249 Popular Tourist Places to Visit in Karnataka (2024)

Hill Station

Fondly called the Scotland of India, Coorg is one of the top hill stations in South India and among the most popular attraction not to miss in your Karnataka holiday packages. Coorg (or Kodagu) is about 265 km from Bangalore city and takes about 6 hrs drive.

Coorg is the largest producer of Coffee in India. Also, it is one of the places with the highest rainfall in India. Places like Raja's Seat, Abbey Falls, Iruppu Falls, Omkareshwara Temple, Bylakuppe, Talacauvery and Dubare are the major attractions to be included in Coorg Holiday Packages. The famous Cauvery River is originated in the hills of Coorg at Talacauvery.

Explore our Coorg Travel Guide for complete details on the hill station of Coorg. Being a part of the Western Ghats, Coorg is home to three wildlife sanctuaries - the Talacauvery, Pushpagiri, and Brahmagiri Sanctuaries, and one national park, the Nagarhole National Park. Coorg is also famous for trekking activities with peaks like Thandiyandamole, Brahmagiri, and Pushpagiri. Besides, Coorg can also be visited along with Ooty tour packages. If you are planning to visit Bandipur or Nagarhole along with Mysore, staying at Jungle Lodges & Resorts (JLR) properties is the best way to explore.

Historical & Heritage | City

Mysore, the erstwhile capital of the Mysore Maharajas, is one of the popular destinations in Karnataka and among the must-visit places as part of 2 day trip near Bangalore. It is about 139 km from Bangalore. With its dazzling royal heritage, intricate architecture, its famed silk sarees, yoga, and sandalwood, Mysore is one of the top heritage sites in India.

Often called the City of Palaces, Mysore still retains its old-world charm with its palaces, heritage buildings, traditions, and temples. Mysore Palace is among the must include places in your Mysore tour packages. Apart from the Mysore Palace, Chamundi Hill Temple, Mysore Zoo, Srirangapatna, and Brindavan Gardens are the most famous places to visit in Mysore.

The royal city of Mysore Dussehra is known for its grand Dussehra celebrations. The month-long Dussehra celebrations, with its colorful processions, fireworks, and the beautifully lighted palace, give an enchanting look to the city. Mysore can also be visited as part of Coorg tour packages. If you are planning to visit Bandipur or Nagarhole along with Mysore, staying at Jungle Lodges & Resorts (JLR) properties is best way to explore ...

Hill Station

Chikmagalur or Chikkamagaluru is a scenic hill town situated at the foothills of Mulliyangiri range with an altitude of 3,400 feet. It is one of the best hill stations in Karnataka and among the most famous tourist places near Bangalore.

Chikmagalur is famous for its serene environment, lush green forests and tall mountains. Baba Budangiri, Hirekolale Lake, Mulliyangiri, Ayyanakere Lake, Manikyadhara Falls, Horanadu and Kemmanagundi are among the must include places in Chikmagalur Holiday Packages.

Chikkamagaluru is also famous for coffee and is known as the Coffee Land of Karnataka. It is the place where coffee was cultivated for the first time in India. The climate of Chikmagalur is pleasant all year round but the best time to visit the place is from the months of September till March. Explore our Chikmagalur Travel Guide for complete details on the mighty hill station. Chikmagalur can also be visited along with Coorg packages.

Historical & Heritage

Hampi is a renowned UNESCO World Heritage Site situated on the banks of Tungabhadra River in northern Karnataka. Situated about 340 km from Bangalore & 377 km from Hyderabad, Hampi is one of the best heritage sites in India and among the must include places in your Karnataka tour packages.

Hampi is an extremely significant place in terms of history and architecture as it stands within the ruins of the city of Vijayanagara, the former capital of the Vijayanagara Empire. It is an open-museum of architecture, religion, and history dotted with innumerable gems that were hewed from stones. Virupaksha Temple, Vittala Temple, and Hampi Bazaar are among the must include places in your Hampi tour packages.

The ruins of Vijayanagara Empire in and around the village of Hampi are spread over an area of more than 26 Sq.km. The famous Vittala Temple is located 2 km east of the Hampi Bazaar. Explore our Hampi Travel Guide for complete details on the stunning heritage city. Hampi can also be visited along with Badami tour packages.

Pilgrimage | Beach

Udupi is one of the most famous pilgrimage sites in Karnataka, and among the top places to visit near Mangalore. Located between the verdant mountains of the Western Ghats and the Arabian Sea, Udupi is the land of breathtaking beauty. It is about 59 km from Mangalore, and 403 km from the city of Bangalore.

Udupi is famous for Sri Krishna Temple which attracts pilgrims from all over India. This temple has a fascinating idol of Lord Krishna that is richly adorned with jewels. Apart from the temple, Malpe Beach, Kaup Beach & St Mary's Island are the top places to visit as part of Udupi holiday packages.

Udupi can also be visited along with Murudeshwar packages. It is also the source of renowned Udupi cuisine, which is served all over India in the efficiently-run Udupi restaurants, famous for dosas, idlis and other snacks. The tradition of this cuisine started in the great kitchens of the Krishna Temple which serve meals in the form of prasad to the thousands of devotees who come to pray at the holy shrine.

Explore our Udupi Travel Guide for complete details on the holy shrine.

Pilgrimage | Beach

Murudeshwar is one of the most famous places to visit in Karnataka and among the popular places of pilgrimage in Karnataka. It is about 162 km from Mangalore & 497 km from Bangalore.

Murudeshwar is the abode of Lord Shiva. The temple town is famous for the world's second tallest Shiva statue (123 ft) & tallest temple tower (249 feet). The sea on three sides surrounds the Murudeshwar Temple towering on the small hill called Kanduka Giri. This is a great place to watch the sunset. Murdeshwar Beach, Kollur Temple are popular sites to visit as part of Murudeshwar holiday packages. Gokarna, Karwar, Kollur, Udupi, Jog Falls, Sirsi & Sringeri are the nearby attractions.

Maha Shivaratri during February is the important festival celebrated here with much devotion and religious rituals. The best time to visit Murudeshwar is from November to February. Murudeshwar can also be visited along with Gokarna packages.

Explore our Murudeshwar Travel Guide for complete details on the beautiful and sacred placce.

Pilgrimage | Beach

Gokarna is one of the famous places of pilgrimage in Karnataka, and among the top places to visit as part of Karnataka tour packages. It is about 514 km from Bangalore.

Sri Mahabaleshwar Temple which houses the Atmalinga is one of the must-visit places as part of Gokarna holiday packages. Gokarna is considered to be the Mukti Stala, where Hindus perform funeral rites. Gokarna is also home to some of the best beaches in Karnataka including Om Beach, Kudle Beach, Gokarna Beach.

Among the beaches in Gokarna, the Om Beach is extremely popular among surfers. The beach gets its name due to the natural formation of the holy Om symbol. Explore our Gokarna Travel Guide for complete details on Gokarna. Gokarna can also be visited along with Dandeli tour packages.

Wildlife

Bandipur National Park is one of the well preserved wildlife parks in Karnataka, and among the top places for a wildlife tour in India. Located between Mysore & Ooty, it is about 80 km from Mysore and 215 km from Bangalore.

Spread across 874 sq.km, Bandipur is a part of the famous Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve along with Nagarhole National Park, Mudumalai National Park and Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary. It is home to around 70 tigers and over 3000 Asian elephants, as well as other animals like leopards, dhole, gaur, sloth bears, and a variety of birdlife.

Jeep Safaris and Mini Bus Safaris are arranged by the forest department. The entry point & interpretation center of the park is located in Bandipur village on Gundlupet - Ooty Road. The best time to visit Bandipur is from June to October. Staying at Bandipur Safari Lodge is the best way to explore the park as their package includes Jeep Safari into the park with experienced guides. Bandipur can also be visited along with Ooty tour packages as it lies on Bangalore - Ooty road.

Beach | City

Located at the confluence of Nethravathi and Gurupura Rivers, the port city of Mangalore is one of the popular tourist places in Karnataka. It is about 251 km from Mysore, and 345 km from Bangalore. It is one of the stunning places to visit near Bangalore.

Lying between the Arabian Sea and the Western Ghats, Mangalore is a scenic place dotted with coconut palms, hills, and streams, and is known for its temples and beaches. The Mangaladevi temple, Kadri Manjunatha temple, St Aloysius Chapel, the Rosario Cathedral, the Jama Masjid, Mukka Beach, Someshwara Beach, Tannirbavi Beach, and Panambur beach are the
must include places in Mangalore tour packages.

Mangalore is the starting point of many Udupi tour packages., Dharmasthala, and Gokarna Tour Packages.

Wildlife

Nagarhole National Park is one of the best wildlife sanctuaries in India. Also known as Rajiv Gandhi National Park, the park is situated about 218 km from Bangalore, and is among the must include places in Karnataka Tour Packages.

Spread across Mysore and Kodagu districts of Karnataka, Nagarhole got National Park status in 1988 and declared as 37th Project Tiger Reserve in 1999. The Western Ghats Nilgiri sub-cluster of 6,000 Sq. km, including all of Nagarhole National Park, is under consideration by the UNESCO World Heritage Site status. It is one of the top attractions you must include in Coorg tour packages. It is situated to the north-west of Bandipur National Park.

The important animals in Nagarhole are tiger, leopard, wild dog, sloth bear, the hyena, spotted deer, sambar, barking deer, wild boar and elephant. Bus & Jeep Safari available in the park run by forest dept from Kutta & Dhammanakatte (kabini side). Staying at Kabini River Lodge is the best way to explore the park as their package includes Jeep Safari with experienced guides.

Adventure / Trekking

Situated on the banks of the River Kali, the picturesque town of Dandeli is one of the top Karnataka tourist places. It is located about 130 km from Goa, and 462 km from Bangalore. Dandeli is quite famous for its gorgeous natural backdrop, wildlife, and adventure activities, that can be experienced as part of Dandeli tour packages.

Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary is the second largest wildlife sanctuary in Karnataka. Dandeli is one of the top white Water Rafting destinations in India. Kayaking, water rafting, and canoeing trips on the Kali River are some of the things one can indulge in Dandeli. Sathodi Falls, Syntheri Rocks, and Kavala Caves are the other important places to visit in Dandeli.

Explore our Dandeli Travel Guide for complete details on the stunning scenic place. Dandeli can also be visited along with Goa tour packages and Gokarna Packages.

Historical & Heritage

Badami, also called Vatapi, is one of the must include places in Karnataka Tour Packages. It is located at a distance of 36 km from Bagalkot, 104 km from Hubli & 457 km from Bangalore. It is one of the popular places of heritage in Karnataka.

Cave temples, fortresses, fine carvings, wonderful architecture, and breathtaking views are the must include places in Badami Tour Packages. Badami is located in a valley at the foot of a red sandstone rock formation that surrounds Agastya Lake. Boothnath Temple, Banashankari Temple, Badami Fort, Cave Temple 1-3, Mallikarjuna Temples, and Mahakuta Temples are the prominent places to visit in Badami.

Badami is famous for several early inscriptions dating back to the 6th century. Badami can also be visited along with Aihole & Pattadakal Tour Packages.

Historical & Heritage | Pilgrimage

Srirangapatna or Srirangapattana is a historical town in the Mandya district of Karnataka. About 18 km from Mysore, and 124 km from Bangalore, it is among the popular tourist places in Karnataka owing to its cultural, religious, and historic importance.

Srirangapatna is one of the top places to visit near Bangalore. The entire town is surrounded by the river Kaveri to form a river island. Srirangapatna is among the must include place in your Mysore tour packages. Ranganathaswamy Temple, Daria Daulat (Palace of Tipu Sultan) and Gumbaz (Mausoleum of Tipu Sultan) & Sangama are the must include places in Srirangapatna Tour Packages.

Laksha Deepotsava, Ratha Sapthami, and Brahmotsavam are the famous festivals celebrated with much fanfare at Srirangapatna.

Historical & Heritage | Pilgrimage

Sringeri is a renowned pilgrimage center located in the Chikmagalur district of Karnataka. About 88 km from Chikmagalur, and 318 km from Bangalore, it is one of the important places of pilgrimage in South India, and among the must include places in Karnataka tour packages.

