STATE: KARNATAKA

Capital: Bangalore

Major Airports: Bangalore, Mangalore, Belgaum

Major Places:

Bangalore:

How to get there: Through Train or Flight

List of sightseeing places with brief explanations: Bangalore is also famous for its fine sprawling gardens, the notable amongst them being the Lal Bagh and Cubbon Park, Monuments of Bangalore Palace, Bannerghatta National Park, Bull Temple, Chunchi Falls,Commercial Street,Cubbon Park,Dodda Ganapathi Temple, Fun World, Vidhana Soudha, Attara Kacheri (High Court)

Karwar:

How to get there: Hyderabad to Goa from Goa to Karwar

List of sightseeing places with brief explanations: About 10000 sightseeing tours, Riverside Picnic places there are 4,430 Sight Seeing Places in Karwar. The most popular attraction in Karwar is its unspoilt beaches. Devbagh Beach with its soft sands bordered by casuarina trees, offers good diving and snorkelling opportunities in the Arabian Sea. Other beaches in the area include Koodi Bagh Beach and Kaju Bagh Beach. There is an ancient Durga Temple in the complex. A 300-year old Venkataramana Temple in the town exhibits fine ochre paintings. An octagonal church, mostly in ruins is another tourist attraction, besides the famous Dargah of Peer Shan Shamsuddin Kharobat. Naganatha Temple is a unique temple where an anthill is worshipped.

Mangalore:

How to get there: From Hyderabad to Bangalore from Bangalore to Mangalore

List of sightseeing places with brief explanations: Bejai Museum (Seemanthi Bai Government Museum), Central Market,Jami Mosque of Zinad Baksh,Kadri Hill Park,Kadri Manjunatha Temple,Kudroli Gokarnath Temple An important temple in Mangalore, Kudroli Gokarnath Temple, built in 1912, This is an important religious place and also a tourist attraction. Major Banks of the India are originated

Mysore:

How to get there: Hyderabad to Bangalore from Bangalore to Mysore

List of sightseeing places with brief explanations: Mysore Palace, Brindavan Gardens, it has many interesting museums and art galleries. One of the popular tourist attractions. The Jayachamarajendra art gallery offers the largest collection of the eponymous Mysore paintings - gold leaf etchings on delicately painted motifs and also St. Philomena's church, a fine example of Gothic architecture with beautiful stained glass, is definitely a must see. Halfway up is the majestic monolith of Nandi, Lord Shiva's bull, 4.8 mts high. The summit offers an idyllic view of Mysore.

Hampi:

How to get there: To reach Hampi, you can take a either a train or bus from Bangalore or Hyderabad to Hospet. From Hospet there are many auto rickshaws and buses to reach Hampi.

List of sightseeing places with brief explanations: Hampi has been declared as a UNESCO World Heritage centre. Hampi has 18,600 important best sight seeing places. Hampi has a divine culture with a number of beautiful historical temples. The ancient Portuguese traveller Paes, describes Hampi as a city as large as Rome. The temples and the sculptures of Hampi, never fail to evoke a feeling of wonder and awe. Nothing can describe the grandeur of this saga in stone. The Virupaksha Temple is another major site for sight-seeing in Hampi. Today, Hampi has a different dimension.

Prime Attractions: in Hampi

Virupaksha Temple:

One of the earliest buildings to the western end of the city, Virupaksha Temple is dedicated to Virupaksha, a form of Lord Vishnu. The temple houses shrines of Lord Shiva and Goddesses Pampa and Bhuvaneswari. Parts of the temple is said to belong to 11th or 12th century. It is amazing to see that how when a ray of light passes from the east through a hole near the sanctum sanctorum, the shadow formed on the wall looks like a miniature shadow of the temple tower.

Ugra Narasimha:

To the south of Virupaksha Temple, atop Hemkuta Hills, is the early ruins of Jain temples and the 6.7m tall monolith of 'Ugra Narasimha', a form of Lord Vishnu with head of a lion and body of a man. He is shown seated under the canopy of a seven-hooded snake. It was erected in 1528 during the reign of Krishnadevaraya and was carved out from a single boulder.

Vithala Temple:

The Vithala temple is a World Heritage monument with fantastic sculptural work from the time of Vijayanagar Empire. It features 56 'Musical Pillars', which reverberate when tapped and an ornate stone chariot in the temple courtyard with an image of Garuda, the Bird-God and the 9m tall statue of Lord Ganesha along with recently excavated 'Nobleman's Palace'.

