
08228
Termperature
Summer 23-37°C, Winter 13-20°C
Best time to visit
November and June
Famous For
Naturally beautiful landscape, wildlife, herds of elephants

Hubli-Dharwar

State

Hubli is a centre of textile industry in Karnataka and a twin city along with Dharwad, which is 16 km away from Hubli. Hubli and Dharwad together constitute the 2 nd largest city in Karnataka. Hubli and Dharwad are just east of the Western Ghats and are surrounded by hills and lakes. Dharwad has been an important education centre in Karnataka from the time of British rule. Dharwad is also famous for the milk based sweet called Dharwad Pedha. Dharwad is the administrative capital of Dharwad district and Hubli is the commerce capital of Dharwad district.

History

The historic town of Hubli was formerly known as Raya Hubli and also as Elaya Puravada Halli. It was during the reign of the Vijaynagara Empire that Hubli transformed into an important cotton and iron trade center.

Accessibility

Air - The airport is 8km from the center of town. Air Deccan operates flights from Hubli connecting to Bangalore.

Rail - Hubli is a major rail junction on the Mumbai to Banglore route and for trains to Bijapur and Hospet. If you are heading for Goa the No 237 Gadag to Miraj Link Express at 8.30 pm has a 2nd class three tier sleeping coach and another combined 1st and 2nd class two tier sleeping coach attached to the train, and these go all the way to Vasco Da Gama, thus avoiding the need to change at Londa. At Londa these coaches are detached from 237 and addded to the 7806 Miraj to Vasco Gomantak Express at about 3.30am

Bus - There are regular buses to Bangalore (9 hr) and Hospet (4 hr). KSRTC (five daily) and Goa Kadamba bus company buses go to Goa daily. There are also buses to Mumbai (15 hr), Mangalore (10 hr), Jog Falls, Gokarna, Mysore (10 hr), and Bijapur. Across from the bus stand are private bus companies offering deluxe buses to Goa, Bangalore, Pune, Mangalore, Mumbai, and Bijapur. Hubli has a large and busy bus station. Buses to Panaji take 11 hours and leave 3 times a day.

STD Code
0836
Topic
Best time to visit
October - March

Hospet

State

Hospet is at a distance of 325 kilometers from the capital city of Bangalore has a place of its own on the tourist map of Karnataka in India. The significance of Hospet lies in its propinquity to the World Heritage Site of Hampi.

340 kms from Bangalore lies Hospet. Its tourist importance lies in its proximity to Hampi, the site of the medieval Vijayanagar Empire, situated about 13 kms away. The Tungabhadra Dam here harnesses the sweet waters of the Tungabhadra river. At the base of the dam is a garden styled along Japanese lines.

Accessibility

Air

Rail

Hospet is connected to Bangalore , Bellary, Gadag, Bijapur and Hubli-Dharwar.

Road

There is a well-developed road network.

Accommodation

Accommodation is easily available at Hospet in the range of hotels that suit all pockets. Hospet also has a wide variety of Hotels.
Hotel Mayura (Kamalapur).

Topic
Best time to visit
September to February