Sringeri is well known for Sharada Peetham, among the must-visit places as part of the Sringeri holiday packages. Sringeri Sharada Peetham is the first and foremost of the 4 Peethams established by the renowned 8th-century saint Sri Adi Shankaracharya.Vidyashankara Temple, Chennakeshava Temple, Sharadamba Temple, and Sri Parswanath Jain Tirthankara Temple are the other prominent Sringeri places to visit.

Adi Shankara Temple, Kere Anjaneya temple, Malayala Brahma Temple, Mallikarjuna Temple, Torana Ganapati Temple, Kigga, Sirimane Falls, Agumbe, Kudremukh are other attractions here. Sringeri can be visited along with Udupi Tour Packages.

Historical & Heritage

Situated on the banks of Malaprabha River, Pattadakal is a UNESCO World Heritage Site along with Badami & Aihole known as Chalukyan Group of Monuments. Pattadakal is among the popular Tourist places in Karnataka. It is about 439 km from the city of Bangalore.

Pattadakal is the place where the coronation of Chalukyan kings took place. Along with Aihole, Pattadakal is considered the cradle for South Indian Temple architecture. The main complex has about 10 temples date back to 6th - 9th centuries, that are the must-visit places as part of Pattadakal tour packages. The temples are built in different architectural styles representing Dravidian, Nagara, Phamsana, and Gajaprastha models.

Virupaksha Temple, Sangameshwara Temple, Mallikarjuna Temple, Kashivisvanatha Temple & Galganatha Temple are the most prominent places to visit in Pattadakal. Pattadakal can also be visited along with Aihole & Badami Tour Packages.

Historical & Heritage

Belur is one of the best heritage sites in Karnataka. It was the early capital of the powerful Hoysala Empire on the banks of River Yagachi. About 25 km from Chikmagalur, and 217 km from Bangalore, it is among the most visited places as part of Chikmagalur tour packages.

Belur is renowned for the grand Hoysala Temple built by king Vishnuvardhana in 1117 CE. Dedicated to Lord Chennakesava, it is the best of three Hoysala temples nominated for UNESCO World Heritage Sites (other two being the temples at Halebid & Somnathpur). The Hoysala temples are known for minute & intricate carvings and sculptures with metal-like polishing. Sri Chennakesava Temple is one of the must-visit places as part of Belur holiday packages.

Standing on a star-shaped platform, Sri Chennakesava Temple is known for its intricate sculptures and friezes. There are about 48 pillars of various sizes, shapes, and designs, bearing testimony to remarkable artistry. The main highlight of the temple is Darpana Sundari or The lady with the mirror. Yagachi Dam, Halebidu, and Narasimha Pillar are the other tourist places in Belur.

Historical & Heritage

At a distance of 137 km from Bangalore, 35 km from Mysore & 50 km from Shivanasamudra Falls, Somnathpur is well known for the breathtaking Prasanna Chennakesava Temple, one of the three famous & finest representations of Hoysala architecture (other two being temples at Belur & Halebid). This is one of the three Hoysala temples nominated for UNESCO World Heritage Site status. This is one of the popular tourist places to visit near Bangalore & Mysore and one of the wonderful weekend getaways from both the cities. The Hoysala temples are known for minute & intricate carvings and sculptures with metal like polishing. It is one of the well known Karnataka tourist places and also one of the best places to experince Mysore Tourism.

Located on the banks of Cauvery River, Chennakesava Temple was built in 1268 by Somnatha, a general of King Narasimha III. The temple stands on a raised platform like other Hoysala temples. The temple comprises three shrines and three wonderfully carved peaks with a common Mandapa. The three sanctums once housed beautifully carved idols of Keshava, Janardhana and Venugopala. Today, the idol of Lord Kesava is missing but the other two are still worshipped by the visitors.

The Somnathpur temple is famous for its elaborate and ...

Waterfall

Formed over Sharavathi River, Jog falls is the one of the highest plunge waterfalls in Karnataka and among the top places to visit near Hubli. It is situated about 152 km from Hubli, and 400 km from Bangalore.

Locally known as Gerusoppe Falls, Jog Falls is one of the best waterfalls near Bangalore to visit as part of Karnataka tour packages. The Sharavathi River flowing over a very rocky bed about 250 yards wide, 253 m deep and the water comes down in four distinct falls known as Raja, Rani, Rover, and Rocket. The four cascades merge to form the huge waterfall. The Raja Fall pours in one unbroken column sheer to the depth of 830 ft. Halfway down it is encountered by the Rover, another fall, which rushes violently downwards to meet the Raja. A third falls, the Rocket, shoots downwards in a series of jets; while the fourth, the Rani, is a quiet fall over the mountainside.

A narrow path from viewpoint leads to the bottom of the falls. The view is amazing from the bottom and the showering sizzles of the falls at the bottom are really worth the effort. Unchalli Falls, Bennehole Falls, Yana and Banavasi are among the must include places in Jog Falls tour packages.

Historical & Heritage

Halebidu is one of the best heritage sites in Karnataka. About 34 km from Chikmagalur, and 211 km from Bangalore, it is among the most visited places as part of Chikmagalur tour packages.

Halebidu is famous for the beautiful Hoysala Temples of Hoysaleswara and Kedareswara built in 1121 AD. These are the most important places to visit as part of Halebidu tour packages. Hoysaleswara Temple is one of the three Hoysala temples nominated for UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the other two being the Belur temple & Somnathpur temple. The Hoysala temples are known for minute & intricate carvings and sculptures with metal-like polishing. Halebidu is one of best places to visit near Bangalore.

Another popular place to visit in Halebidu is the Kedareswara temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Built by King Ballala II, it was decorated with sculptures and panels in typical Hoysala style.

Hill Station

Kemmanagundi is one of the popular hill stations in Karnataka. About 62 km from Chikmagalur, and 246 km from Bangalore, it is among the best places to visit near Bangalore.

Breathtaking views of the valleys amidst mountain streams and lush vegetation are the main attractions of Kemmanagundi tour packages. Situated at an altitude of 1434 m on the Baba Budan range, the region is covered with plantations of coffee and tea along with thick bamboo groves forming a dense forest cover. Raj Bhavan, Z point, Rock garden, Hebbe Falls, Kalhattagiri Falls, Baba Budan Hill, Bhadra Tiger Reserve, Shanti Falls, and Hebbe Falls are the most poular place to visit in Kemmanagundi.

Kemmanagundi is also popularly known by the name of KR Hills, named after the Mysore King Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV. Kemmanagundi is one of the top attractions you must include in Chikmagalur packages.

Historical & Heritage

Situated on the banks of the Malaprabha River, Aihole is one of the popular places to visit in Karnataka for history buffs, & architecture enthusiasts. It is situated at a distance of 13 km from Pattadakal, 34 km from Badami, and 443 km from Bangalore.


A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Aihole, along with Pattadakal, is considered as the cradle for South Indian Temple architecture. It is one of the popular places of heritage in Karnataka. There are more than 125 temples in Aihole constructed between the 5th and 8th centuries during Badami Chalukya's rule, which are the must include places in Aihole Tour Packages.

Durga Temple, Ladkhan Temple, Ravana Pahadi, and Archeology Museum are the top places to visit in Aihole.
Aihole can also be visited along with Pattadakal & Badami Tour Packages.

City

Nicknamed as the Garden City of India, Bangalore, the capital city of Karnataka, is the 5th largest city in India, and among the top places to visit in Karnataka. It is one of the fastest growing industrial and commercial centers in India. It is often referred as Silicon Valley of India due to large number of software companies established in the city.

Bangalore is one of the ideal places for those planning to visit south India with many attractions in the form of heritage palaces, gardens, museums, temples, etc. Lalbagh Garden, Cubbon Park, Tipu Sultan's Palace, Bangalore Palace, Bannerghatta National Park, and Vishveswaraiah Museum, are the some of the must include places in Bangalore tour packages.

Explore our Bangalore Travel Guide for complete details on the capital city of Karnataka.

Bangalore is the perfect stopover point, because this city is the gateway to a plethora of South Indian tourist destinations - you can choose from ancient temples, jungles, historic sites to even scenic countrysides for a quick weekend getaways. Coorg, Mysore, Chikmagalur, Wayanad and Ooty are the top weekend getaways from Bangalore.

Hill Station

Sakleshpur is a quaint hill station in the Hassan district of Karnataka. Situated at an altitude of 3061 feet, Sakleshpur is one of the least explored hill stations in Karnataka and among the must include tourist attractions in Karnataka tour packages. It is about 151 km from Mangalore and 220 km from Bangalore.

Lies in the Malnad region, this beautiful hill station is very popular for its fascinating mountains, scenic beauty, and pleasant weather as well, which are the must-experience things to do as part of Sakleshpur holiday packages. Manjarabad Fort, Sakleshwara Temple, Agni Gudda Hill, Magajahalli Waterfalls, Betta Byraveshwara Temple, Hemavathi Dam, and Pandavar Gudda are some of the popular places to visit in tourist places in Sakleshpur. Besides, this lesser-known hill station is famous for trekking activities in Bisle Reserve Forest Trail and Kumara Parvatha trail, in which one can explore the rich biodiversity of the place.

Sakleshpura is the gateway to the Western Ghats from Bengaluru & Hassan side. Sakleshpur is among the major producers of coffee and cardamom output in India.

Historical & Heritage | Pilgrimage

Shravanabelagola is one of the most popular Jain places of pilgrimage in Karnataka. About 83 km from Mysore, and 140 km from Bangalore, it is one of the popular places to visit near Bangalore.

Shravanabelagola is famous for the Bahubali Statue, among the must include places in Shravanabelagola tour packages. With a height of 58 feet carved out of a single block of granite, the statue is supposed to be the tallest monolithic stone statue in the world. Gomateswara temple, Odegal Basadi, Tyagada Kamba, Siddhara Basadi, Chennanna Basadi, Akhanda Bagilu, Chamundaraya Basadi, Chandragupta Basadi, Chandraprabha Basadi, Kattale Basadi, and Parshwanatha Basadi are importantplaces to visit in Shravanabelagola.

Once in 12 years, Shravanabelagola celebrates the Mahamastakabhisheka festival which attracts thousands of devotees and tourists from all over India. Shravanabelagola can also be visited along with Mysore tour packages.

Waterfall

Shivanasamudra is one of the best waterfalls near Bangalore and also among popular one day trip from Bangalore. It is about 130 km from Bangalore.

Shivanasamudra is a segmented waterfall with several parallel stream formed adjacent to each other. Situated on River Kaveri, Shivanasamudra is among the popular Tourist places in Karnataka. The island of Shivanasamudra divides Kaveri River into two parts that form two waterfalls, one is Gaganachukki and the other is Bharachukki. Gaganachukki includes a huge horsetail shaped waterfall dropping from a height of 90 m and two large parallel streams that cascade down through a rocky bed from a height of over 320 feet. Asia's first hydroelectric power station was set up in the downstream of the falls in the year 1905. Barachukki is a cascading fall with a height of 70 m forming several streams through the wide rocky formations establishing superb natural beauty.

This place offers breathtaking sight in the peak monsoons. Shivanasamudra is among the must include place in your Mysore tour packages. An interesting way to watch the beauty of the waterfall is to take a coracle ride to the mouth of the magnificent waterfall.

Waterfall

Iruppu Falls is one of the best Karnataka waterfalls, and among the must include places in Coorg tour packages. It is about 75 km from Madikeri,110 km from Mysore, and 248 km from Bangalore.

Also known as Lakshmana Tirtha Falls locally, Irupu Falls or Iruppu Falls is one of the popular 2 day trip from Bangalore. It is formed by Lakshmana Tirtha, a stream that originated in Brahmagiri Peaks and joins the Kaveri River. Dropping from a height of 170 feet through several stages, the falls are situated amidst the thick forest of Western Ghats.

The roaring waters of Irupu Falls and the picturesque surroundings make it a favorite picnic spot. It is an unforgettable experience to stand at bottom of the cascades and play in the sizzling waters of the falls. There is a temple called Rameshwara Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is located on the banks of the Lakshmana Tirtha River, en route to the falls. It can also be visited along with Wayanad tour packages.

