enjoy in karnataka

Raja's Seat

2012-04-04T05:25:00.001-07:00

Raja's seat means kings's seat.It ia a view point in Kodagu,which used to be a favorite place for the royals of Kodagu to hang out.A small structure is built here.The view from here is breathtaking.There is a toy train for children and elders can also take a ride.Other attractions are the Garden and Musical fountain.

Dubbare Elephant Camp

2012-04-04T04:54:00.000-07:00

An island dedicated to training captured elephants and providing information on elephants to tourists.The island is a part of dubbare elephant forest area situated in Madikeri district.This camp is initiative undertaken by the forest officials ans Jungle lodges who have set up dormitories, restaurants and other facilities for tourists.

Facilities:Jungle lodge cottages,restaurant,rest rooms,Boating(you need it if you want to reach there)
Distances:228 from Bangalore,128 from Mysore,40 km from Madikeri

Cauvery Nisargadhama

2012-04-04T04:35:00.000-07:00

it is a eco-tourism project undertaken by the forest department in the year 1988.It is a 35 acre island around which flows the sacred river Cauvery.Situated in Kushalnagar,35 km from Madikeri town

Facilities: Rest room,Restaurant,Cottages,Boating,Elephant riding
Distances:95 km from Mysore,235 km from Bangalore,35 km from Madikeri

Chitradurga Fort

2012-04-03T11:02:00.000-07:00

Places to visit in Karnataka:- Kodagu

2012-04-03T06:26:00.001-07:00

The cool bracing wind whips the hair about your faces as you ramble along the streets that dip and rise delightfully. Breathtaking views surprise you from pretty cottages as you sniff appreciatively the heady fragrance of coffee blossoms. You are in Madikeri (previously known as Mercara). A picturesque charming town situated at an elevation of over 5,000 ft (1,525 m) above sea level.

Traditional Coorgi DanceMadikeri is the district headquarters of Kodagu (formerly Coorg). Dubbed as the Scotland of India, Kodagu is the home of colorful, robust, martial race - the Kodavas, Said to be the descendants of the Greeks (Alexander's soldiers), the kodavas are fiercely independent. They were never conquered by either Tipu Sultan neither the British. And so to this day all kodavas retain the privilege of carrying firearms without a licenseTypical Kodava Residential Architecture

Kodagu is famous for the generals it has produced for the Indian army. The woman are known for their beauty. But what kodavas are famous for is their hospitality. Madikeri is a great place to walk, winding lanes meander off the main street, Mountain trails promise visual delights. And the Tadiyandamol, the tallest peak in the area, stands patiently, waiting to be climbed.

they have their own dress codes,and famous for their tradition and braveness.kodagu is famous for home stay, adventure tourism,honey, coffee and tea products etc

Places to visit in Karnataka:-Sri Venugopala Swamy Temple

2012-04-02T10:22:00.003-07:00

Sri Venugopala Swamy Temple (12th Century) - The 12th century Sri Venugopal Swamy temple, which remains submerged in the KRS Dam.Now it is dismantled and shifted to this new location.Mr. Sri Hari Khoday liquor baron and philanthropist, who has taken up this gigantic task as a project of Khoday Foundation.

Venugopal Swamy Temple at KRS is dedicated to Lord Venugopala or Krishna, a incarnation of lord Vishnu. ITS BEEN UNDER WATER ALMOST 75 YEARS SINCE THE KRS DAM BUILT. The temple was relocated after it was crumbling due to neglect and years of being submerged in water.
(images copyrighted.)

Places to visit in Karnataka:-Mysore palace

2012-04-02T10:09:00.001-07:00

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Mysore palace

The Palace of Mysore (Kannada: ಮೈಸೂರು ಅರಮನೆ) is a palace situated in the city of Mysore in southern India. It is the official residence of the Wodeyars - the erstwhile royal family of Mysore, and also houses two durbar halls (ceremonial meeting hall of the royal court).

