Karnataka

Karnataka – One state Many Worlds

Bangalore

Bangalore is fondly called the natural Air Conditioned city of India. It wears many caps. It is the IT Hub of the country and the melting pot of different cultures. This beautifully landscaped city is very neat and clean and prim and prom. Its evolution from the Garden City to Silicon Valley has been very stupendous. The capital of Karnataka has many lakes and manicured parks. The city is properly planned and the beautiful houses enhance the beauty of the city. There is the famous Cubbon Park where you go for jogging and strolling, the MG and Brigade areas which are the happening places in Bangalore and is also great for shopping. The nightlife of Bangalore is very vibrant and the food culture is quite throbbing. Juice counters, cafes, and eateries are scattered all over the city. If you planning to visit Karnataka, the tour normally starts from Bangalore and it is also advisable to do so. Bangalore is very easily accessible by Flights & Trains.

The climate of Bangalore

Bangalore always has a lovely and pleasing climate all year through. The climate makes ones feel very comfortable. Bangalore is located at a height of 949 meters over sea-level. The type of climate it has is called a dry tropical savannah climate. The characteristics of this type of climate are cozy cold winters and fairly hot summers. Though you can visit Bangalore anytime, still the months of October to February is mild, breezy with little rain and mostly clear skies which are normally taken as the best months to pay a visit to this lovely city.

Top 3 places to fill your stomachs in Bangalore

1. Bombay Post

   Bombay Post is the home to some of the most delicious cuisines in town. It offers mouth-watering extremely palatable food to all its diners. The 1960 Bombay themed restaurant is replete with black and white posters of Nargis, Dev Anand and Pran. Songs of Mohammad Rafi playing in the background creates the perfect mood. It is situated at Carlton Towers, 1, Airport Road.

2. Sanadige

   Sanadige is located at The Goldfinch Hotel, off the Race Course Road. It serves sumptuous Konkan food from Goa, Maharashtra, Mangalore and Kerala. The set-up is very ethnic with conventional brass lamps, flowers in earthen pots and Kathakali masks. There is an indoor sitting area and an outdoor sitting area. There is a tank which has different types of fish, prawns and crabs. Have Kokum Kadi or select a fish and have a delicious pan-fried Pomphret.

3. Café Terra

   This is the ideal place for catching up on an all-English breakfast. This cozy place is in Indiranagar and the warm vibes will win you over. They have a great collection of comics which will impress the comic’s lovers. Café Terra is also ideal for brunches. A perfect atmosphere to work or read while you snack on.

Mysore

Mysore has rightly taken its place in the foothills of Chamunda Hills. This is a lovely city replete with palaces, amazing architecture and lots of beautiful places to visit. Mysore has a very strong heritage and is famous for sandalwood, Mysore Silk Sarees, and many more things. Mysore Sandal Soaps and the soft Mysore Silk Sarees are favourite items for one and all. It was very significant to the British in the colonial era. Mysore changed its name to Mysuru in the year 2014. A deep-rooted tradition runs through this city. Ashtanga yoga is hugely popular in this place. There are lots of places to visit in Mysore which includes Chamunda Hills, Brindavan Garden, Jaganmohana Palace, Mysore Palace, Karanji Park, and Lake, etc. The Dashara is celebrated with lots of glory and grandeur. This festival takes place from October to November. It is around 150 km from Bangalore.

Brindavan Gardens is popular for the colourful musical fountain show in the evenings. It was built by the Diwan of Mysore Sir Mirza Ismail in the year 1932. Brindavan Gardens is situated in the Mandya neighbourhood of Karnataka. It is nearly 21 km from Mysore. This garden constructed over the famous river Cauvery is a nature’s paradise. The project was completed in 5 years. The symmetrical shape of the garden looks flawless. The sprawling 60 acres of rich green gardens & the fertile plants cover the entire garden. The greenery all around will soothe your eyes and senses. The beautiful rose garden and the other flowerbeds add more charm to this place. Scores of people come here for picnics, evening strolls or to watch the famed light and sound fountain show. The show is truly spectacular. You can also do boating here & can have a fun time with your friends, families, etc.