Hill Station

Sirsi is a small hill station located in the Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka. About 99 km from Shimoga, 102 km from Hubli, 395 km from Bangalore, it is the main commercial center and a business hub in the Malnadu region, and among the top tourist places in Karnataka.

Situated at an altitude of 2000 feet, Sirsi is surrounded by thick forests and towering hills, among the must-experience things to do as part of Sirsi tour packages. This pristine hill station is also known as 'Gateway of Malenadu' or 'Gateway of Western Ghats'. Unchalli Falls, Vibhuthi Falls, Marikamba Temple, Magod Falls, Benne Hole Falls, Shivaganga Falls, Muregar Falls, Burude Falls, Mattighatta Falls, Manjuguni, Sahashralinga, Sodhe / Sonda, Devimane Ghat, Banavasi, and Gudavi Bird Sanctuary are some of the top place to visit in Sirsi/a>.

Sri Marikamba Jatra is the main festival held every alternate year in March at Sirsi. The fair attracts nearly 5 lakh devotees, tourists, and pilgrims from throughout Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Goa, and Maharashtra. It is said to be the most famous and biggest fair in the state of Karnataka.

Beach

Lies at the mouth of the Kali River near Goa - Karnataka Border, Karwar is one of the top beach destinations in Karnataka, and among the must-visit places as part of Karnataka tour packages. It is about108 km from Panjim, and 517 km from Bangalore.

Karwar's tranquil ambiance had inspired the famous poet Rabindranath Tagore and he has dedicated a chapter of his biography to this town. The town has lovely beaches, beautiful temples and Forts attracting a large number of tourists. Karwar Beach, Devbagh Beach, Sadashivgad, Dargah of Peer Shan Shamsuddin Kharobat, Durga Temple, Kaju Bagh Beach, Kurumgad Island, Naganatha Temple, Narasimha Temple, Koodi Bagh Beach, and Venkataramana Temple are the popular places to visit in Karwar.

Karwar can be visited along with Goa tour packages. The Karavali Utsav is the biggest cultural event held at the Rabindranath Tagore beach in Karwar for four days.

Hill Station

Nestled in the thickly forested Malnadu region of the Western Ghats, Agumbe is one of the most mesmerizing offbeat tourist places in Karnataka, and among the must-visit places as part of Karnataka tour packages. It is located about 112 km from Mangalore and 342 km from Bangalore.

Situated at an altitude of over 2100 feet, the scenic village of Agumbe lies in the Western Ghats belt with some of the last remaining lowland rainforests. The place is nicknamed 'The Cherrapunji of the South' as it receives the heaviest rainfall in the southern part which makes it a perfect home to some of the scenic waterfalls, dense forests, and rivers. Prominent Agumbe tourist places are Sri Gopala Krishna temple, Kunchikal Falls, Barkana Falls, Onake Abbi Falls, Jogi Gundi Falls, Koodlu Theertha Falls, Agumbe Rainforest Research Station, Narsimha Parvatha trek, Kudremukh National Park, Someshwara Wildlife Sanctuary, etc. It can be visited as part of Mangalore holiday packages.

Agumbe is home to the Agumbe Rainforest Research Station, the only rainforest research station in India, and was established as a sanctuary for the King Cobra. It is also the place where RK Narayan has filmed his novel Malgudi Days.

Historical & Heritage

At a distance of 116 km from Gulbarga, 639 km Bangalore and 140 km from Hyderabad, Bidar is a town and district headquarters located in the north-eastern part of Karnataka. Bidar is one of the most popular tourist places to visit near Hyderabad and one of the famous Hyderabad weekend getaways from a two day trip.

It is lies at an altitude of 2,200 feet on Deccan plateau overlooking the Manjira river valley. Bidar is among the well known Karnataka tourist places. It is bounded by Nizamabad and Medak districts of Telangana on the eastern side, Latur and Osmanabad districts of Maharashtra on the western side, Nanded district of Maharashtra on the northern side and Gulbarga district on southern side. Bidar has great historical importance and it is one of the important heritage sites in Karnataka.

The history of Bidar goes back to 3rd century BC, and it was ruled by Mauryas, Satavahanas, Kadambas and Chalukyas of Badami, Rashtrakutas and later Kalyani Chalukyas. For a short period after Kalyani Chalukyas Bidar was under the Yadavas of Devgiri and Kakatiyas of Warangal.

Delhi rulers first headed by Allauddin Khilji and later ...

City

Hubli or Hubballi, along with its twin city Dharwad, is the second-largest city in the state after Bangalore, and among the top Karnataka tourist places. About 361 km from Mangalore and 406 km from Bangalore, this multi-faceted city is also known as the cultural, educational, and music capital of the state.

Lying on the 'Golden Quadrilateral', Hubli is one of the fastest-growing cities in the state of Karnataka. The city boasts numerous monuments and monasteries, that can be visited as part of Hubli tour packages. Hubli is often called Chotta Mumbai due to its immense commercial development. Chandramouleshwara Temple, Nrupatunga Betta, Unkal Lake, Sidharoodha Math, Banashankari Temple at Amargol, Nuggikeri Hanuman Temple, and Sri Kalika Devi Temple in Sirsangi are the other prominent places to visit in Hubli.

The city of Hubli is also renowned for its handloom textile industry with several cotton ginning and processing mills. Hubli is the base station for many Dandeli tour packages.

Historical & Heritage

Hassan is a city and the district headquarters of Hassan district in the Indian state of Karnataka. About 120 km from Mysore, 170 km from Mangalore, and 177 km from Bangalore, it is one of the must include places in Karnataka tour packages. It is considered the architectural capital of Karnataka.

Found by the chieftain Channa Krishnappa Naik in the 11th century, Hassan was the command center of the Hoysala Empire. Hassan is the base station for Haebidu, and Belur tour packages. Dotted with several religious spots as well as monuments, Hassan is an ideal place to explore for history lovers, pilgrims, as well as curious souls. Hasanamba Temple, Nuggehalli Lakshmi Narasimha Temple, Shettyhalli Church, Mosale temples, Maharaja Park, Chandramouleswara Temple at Arasikere, Bucheshwara Temple at Koravangala, Lakshmidevi Temple at Doddagadduvalli, and Gorur Dam are the top places to visit in Hassan.

It is here where the plains begin to gently slope into the Western Ghats. Besides, Hassan is close to Belur, Halebid, Chikmagalur, Sakleshpura, and Coorg.

Nature & Scenic

Shimoga, also known as Shivamogga is one of the popular places to visit near Hubli, and among the must-visit destinations as part of Karnataka tour packages. It is located about 97 km from Chikmagalur, 183 km from Hubli,and 298 km from Bangalore.

Shimoga city is famous for its landscapes, waterfalls, and historical places, which are the main attractions of Shimoga holiday packages. Jog Falls, one of the highest waterfalls in Karnataka, as well as India, is the major attraction of Shimoga. Shimoga can be visited along with Chikmagalur tour packages.

Jog Falls, Kunchikal Falls, Barkana Falls, Achakanya Falls, Onake Abbey Falls, Hidlumane Falls, and Dabbe Falls are some of the popular waterfalls in Shimoga. Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary, Agumbe, Kodachadri, Keladi, Tunga dam, Linganmakki dam, Shivappa Naik Palace, the Mandagadde Bird Sanctuary, Gudavi bird sanctuary, Tyarekoppa Lion Safari, and Sakrebayalu Elephant Camp are some of the important tourist place in Shimoga.

Waterfall

At a distance of 6 km from Kemmanagundi, 36 km from Tarikere, and 66 km from Chikmagalur, Hebbe Falls is a wonderful waterfall located in the Chikmagalur district of Karnataka. It is one of the top Kemmanagundi tourist places, and among the best places to visit near Bangalore.
Situated inside Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary, Hebbe Falls is surrounded by dense forest and coffee plantations. It is one of the must include places in Kemmanagundi Tour Packages. It cascades down from a height of 550 feet in two stages to form Dodda Hebbe (Big Falls) and Chikka Hebbe (Small Falls). This fall is created by the springs generated in the mountains. A pool is formed by the waterfall below the second stage which allows visitors to swim and play in the water. It is believed that the waters of these falls are infused with herbs and can cure skin diseases. Taking a refreshing bath in the herb-infused water is popular among the visitors. It can be visited along with Chikmagalur Tour Packages.

Hebbe Falls is a perfect retreat from the busy city life and it is one of the must-visit tourist spots in Karnataka. These waterfalls are situated inside a coffee estate and can be reached either by walk or four-wheeler. There is a motorable ...

Adventure / Trekking | Nature & Scenic

About Mullayanagiri


At a distance of 20 km from Chikmagalur and 23 km from Baba Budangiri (by road), Mullayanagiri is a mountain peak located in Chikmagalur. With an altitude of 1950 m, it is the highest peak in Karnataka, and among the must-include places in Chikmagalur Packages. Known for its serene ambiance and nature's raw beauty, this peak is adorned with verdant grassland, rugged rocks, and a good trek path that is also quite popular among adventure enthusiasts. Mullayanagiri is also known for coffee plantations that are situated nearby.

History of Mullayanagiri


Regarded as the highest peak between the Himalayas and Nilgiris, Mullayanagiri is one of the best places for trekking in Karnataka. The peak gets its name from a small temple at the summit, which is dedicated to a Tapasvi Mullappa Swamy, who is believed to have meditated at the cave near the summit.

Mullayanagiri Trek


For adventure enthusiasts, it is one of the best places to visit in Chikmagalur as it offers an opportunity to engage in activities like mountain biking, trekking, and road biking. Being the highest peak in Karnataka, it offers some very interesting trails. The trek route to the peak begins from Sarpadaari, which is about 15 km from Chikmagalur. This is a 4 km long moderate trek which is fairly steep ...

Beach

At a distance of 12 km from Mangalore Railway Station, Tannirbavi Beach is located towards the southern end of Mangalore Port. The beach is the property of Mangalore port trust. This is one of the best beaches in Mangalore and among the top Mangalore tourist places.

The soft sands of the beach and breezy winds of the Arabian Sea offer a memorable experience as part of Mangalore Tour Packages. It is also a favorite spot to watch the sunset. You can see the remains of a ship which sank 15 years ago near the beach. This beach is comparatively deserted and is a great spot for safe swimming.

Due to the poor connectivity, it's important to have your own vehicle to visit this beach in Mangaluru.

Timings: 6 AM - 6 PM

Entry: Free

Waterfall

About Abbey Falls


At a distance of 8 km from Madikeri Bus Station, Abbey Falls, or Abbi Falls is a wonderful waterfall situated amidst the mountains of Western Ghats in Coorg. It is one of the best waterfalls near Bangalore, and among the must-include places in Coorg tour packages.

Abbey Falls is one of the top tourist places to visit in Coorg. It is situated in the middle of private coffee plantations and spice estates. It is one of the best waterfalls in the Coorg region.

Height of Abbey Falls


Numerous small streams and abundant rainfall combine to form the Abbey Waterfalls. It cascades down the rocky slopes from a height of about 70 feet into a pool. This waterfall flows to unite with the River Cauvery. A hanging bridge has been built across the gorge here, from where the visitors can get a beautiful view of the falls. The sound of the waterfalls can be heard from the main road during the rainy season. A Kali Mata temple on the other side of the bridge is also not to be missed.

History of Abbey Falls


British called Abbey Waterfalls Jessy waterfalls in memory of Jessy, the daughter of Madikeri's first British Captain Chaplain. However, after the independence of India, the waterfalls came under the control of the Government ...

Wildlife

At a distance of 13 km from Dandeli Bus Stand, Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary is situated on the banks of the River Kali at Dandeli in Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka. This is the second-largest sanctuary for wildlife in Karnataka, and also one of the best places to visit in Dandeli.

Spread over an area of 866.41 sq. km, the sanctuary lies at an altitude ranging between 100 m to 970 m with the highest point being Hegada Temba. It is one of the must include places in Dandeli Tour Packages. The dense forests of the Sanctuary are crisscrossed by the meandering streams of River Kaneri and River Nagzari, tributaries of River Kali.

The Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary was declared as a tiger reserve in the year 2007. The sanctuary is contiguous with the Mahaveer Sanctuary in Goa and Anshi National Park in Karnataka. Karnataka state government has officially notified the Dandeli Elephant Reserve under Project Elephant on 4th June 2015.

Dandeli is a natural habitat for several wildlife animals like tigers, leopards, black panthers, elephants, gaur, deer, antelopes, crocodiles, and various kinds of snakes. This sanctuary is also a birdwatcher's paradise, housing nearly 200 species of Birds. The birds in the sanctuary include the golden-backed woodpecker, crested serpent eagle, white-breasted ...

Historical & Heritage

At a distance of 24 km from Somnathpur, 32 km from Sivanasamudram & 49 km from Mysore, Talakadu is a historical place situated on the banks of Kaveri River n Karnataka. It is one of the popular places to visit in Somnathpur.

Talakadu is a beautiful place surrounded by temples and is among prime place to visit on a Mysore trip. Talakadu had over 30 temples, most are them are buried in the sand today. Some of these temples have been excavated and are open to the public. There are five temples dedicated to Lord Siva - Pathaleshwara, Maruleshwara, Arkeshwara, Vaideeshwara, and Mallikarjuneshwara Temple. The Keerthinarayana temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu is a beautiful site with wonderful carvings.

Talakadu was ruled by several dynasties - Gangas, Hoysalas, Rashtrakutas and Vijayanagara Kings. The temples of Talakadu have mixed architecture styles of these dynasties. Talakadu is also known for 'Curse of Talakad' by Alamelamma on the Wodeyar Dynasty of Mysore.

A famous festival called Pancha Linga Darshana is celebrated here once in 12 years. It is held on new moon day in the month of Karthika when two stars conjoin, the stars of Khuha Yoga and Vishaka.

Timings: 6 AM to 6 PM

Waterfall

At a distance of 10 km from Kemmanagundi and 82 km from Chikmagalur, Kalhatti Falls is located at Kallattipura in the Chikmagalur district of Karnataka. Also known as Kalhattagiri or Kalahasthi Falls, it is one of the spectacular waterfalls near Bangalore and among the most picturesque places to visit in Kemmanagundi.

The waterfall cascades down from a height of over 400 feet through the Chandra Drona Hills in front of the Veerabhadreshwara Temple, which is the most commonly visited part of the falls. The presiding deity in this cave temple is Lord Shiva. It offers an excellent view of the surrounding valleys. The adjoining mountain is enriched with rare flora and fauna that can be experienced during your Kemmanagundi Tour.

According to legend, sage Agastya had prayed for a long time at this place. The Veerabhadra temple is believed to be built in the Vijayanagara period. The entrance of the temple is adorned with carved elephants. The water cascades over these elephants and devotees believe that these waters have the power of curing diseases. Hence, the area adjacent to this waterfall is also a famous pilgrimage center. The annual festival of Lord Veerabhadra is organized here for three days during March / April, which attracts thousands of devotees.

Kalhatti ...

Pilgrimage | Adventure / Trekking

About Baba Budangiri


At a distance of 29 km from Kemmanagundi & 36 km from Chikmagalur, Baba Budangiri is a mountain in the Baba Budan range of Chikmagalur. At an altitude of 1895 meters, Baba Budangiri is the second-highest peak in Karnataka, and among the must-include places in your Chikmagalur Tour Packages. The main peaks in the Baba Budan range are the Mulliyangiri and Baba Budangiri which are collectively known as the Chandra Drona Mountain Range as they naturally form the shape of a crescent moon. This is one of the popular Chickmagalur tourist places.

History of Baba Budangiri


Also known as Dattagiri, the mountain is named after the Muslim saint, Baba Budan who is worshiped by both Hindus and Muslims. Baba Budan was a 17th-century Sufi saint who came to India from Saudi to spread the message of Islam and peace. According to legend, he introduced coffee to India by bringing beans from the port of Mocha, Yemen in 1670 AD. This place is also important for Hindus as Dattatreya Peetha. A cave here is believed to have been the residence of Sri Dattatreya Swamy. An annual Jatra or Urs, which is held for three days after the Holi Festival according to the Hindu calendar, is attended by both Hindus and Muslims.

Baba Budangiri Trek


Baba Budangiri is one of the top places for trekking in Karnataka and among the best places to ...

Historical & Heritage

At a distance of 12 km from Halebidu, 27 km from Belur, 64 km from Chikmagalur, and 82 km from Kemmangundi, Belavadi is a village situated in the Chikmagalur district. It is one of the popular places to visit in Halebidu.

Belavadi is famous for Sri Veera Narayana Temple built in Hoysala architectural style. The place is described as Ekachakranagara of Mahabharata and is said to be the place where Pandava prince Bheema killed the demon Bakasura and protected the village and its people. Belavadi Temple can be visited along with Chikmagalur Tour Packages.

The Veera Narayana temple was built in the 13th century by the Hoysala King Veera Bhallala II. This temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu in three different forms. While Belur and Halebid are famous for their intricate sculpture, this temple is one of the best examples of Hoysala architecture. The west side of the temple consists of a square garbhagriha, a sukanasi, Ranga mandapa and square maha mantapa. The whole structure has been constructed on a raised platform. The entire temple is built out of soapstone and is believed that this temple was constructed in two phases. The temple is in trikuta style (three vimanas) with Sri Veera Narayana in the center facing east, Sri Venugopala facing north and Sri Yoganarasimha facing south. The shrines ...

Beach

At a distance of 6 km from Gokarna Bus Station, Om Beach is a pristine beach situated in Gokarna. Along the Arabian Sea coast, it is one of the most famous Karnataka beaches, and among the must visit Gokarna tourist places.

Om Beach is the most famous beach in Gokarna. It is shaped as two semi crescents joined together forming the shape of Om (Hindu religious symbol) hence the name Om Beach. Om Beach is further along the coast from Kudle Beach. The curve of the symbol forms a pool which can be a safe bathing area for even non-swimmers.

Blessed with tropical weather, the area has plenty of palm trees dotting its coastline. Its azure waters are ideal for an exciting dolphin spotting trip. Om Beach is the center for several water sport activities such as boating, surfing, water-skiing, parasailing, and banana boat rides, which will surely spike your adrenaline to an altogether new level.

The beach is well maintained and there are commercial establishments like restaurants and resorts in close vicinity. In the rainy season, there are very limited options for boarding and lodging. This beach currently does not have beach rules and is open to camping and bonfires on the beach.

This beach can be accessible by foot from the nearest road point which ends at a hillock near the beach. Visitors need to decent about 100 well-laid steps ...

Beach | Nature & Scenic

At a distance of 15 km from Udupi Railway Station, 65 km from Mangalore & 100 km from Murudeshwar, St. Mary's Island is a group of small beautiful islands situated to the north of Malpe Beach near Udupi. It is one of the best places to visit as part of Udupi Packages.

A quaint island just off the coast of Udupi, St. Mary's Island is an island of white sand beaches, rock monoliths, and great wildlife making it one of the best places to visit in Udupi. It is said that Vasco da Gama first reached this Island before reaching the Kappad Beach (near Calicut) while finding a sea route to India.

This island is a group of four individual islands namely Coconut Island, North Island, South Island, and Daryabahadurgarh Island. The island has two beautiful beaches and crystallized basalt rock formations which were created at the time Madagascar Island got separated from India. These unique rock formations scattered throughout the island giving a special landscape to the place. Watching the sunset standing on the crystalline rocks is one of the most alluring experiences on the island.

St.Mary's Island is 4 miles away from the coast and can be reached by 30 minutes boat ride from Malpe Beach. This island is uninhabited and there is no possibility to stay overnight there.

Ferry Timings from ...

Wildlife | Lake & Backwater

About Dubare Elephant Camp


At a distance of 15 km from Kushalnagar, and 29 km from Madikeri, Dubare Elephant Camp is an elephant training center situated on the banks of the river Cauvery in the Kodagu district of Karnataka. It is one of the most famous places to visit in Coorg, and also one of the top attractions you must include in Coorg packages.

Dubare is a natural island formed by Cauvery River. It is an important base for the Karnataka Forest Department's elephants and among the must include places in India wildlife tour packages.

History of Dubare Elephant Camp


Dubare Elephant Camp is a project undertaken by the forest department and jungle lodges & resorts. This camp has plenty of elephants which are trained under naturalists. The elephants used for Mysore Dussehra are trained at this camp. The trainers explain the various aspects of elephant history, ecology, and biology. Visitors can also participate in various activities involving elephants like feeding the elephants with ragi, jaggery, sugarcane, banana, and coconuts. Tourists can also watch elephants being given a scrub-bath in the river and also watch how oil is applied on their forehead, tusks, etc.

Things to do at Dubare Elephant Camp


Elephant interaction like Elephant bathing, ...

Beach

At a distance of 8 km from Karwar Bus Stand and 5 km from Majali Beach village, Devbagh is a beautiful beach located nearer to the Karnataka-Goa border on the northern side of the Kali River. This is a private beachthat can be visited along with Goa Tour Packages.

Devbagh Beach is one of the most beautiful and enthralling beaches in India and also one of the best places to visit in Karwar. This is a special island beach that faces the mighty Arabian Sea on one side and the dense Western Ghats on the other side. It is known for its endless stretch of golden sand, the clear blue waters of the Arabian Sea, and the line of casuarina trees that dot the beach. This is the place where the renowned poet Sri Rabindranath Tagore had visited and lost in the scenic beauty of the natural way back in 1916.

Devbagh Beach is not only famous for the cool breeze and the golden sands but is also famous for water sports and fun. Here one can see people engaged in a variety of water sports like fishing, dolphin watching, snorkeling, speedboat rides, banana boat rides, water scooter rides, kayaking, parasailing, and more. These activities are offered by Devbagh beach resorts located near the beach. One can also cruise up the Kali River from the point where the river meets the sea.

Devbagh beach resorts are the ideal way to enjoy the days ...

Wildlife

At a distance of 12 km from Mallandur village, and 39 km from Chikmagalur, Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected area and a tiger reserve, situated amidst the Western Ghats in Chikmagalur and Shimoga districts of Karnataka. It is one of the most popular Wildlife Sanctuaries in Karnataka, and among the must-visit places as part of Chikmagalur Tour Packages.

Spread over an area of 490 sq. km, Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary is also known as Muthodi Wildlife Sanctuary. It is one of the most popular places to visit in Chikmagalur. The region was declared as a natural reserve, known as the Jagara Valley Game Reserve, in 1951 by the Government of Mysore. In 1974, the reserve was named the Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary. The Sanctuary boasts of a substantial tiger population and it was declared as the 25th Project Tiger of India in 1998.

The sanctuary is situated in the lush tropical forests of the Western Ghats and accommodates the tributaries of the Bhadra River. The sanctuary gets its name from the Bhadra River and a dam has been built on the river near Lakkavalli. The sanctuary has an elevation ranging from 750 m to 1875 m above sea level. Kallahathigiri is the highest peak in the sanctuary with a height of 1875 m. Lakkavalli village near Bhadra ...

Wildlife

At a distance of 3 km from Mysore Railway Station, the Mysore Zoo is a zoological park situated in Mysore. Also known as Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens, it is one of the oldest zoo parks in South India, and among the must include places in Mysore packages.

The Mysore Zoo was established in the year 1892 by Sri Chamarajendra Wodeyar and designed by German Landscaper and Horticulturist Mr. GH. Krumbeigal. It is one of the best Mysore tourist places, and often used to promote Mysore Tourism along with Mysore Palace.

The zoo was originally 10 acres and has expanded to over 250 acres currently. Mysore Zoo provides shelter to a large number of animal species. The Zoo is famous for breeding some very rare animals in captivity. It has a fine collection of animals like lions, tigers, hyenas, deer, elephants, rhinos, king cobras, and birds. The highlights of the zoo are Giraffes, Jaguars, African elephants, and Wallaby.

The zoo is very organized with a wonderful collection of animals and birds. The vegetation and landscape of the zoo are very well maintained. The sightseeing starts with birds followed by Tiger, Cheetah, Gorilla, Rhino, Zeebra, Bear, Deer, Elephant, Jaguar, Lion, Ghoral, Reptiles, Hippo, Ostrich and ends with Giraffe.