Mysore is commonly described as the City of Palaces, however, the term "Mysore Palace" specifically refers to one within the old fort. The Wodeyar kings first built a palace in Mysore in the 14th century, it was demolished and constructed multiple times. The current palace construction was commissioned in 1897, and it was completed in 1912 and expanded later around 1940.

Mysore palace is now one of the most famous tourist attractions in India after Taj Mahal with more than 2.7 million visitors.Although tourists are allowed to visit the palace, they are not allowed to take photographs inside the palace. Price of admission for foreign tourists is 200 INR., and for Indians 20 INR. All visitors must remove their footwear to enter the palace.

The regent of Mysore, Maharani Vani Vilas Sannidhna, commissioned a British architect, Henry Irwin, to build yet another palace in its place. The construction was completed in year 1912. But slowly the beautification of the fort was also taken up and the inhabitants of the fort were slowly shifted out to newer Extension built outside. The present Public Durbar Hall wing was also added much later around 1940.

Places to visit in Karnataka:-Golden Temple/Namdroling Monastery,Kushalnagar

2012-04-02T09:43:00.000-07:00

Feel Tibet in Coorg.....

After the Chinese took over Tibet, the refugees were settled at Bylakuppe Near Kushalnagar and the Buddhist Monastery was re-established here in 1972. It houses over 250 monks today. The monastery not only attracts large number of young Tibetans seeking enlightenment and education, but also draws huge tourists from all over India and abroad.

KSTDC contact info

2012-04-01T17:54:00.000-07:00

Karnataka Tourism

Department of Tourism,Government of Karnataka#49, 2nd Floor, Khanija Bhavan, Race Course Road, Bangalore 560 001Tel: 080-2235 2828, Fax: 080-2235 2626Email: info@karnatakatourism.org

Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation Ltd (KSTDC)

Central Reservation Counter:-

Badami House, Opp. BBMP, NRSquare, Bangalore 560 002Tel: 080-4334 4334

Karnataka Tourism House:-

8, Papanna Lane, St Mark’s Road,Bangalore 560 001Tel: 080-4346 4353

Corporate Office:-

49, Second Floor, Khanija Bhavan,Race Course Road, Bangalore 560 001Tel: 080-2235 2901-03Email: info@karnatakaholidays.netWeb: www.karnatakaholidays.net

Places to visit in Karnataka:-Karkala Tourism

2012-04-01T17:49:00.001-07:00

Located about 380 km from Bangalore, Karkala is a small town in the southern state of Karnataka. It is the headquarters of Karkala Taluk, which is part of the Udupi District in the state of Karnataka. Karkala lies near the Western Ghats and has an average elevation of 81 m.

The existence of Karkala dates back to the 10th century when it was ruled by the Alupas. In the following years, Karkala was passed on to the Santaras, Bhairarasa Odeyas, Hoysalas, Vijayanagaras, Bhairavas and Pandyas. The Pandya kings ruled over the town of Karkala for more than 300 years.

During the reign of the Pandyas, the town was named as Pandya Nagri. Afterwards, the name was changed to Karikallu, which is derived from the Tulu term ‘kari-kal’, meaning ‘black stone’. It was named so as this area had black granite in abundance. Over time, the name changed to Karla, Karkal and then Karkala.

A town of historical importance, Karkala has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. It also holds religious importance as one of the holiest Jain teerthas and a major centre for Hindu pilgrims. Another major attraction of Karkala is the famous Mahamastakabhisheka festival, which is held once every 12 years.

The culture of Karkala is characterised with folk arts like Yakshagana, which is a night-long dance and drama performance. Other unique folk dance forms of Karkala are Hulivesha (Tiger Dance) and Karadi Vesha (Bear Dance), which are performed during Dussehra. Bhoota Nrutya is also an essential part of Karkala’s culture.

The nearest airport to Karkala is in Mangalore, which is located 52 km away. Those travelling by train can get down at the Indrani station (29 km) in Udupi, which is the closest railhead to Karkala. Roads also link Karkala to other parts of the country. The best time to visit Karkala is from September to March.