Shivalinga:

Next to the statue of Narasimha is the 3 m high Shivalinga that stands permanently in water coming through an ancient channel.

Lotus Mahal:

A delightful blend of Hindu and Muslim style of architecture, this palace features two-storeyed elegant pavilion situated in the 'ladies' section' of the palace.

Queen's Bath:

A 15m square structure, Queen's Bath is 1.8m deep, has stark exteriors and highly ornate interiors and by delicate and elegantly ornamented arched corridors and projecting balconies.

Singaradu Hebbagilu:

Just behind the legendary elephant stables, is one of the oldest gateways of the erstwhile capital known as 'Singara Hebbagilu' (the beautiful door), which was once the main entrance to the city.

Hazara Rama Temple:
The 15th century temple has finely carved basalt pillars in its hall depicting incarnations of Lord Vishnu while the sculptures on the exteriors of the hall depict main events from Ramayana.

Achuta Raya Temple:
Also known as the Tirvengalanatha temple, it was built during reign of Achuta Deva Raya. Though the temple is in ruins now, the erotic sculptures of the columns inside the open halls near the main gateway are worth seeing.

Hassan:

How to get there: From Hyderabad to Bangalore Nearest airport is Bangalore, 185 km from the city of Hassan.

List of sightseeing places with brief explanations: Hassan with its unruffled calm and pleasant weather is a convenient place to explore the ancient cities of Hallebid, Bellur and Shravanabelagola. Hassan offers a wide range to accommodation to suit every need and comfort. Places to visit in destination Hassan a historical town with several important monuments like Kodandarama Temple, the Jamia Masjid. This is the Best place for a camel ride where you can have your photos but the Sultan Hassan Mosque remains the most important monument.

Prime Attractions in Hassan :

Hasanamba Shrine:
The shrine with an anthill that represents Hasanamba, the presiding deity, is opened only once a year for a week, during the month of October and big fair or 'Jatra' is held during this time.

District Museum:
The museum is a small one but has a decent collection of sculptures, paintings, weapons, coins and inscriptions.

Suddeshvara Temple:
Venkatappa Naraka constructed this temple and is ages old.

Belur:
40 km from Hassan, Belur was the erstwhile capital of Hoysala rulers 800 years ago and has beautiful temples and monuments built in ancient Hoysala architectural and sculptural style. Chennakesava temple of the 2nd century is an architectural wonder built on a star-shaped platform featuring bracket figures, intricate carvings on the stonewalls, the gravity pillar in the courtyard, exquisite panels and richly carved pillars, which are the masterpieces of craftsmanship. Another temple that is worth seeing here is Veeranarayana Temple with fine sculpted figures of various Hindu gods.

Halebid:
39 km from Hassan, Halebid was formerly known as Dwarasamudra, the ancient capital of the Hoysala Empire. The highlights of the city are the 12th century Hoysaleswara temple with friezes and sculptures depicting scenes from Hindu mythology and the Archaeological Museum displaying 12th-13th century sculptures, woodcarvings, idols, coins and inscriptions.

Bastihalli:
Very near Halebid is Bastihalli featuring 12th century Jain settlements in a garden enclosure with glossy Blackstone pillars and carved ceilings.

Sravanabelagola:
52 km from Hassan, Sravanabelagola is a famous pilgrimage centre for Jains. The 1,800 years old 17m high statue of Lord Gomateswara, a Jain Saint, atop the Indragiri Hills is said to be one of the tallest and loveliest monolithic statues of the world. It symbolizes renunciation of worldly possessions. Once in every twelve years, 'Mahamastakabisheka' or sacred anointment ceremony is held when thousands of devotees flock to the place. Chandragiri Hill boasts of 14 shrines and tomb of Chandragupta Maurya. The 10th century Chamundaraya basti is the most remarkable temple while Bhandari Basti has the Gommateshvara Statue featuring 24 images of Tirthankaras.

Coorg:

How to get there: Via Bangalore and Mysore to Coorg

List of sightseeing places with brief explanations: While entering the borders of Coorg, one gets a feeling of entering a different and special kind of country. Coorg is filled with forests, coffee and spice plantations, citrus fruit orchards and friendly, hospitable people.

Abbi Falls - a very lovely waterfall situated in a private coffee estate about 6-7 kms from Madikeri city. Open to all.

