KARNATAKA


Water Falls
Jog Falls: The Jog in Shimoga District is the tallest water fall in India where the river Sharavati jumps from a height of 293 mts. into four beautiful cascades . The best time to visit is only during July to October.
The Cauvery at Shivasamudra falls (in Mandya district) has twin jumps, Gaganachukki and Bharachukki, one km away from each other and their water has been harnessed for production of power from 1901. The river Shimsha , a tributary of the Cauvery, has its fall in Malavalli taluk in Mandya district.
Abbi Falls is 5 km away from Madikeri, Kodagu district which is a perennial hill-station.
The Irrupu falls, 48 km from Virajpet in Kodagu District, is bounded by scenic locals.
Chikmagalur district has many water falls. The hill stations at Kemmannagundi has the Hebbe Falls jumping down from a height of about 500 feet. Manikyandhara is yet another water falls near the famous pilgrim centre Baba Budangiri Dattatreya Peetha where water spills down like small balls giving the visitors a memorable shower bath.
Kallatti Falls, 100 km from Kemmanugundi at Kallattipura in Tarikere taluq is another beautiful fall with water leaping down from a height of 400 feet. There is an old Veerabhadra temple very near the Falls.
Chunchanakatte FallsThe picturesque Chunchanakatte Falls in Mysore district is at the place of the same name which also has an ancient temple of a Lord Rama close by Uttara Kannada is famous for its Unchalli (Lushington) Falls. Aghanashini river creates this water cascade which screams down from a height of about 450 feet.It is near Yellapur (19 km. away) in Uttara Kannada Called `Mini Niagara', Gokak Falls is another fall known for its beauty. Cascading from a height of 170 feet, it is famous for its spread and shape. Gokak Falls must be visited in July-August when it will be in full bloom.
FortsNo tourist survey is complete without mentioning about Karnataka's historical forts. The whole range of ancient capitals of Bidar, Gulbarga, Bijapur, Vijayanagara, Badami, Basava Kalyan, Srirangapattan, Keladi, Chitradurga, Mysore, etc. had their forts.
There are hill forts at the
Nandi Hill (Kolar district)
Savanadurga (Bangalore district)
Madhugiri
Pavagada
Midigeshi (Tumkur district)
Ucchangi near Davanagere (Bellary district)
Sandur (Bellary district)
Jamalabad in Dakshina Karnataka
Manzarabad near Sakleshpur (Hassan district)
Kavaledurga (Shimoga district)
Chitradurga Shahapur (Gulbarga district)
Shorapur (Gulbarga district)
Nargund fort built by Shivaji (Dharwad district)
Parasgad and Vallabhgad forts (Belgaum district), also raised by Shivaji.
Bangalore, Devanahalli, Magadi (Bangalore district), Aymangala in Chitradurga district, Chikbanavar in Hassan district, Belgaum have fortifications round part of the towns even now.
The coastal island forts like Bahadurgad, Basavaraja Durga, Devagad and Kurmagad are as strong as they were in the heydays.FortsNo tourist survey is complete without mentioning about Karnataka's historical forts. The whole range of ancient capitals of Bidar, Gulbarga, Bijapur, Vijayanagara, Badami, Basava Kalyan, Srirangapattan, Keladi, Chitradurga, Mysore, etc. had their forts.
There are hill forts at the
Nandi Hill (Kolar district)
Savanadurga (Bangalore district)
Madhugiri
Pavagada
Midigeshi (Tumkur district)
Ucchangi near Davanagere (Bellary district)
Sandur (Bellary district)
Jamalabad in Dakshina Karnataka
Manzarabad near Sakleshpur (Hassan district)
Kavaledurga (Shimoga district)
Chitradurga Shahapur (Gulbarga district)
Shorapur (Gulbarga district)
Nargund fort built by Shivaji (Dharwad district)
Parasgad and Vallabhgad forts (Belgaum district), also raised by Shivaji.
Bangalore, Devanahalli, Magadi (Bangalore district), Aymangala in Chitradurga district, Chikbanavar in Hassan district, Belgaum have fortifications round part of the towns even now.
The coastal island forts like Bahadurgad, Basavaraja Durga, Devagad and Kurmagad are as strong as they were in the heydays.