The best time to sight the animals is during the early hours of the morning, before 11 AM. Battery ...

Park

About Brindavan Gardens


At a distance of 16 km from Srirangapatna, & 19 km from Mysore, Brindavan Gardens is a famous & beautiful garden laid out below the Krishnaraja Sagar Dam in Karnataka. This is one of the best tourist places to visit in Mysore, and among the must-include places in Srirangapatna Tour Packages.

History of Brindavan Gardens


Sir Mirza Ismail, the then Diwan of Mysore wanted to beautify the area around KRS Dam. Therefore, the construction of Brindavan Garden was started in the year 1927 by the Department of Horticulture and was completed in 1932. The designs of Brindavan Gardens have been inspired by the breathtaking Shalimar Bagh of Kashmir which was created in the ancient Mughal Style. Now, the garden is maintained by the Cauvery Irrigation Department, Government of Karnataka. The garden was renovated in 2005 at a cost of Rs. 50 million which included sprucing up the musical fountain using a digitized system and repairs of dysfunctional fountains.

Layout of Brindavan Gardens


Spread over an area of 150 acres, the Brindavan Gardens is considered one of the best gardens in India, and among the prime places to visit in Srirangapatna. The garden is divided into various parts - the ...

Adventure / Trekking

At a distance of 5 km from Kemmanagundi, 67 km from Chikmagalur and 1 km from Shanti Falls, Z Point is a wonderful trekking spot and one of the prime places to visit in Kemmanagundi. Z Point is a beautiful spot with deep valleys all around amidst thick green surroundings. The cool breeze on the peak mesmerizes visitors. It is one of the best short treks in Karnataka with beautiful views of nature and valleys.

The 3 km trekking trail to Z Point starts from Kemmanagundi Raj Bhavan and runs through thick forest. Shanti Waterfalls is situated enroute to the Z Point. The trek is relatively easy till Shanti Hills and gets little tough afterwards. The later part of the trek runs through narrow path with deep gorges and steep hills. The trek route provides breathtaking views of the hills of Kemmanagundi. The wide and beautiful grasslands provide unique setting to the slopes.

The Z Point is a great sunset & sunrise point. The trek from Raj Bhavan to Z Point usually takes about 1 hour. Camping at the Z Point is possible.

Historical & Heritage

About Bylakuppe Golden Temple


At a distance of 5 km from Kushalnagar, 7 km from Cauvery Nisargadhama, 34 km from Madikeri, and 87 km from Mysore, the Golden Temple or Namdroling Monastery is a beautiful Buddhist Monastery situated in Bylakuppe, Karnataka. Bylakuppe is the second-largest Tibetan settlement in India after Dharamshala and is among the most popular places to visit in Coorg.

History of Golden Temple


Bylakuppe is a Tibetan refugee settlement area established by Lugsum Samdupling in 1961 and Dickyi Larson in 1969. It was an amalgamation of about twenty villages that came together to be called the town of Bylakuppe. The main tourist attraction here is the magnificent Namdroling Monastery. Popularly called as Golden Temple, the Namdroling Monastery was established by Drubwang Padma Norbu Rinpoche in 1963. This is the largest teaching center of Nyingmapa, a lineage of Tibetan Buddhism, in the world and is home to a sangha community of over 5000 monks and nuns.

The architecture of the Golden Temple


The Golden Temple complex is huge and it houses 40 feet high-gilded images of Guru Padmasambhava (also known as Guru Rinpoche), Buddha Sakyamuni, and Amitayus. The temple tower is highly ornate. The outer walls flanking the doorway are decorated with huge colorful murals. The doors, red in color, have huge gold knockers and a thick plaited ...

Pilgrimage

At a distance of 25 km from Udupi, 86 km from Mangalore & 70 km from Murudeswar, Anegudde Vinayaka Temple is a Hindu temple located in Kumbhashi between Udupi & Karwar. It is one of the famous places of pilgrimage in the region, and among the popular places to visit as part of Udupi Tour.

Anegudde Vinayaka Temple is dedicated to Lord Ganesha. Anegudde is rewarded one of the seven 'Mukti Sthalas' of Karnataka or Parashurama kshetras, which are believed to be created by sage Parashurama. Anegudde is the combination of two words - 'Aane' meaning 'Elephant' and 'Gudde', which stands for 'hillock' as it is the abode of the elephant-headed god, Lord Vinayaka.

Anegudde is also popularly called Kumbashi. The name Kumbhashi is said to be derived from the demon Kumbhasura. According to the mythology, when drought hit this area, Sage Agasthya performed penance to appease the Rain, God. During the penance, demon Kumbhasura started troubling the sages. Bheemasena gets a weapon from Lord Ganesha to kill Kumbahasura and assassinate him at this place. The temple at Anegudde is dedicated to Lord Vinayaka (Ganesha).
According to Legend, Sage Agasthya arrived from heaven to perform Yagna (religious offering) to please the Devas for rain. Kumbasura, an Asura troubled the sages and disrupted the yagna. At this time Lord Ganesha blessed Bheema of Pandavas, with a sword. Bheema fought Kumbasura and slays him.

The main sanctum ...

Beach

At a distance of 13 km from Karwar Bus Stand, 2.5 km from Majali Bus Stop, Tilmati or the Black Sand Beach is located at Majali village in Karnataka. Situated just beside Polem Beach of South Goa, it is one of the popular places to visit in Karwar.

Tilmati Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in Karnataka and among the must include places in Karwar Tour Packages. At this little beach, one can find coarse black sand of basaltic rock making the beach black in color. Tilmati literally translates to sesame sand or the sand that looks like sesame. This stretch of black sand, spread over 200 m, is said to be formed when the waves hit the basaltic rocks that are concentrated in this area. It is also believed that the Arabian Sea dumps the fine black sand brought by River Kali to this place.

Majali Beach and Palm Beach are adjacent to each other hence it can be visited along with Goa Tour Packages. Tilmati Beach in Karwar is an ideal place for picnicking. It is a tourist destination suitable for those who want to spend time lonely and enjoy amidst the sea waves. This secluded beach set amidst hillocks also offers stunning sunset views. Abundant flora and fauna present near the beach makes it one of the rarest coastal forestlands in the state. ...

Waterfall

At a distance of 5 km from Kigga, and 15 km from Sringeri, and, Sirimane Falls is a stunning waterfall situated near Kigga in Karnataka. Also known as Kigga Falls, it is one of the popular waterfalls in Karnataka, and among the prominent tourist places in Sringeri.

With a height of about 40 feet, this waterfall is located in serene surroundings with dense forest all around. There is a motorable road available to reach the falls and vehicles can be hired from Kigga. A little walk is required from the parking place to reach the falls through well-laid steps.

It is possible to get right to the bottom of the falls and enjoy the force (however, this may not be possible when the water force is heavy during monsoons). The falls are wide and can accommodate more crowds at the bottom. This is a good place to visit throughout the year. This is a very safe place to swim & play in the water.

There is a changing room for women.

Timings - 9 AM to 6 PM.

Entry: Free

Pilgrimage | Nature & Scenic

About Talakaveri


At a distance of 9 km from Bhagamandala & 44 km from Madikeri, Talacauvery is the origin of the Cauvery River in Karnataka. It is situated on the slopes of the Brahmagiri mountain ranges near Bhagamandala at an altitude of 1276 m. It is one of the best places to visit in Coorg and is among prime place to visit on a Coorg trip.

At Talacauvery, there is a square tank called Cauvery Kundike or Brahma Kundike, which is considered to be the birth place of River Cauvery. Here, River Cauvery emerges as a perennial spring and disappears underground. River Cauvery again emerges at Nagathirtha near Bhagamandala and joins with Kannike and Sujyoti at Triveni Sangam. Bhagamandala is the meeting of three rivers and is also referred to as Triveni Sangam.

History of Talakaveri


According to legend, Cauvery was held captive by sage Agasthya in a Kamandala, a pot carrying sacred water. Lord Ganesha in the form of a crow made the Kamandala to topple at this hill when Sage Agasthya was meditating. There is a shrine dedicated to Kaveri Amman near the kundike and a big tank in front of it where devotees baths before offering prayers. The temple was renovated by the state government in 2007.

Talacauvery also consists of shrines dedicated to Lord Agastheeshwara and ...

Wildlife

At a distance of 3 km from Srirangapatna, and 16 km from Mysore, Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary is a small sanctuary situated in Srirangapatna, Karnataka. It is one of the must include places in wildlife tours in India and among the must visit Mysore tourist places.

Spread across 67 sq. km, the sanctuary comprises six islets on the banks of the Kaveri River. It was declared in 1940 as a result of many requests from Dr. Salim Ali who surveyed the birds in this area. Since then, the sanctuary has become a paradise for bird watchers. The sanctuary is a breeding ground for many migratory birds from all over the world. It is home to a wide species of birds including cormorants, darters, white ibis, spoon billed storks, open-billed storks, painted storks, white-necked storks, egrets, herons, terns, swallows, kingfishers, sandpiper, etc.

A boat ride takes you to the six islets crowded with many species of birds. The best time to visit the sanctuary is between June & October.

Timings: 9 AM to 5.30 PM

Entry Fee: Rs. 60 for Indians, Rs. 30 for Indian Children, & Rs. 200 for Foreigners

Boating Charges: Rs. 60 for Adults & Rs. 200 for Foreigners

Parking: Rs. 30 for Four wheeler & Rs. 20 for Two wheeler

Waterfall

At a distance of 4 km from Kemmangundi & 66 km from Chikmagalur, Shanti Falls is a small and beautiful water fall situated on the way to Z Point in Kemmangundi. It is one of the popular tourist places to visit in Kemmanagundi.

Shanti Falls is a refreshing sight that awaits visitors on their trek to Z Point in the lush green forest stretch of Kemmangundi. The water flows all the way from top of the hill, creating a spectacular view while falling into the valley below. The waterfall cascades down to create a natural pool that is believed to have remarkable medicinal qualities. The most interesting fact about this waterfall is that its water remains extremely cold even during the hot summer months. Visitors can enjoy a swim in the cool waters of the Shanti Falls.

This is one of the trekking trails in Kemmangundi. The route all the way is very scenic with deep valleys on one side and hills cover on the other. This place can be reached by trekking through the forest from Kemmanagundi Raj Bhavan (2 kms) or Kemmanagundi center (4 kms). The trek can be continued till Z-point which is further 1 km from Shanti Falls. The trek is relatively easy and can be easily done.

The best time to visit Shanti Falls is during the early winter season or the late monsoon season. It is ideal to visit the waterfall between 6 am to 6 pm, when there is ample daylight in the area.

Beach

At a distance of 10 km from Udupi Railway Station, Malpe Beach is a pristine beach situated along the shores of the Arabian Sea at Malpe village near Udupi. Spread between Swarna Nandi River and Malpe Port is one of the finest beaches in Karnataka, and among the top places to visit as part of Udupi Tour Packages.

Malpe Beach is situated at the mouth of the Udyavara River, a small river that is commonly referred to as the Malpe River by the locals. Characterized by silver-white sands, and rocky islands, Malpe Beach is still quite secluded and not visited by a lot of tourists. It is one of the popular Udupi tourist places for those who want to spend some time alone at the beach.

The vast coastline of Malpe has four rocky islands. The northern-most island is the Daria-Bahadurgad, the middle one is the Daria-Gadara-Kallu, the southernmost island is the Kari-Illada-Kallu, while the fourth rocky island is St. Mary's Island, among the most famous and frequently visited one of all. St. Mary's Island can be reached from here.

The endless stretch of golden sand, graciously swaying palm trees, the clear blue sky, and the clean waters of the Arabian Sea all set a perfect mood for an unforgettable holiday. Besides, the beach offers a variety ...

Pilgrimage

At a distance of 60 km from Murudeshwar, 73 km from Udupi, 90 km from Jog Falls and 133 km from Mangalore, Sri Mookambika Devi Temple is a Hindu temple situated at Kollur in Udupi district of Karnataka. The temple is located in the valley of Kodachadri Mountain Peak on the banks of Souparnika River. Kollur is regarded as one of the Seven Mukti Stalas created by Parashurama and the other places are Udupi, Subrahmanya, Kumbasi, Kodeshwara, Sankaranarayana and Gokarna. It is a famous site of pilgrimage in Karnataka and one of the top places to visit near Murudeshwar.

