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One hundred and
seventeen km from Karwar and just 75 km from the railhead Hubli, lies Dandeli,
gateway to the 834 sq. km. Dandeli Game Sanctuary. It is home to rare
species of animals, like barking deer, sloth bear, civet cat, panther, Flying
Squirrel and Malabar Squirrel. Woodpeckers and Hornbills are some of the
birds sighted. Take in the jungle experience by staying at the Kali
Wilderness Camp, located on the edge of the Kali River or at the Bison River
Resort. Ride down the Kali river in a coracle (round basket like boat),
where you can watch crocodiles basking on the banks and water birds nesting, or
take a jeep safari or jungle walk into the forests.
Chennabasaveshwara Temple: Forty two kms from Dandeli, this is a major pilgrim centre for Veerashaivas, where an annual car festival and shandy are held in February - March. Nearby are a number of natural caves with interesting rock formations.
Karwar is 520 kms west of Bangalore. Karwar has one of
the most beautiful beaches in the country
which is said to have inspired Tagore to
pen his first drama. The drive of 160 km from Hubli
takes one through hills first and valleys covered with dense tropical
jungles and plenty of wildlife. The
Kalindi river flows through the town into Arabian Sea. Motor launches are
available for boating up to the Kali river.
Karwar is also known for its fine muslin. The muslin industry was started in
1638 by Sir Willam Counten who had opened a factory here.
You can make boat trips up the spectacular Kali Nadi from the bridge three km north of town. A stroll to the bridge to witness the sunset and the spectacular shades of light in the surrounding Ghats is about as exciting as the local entertainment get.
PRIME
ATTRACTIONS
Dargah of Peer Shan Shamsuddin
Kharobat:
The famous Dargah of Peer Shan Shamsuddin Kharobat, a
Baghdadi Saint is a place of tourist interest for
pilgrims.
Naganatha Temple:
Naganatha Temple is a
Temple where an anthill is worshipped. Kurmagad Island: A visit by launch to the
Kurmagad Island, which has an old fort and a Narasimha shrine, is a
must.
Devbag Beach resort
Karwar, the district headquarters of Uttara
Kannada is a charming port town, situated at the mouth of the Kali river.
The Kali river bridge, situated at the confluence of the river and the Arabian
Sea, dominates the town's landscape. Uttara Kannada has sacred pilgrims,
historical towns and some of the most beautiful beaches in the country.
Karwar is said to have inspired the great poet Rabindranath Tagore to pen his
first drama.
Karwar Beach and town Top
Capital of the Kadamba Kings who established
the first Kannada Empire in c. 345AD, Banavasi town (22 km. from Sirsi) is the
site of an annual cultural festival - Kadambotsava held in December. The
Madhukeshwara Temple, is famed for its architecture, deriving its name from the
honey colored Linga. Of special interest is the intricately carved stone
cot, which was actually used by the kings.
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Mahabaleshwara Temple
With its narrow streets, traditional houses and temples, the
nondescript town of Gokarna has become the favourite haunt of Hindu
pilgrims, Sanskrit scholars and beach buffs. Locals believe that Gokarna
derives its name from a legend in which Lord Shiva emerged from the ear of
a cow. Literally meaning ‘cow’s ear,’ this village is formed by the
ear-shaped confluence of two rivers. Adventurous travellers must be
prepared for a bit of cliff-scrambling in this coastal town. Om beach, one
of Gokarna’s five famed beaches, takes the shape of an ‘Om,’ a spiritual
symbol. The other beaches, wedged between gigantic cliffs that protrude
like delicate fingers into the sea, are Gokarna, Kudle, Half Moon and
Paradise. The drive up the winding path that leads to Gokarna is a scenic
delight with rocky mountains and the Western Ghats on one side and the
Arabian Sea on the other. Here, you can experience the famed Karnataka
hospitality in friendly guesthouses run by local families. |
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Murdeshwar
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| With this great ambition he went to Kailasa and performed rigorous penance in solitude strictly following the rites and singing hymns and doing a variety of dances Lord Parameshwar was soon propitiated by Ravana's devotion and appeared in his true form with five faces, three eyes and ten shoulders adorning Ganga and the moon God in his matted hair, the sovereign serpent round his neck, a garland of skulls touching his ankles, flanked by Goddess Parvathi on his left. | |
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Ulavi:
Ulavi, 75 kms from Karwar (via
Kumbarawada) is a famous pilgrim centre. Thousands come here to pay homage to
the samadhi of Veera Shiva Saint Channabasavanna, who took refuge here from the
army of 'Kalachurias'.