Mysore Palace

One of the major attractions of Mysore is its grand Mysore Palace. It is also called as Amba Vilas Palace. Its design, workmanship, and the crafts are the talk of the town even today. The Indo- Saracenic construction draws hordes of tourists from India and abroad. The fine finishing and detailed detailing are picture-perfect and a fine example of the luxuriousness of the palace. Deep Pink Marbles and fine grey granites have been used in here. Mysore Palace has numerous temples inside its premises. Situated in the centre of the city, Mysore Palace has mixed architecture of Islam, Hindu, Gothic and Rajput. It has a sprawling garden, buildings, two ‘Darbar’ Halls and three entrances. This awe-inspiring edifice was constructed by the 24th ruler of the Wodeyar Dynasty in the year 1912. It was the residence of the royal family of Mysore. This is supposedly the second most visited historical building after Taj Mahal.

Food:

Mysore Pak

A delectable dessert that melts in your mouth was born out of a very unique incident. History has it that Maharaja of Mysore; Krishnaraja Wodeyar asked his head chef Kakasura Madappa what was there for dessert. The chef somehow made a sweet dish and served it to the king. The king was very pleased and asked for the name of the sweet dish. The chef blurted out the name as Mysore Pak because of the ingredients used and the place. The King liked it immensely and ordered to open an outlet so that all the people could taste this delicious item. This famous South Indian dessert is made exactly the way it was prepared in the royal kitchens. This is a must item for any special occasions.  There are 3-4 ingredients used to make this traditional dessert. They are sugar syrup, ghee, besan or chickpea flour. The secret behind this rich sweet dish is patience and consistency.

Coorg

Coorg, called the Kashmir of Karnataka is also known as Kodagu. It is a beautiful hill station in the rural district of Karnataka. Misty and foggy with impressive mountains, Coorg is a paradise for nature lovers. This place is also very famous for its coffee production. It is one of the top producers of coffee in India. The greenery all around with cascading streams makes it a very popular tourist destination. The natives of the place are known as Kodavas and they are an expert in martial arts. They are also known for their warm hospitality. The attractive countryside is enhanced with verdant thick forests and spice cultivation. The ideal time to pay a visit to this part is from October to March. Sannakki is a specialty of the Kodava cuisine. Apart from this, other dishes which need special mention here are Pattus, Akki Roti, Pulvas, Baimbale Curry, etc. Keil Podh is a famous festival of the Kodavas.

Madikeri

This luxuriant green picturesque hill station is the district headquarters of Coorg. Madikeri is also known as Mercara. In Madikeri, you will be greeted with beautiful views of expansive coffee plantations, misty hillocks, and thick forests. This perfect tourist spot and weekend getaway have escaped the clutches of commercialisation and exploitation by the humans. The pure breathtaking vistas of Madikeri are doubled because of zero pollution level and noise-free atmosphere. The calm and quiet environment will cleanse your soul and senses. Since it is filled with tea and coffee plantations, the air that you breathe in is filled with a sweet aroma that lingers all around. Madikeri is also a well-known destination for trekkers. The landscape which is a mix of high hills, rich greens, streams, and rivers are ideal for trekking. Madikeri will remain incomplete without watching the sunset which is a spectacular event.

Raja’s Seat

This is a little garden decorated with flowers and offering a view of the magnificent hills of the Western Ghats. This is the vantage point to soak up the scenery during the sunset. It offers splendid views of the green valleys and charming hills. Supposedly the King of Coorg would watch the sunset from this place. The view from the Raja’s Seat or Seat of the Kings is simply mesmerising. You will be captivated by the scenic and soothing environment of the place. This place has an entry fee, parking fee and a fee for the toy train ride.