This temple is dedicated to Goddess Parvathi. According to Legend, Goddess Parvathi killed a demon called Kamsasuran who lived here and attempted to become powerful through his penance. Devi along with the help of Veerabadra, Ganesha and Shiva initially made him dumb and he came to be called Mookasuran (Mooka means dumb). Later the goddess killed him with her Chakra and called as Mookambika thereafter. The place where Devi killed Mookasura is known as Marana Katte.

The Panchaloha (five metals) image of the Goddess Mookambika is stated to have been consecrated by Adi Shankaracharya during his visit to this place. Devi Mookambika has three eyes and four arms, with chakra and conch in her hands sitting in the padmahasana ...

Beach

At a distance of 10 km from Karwar Bus Stand, Majali Beach is located at Majali Village, which is a small coastal town lies on the northern tip of coastal Karnataka and just a few kilometers South of Goa. This 4.5 km long beach is situated towards north of Devbagh beach. Indulging in activities at Majali Beach is one of the top things to do in Karwar.

Majali Beach is a renowned attraction in Karwar and is known for its sea facing cottages and resorts. Majali Beach Village offers six Row Cottages with all the modern amenities. Apart from this, the resort also boasts of wonderful Wood House and Tree House. The resorts located along the beach provide with facilities like private balcony, sit-outs, in-house laundry and many more. Majali Beach Village has a fine restaurant that offers delicious local and coastal cuisine.

The Resort also offers recreation facilities like boating, fishing, kayaking, pedaling, a swing on the lake etc. Cruises to the Tilmati Beach, with its unique stretch of black sand, trips to the islands nearby, dolphin watching, river cruises, rock climbing, visit to ship wreck, bird watching, and much more. It is beautiful to see the sunset in the evening.

Lake & Backwater

At a distance of 10 km from Chikmagalur & 50 km from Kemmanagundi, Hirekolale Lake is a beautiful manmade lake situated in Chikmagalur. It is one of the well-known tourist places in Chikmagalur.

Surrounded by high mountains, this beautiful lake is awe-striking for every spectator, and mustinclude places in Chikmagalur Tour Packages. This lake was built to supply water to Chikmagalur town and assist in the irrigation of lands in all the villages situated nearby.

The lake is encompassed by gorgeous surroundings and offers a serene retreat for people coming along with friends and family wishing to have a great time. It also offers the most fascinating views of the landscape during sunset and is a delight for photography lovers who are looking to add an idyllic sunset shot to their travel albums. The famous hills of Mullayanagiri can be viewed from here.

This place can be easily accessed from the town of Chikmagalur. It can be visited throughout the year. There is no boating facility at the lake.

Timings: 6 AM - 6 PM

Entry: Free

Historical & Heritage

At a distance of 39 km from Kemmangundi, 47 km from Shimoga, and 79 km from Chikmagalur, Amruthapura is a village located in the Chikmagalur district of Karnataka which is well known for the famous Amruteshwara Temple. It is one of the historical places to visit as part of Kemmanagundi Packages.

The Amruteshwara Temple is an ancient temple built in 1196 AD by Amruteshwara Dandanayaka, a general of the Hoysala ruler Veera Ballala II. Ruvari Mallitamma, the well-known Hoysala sculptor and architect is known to have started his career here working on the domed ceilings in the main mantapa. On the porch of the temple is a large stone inscription, a fine example of medieval Kannada poetry. This temple is situated near the Bhadra Reservoir in the Malnad region surrounded by coconut and palm plantations. It is one of the best places to visit in Kemmanagundi.

Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this temple was built using soft claystone. This medium-sized temple showcases excellent craftsmanship of Hoysala architecture. This temple is in the ekakuta style, it has just one vimana, unlike other trikuta temples built by Hoysalas at Somnathpur and Belur. The temple has a large maha mantapa and a ranga mandapa connecting it to the beautifully carved main sanctum. The inner shrine is square-shaped with ...

Pilgrimage

At a distance of 100 km from Mangalore, Kukke Subrahmanya Temple is a sacred Hindu temple located at Kukke near Mangalore. It is one of the most famous temples in Karnataka and among the must-visit places as part of Mangalore holiday packages.

Dedicated to Lord Murugan, Kukke Subrahmanya Temple is one of the important temples of Lord Subrahmanya (Lord Murugan), and among the famous pilgrimage places to visit near Mangalore. This temple is famous for Sarpa Dosha. Lord Subrahmanya is worshipped as the protector of all serpents. The epics mention that the divine serpent Vasuki and other serpents found refugee under Lord Subrahmanya when attacked by Garuda.

Pilgrims visiting the temple have to cross the Kumaradhara River and take a holy dip in it before entering the temple. According to Mythology, Lord Kumaraswamy killed the demon rulers Taraka, Shoorapadmasura in a war; and washed his Shakti Ayudha in this river (hence the river is named Kumaradhara). This is also one of the famous places of trekking in Karnataka.

Sarpa Samskara/Sarpa Dosha is one of the poojas performed at this temple by devotees to get rid of the sarpa dosha. Kukke Subramanya can be reached by road from Mangalore and Bangalore.

Timings: 6:30 AM - 1:30 PM & 3:30 PM - 8 PM

Beach

At a distance of 16 km from Udupi, Kaup Beach is a beautiful beach situated close to NH17 between Udupi & Mangalore. It is one of the must include places in Udupi Tour Packages, and among the best beaches near Bangalore.

Kaup Beach is one of the famous beaches in Karnataka where tourists enjoy the beauty of the environment, the long stretches of golden sands, and the cool sea breeze. The beach is covered by palm groves. There is a lighthouse here, constructed in 1901, which is open every day for an hour from 5.30 AM. The delightful view of the entire seashore and the beach from the lighthouse is every photographer's dream.

Besides the lighthouse, Kaup also has ruins of Jain Basadis that line across the stretch of sand, and these are definitely worth a visit. Kaup is also known for the temple of Goddess Mariamman. There is also an ancient fort located in Kaup which is in ruins now.

This beach is also popular with students who come from Manipal, a student town. The beach also has small shacks and eateries where one can sample a bit of the local cuisine.

Timings: 6 AM - 6 PM

Pilgrimage

At a distance of 14 km from Honavar, and 15 km from Murudeshwar, Ganapati Temple is a Hidu temple situated at Idagunji village near Murudeshwar. It is one of the famous temples in this region, and among the popular places to visit in Murudeshwar.

Located on the left bank of River Sharawati, the Idagunji Temple is dedicated to Lord Ganesha. According to the legend, Lord Ganapati stayed in this place which was known as Kunjaranya. It is said to be a place of penance selected by ancient Rishis. The importance of Idagunji is mentioned in the Skanda Purana. This temple is one of the major pilgrimage centers in Karnataka and attracts more than 1 million devotees per year.

Lord Vinayaka can be seen here in a standing posture, which is a rare sight. Vinayaka Chathurthi is the major festival celebrated here. Idagunji can be reached by bus from Honavar or Manki.

Timings: 6AM - 1PM & 3PM - 8.30PM

Entry: Free

Waterfall

At a distance of 500 m from Apsara Konda Bus Stop, 7 km from Honavar, 28 km from Kumta and 20 km from Murudeshwar, Apsara Konda Falls is a small waterfall located in the Uttara Kannada (North Canara) district of Karnataka. It is one of the scenic tourist places near Murudeshwar.

The water cascades down from a height of 10 meters into a pond below. The specialty of this pond is that it faces the sea and appears like a lagoon. People say that Angels used to come from heaven and take bath in that pond, hence the name Apsara Konda. Reaching the base of the waterfall is an easy as steps have been built to make the trail easier for the public. A unique fact about the waterfall is that the water flows down through the roots of a peepal tree while descending to the pond below. The pond is very safe for swimming and playing.

Just few mins walk from the falls is a magnificent hill which has a viewpoint. The hill and beach offer a beautiful view of sunset. Apsara Konda Hill contains many small and big caves known as Pandava Caves. People believe that Pandava's had stayed in these caves during their exile. Karnataka tourism department has taken initiatives to develop this place as major tourist attraction. The department built a beautiful park in the hillock and boating is initiated in the pond. As a result Apsara Konda is witnessing many tourists these days.

There is a beautiful temple - Umamba Maha Ganapathi and Ugra Narasimha ...

Pilgrimage

At a distance of 70 km from Mangalore, Dharmasthala is a sacred town in Karnataka. Situated on the banks of the Nethravathi River, it is one of the famous places of pilgrimage in Karnataka, and among the popular places to visit as part of Mangalore Packages.

The main attraction of Dharmasthala is the famous Manjunatha Temple. This place is also known as Sri Kshetra, and is one of the top places to visit near Mangalore. Dedicated to Lord Shiva in the form of Manjunatha or Lokeshwara, this temple dates back to 16th Century. It is said that the Shiva Linga worshipped at this temple was procured from Kadri Temple in Mangalore. This place was known as Kuduma and was later renamed Dharmasthala in the 16th century by Vadiraja Swami of Udupi.

The shrines of four Dharma Daivas (Kalarahu, Kalarkaayi, Kanyakumari, and Kumaraswamy) are built well before Manjunatha Temple in Dharmasthala. Lakshadeepotsava celebrated in Kartheekamasa (Nov/Dec) is the main attraction of the temple.

This temple is involved in several social activities, especially, educational institutes for the poor.

Timings: 6:30 AM - 2:30 PM & 5 PM - 8:30 PM

Waterfall

About Jhari Falls


At a distance of 12 km from Baba Budangiri and 23 km from Chikmagalur, Jhari Waterfalls is a beautiful waterfall situated near Attigundi in the Chikmagalur district of Karnataka. This is one of the popular waterfalls in Chikmagalur and among the best Chikmagalur tourist places. It appears like a thin line of water cascading down when you look at the waterfall from close quarters hence it is popularly known as Buttermilk Falls.

Height of Jhari Falls


Situated on Chickmagalur - Baba Budangiri Road, Jhari Falls is a 2 tier waterfall that is tucked within the dense forests and coffee Plantations of Western Ghats. The waterfall is created by the springs generated in the mountains. The waterfall tumbles down the natural step-like structure formed by rocks from a height of 50 to 70 m. A pool is formed by the waterfall below which allows visitors to swim and play in the water. If you are an adventure junky then try to head to the 2nd tier of the waterfall, which is 30 m above. To reach the 2nd tier of the waterfall, you can take a muddy path that runs parallel to the wall of the falls. This is a little tricky path, hence you will not find many people attempting it.

Best Time to Visit Jhari Falls


The best time to visit the Jhari Falls is during the monsoon when the waterfall is in a full gush. However, travellers must be careful of the slippery roads and ...

Lake & Backwater

At a distance of 5 km from Sakharayapatna, 63 km from Chikmagalur and 25 km from Chikmagalur, Ayyanakere Lake is an ancient lake situated at the eastern base of Baba Budan Range hills. This is the biggest lake in the Chikmagalur district and the second largest lake in Karnataka. Ayyanakere is also called as Dodda Magoda Kere and it is surrounded by beautiful hills. It is one of the prime places to visit in Chikmagalur.

Ayyanakere Lake is one of the important places to visit during your Chikmagalur Tour. This lake believed to have been constructed by Rukmangada Raya, a ruler of Sakharayapatna. It was renovated in 1156 AD during Hoysala's rule. The sprawling lake was built to supply water for was agriculture. It supplies water for irrigating 21,560 hectares of land in the region.

Ayyanakere Lake is surrounded by mountains on three sides. There is a beautiful mountain called Shakunagiri. The 4,600 ft conical shaped Shakunagiri forms a picturesque backdrop for the lake. Positioned in the Malnad region, tourists visit the lake to witness beautiful sunrise and sunset. Tourists can also engage in recreational activities at the lake such as fishing and camping at the lakeside.

Sakharayapatna is also famous for Prasanna Balleshwara shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva built during Hoysala's ...