Sirsi is a tranquil town, dotted with
terracotta-tiled houses, Jain Basadis (temples) and ancient Hindu temples.
The 16th Century Marikamba Temple enshrines a wooden deity, that is believed to
have been found in a tank. The temple has a car festival once in two
years. Nearby, is a scenic spot, in the midst of a lush forest, said to
have been visited by the Pandavas; Sahasra Linga (Thousand Lingas) are carved
from a rock-bed, situated in the middle of a swirling river.
Sahasra Linga
This town is an important railhead of the newly
constructed Konkan railway that connects this coastline; the newly built bridge
across the Sharavathi river, dominates the landscape. Six km from Honnavar are
the "Apsara Konda Falls" (Pond of the Celestial Nymphs) set in a
picturesque setting and a fine beach that offers glorious sunsets. Fifteen
km away is the well known Ganapathi temple at Idagunji. The area is also
renowned for the fabulous, costumed dance drama form, Yakshagana.
A Konkan Railway bridge across Sharavathi River
135 kms south, is a historical township. The ancient port town has temples of Vijayanagar times and many interesting Jain monuments.
The Mookambika Temple at Kollur (85 kms from Udupi) is frequented by devotees from all over the country. Founded by Shri Jagadguru Adi Shankaracharya - the temple is known for the Panchaloha image of the Goddess Mookambika.
Maravanthe is 110kms north of Mangalore and has a scenic beach.
Malpe beach is 66kms
north of Mangalore. The pristine beauty complemented by peaceful
surroundings, make this beach a favourite holiday spot. The St. Mary's
Island, another delightful holiday hangout, is just a boat ride away.
60kms north of Mangalore is Udupi. This town has the famous Krishna Temple with the Golden Chariot. It is here that the Saint Madhwacharya lived and preached 700 years ago.
KARKALA GOMATESHWARA:
This 52 ft. high Bahubali statue is on the Gommata Betta. He is called
Gommateswara- great Gigantic and majestic Ishwara, standing nude, turning his
mind away from worldly affairs. It was built in 1432 by Pandya Raja. Yearly
celebrations are in February and once in 12 years "Mahamastakabhisheka"
is celebrated. Be here to see how wonderful it will be to see the bathing
ceremony of Gomateshwara.
Savirakambada Basadi
(Thousand Pillar Temple) built in 1462 AD-Basadi of 1000 pillars, famous for its
stone sculpture. Mahadwar, Bhairadevi, Chitradevi, Namaskaara, Teerthankara and
Garbhagruha are the 8 Mantapas here. The idol (8’high) of Chandranatha is
established in the garbha gruha. Supaarshwa and Chandraprabha
Theerthankara idols are worth visiting. Navanaari kuinjara , a sculptural art
piece that appears like an Elephant but nine dancers, are seen in the figure, is
the famous art in this Basadi.
A 35’ Gomateshwara can be seen here.
Katil is 27 kms east, on the banks of the river Nandini. It has a famous temple dedicated to Durga Parameshwari.
357 kms west of
Bangalore is the district headquarters of Dakshina Kannada - Mangalore.
With an important port, this coastal town is a major commercial centre.
Mangalore could be your entry point to Beach Country - with its virgin and
unexplored beaches. While in Mangalore try and see a Yakshagana
performance - an elaborate dance form unique to Karnataka. The Kambala
(buffalo race) is another exciting event.
A trip to Mangalore would be incomplete without a trip to the 10th century Manjunatha Temple, St. Aloysius Chapel, Mangala Devi temple, Tipu's Battery and the Jumma Masjid. The Ullal beach with casuarina groves in another attraction that draws tourists all through the year.
Situated on the banks of river Nethravathi and surrounded by
the lush green forests and hills of Malnad, Dharmasthala is known for it's
beautiful surroundings and Sri Manjunathaswamy Temple. In Dharmasthala, charity
is a way of life, extended to all without discrimination. Sri Dharmasthala which
is one of the sacred places in South India and is a famous pilgrim centre. It is
situated in the village of Dharmasthala, in Beltangady Taluk of South Kanara
district about 75 kms from Mangalore.