Talacauvery

This place is perched on the Brahmagiri hill. Talacauvery is near to Bhagamandala. Talacauvery is hardly 7 km away from Bhagamandala and 48 km from Madikeri. This place has a height of nearly 1300 meters above sea-level. The source of river Kaveri is Talacauvery. River Cauvery or Kaveri is one of the seven Holy Rivers of Sapta Sindhus. There is a little bath area which is known as Brahma kundike or Tirtha kundike. There is a shrine near the Kundike and in front of it, there is the tank. The origin of Talacauvery is thought to be the tank erected by the Kodavas. Pilgrims pray and take a dip in the tank water. There is a temple which is devoted to Goddess Kaveriamma. Lots of pilgrims visit this temple as it is of great religious sentiments. There are two temples; one dedicated to Lord Ganesha and another dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Abbey Falls

One of the spectacular sightseeing spots in Coorg is Abbey or Abbi Falls. It is situated about 10 km from the main town of Madikeri. The cascading water dropping from a height of 70 feet looks stunning. One of the key features of this fall is its position. It is tucked in between coffee bushes, spice estates and coffee plantations wind round with pepper vines and trees. There is also luxuriant foliage all around the fall. The bridge on the opposite side of the fall is the best place to view Abbey Falls and take pictures of it. Also, it feels amazing to get sprayed with the water droplets from the fall. The silent atmosphere except for the sound of the waterfall coupled with the fragrance of the spices and coffee beans makes it a must-visit place near Coorg. The captivating beauty of the Abbey Falls is a sight to behold during the Monsoon Season.

Nisargadhama Ecological Park

Nisargadhama is also known as Kaveri Nisargadhama. It is a beautiful island in Coorg. The distance from Coorg is around 3 km. The main source of water which is the Kaveri River is the reason behind the formation of this island. This spot attracts hordes of tourists every year. Soak in the charming atmosphere and feel fresh by the aromas of the teak and sandalwood trees. Look out for the creative painting on the old tree barks. On reaching Nisargadhama, you will be greeted with a pristine environ that is apt for spending a weekend or picnicking. There is a hanging rope bridge which will enable you to cross the Cauvery or Kaveri River. Accommodations are available in the forest cottages in the area. Elephant rides and boatings are also available for a fee. At Nisargadhama Park, you will get to see rabbits, elephants, and deers. You are requested to be careful around the river.

Dubare Elephant Camp

Dubare Elephant Camp is situated at the banks of River Kaveri. This outstanding camp has lots of elephants. This was a project undertaken by the Jungle Lodges and Resorts Ltd. and the forests department. The park has an expert Naturalist who can explain several things regarding an elephant’s ecology, biology, and history.  One can spend hours watching the elephants and involving in various activities with them. The activities include bathing them, feeding them, etc. This happens to be a very famous tourist place. Rides are available between 10 am to 12 pm and again from 4 pm to 5 pm.

Chikmagalur

Chikmagalur is an enticing hill station in Karnataka which presents itself in nature’s green laps and enjoyable environment. This beautiful place surrounds many tourists’ sights such as Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary, Mullayanagiri, Kalhatti Falls, Hebbe Falls, and many more. Chikmagalur is a settlement in the expansive Western Ghats. Lots of rivers and waterfalls add to the beauty of this place. It offers astonishing scenery of the plentiful Shola forests and luxuriant green hedges. This is an appropriate spot for adventure aficionados. You can do river rafting in Bhadra River and also indulge in some trekking. This fantastic hill station is located at a height of 3400 feet. The meaning of Chikmagalur is ‘the Land of the Younger Daughter’. Like other places, Chikmagalur is also popular for its coffee and this was the place in India where coffee was initially grown. This place experiences a moderate to cold climate. This place can be your next weekend destination or a stopover while touring around Karnataka.