Omkareshwara temple - 19th century Shiva temple built in a Gothic and Islamic style.

Raja's Seat - the place where the kings of Kodagu spent their evenings at.

Cauvery Nisargsdhama - a 2.5 sq.km. Large island in the middle of the river Cauvery. It is a popular picnic spot.

Bhagmandala - the meeting place the 3 rivers: Cauvery, Kanika and Sujyothi.

Talacauvery - Cauvery originates here.

Namdroling Monastery - the Tibetan Golden Temple at Bylekuppe

Raja's Tomb

Nalknad Palace - a small 2 storied palace near the Tadiandamol Mountain.

Dubbare Elephant Camp - the elephants for the Mysore Dussehra festivities are trained here

Udipi:

How to get there: You can get to Udupi from Hyderabad by train.

List of sightseeing places with brief explanations: Udupi Religious, Temples, Beaches places in India..Udupi is a land of celestial beauty and Udupi is an authentic treasure trove of tourist’s pleasures. Udupi is an important Vaishnavite coastal town in Karnataka. Tourist Attractions in Udupi Sri Krishna temple, Mookambika temple. Udupi This is also known as 'Temple city' and it is famous for its Krishna Temple, Kamakshi Amman Temple, Varadharaja Perumal Temple, Vaikunda Perumal Temple, Kailasanathar Temple, Ekambaranathar Temple. Udupi is known for the Temple of Lord Krishna. The temple was founded by the Vaishnavite saint Shri Madhvacharya in the 13th century. 60 kms north of Mangalore is the famous temple town of Udupi. It is here that the Saint Madhvacharya lived and preached 700 years ago. The famous Masala Dosa has its origin here.

Chikmanglur:

How to get there: Hyderabad to Bangalore from Bangalore to Chikmanglur (Train)

List of sightseeing places with brief explanations: Sringeri is an important pilgrim destination in Chikmagalur. Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the major tourist attractions in Chikmagalur the lush green coffee estates are the other tourist attractions in Chikmagalur. The Kodanda-Ramaswamy temple is one of the most famous sites in Chikmagalur town. This state-protected monument is dedicated to Lord Ram.

  Nagarhole:

How to get there: Nagarhole is a 04 hour drive from Bangalore

List of sightseeing places with brief explanations: Nagarhole wildlife national park. Nagarhole is the first site in India to achieve success with radio-collaring of tigers, an important tool for ecological studies. The stately teak forests. The important predators and carnivora in the Nagarhole National Park is tiger, leopard, wild dog (dhole or Cuon alpinus), sloth bear and the hyena.

NAGARHOLE

Nagarhole, meaning ‘Snake River’ in Kannada, is a small town in Karnataka where Nagarhole National Park is situated. It is a picture perfect tourist spot with lush green forests, mind taking water falls, temples related to Indian mythology and places of cultural importance. Nagarhole derives its name from the winding course of the river like a snake that flows through the forests. Explore the environs of Nagarhole, feel the amazing beauty of the nature and take a moment of bliss to remember.

Green is the keyword for any of the sites that you visit in and around Nagarhole. And the experience of being close to the Mother Nature is very thrilling. Though there are a number of sites to visit around Nagarhole, the Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary and the Bandipur National Park are the two destinations that one must not miss. The different species of birds in the Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary and the natural habitat of some of the rare species of flora and fauna along with the Asiatic Elephant in the Bandipur National Park make them the nature lover’s destinations.

The area was an exclusive hunting reserve of the former rulers of Mysore. The two biggest animals that still roam the Indian wild are the elephant and the Indian bison, known locally as gaur. For a guaranteed look at these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat, a visit to Nagarhole is a must. The backdrop of the distant misty blue Brahmagiri Mountains, the natural sounds of the jungle, the gurgling of streams and rivers, and the twittering of the birds make Nagarhole a memorable experience for any tourist visiting this place.

Amidst the numerous teak saplings and trees surrounded by cardamom plants there is a watchtower also. Its moderate climate with abundant flora and fauna make it a veritable paradise for wildlife. The area consists of plain land as well as sloping hills with varied flora from dry deciduous to semi-evergreen forests. The smell of fresh, pure air rejuvenates the spirit of any tourist reaching at Nagahole. The beauty of the sun tried to bathe the forest with its rays at dawn is enchanting.

Tribes like Jenu Kurubas (honey-gatherers), the Betta Kurubas (hill tribes) and the Hakki-Pikki (bird trappers) inhabit in this area.