Dharmasthala symbolizes the true essence of religion and stands out as an oasis of peace and harmony. Here, one can witness a happy confluence of three faiths co-existing in complete harmony. While the presiding deity is Lord Shiva, the priests who conduct the daily rituals are Vaishnavaite Brahmins and the Dharmadhikari of the temple is a devout Jain. Thus religious tolerance and a spirit of oneness, which are the prominent characteristics of the Indian cultural heritage, has become the hallmark of Dharmasthala.
Recently in 1980’s one more Gomateshwara has been installed by Hegde Of Dharmastala. Ranjala Gopala Shenoy was the artist for this sculpture. Gomateshwara monolith was made in Karkala.
The Silver Cascades :
Jog Falls
:
Is situated in Shimoga district at a
distance of about 380 kms from Bangalore. Talaguppa is the nearest rail station
on the Birur line. During the mansoon months when the Jog falls are at their
magnificent best, KSRTC conducts weekend tours to this place.
At Jog, the
river Sharavathy flowing over a rocky bed, splits into separate streams called
as Raja, Rani, Rocket and Roarer. Considered as one of the highest waterfalls in
the world, the cascading waters seen to descend from the heaven riding on the
arch of a rainbow. Top
Magod
Falls
The mesmerising Magod
Falls are located 80 kms. from Karwar. Here, the Bedthi river takes two distinct
leaps to hurtle from a height of 650ft. into a rocky ravine. The thickly wooded
countryside, the roar of gushing water and a beautiful view combine to make this
spot an ideal choice for outings.Top
Lalguli
Falls
Lalguli Falls are located about 15 kms. north of Yellapur in
Uttara Kannada District. Here, the Kali river creates a grand spectacle by
tumbling from a height of approximately 250ft. in a series of picturesque rapids
set at varying heights. Top
Sathodi Falls.jpg)
About 32 kms. away from
Yellapur, several unknown streams converge near Kallaramane Ghat and plunge from
a height of about 15m to create a picturesque picnic spot. Situated in the midst
of dense forests, Sathodi Falls is locally known as the “mini-Niagara of Uttara
Kannada District.” Top
Unchalli Falls.jpg)
Heggarne, a
dreamy hamlet in Uttara Kannada district, is just 35 kms. from Siddapur. A
further 5 kms. trek from Heggarne through dense forests brings you to the
picturesque Unchalli Falls. The sound of the cataract hurtling down the hilly
tract shatters the silence of the forests and the sight of the falls is
unforgettable.
Also known as Lushington Falls, these falls were first
discovered by J. D. Lushington, who was the Uttara Kannada District Collector of
the British Government at that time. The cascade is also called Keppa Joga
because of the deafening sound it makes. Top
Lushington Falls:
33 kms from Sirsi
are the Lushington Falls, where the river Aghanashini thunders down from the
height of 116 meters.
Locals call it Keppa Falls for its deafening
effect. Further downstream are the smaller Dadmane falls.
Shivganga Falls
140 kms away, amidst scenic
surrounding, the river Souda falls into a deep
valley from a height of 74 m to from the falls.
Located amongst the
evergreen forest of the Sahyadri Mountains, Yana Caves are 25 kms for Kumta, a
small coastal town and 40-km for Sirsi, a commercial centre. One can experience
wilder ness in all its holiness and loneliness in this limestone rock dome
paradise. Yana is known for its unique rock formations and is a haven for rock
climbers.
One has to walk several miles on the partially paved road from
the highway. The area is known for its majestic mountains, a variety of rock
formations, tricking waterfalls and the holy temple.
One can go for a
simple climb around the rock dome or explore the cave in between the dome. There
is also a possibility of going hiking to Vibhuti Falls and camp overnight in the
area.
The tallest peak, Bhariraveswara Shikhara stands 120 meters high
whereas Mohini Shikhara is 90 meters from its base. The mighty rocks have been
roughened by the vagaries of burning Sun, uncontrolled winds and torrential
rains. They are solid composition of black, crystalline limestone. Wild bees
have taken liberty to construct their hives on these rock-shelters.
The
trek is moderate to strenuous Top
60 kms south of Karwar, this
coastal town has, among other things, an ancient temple with the
Atmalinga. Gokarna is also a famous centre for Sanskrit
learning. The Om Beach and the Kuttle Beach are nearby.Gokarna carries a lot of significance to Hindus, Shiva's in
particular. It is famous for the ‘Atmalinga’ in the ancient Mahabaleshwara
Temple. This is second only to Vishwanatha Temple at Varnasi in North
India
Om Beach Gokarna