Coffee Plantation in Coorg

India can boast of its coffee-producing history which is nearly 400 years old. Baba Budan was a traveller who came to India for a pilgrimage tour and when he again returned from Yemen, he carried with him seven coffee beans which he sowed in the hills of Chandragir in the state of Karnataka. The coffee that is grown in the altitudes of Coorg is nature’s precious gift to mankind. Chikmagalur is the birthplace of coffee in India. Since the coffee is cultivated in the cool shades of Coorg, it is known to be the world’s mildest coffee. The coffee of Coorg has a stimulating effect. Coorg has a very cute nickname. It is called the ‘Coffee Cup of India’. The aroma of coffee lingers in the airs of Coorg. The Robusta and Arabica are two most flavourful coffee cultivated in Coorg.

There is a very significant taste of the coffee of this place as they are monsoon-fed and developed in the shades of trees such as the Wild Fig, Jack Fruit and Rose Wood. A coffee planter in Coorg takes care of the coffee plants like his or her child.

Excursion to Jog Falls

Jog Falls is also known by other names such as Jogada gundi, Gerusoppe falls or Joga jalapatha in their vernacular language. This fall is positioned near the Jog Village. You can embark on an excursion to Jog Falls from Madikeri in Coorg which is approximately 343 km and takes around 8 hours. This is India’s second-highest plunge waterfall. The water rushing down from a very high point of 253 meters and making a thunderous sound will surely be an engaging experience. A thin blanket of clouds and an occasional rainbow makes this fall look stunning. This beauty is best viewed during the monsoons. Since this is a rain-fed fall, its beauty doesn’t fully bloom during the winters or summers. You can still so some outdoor activities and conduct picnics during the winter months. Many water sports are also held here. One of the route plans for visiting this place would be: Madikeri–Mudigere-Thirthalli-Sagar-Jog falls.

Nagarhole National Park

Nagarhole National Park is also called as Rajiv Gandhi national park and is situated in Kodagu region in Karnataka. The main entry of Nagarhole National Park is hardly a kilometre away from Kabini Forest. This lush green park is a portion of the Nilgiri Bio-Reserve. Nagarhole National Park is packed with verdant forests, gurgling streams, cascading waterfalls, beautiful hills, and green pastures. Nagarhole National Park takes pride in having the largest number of herbivores in entire Asia. The northern side of the park is covered with wet deciduous forests. Teakwood and Rosewood are commonly found in the Southern side of the park. Dry deciduous forests take up the central part of the forest. Eugenia trees and Pala Indigo are found in abundance in this forest. Indian gooseberry, silver oak, beechwood, sandalwood, ficus, crocodile bark, cotton tree, Indian kino tree, kadam, axle wood, etc. are also found here.

Bandipur Park

It was set up in the year 1974 as a Tiger reserve. The Bandipur National Park is positioned among the lofty mountains of the Western Ghats. The wilderness of the Bandipur National Park is truly hard to miss. This was once the hunting grounds of the Kings of Mysore. Many rare species of animals and flowers are found here. Covering an area of 874 square kilometres, Bandipur National Park is the biggest protected area in South India. Most number of wild elephants is found here among the whole of South Asia. The Eastern part of the park is covered with scrub jungle and thick forest. Located on the Mysore-Ooty highways, this park draws a large crowd each year. The park is highly preferred by all; photographers, nature lovers, adventure seekers, bird-watchers, etc. Flora and fauna are abundant in this National Park. October to May is the best season to travel to this fascinating park. Different migratory birds are also seen during this time.

Kabini

Kabini is a very popular wildlife spot. The beautiful Kabini River flows through the park and the place is named after it. This is a part of the Nagarhole Forests. This was a favourite hunting ground for the British. But now it’s a scenic tourist destination among beautiful nature peppered with waterfalls. Kabini is rich in wildlife, different types of plantation and numerous flowers. You can get a rare glimpse of a Black Panther in the forests of Kabini. The sight of animals and birds add colour and vibrancy to this place. Kabini is a photographer’s delight.  Campfires, nature-walks, and wildlife safaris can be best enjoyed in Kabini. Kabini forest is a haven for bird enthusiasts. If you want to spot the wildlife then visit Kabini anytime from October to May. There are some attractive resorts in Kabini. Kabini lies at a distance of 210 km from Bangalore and roughly 80 km from Mysore.