Historical & Heritage

At a distance of 1.6 km from Basavakalyan Bus Stand, 78 km from Gulbarga, and 80 km from Bidar, Basavakalyan Fort, earlier known as Kalyani Fort is located in the town of Basavakalyan. It is one of the popular places of heritage in Karnataka, and among the must include places in Bidar Tour Packages.

Basavakalyan Fort is considered to be one of the oldest and most imposing forts in South India. It was built by King Nalaraja in the 10th century. Basavakalyan, earlier known as Kalyani, was the royal capital of the Western Chalukyan Dynasty from 1050 to 1189. The name was changed to Basavakalyan in 1956. It is named after Basaveshwara, a spiritual scholar from the 12th century. During the rule of Chalukyas, Jainism flourished and a large number of Jain images were carved on the walls of the forts by Chalukya kings. It is one of the most popular places to visit in Bidar.

This fort was ruled by Yadavas of Devagiri, Kalachuris, Western Chalukyas, Bijapur Sultanate, Bidar Sultanate, Bahamani Sultanate, and Hyderabad Nizams. After the fall of Western Chalukyas in the 12th century, the fort lost its. The fort still shows signs of different dynasties ruled this region.

The fort is strategically built as a defensive structure, with inter-connecting boulders scattered on the hills with strong fort ...

Lake & Backwater

About Cauvery Nisargadhama


At a distance of 3 km from Kushalnagar, 7 km from Bylakuppe, 12 km from Dubare Elephant Camp, and 29 km from Madikeri, Cauvery Nisargadhama is an island formed by the River Cauvery in the Kodagu district of Karnataka. It is one of the most scenic Coorg tourist places and also a famous picnic spot for the people of Coorg.

This island was developed as a tourist spot in 1988 by the Forest Department. Spread over a sprawling 64-acre land, the island is filled with thick bamboo groves, sandalwood, and teak trees. The island is accessible through a hanging rope bridge. This island also features a deer park, Rabbit Park, Peacock Park, and Orchidarium. The Island is perfect for a picnic with the children. It is also an ideal destination for those who love nature and spend time by themselves. It is a very good site for seeing parakeets, bee-eaters and woodpeckers, and a variety of butterflies.

Things to do at Kaveri Nisargadhama


Elephant rides and boating in the Kaveri river are the major attractions here. Tourists are also allowed to get into the water at a few safe points along the river. People can also look at the rabbits at the lovely Rabbit Park, the elegant deers at the Deer Park, and the Peacocks at the popular Peacock Park.

Stay at Kaveri Nisargadhama


There ...

Waterfall

At a distance of 7 km from Baba Budangiri Dattatreya Peetha, 36 km from Kemmangundi & 29 km from Chikmagalur, Manikya Dhara Falls is situated in the dense forest of Baba Budangiri hills in Western Ghats of India. It is another popular attraction not to miss in a Chikmagalur tour package.

With a height of about 30 feet, the waterfall is situated midst dense Forest offering great views of Baba Budangiri Hills. Locally known as Nellikayi Theertha, this waterfall is considered as a holy site by Hindus as well as Muslims. Manikya Dhara, which literally means a string of pearls, is the ideal site for people looking for a peaceful and scenic atmosphere. According to the legend, saint Baba Budan along with his 4 disciples came to the site in search of water. After their prayers, they were blessed with water flowing from the mountains in the form of this waterfall.

People believe that bathing in this fall can cure various ailments. It is one of the main attractions of Baba Budangiri Hill. There are several shops around the fall that sell herbal medicines. The specialty of the fall is that it does not get drained during the summer. The waterfall also offers a splendid view of the surrounding natural beauty, while the mist covered hills and cool breeze add to the splendor of the site.

Pilgrims, who bath in the Manikyadhara Waterfall, leave behind ...

Waterfall

About Mallali Falls


At a distance of 54 km from Madikeri & 23 km from Somvarpet, Mallali Falls is a magnificent waterfall situated in the foothills of the Pushpagiri Mountains in the Coorg district of Karnataka. It is one of the most scenic waterfalls in Karnataka and also one of the popular Coorg tourist places.

Height of Mallali Falls


Formed by the Kumaradhara River, Mallali Falls drops down from a height of 200 feet and is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Coorg. The Kumaradhara River later flows through Kukke Subrahmanya and merges with the Netravati River at Uppinangadi, which then empties into the Arabian Sea at Mangalore. The surroundings of the waterfall provide a spectacular view of green forests, valleys, and mountain ranges.

Best Time to Visit Mallali Falls


The ideal time to visit Mallalli Falls is during the monsoons, from June to September when the water level is at its peak and flows at full speed. Even the greenery around is at its best during this time. During the summer season, the water of the fall almost dries down.

Mallali Falls Timings


Monday: 8 AM - 5.30 PM
Tuesday: 8 AM - 5.30 PM
Wednesday: 8 AM - 5.30 PM
Thursday: 8 AM - 5.30 PM
Friday: 8 AM - 5.30 PM
Saturday: 8 AM - 5.30 PM
Sunday: 8 AM - 5.30 PM

Mallali Falls Entry Fee


Entry: Free

How to Reach Mallali ...

Pilgrimage

At a distance of 9 km from Hangla, and 19 km from Bandipur, Gopalaswamy Betta is a majestic and lofty hill lying in the core area of the Bandipur National Park. It is one of the popular places to visit in places to visit in Bandipur.

Also known as the Himavad Gopalaswamy Betta, the Gopalaswamy Hills is situated at an altitude of 1,450 m. The hills get the prefix Himavad since the mountain is surrounded by mist all year round. Himavad means fog, while Betta means mountain in the native Kannada language. It is also the highest peak in the Bandipur National Park. A car festival is celebrated for 7 days in March / April.

The hill is famous for the Gopalaswamy temple dedicated to Lord Krishna. This temple was built by King Chola Ballala in 1315 AD. The hill thus is deemed to be a place of worship and holds great religious importance. Gopalaswamy Betta is also known for its picturesque views of the surrounding hills. There are several lakes around the hill. Visitors are particularly fond of the spectacular views of the sunrises and sunsets from the top of the hill.

As the hill is located in the core area of the Bandipur National Park it is frequented by wildlife, especially elephants. Hence, an elephant safari is offered at the place under administrative regulations. This fantastic experience ensures that the ...

Wildlife

At a distance of 16 km from Shimoga, the Sakrebyle Elephant Camp is a forest camp for captive elephants in Karnataka. Situated on Shimoga - Thirthahalli Road, it is one of the top places to visit as part of Shimoga tour packages.

Set amidst the calm and peaceful lush greens, the Sakrebyle Elephant camp is regarded as one of the best camps for training elephants in the Karnataka state. Many tourists and wildlife enthusiasts come to visit to explore the lifestyles of elephants residing in the camp and enjoy their time. Located on the banks of the Tunga River, the camp houses 25 elephants including both trained and untrained. These wild elephants are brought to the camp and tamed as well as being provided with nutrition and healthcare. The camp is maintained by the Karnataka Forest Department.

The Sakrebyle Elephant Camp is one of those ecotourism centers in Karnataka that offers general people an opportunity to look at the huge tuskers from close quarters. The main attraction of the camp is the interaction session allowed between the visitors and the elephants. The baby elephants are a fascinating watch. One can go for a ride or can bathe the elephants, feed the elephants, and also can reside in the camp stay to know much about the elephants. There is also a Children's park inside the elephant camp where children can have great fun. This place is perfect for both kids and adults.

Timings: 8. 30 AM - 11 ...

Wildlife

At a distance of 13 km from Shimoga, the Tyavarekoppa Lion & Tiger Safari is a safari park situated in Shimoga, Karnataka. Located on Shimoga - Sagara Road, it is one of the must-visit Shimoga tourist places, especially for wildlife enthusiasts.

Starting in 1998, the Tyavarekoppa Lion and Tiger Safari is the second safari park in Karnataka after Bannerghatta National Park. Spread across 200 hectares of land, Tyavarekoppa Safari park is the place to rehabilitate the lions and tigers that are rescued from circuses across India. It is an open zoo where wild animals can be seen roaming inside the reserve.

Despite the name, the lion and tiger are neither the only animals here, nor are they the only big cats here. Visitors can catch glimpses of leopards, sloth bears, deer, and many other species of animals. A relatively rare black panther was born here during 2012 and is available for public view as a caged animal.

The main attraction of the Tyavarekoppa Lion & Tiger Reserve is the jeep safari conducted by the forest department. The open jeep safari allows visitors to have a look at various wild animals from close quarters. One can watch a variety of rare migratory birds inside the reserve. The place also has a small zoo and a well-maintained children's park where the kids can have a nice time.

Timings: 10 AM - 1PM & 2. 15 PM - 5 PM, Closed on Tuesday & on Public Holidays

Entry: ...

Wildlife

At a distance of 32 km from Shimoga, Mandagadde Bird Sanctuary is a small picturesque sanctuary on an island located in the River Tunga at Mandagadde village near Shimoga. Located on Solapur - Mangalore Highway, it is one of the few bird sanctuaries in Karnataka, and among the best places to visit near Shimoga.

Spans an area of 1.14 acres, Mandagadde Bird Sanctuary is one of the 20 important bird sanctuaries in India, and among the few bird sanctuaries in the Malnad region of Karnataka. The sanctuary is visited by migrant birds as the roaring waters of the mighty Tunga River provide ideal conditions for nesting and breeding of the lovely birds. This spot is very much adjacent to the National highway between Shimoga to Thirthalli and easily reachable.

A part of Shettihalli Wildlife Sanctuary, Mandagadde sanctuary is important for bird nesting with over 5,000 birds here from July to September. The three most important of these species are Darters, Median Egrets, and Cormorants. The quaint little island is also graced by the presence of various other varieties, such as the Maiden Egret, Pied Kingfisher, Wooly Neck Stalk, Night Herons, Open-billed storks, etc. The birds prefer the top branches of the trees for nesting as the island is partially submerged by the swollen river Tunga during the monsoon.

The best season to visit would be between July and October, with August being the ...

Pilgrimage | Adventure / Trekking

At a distance of 17 km from Agumbe, and 96 km from Shimoga, Kundadri is a beautiful hill top located near Agumbe in the Shimoga district of Karnataka, India. It is one of the top places of trekking in Karnataka, and among the must-visit places as part of Agumbe tour packages.

Rising at an altitude of 3,200 feet, the Kundadri hill is known for the 17th-century Jain temple dedicated to Parshwanath Tirthankara. The name Kundadri is believed to be derived from the name of Acharya Kundakunda, a popular 4th century Jain Monk, who is said to have taken shelter in these hills. The small temple, along with two small ponds form the only building on top of Kundadri hills. The Jain Temple is particularly crowded amid the season of Makara Sankranti in January.

Boasting dense jungles of the Western Ghats, Kundadri is a trekker's haven and a paradise for nature lovers. A rough, 7 km rugged narrow path leads to the top of the hill and is a moderate trek. The trail can be a bit challenging at first but quickly becomes simpler and more rewarding as you take in the stunning scenery around you. One can also reach the top by driving your way up, except for the last fifty steps or so. However, the area is best explored whilst trekking in the surrounding jungles. From the top of the peak, you can have a panoramic view of the distant backwaters of the Varahi Dam. Camping in the ...

Lake & Backwater

At a distance of 14 km from Shimoga, Gajanur Dam is a concrete dam situated at Gajanur near Shimoga. It is one of the scenic places to visit in Shimoga during the monsoon season.

Gajanur Dam was built across the River Tunga in the year 1972 by Mysore Construction Company (MCC). The length of the dam is 770 meters, and the full reservoir level of 534 meters. The S-shaped dam was mainly constructed to provide water for drinking and irrigation purposes of Shimoga city and other taluks of the district. The engineering uniqueness of this dam is that there are 22 crest gates and yet, it can handle the River Tunga's thundering flows during monsoon. Water from the dam is pumped to Bhadra Dam during the peak monsoon season, which is then further used to serve dry regions of the Chitradurga district.

Gajanur Dam is one of the scenic picnic spots for tourists. Surrounded by lush green fields, plantations, and forests, the dam is a feast to the eyes when the gates are opened during the monsoon season. It is also the birthplace of Kannada actor Dr. Raj Kumar. Near Gajanur, one can find Sakrebyle which is famous for the Elephant training camp run by the government.