NAMA AIHOLE


Famous as the "Cradle of Indian Architecture", Aihole has over a hundred temples scattered around the village.
The oldest temple here is, perhaps, the Lad Khan temple dating back to the 5th Century. The Durga (Fort) Temple is notable for its semi-circular apse, elevated plinth and the gallery that encircles the sanctum. The Hutchimalli Temple out in the village - has a sculpture of Vishnu sitting atop a large cobra.

The Revalphadi Cave - dedicated to Shiva - is remarkable for its delicate details.

Not to be missed is the Konthi Temple Complex (Kwanthi Gudi), the Uma Maheswari Temple with a beautifully carved Brahma seated on a lotus, the austere Jain Meguti Temple and the two storeyed Buddhist Temple.

Getting here:
Rail: The nearest railway station is Begalkot.
Road: Aihole is connected by road to Pattadakal, Badami, Bangalore




NAMA MYSORE


Cultural capital of Karnataka, Mysore is a majestic, mysterious and mesmersing city. It has inherited all Indian traditions with modernity. Mysore has a number of historical and heritage buildings.The Royal City of Mysore, a beautiful city ideal for people who wish to live a peaceful life. Mysore is a place well renowned for Dasara festival and is a favored tourism destination throughout India.



Mysore Palace
Once the residence of the Wodeyars, this structure is one of the largest of its kind in India. Built in 1912 in the Indo Saracenic style, this place excludes a grandeur that is unmatched. The Golden Royal Elephant Throne, the Durbar Hall, the Kalyana Mantap and the Gallery are the main attractions here. A priceless national treasure and the pride of a kingdom, the Mysore Palace is the seat of the famed Wodeyar .An eclectic synthesis of architectural styles the palace is one of India’s most dramatic national monuments. Today it is a museum housing treasures from across the world reflecting the rich and colorful history of the erstwhile princely state of MysoreThe majestic Durbar Hall with its ornate ceiling and sculpted pillars and the Marriage Pavilion with its chandeliers, cast-iron pillars and Belgian stained glass arranged in peacock designs in the domed ceilings are the main attractions. Make sure you see the magnificent jewel-studded golden throne, the pride of the Wodeyars and the symbol of their sovereignty, displayed here during the Dussehra festival in October.A row of souvenir shops leads to the Residential Museum, which houses musical instruments, Tanjore and Mysore paintings and an array of personal effects belonging to the Maharaja’s family. The palace, illuminated on Sundays and public holidays, presents a spectacle of breathtaking beautyJaganmohan Palace: Converted into an Art Gallery in 1875 exhibits Paintings. Paintings of masters like Raja Ravi Verma of Travancore and the Russian painter Svetoslav Roerich on display.
CHAMUDI HILLS
Perched atop a hill is a 12th century temple of Chamundershwari. About 13 Kms from Mysore by road these is also a 1000 step walking track for all those young at heart to try. The gigantic 4.8 meter tall monolith of Nandi the sacred vehicle of Lord Shiva is a marvel to watch. Also close to the temple stands a gigantic statues of the demon Mahishasura.Situated on the heights of Chamundi Hills, the Temple resides Nandi Bull's Sculpture, the Bull denoting vehicle to Lord Shiva, and is one of the seven bulls in the country. The temple has large silver gates and golden idols. It is considered to be a very religious temple, where the blessings of the goddess help devotees to fulfill their need. Pilgrims are supposed to climb the 100 odd steps to the top, to improve their past 'karmas'The hill gets its name from the Goddess Kali or Chamundi, the consort of Shiva and she is the family deity of the Maharajas of Mysore. The Chamundeswari Temple is a fine quadrangular structure with a high 'gopuram' (tower) and 'dwara' (entrance) which is a visible landmark from many miles. 'Mahishasura' was killed by Goddess 'Chamundi' and hence she was given the name 'Mahishasura Mardhini'. The Goddess is seated on a lion, killing the buffalo-headed demon with her trident..