Karkala is one of the main Jain pilgrimage destinations in Karnataka situated in the Udupi District of Karnataka. Karkala is an ancient town known for its Jain Basadis and the Bahubali Statue.

Karkala is home to the 2nd highest statue of Gomateshwara, which was constructed in 1432 AD. Chaturmukha Basadi is yet another chief attraction of Karkala, which is visited by Jain pilgrims all round the year.

Karkala also offers trips to the adjacent Jain pilgrimage destinations such as Hiriangadi, Moodabidri and Venur. These places were the former seats of Jainism in Karnataka. Hiriangadi is famous for its Neminath Basadi complex, Moodabidri or the Jain Kashi for its thousand pillared temple and Venur for its smallest statue of Bahubali.

Karkala also offers the pristine village of Attur which is home to the famous St. Lawrence Church. This church is famous for its healing powers and is visited by people all round the year regardless, of their religion.

Places to visit in Karnataka:-attractions of Karnataka Part-1

2012-04-01T17:46:00.000-07:00

Places to visit in Karnataka:-Halebidu

2012-04-01T16:32:00.000-07:00

Halebid situated at a distance of about 27 Kms. north-west of Hassan town and about 7 Kms. east of Belur, was once the regal capital of the Hoysala Empire. The place was known as Dorasamudra or Dwarasamudra founded in the early 11th century A.D. It came to be known as ‘Halebeedu’ after it was plundered by the Delhi Sultan’s armies two times in 1311 and 1327 and deserted. Halebeedu means ruined city.

The ornate Kedareshwara and Hoysaleswara temples here are remarkable monuments of Hoysala architecture. The Kedareshwara temple is Trikutachala built by Ballala II and his consort Abhinava Ketala Devi in 1219.

Hoysaleshwara and Shanthaleswara temples were built by Ketamala to attributed Vishnuvardhana, the Hoysala ruler. It enshrines Hoysaleswara and Shantaleswara, named after the temple builder Vishnuvardhana Hoysala and his wife, Queen Shantala.

Halebidu temple complex with Hoysaleshwara and Shanthaleswara temples has four entrances which are elegantly wrought with beautiful sculptured lintels, and the temples are cross shaped joined at their inner arms. The outer walls of Hoysaleshwara temple have a marvelous display of art, superb bracket figures and typical Hoysala features. This is the largest existing structure of Hoysala times built by Kedaraja, the master builder of Hoysala period.

The walls of the temple are covered with an endless variety of depictions from Hindu mythology, animals, birds and Shilabalikas or dancing figures. Yet no two sculptures of the temple are the same. Soap stone or Chloritic Schist was used for the construction of these temples. This magnificent temple guarded by a monolithic Nandi Bull was never completed, despite 86 years of labor going into it. Number of sculptures in the temple has been destructed by invaders.

In front of these temples there is a big lake. The town had got its name from the lake, Dhwara samudhra which means entrance from the ocean.

There are three Jain basadis nearby, Adinatheswara (1138 A.D.), Shanthinatha (1192 A.D.) and Parshvanatheshvara, (1133 A.D.), the last one being the largest and is known to have been built by General Bopanna, son of Gangaraja.

The Veerabhadra temple to the south-east of the town is another notable monument. A Vishnu temple rebuilt by the Vijayanagara rulers using the old materials, and the temples of Mallikarjuna and Parvati are remarkable. There is also a small museum here.

About 3 Kms. south of Halebidu, there is Pushpagiri hill which has a round pillared pavilion.

Distance From Belur 16 kms. Hassan 27 kms. Mysore 149 kms. Bangalore 226 kms. How to Reach-

It is well connected by road and rail to Bangalore, Mysore and Mangalore. There are regular buses to Hassan.