 Bandipur:

How to get there: Bandipur is a 06 hour drive from Bangalore

List of sightseeing places with brief explanations: Rich in its Flora and Fauna, Bandipur National Park is home to many endangered animals, reptiles and Birds and boosts of varied Fauna vegetation within the Forest reserve. Bandipur, an ancient Newari mountain town. The Bandipur National Park is one of the most fascinating wild-life centers also arranged into the forest adjoining the tourist complex

Mahabaleswar

  

 

Krishna River 

   

Strawberry Farms

Due to the red soil / mud in Mahabaleshwar and Panchgani, strawberry, raspberry, mulberry, gooseberry are grown in abundance. The jam factories are located in Panchgani. The Britisher's brought these strawberry plantations from Australia and planted in Panchgani and Mahableshwar and today these strawberries etc are exported to various countries. Lovely Mahabaleshwar strawberries are well known for their taste and are sent out in packages to different places.

 

Fresh Farm Agro,Bhilar is a good place to have fresh strawberry milk shakes, Strawberry Ice-Creams and Crushes.

click on the thumbnail images for larger ones

Sanjeevan Honey Center

 

Sanjeevan Honey Center has been set up in the forest on the Mahabaleshwar Poladpur road. This center cultivates honey comb of  MOLOFICE species. Molofice is the world famous species of Italy. Several variety of honey is produced in this center for e.g.. Jamun Honey, Harada Honey, Karvi Honey etc. Each variety has a different taste. In the same premises of the center is “AFCO” ( Agarkar Fruit Canning Co). this company produces jams, syrups, juices etc. Jamun juice and Gulkand are the specialties of AFCO. Another plant named Nataraj Chikki Center is also situated in this premises. Strawberry chikki and Strawberry fudge are the specialties of this center. Tourists interested in seeing the process of manufacture are allowed to see the plant between 11.00 am to 1.00 pm and from 3.00 pm to 5.00 pm.

 

VENNA LAKE

Most of tourist love to go boating on Venna Lake. For a small sum of money you can go paddle boating or rowing your own boat all around the lake for as long as you wish till sundown. Here you can find many vendors and stalls for snacks, soft drinks and hot drinks. Below is seen a young boy who belongs to the Indian Cadet Corp visiting with his colleagues Venna lakes. Often Schools come here on excursions and picnics. One can go for horse rides as well. 

   Mini Kashmir  

TAPOLA 

                                           
 

 

     

PANCHGANI

 

 

 

 

 

Panchgani, a modern hill station, is a well-known educational centre with over 35 schools. Located high in the Western Ghats (4300 feet above sea level), it is 260 km south of Mumbai and 95 km south of Pune. One may take a direct bus from Mumbai to Panchgani, or go by rail or bus to Pune and then come to Panchgani by bus or taxi.

 

Panchgani comes under Mahabaleshwar Taluka. 

Area	3.4 Sq. Kmts
Altitude	1334 m
Climate	Min. 10 C - Max. 30 C
Rainfall	80 inches around

Market Place
In the 1960's the municipality undertook the construction of a Vegetable market which costs Rs 25,000.

Schools
Many schools have been established with the good weather conditions and climate.

Schools

Bus Stand
The State Transport Authorities had purchased land on Surul Mahabaleshwar road where a Bus stand and a rest house for visitors is built.

Ghatjai Fair
Every year in February a fair is held to honor the patron goddess Ghatjai Dev of Panchgani mountains which people from all the villages take part in their devotion. Ghatjai Dev image is carried in procession with music being played on a Dhol and dancing. It is also celebrated to mark the end of the harvest time.

Roads
The total lenght of roads in the 1960's within municipal limits was eight miles six furlongs out of which two miles and two furlongs were asphalted and the rest were metalled roads. The municipality back then had chalked out a programme for asphalting the remaining roads during that time.

Hospitals
The municipal hospital is located in extensive premises termed as Satish Kunj dontated by Seth Shantilal Mangaldas of Ahmadabad.

Recreation
The municipality maintains gardens and children parks for recreations for young and the old.

Tourist Places
1.Table Land
2.Sydney point
3.Kanga point
4.Katchbavadi

The Devil's kitchen situated to the south of the Tableland is also a place of mythological interest. Four miles from Panchgani are caves known as Rajapuri Caves wherein a temple of kartik Svami, son of God Shiva, is located.