ZOO

Mysore Zoo or Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens as it is popularly known as was established in the year 1892 in Mysore, by the then Maharaja Chamaraja Wodeyar. Initially known as 'Khasa Bangle' or 'private bungalow', the zoo, one of the biggest of its kind in the country housed different species of birds in about 10 acres. Later, the then British Officer, Karumbeigal shifted the Zoo to Mysore to the premises of Mysore ZooThe Zoohas been further extended to cover the adjacent Karanji Lake. The lake attracts several species of birds and the Zoo has plans to develop the lake into a bird sanctuary. Among the primary activities of the zoo besides breeding rare animals, is to barter animals, and bringing in new animalsThe Flourishing FloraThe zoo houses some rare animals bred in captivity, and exotic species of plants. The Zoological Gardens has various species of ornamental plants and trees from India and abroad. About 85 species of trees and 35 species of ornamental plants are present, which beautifies the landscape of the Zoo and provides the best environment to the captive wild animalsExotic FaunaThe Zoo has to its credit breeding of rare animals and largest mammals in captivity. This unique feature is said to be present only in a few of the reputed zoological gardens in southeast Asia, Mysore being one among them. About two million visitors, from within the country and abroad, visit the famous Mysore Zoo every year. The Mysore Zoo has a record of housing variety of species not only of this country but also from more than 40 countries in the world
Mysore Zoo or Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens as it is popularly known as was established in the year 1892 in Mysore, by the then Maharaja Chamaraja Wodeyar. Initially known as 'Khasa Bangle' or 'private bungalow', the zoo, one of the biggest of its kind in the country housed different species of birds in about 10 acres. Later, the then British Officer, Karumbeigal shifted the Zoo to Mysore to the premises of Mysore ZooThe Zoohas been further extended to cover the adjacent Karanji Lake. The lake attracts several species of birds and the Zoo has plans to develop the lake into a bird sanctuary. Among the primary activities of the zoo besides breeding rare animals, is to barter animals, and bringing in new animalsThe Flourishing FloraThe zoo houses some rare animals bred in captivity, and exotic species of plants. The Zoological Gardens has various species of ornamental plants and trees from India and abroad. About 85 species of trees and 35 species of ornamental plants are present, which beautifies the landscape of the Zoo and provides the best environment to the captive wild animalsExotic FaunaThe Zoo has to its credit breeding of rare animals and largest mammals in captivity. This unique feature is said to be present only in a few of the reputed zoological gardens in southeast Asia, Mysore being one among them. About two million visitors, from within the country and abroad, visit the famous Mysore Zoo every year. The Mysore Zoo has a record of housing variety of species not only of this country but also from more than 40 countries in the world.








NAMA BANGLORE

A fast growing metropolis, the garden city of Bangalore is the capital of the southern Indian state of Karnataka. Situated at about 1000 meters above sea level, it is known for its salubrious climate where temperatures remain moderate through out the year. The maximum temperature in July is around 320C and the minimum around 220C. It is connected by air, rail and road to all major cities of the country and has direct international connections to many cities worldwide.
The clean and spacious city of Bangalore has many imposing structures full of historic and modern architecture. The majestic Vidhana Soudha, a magnificent post-independence structure housing the State legislature and Secretariat, stands in the center of the city with its attractive dome and galleries. It is sheer delight to see the illuminated Soudha during nights on Sundays and Holidays.
The city has several institutions of Learning and Research. Many of them such as the Indian Institute of Science, Raman Research Institute, National Institute of Mental health and Neuro-Sciences, National Aerospace Laboratories, Bangalore University have worldwide acclaim. The high-tech industries such as Aerospace, Electronics, Computers and now fast spreading software have made Bangalore their home due to easy access to a vast pool of scientists and engineers in the city. In the area of art and culture too, the city boasts of a rich heritage and tradition and has several schools of classical music and dance.
The city abounds in picturesque parks and gardens and other scenic spots. The extensive stretch of green land of Cubbon Park and the enchanting botanical gardens with Glass-House of Lal-Bagh, both situated right in the middle of the metropolis, lend all the charming grandeur to the city. About 20 Km from the city is situated the Bannerghatta National Park. It is a dry decidious forest which has abundant variety of trees like Neem, Sandal,Tamarind,Jalari. This park is inhabited by the Asian Elephants, leopards,Sloth Bears,Chital, Sambar,Monitor Lizards,Pangolin,Vipers, Cobras,Macaques,Porcupines,Mongoose, etc and lot of bird species are also to be found in this park. Moreover the best time to visit the park is between September and October.

Bangalore boasts of some of the oldest, and most beautiful temples in the country. The Venkataramanaswamy Temple is a 300 year old temple. Another impressive temple is the Gavi Gangadhareswara temple, an unusual cave temple. It has been designed in such a manner so that the rays of the sun pass between the horns of a Nandi Bull placed outside the temple, and thereby, illuminate the image of Lord Shiva.