Attractions Nearby Halebidu:- Belur Temple, Shravanabelagola

Vijay Ratha

2012-04-01T16:29:00.003-07:00

Golden Chariot

2012-04-01T16:26:00.005-07:00

Karnataka-dishes and chats

2012-04-01T16:23:00.005-07:00

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2012-04-01T14:45:00.001-07:00

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Trust with coordination did you know

2012-04-01T14:36:00.002-07:00

MYSORE: Did you know when Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar was coronated as the Mysore Maharaja, or the timeline of Mysore Palace's construction? Also, did you know that Kalayana Mantap in the celebrated palace hosted the coronation of his successor Jayachamaraja Wadiyar?As the Mysore Palace completes a century, the opulent monument's varied footprints in history make for an interesting reading. Officially declared as completed during 1911-12, the palace cost Rs 41.50 lakh to the Mysore administrators, almost double the cost when the project was initiated in 1897 (after the wooden palace was damaged in a fire accident). Interestingly, when the project was taken up, Maharani Vani Vilas was in charge of the administration of the erstwhile Mysore state. She took the lead in building the monument. After the fall of Mysore ruler Tipu Sultan at Srirangapanta in 1799, the Mysore royal family returned to rule the state with Mummadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar assuming power. He took charge on June 30, 1799, but his coronation didn't take place in the wooden palace. According to 'Mysore Gazetteer', "special preparations were made for the function. An open pandal was erected and a numerous concourse of people gathered at the place to witness the ceremony". The spot, according to the 1930 work, "was not far away from the Palace". However, the maharaja lived in the wooden palace."The wooden palace was an old structure of great extent, separated by open courts, in the Indo-Saracenic style," historian T P Issar has written in his monumental work on Mysore -- 'The Royal City' -- quoting from a report of 1890 published in 'Indian Engineering'. The report notes that the wooden palace's interior was richly decorated, while the exterior was quite commonplace. When Mummadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar died on March 27, 1868, Chamaraja Wadiyar, who was a minor, was proclaimed as his successor and was installed on September 23, 1868. However, he took over the reins of the administration on March 25, 1881, when he was installed as the maharaja at the old palace (which gutted in 1897, some three years after his death). The fire mishap occurred during a royal wedding, but Maharani Vani Vilas didn't waste much time in commencing the work on the new palace. The important brief was that combustible materials should be avoided for building the new palace.While the new palace was taking shape, Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar turned 18, after which he was formally installed as the maharaja (in 1902). But since the palace was under construction, his coronation was held at a special pavilion attached to Jagan Mohan Palace. The pavilion was built two years earlier -- during the wedding of the maharaja. "The maharaja was installed on the throne on August 8, 1902, in the pavilion attached to the Jagan Mohan Palace at Mysore," historian Hayavadana Rao notes in 'Mysore Gazetteer'. Many of the events attached to the Mysore royal family, including Dasara durbars, were held at Jagan Mohan Palace since the palace was not available. However, the durbar moved back to the palace in 1910.After his demise in 1940, when Jayachamaraja Wadiyar ascended the throne on September 8, 1940, the ornate Kalyana Mantap within the precincts of the new palace hosted the much-venerated event.

Places to visit in Karnataka:-Nandi hills

2012-04-01T13:50:00.003-07:00

Nandi Hills or Nandidurga is a hill station, situated 1,478 mt. above sea level and 65 km from Bangalore, in Chikkaballapur district of Karnataka. It gets its name from the ancient Nandi or bull which is meant to be the mount of Lord Shiva.Later developed as Tipu Sultan’s summer retreat this hill-station was patronized by the British too. These hills are the source of the rivers Palar, Arkavati and Pennar and rolling green slopes surround the Amrit Sarovar Lake, making it a popular weekend destination.

Places To Visit in Nandi HillsNandi Temple : The Nandi Temple is situated on the foot hills of Nandi hills. It was built during the period of the Banas, Cholas, Hoysalas and the Kings of Vijayanagar. The residing divinities are Bhoganandiswara and Yoganandiswara. The sponsor for the temple were the Vijayanagar Kings.

The temple is adorned with pillars and metal work which are beautiful and attractive. The temple was built by Kempe Gowda who was a local ruler in the Vijayanagara kings period. There is a lamp tower in front of the temple and it is lighted every evening by a boy who wobbles up the tower.