Udupi

the religious city in the south-west of Karnataka is famous for its Hindu places of worship and Sri Krishna Temple which belongs from the 13^th century. The Arabian Sea encircles the city on one side and the other side is surrounded by the Western Ghats. This city is fast changing gears to modernity because of the many educational establishments. Udupi is a very popular tourist destination and it is also synonymous with its cuisine; Udupi Cuisine which is renowned the world over. This place is easily accessible by train and buses. It is approximately 60 km from Mangalore. The famed Sri Krishna Temple is small built but the Sri Krishna statue is very beautiful. The statue is adorned in gold and it depicts the child avatar of Sri Krishna. Apart from this temple, Udupi has beautiful beaches like the Mattu beach, Kodi Beach and Kapu beach and unchartered forests.

Hampi

This is an old hamlet in the state of Karnataka. Hampi is marked with lots of dilapidated temples from the Vijayanagara era. The ruins sprawl across 4100 hectares. This city welcomes its tourists interested in its frozen-in-time charms. The design and architecture portrays the splendid workmanship of the by-gone times. Daroji Bear Sanctuary in Hampi is the address of the Indian sloth bears. Hampi situated in the east-central portion of Karnataka has been declared as a World UNESCO Site. Along with the temple ruins, there are also ruins of grand palaces. This place is a Heaven for pilgrims. Hampi is located at a distance of 13 km from Hospet and 353 km from Bangalore. You can drive to Hampi from the neighbouring cities. The road conditions are very good. There are lots of accommodations available in Hampi. From backpacker’s hut to budget hotels to guest houses, Hampi will provide stay according to your budget.

Hospet

It is also known as Hosapete. This city lies in the Ballari District of central Karnataka. It is situated on the banks of Tunghabhadra River. Hospet is approximately 12 km from Hampi. This city was built in the memory of Naagalaambika, the mother of Krishna Deva Raya who was a very important ruler of Vijayanagara. Hospet has a very prominent heritage. Hospet literally means new city. This is an amazing tourist destination. The popular Tunghabhadra Dam and the remains of the Vijayanagara Empire draw a lot of crowds. Hospet has many heritage monuments and therefore it is also called ‘the fort town of Karnataka’. You can travel to Hospet by bus. The bus station is at the centre of the town. There are everyday bus services from Bangalore. You can also travel by train; it has its own Railway Station. The closest airport is 75 km away from Hospet in Bellary. Hospet should be visited during September to February.

Shravanabelagola

Shravanabelagola is a beautiful town situated in the Hasan district. It is nearly 144 km from Bangalore. Shravanabelagola has got its name from a pond which is located in the middle of the town. This historical location is filled with lot of Jain temples. Gommateshvara Bahubali statue is n important pilgrimage place for the Jains. This statue is world’s tallest stone statute. The temple is perched on the top of Vindhyagiri Hill. It is believed that Chandragupta Maurya breathed his last in this place. This is an ideal place for architectural exploration. The nearest airport is the Bangalore International Airport. The most preferred time to visit Shravanabelagola is anytime between October to March.

Hasan

Hasan is named after the beautiful Hasanamba Temple. This place is steeped in history as it dates back to the Hoysala Empire from the 11^th century and is positioned at the south-western part of Karnataka. Hasan is situated nearly 187 km from Bangalore. This place is called the temple-architecture capital of Karnataka owing to its old monuments and other structures. It also has many natural scenic beauties. The 18^th century Shettyhalli Church situated on the banks of Hemavathi River is a glorious place to visit. One of the beverages that are very popular here is the filter-coffee. Winters are the best time to visit Hassan. The winter months are from November till February. Unfortunately, Hassan doesn’t have any sort of air connectivity. The nearest airports are Mysore Airport and Bangalore International Airport. There are lots of buses which ply from nearby places to Hassan. Hasan is a very family-friendly tourist destination.