Tipu’s Drop : Tipu’s Drop is a cliff face which is around 600 m high located on the Nandi Hills. History reveals the fact that the doomed prisoners were forced down the cliff to their death. The height of the cliff yields a fabulous view of the city.

Horse Way : A stone doorway in the fort on the North-eastern side, is believed to have been the horse way for helping soldiers to climb the wall on horse back.

Tipu Sultan’s Summer ResidenceIt is also known as Tashk-e-Jannat (Heaven’s Envy) a beautiful palace resembling the Dariya Daulat at Srirangapatna was built in 1791on top of this hill. The fort covers a huge area of 90 acres and is above 4851 feet above sea level. A soldier could hide in this well constructed fort and shoot in all four directions at the same time. The fort has five arches with minarets owing the art and architecture of Tipu’s regime. There are many paintings on walls and ceilings but are maintained in bad shape. This palace is closed to the general public.

Fort: During the Ganga period, the Chikkaballapur chieftains built a fort. Tippu strengthened it further and also build a rest house.

Brahmashram:It is said that Sage Ramakrishna Paramhamsa meditated here. It’s a cool cave with serene environment. The place has big rock structures.

Cubbon ParkIn the heart of the Bangalore city is located Cubbon Park, in front of Vidhana Soudha, stretching over an area of about 300 acres.

Janapada Loka – Folk Arts Centre53 kms from Bangalore on Bangalore-Mysore Road at Ramanagaram is Janapada Loka, a subsidiary of Karnataka Janapada Parishath, registered as a public charitable trust in 1979, for the preservation and promotion of folk arts.

Bull TempleThe Bull Temple situated in Bangalore, houses the 4.57 m high and 6.10 m long image of Nandi, Lord Shiva’s bull.

Shree Gavi Gangadeshwara TempleSri Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple near Bangalore, is a natural monolith carved cave temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.

MuddenahalliThe home town of Sri M.Visveswaraya, the architect of modern Karnataka. Muddenahalli is just a few Kilometers from Nandi Hills. The house of this genius is now a museum.

Nandi Hill AccommodationNandi Hills provides modern, well-furnished accommodation for tourists. Nehru House, formerly Cubbon House, build by Lord Cubbon has 18 rooms and available for tourist. Gandhi House, where the Mahatma himself stayed, is under the management of DPAR (Protocol) Government of Karnataka and is reserved for the stay of important dignitaries. The Horticulture Department runs a vegetarian restaurant and the Karnataka Tourism Department runs a vegetarian / non-vegetarian restaurant.

How To Get There

By AirThe nearest airport is Bangalore international airport. It is about 60 km away from Nandi Hills.Nearest AirportsBengaluru International Airport (BLR) – 19 kmTirupati Domestic Airport (TIR) – 210 km

By TrainNearest railway station is Chikkaballapur, which is situated at a distance of 9 km away from Nandi Hills. Nearest major rail junction is Bangalore, which is well connected all the other cities in India. There is a regular train service from Chikkaballapur to Bangalore.Nearest Railway StationBangalore City Junction (SBC) -44 km

By BusGovernment Transport buses carries out frequent services from cities like Nandigrama, Bangalore and Chikkaballapur to Nandi Hills. Deluxe bus services are available from Bangalore to Nandi Hills.

karnataka tourism

2012-04-01T13:40:00.000-07:00

"one state ,many worlds "
Karnataka, the eighth largest
state in India has been ranked as
the fourth most popular state in
the country for tourism.It
is home to 507 of the 3600
centrally protected monuments
in India, the largest number after
Uttar Pradesh.The State
Directorate of Archaeology and
Museums protects an additional
752 monuments and another
25,000 monuments are yet to
receive protection. Tourism
centres around the ancient
sculptured temples, modern
cities, the hill ranges, forests and
beaches. Broadly, tourism in
Karnataka can be divided into
four geographical regions: North
Karnataka, the Hill Stations,
Coastal Karnataka and South
Karnataka.
The Karnataka Government has
recently introduced The Golden
Chariot - a train which connects
popular tourist destinations in
the state and Goa