Timings: 10 AM - 4 PM

Entry: Free

Lake & Backwater

At a distance of 10 km from Jog Falls, and 103 km from Shimoga, Linganamakki Dam is an earthen dam situated at Kargal village of Sagara taluk. Built across the Sharavathi River, it is one of the top places to visit as part of Jog Falls packages.

Linganamakki Dam was constructed by the Karnataka State Government in 1964. About 2.4 km long, Linganamakki Dam is considered to be one of the largest manmade reservoirs in the country. This dam has a height of 1,819 feet and a catchment area of 1991 sq. km. The main purpose behind building this dam was to help with providing irrigation facilities in that area and also help with supplying fresh drinking water. It derives most of its water requirements from the annual rainfall. Another water support of this dam is Chakra and Savahaklu water reservoirs, which are linked to the dam through a canal. There is also a hydroelectricity plant with a power generation capacity of 55 MW.

The scenery here is exhilarating with magnificent views of forested islands and hills covered in dense foliage. The islands are rich in biodiversity, and it is a lot of fun hopping from one to another on a kayak. One can indulge in many water sports such as boating, and kayaking in the backwaters of this dam. Various migratory birds and crocodiles can be spotted here. There is also a park for children here where they too can enjoy themselves.

Monsoon season is the best time to visit the ...

Adventure / Trekking

At a distance of 75 km from Bangalore City Junction, 16 km from Kanakapura & 112 km from Mysore, Bilikal Rangaswamy Betta is a hill near Kanakapura town. It is one of the highest hills in the area, and also one of the popular places to visit near Bangalore.

Situated at an altitude of 3780 ft, Bilikal Rangaswamy Betta is also called Bilikal Betta that means white rocks. It is one of the popular places for trekking around Bangalore. There is a temple dedicated to Lord Rangaswamy at the peak of Bilikal Betta. This temple is located underneath a huge, white-colored rock. The temple priest lives near to the temple and the only person living at the peak. Every year, pilgrims from the surrounding area climb this hill to celebrate a festival at the Rangaswamy temple at the top.

The Trekking Trail starts from Konala Doddi (which is about 58 kms from Bangalore City Junction - Bilikal Betta is 6 kms from here). Bilikal Rangaswamy Trek is a moderate one with a well marked path up till the peak. The trekking takes 2.5 hrs uphill and about 1.5 hr downhill. The trail begins with a half kilometer walk on a relatively level path, after which the forest becomes denser and the gradient of slope increases drastically. The trail constantly winds uphill at an incline and includes slightly steep ...

Adventure / Trekking

At a distance of 61 km from Bangalore City Junction and 5 km from Chikballapur, Skandagiri is an ancient mountain fortress lies at an altitude of about 1350 m. It is geographically located close to Nandi HIlls. This is among the best places for trekking near Bangalore especially famous for night treks, camping and bird watching.

Skandagiri is also known as Kalavara Durga. It has an ancient dilapidated fort that belonged to a local king and was later concurred and used by Tipu Sultan. After Tipu's downfall, the fort was ignored and laid in ruins. Today one can only see parts of the fort wall in some places.

The Skandagiri trek is a moderately difficult trek. There are two routes to reach the base of the hill. One is from Chikballapur town and the other as a detour from the road that leads to Nandi Hills. The trek starts from the Papagni Temple at the foot of the hill. This steep and fantastic trek through a maze of dense shrub is highly interesting. There are six series of stonewalls protecting an abandoned ancient temple on the hilltop.

Skandagiri is more famous for night trekking. Hundreds of people gather there on Saturday and Sunday mornings to watch the sunrise. It is best climbed very early in the morning or in a full moon night. Sunrise seen from the top is breathtaking. At the top of the hill is a stretch of flat area that has a temple and few stone pillars belonging to ancient houses. This 8 km trek comprises of ascending and descending through rugged ...

Historical & Heritage

At a distance of 9 km from Sagara, 31 km from Jog Falls, and 83 km from Shimoga, Keladi is a temple town located in the Sagar Taluk of the Karnataka state. It is one of the top places of heritage in Karnataka, and among the must include places in Jog Falls tour packages.

Keladi is known for its rich past and culture as it once served as the first capital of the Keladi Nayaka rulers, who were the feudals of the Vijayanagara Empire. Today, this historic town is adorned with two popular attractions - Keladi Rameshwara Temple and Keladi Museum. The Rameshwara Temple devoted to Lord Rameshwara is the finest example of Hoysala, Dravidian, and Kadamba architectural styles. Chowdappa Nayaka, who had built the temple, strategically placed every brick and tile to give rise to this awe-inspiring piece of work. The pillars are stunningly carved with epic gods and goddesses as well as animals.

The temple also houses the shrines of Lord Veerbhadra and Goddess Parvati. The specialty of the Parvati Temple is its exquisite ceiling that is covered with intricate flower patterns carved from wood, of which no two are the same. The stone sculpture of Ganda Berunda on the ceiling of the Veerbhadra temple is exquisite. It is a depiction of a two-headed garuda (a mythical bird) holding lions with its beak and elephants with its claws. The statue of Daksha Prajapati, featuring a goat-head ...

Historical & Heritage

At a distance of 30 km from Kolar and 98.5 km from Bangalore City Junction, Avani is a small village in Kolar district of Karnataka. Avani is renowned for housing varied ancient temples. It is one of top historical places to visit as part of your Bangalore tour and among the popular sightseeing spots around Bangalore. It is also a popular location for rock climbing.

The village of Avani received a prominent place mainly due to the legends associated with it. According to mythology, goddess Sita gave birth to her twin children Lava-Kusha at Avani. It is also said that the war between Lord Rama and his sons Lava and Kusha took place in this village. As per the local belief, sage Valmiki, the author of the epic Ramayana was residing here during the period of Ramayana.

Another legend has it that when Sri Narasimha Bharati IV of the Sringeri Sharada Peetham was on his sancharas', he camped here for a few days. During his stay in Avani, he discovered an idol of Goddess Sharada. The idol was in standing posture flanked by Adi Shankaracharya with Sri Chakra. He established a new Mutt, which is presently known as Avani Sringeri Jagadguru Shankaracharya Sharada Peetham.

Avani also houses a Sita temple situated on a hill. This temple is one of the few temples dedicated to Sita Devi in India. This temple has the idols ...

Historical & Heritage | Pilgrimage

At a distance of 2 km from Magadi Bus station and 44.5 km from Bangalore City Junction, The Ranganatha Swamy Temple located in Magadi is an ancient temple and a protected monument. This is one of the popular pilgrimage sites to visit around Bangalore.

The Ranganathaswamy temple is situated on a hill called Tirumale. There is a vast Prakara with a gateway having tall Rajagopura. The sanctum of the Ranganatha temple was first consecrated in early 12th century by the Chola ruler and the temple has undergone renovations and expansion since. The beautiful gopuras were built by Vijayanagara emperor Krishnadevaraya in the 16th century and later renovated by King Jayachamaraja Wodeyar of Mysore. There are structures inside the sanctum which were also built by the Cholas and later renovated.

The temple dedicated to Lord Ranganatha is actually a standing image of Narayana about 3 ft tall in Vijayanagara style with Shankha, Chakra, Gada and Abhaya attributes in four hands. The main deity is traditionally believed to be installed by Mandavya Rishi. Gopura of the temple is in Dravidian style. There are beautiful pillars inside the temple. Usually the idol of Lord Ranganatha would be in reclining position. But here it is in standing posture. Originally it is said to be the idol of Lord Venkateshwara. During the period of Tippu Sultan, many Hindu temples were destroyed. To save this temple, they called Venkateshwara as Ranganatha, as Tippu Sultan was faithful to his god Ranganatha ...

Historical & Heritage

At a distance of 6 km from Sagara, 32 km from Jog Falls, and 77 km from Shimoga, Ikkeri is a small town situated in the Sagara taluk of Shimoga district, Karnataka. It is one of the of the best heritage places to visit during your Jog Falls trip.

The historical town of Ikkeri was the erstwhile capital of the Keladi Nayakas for 120 years during the 16th-17th centuries. The Keladi rulers built temples, a citadel, and a palace in Ikkeri during their rule. At that time Ikkeri also had a mint that minted coins. A lot has changed since those ancient times and Ikkeri has lost much of its grandeur. The only vestige of its former greatness is the temple of Aghoreshwara. The word Ikkeri in Kannada means 'Two Streets'.

The magnificent 16th-century Aghoreshwara Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is a large granite structure built in a unique style that has the influences of the Dravidian, Kadamba, Hoysala, and Vijayanagara schools of architecture. The temple faces north and has a lofty roof with ornamental doorways on the west, north, and east. There are three shrines, the biggest dedicated to Aghoreshwara (Shiva), a Parvati shrine to its left, and a Nandi in the front.

The Garbhagriha, which is built of huge stones, contains a gigantic pedestal occupying nearly three-fourths of the whole space and is sculptured all around with 32 seated female figures called Shakti Peetha. The main deity Lord Shiva is in the ...

Lake & Backwater | Nature & Scenic

At a distance of 21 km from Jog Falls, and 101 km from Shimoga, Honnemaradu is a small town hidden away beside the beautiful and sprawling backwaters of the Sharavathi River. It is one of the offbeat places to visit in Jog Falls.

Situated on the way to Jog Falls, Honnemaradu is located on the hills that overlook the Linganamakki Reservoir. The village derived its name from the Honne tree. However, the literal meaning of Honnemaradu is Golden Lake, a big water reservoir that was created due to the Linganamakki Dam built across River Sharavathi, and the reservoir is also known as Honnemaradu Lake after the village. The reservoir area used to be a village before the dam was built. Now, post the construction, the village is very sparsely populated and the Honnemaradu Lake is pretty much the only tourist sight.

This sleepy little town is a paradise for sport-buffs and a haven for nature-lovers. Encompassing an area of 50 km by 80 km, the reservoir at Honnemaradu is known for its stunning views of sunrise and sunset. One can undertake hiking, boating, canoeing, kayaking, and wind rafting while in Honnemaradu. Camping is allowed on the island nestled in the middle of the lake. In addition, Honnemaradu is popular with birdwatchers, who can spend hours watching and identifying the variety of birds and butterflies.

Timings: 6 AM - 5 PM

Entry: Free, Rs. 300 for Rafting, Rs. 500 - ...

Pilgrimage

At a distance of 40 km from Sagara, 40 km from Jog Falls, 46 km from Kollur, and 105 km from Shimoga, Sigandur is a small village in Sagar Taluk of Karnataka state. Surrounded by the backwaters of Linganamakki Dam, it is one of the popular places of heritage in Karnataka, and among the best places to visit as part of the Jog Falls holiday packages.

The small town of Sigandur is famous for the Chowdeshwari Temple. The temple is dedicated to the goddess Choudeshwari who is called 'Sigandureshwari'. The Goddess Chowdeshwari at Sigandur temple is very powerful and punishes thieves for stealing and protects her devotees from losing items to thievery. People who lost their valuables or who are facing property disputes reach Sigandur for the solution. It has also evident that many financial and personal issues are being resolved here. It has been believed that the name board from the temple with a noticing message 'Shri deviya rakshane ide' had been glued or stuck in front of their disputed land to solve their issue.

The temple has around 300 years of history. Legend says that once upon a time a person called Sheshappa went hunting in Jungles near Sigandur and lost inside the jungles. When he was resting below a tree, a goddess appeared in his dream and asked him to build a temple for her. He went and told his experience to a Brahmin named 'Duggajja' in his village. ...

Historical & Heritage

At a distance of 46 km from Kollur, 57 km from Sagara, and 84 km from Shimoga, Nagara Fort is an ancient fort situated in Nagara town near Shimoga. It is one of the magnificent forts in Karnataka, and among the top places to visit near Shimoga.

Also known as Shivappa Nayaka Fort or Bidanur Fort, Nagara Fort was built by Veerabhadra Nayaka of the Keladi dynasty in 1640, after Ikkeri, the original capital of Ikkeri rulers was lost to the Sultans of Bijapur. Shivappa Nayaka succeeded Veerabhadra Nayaka and is credited with taking the Keladi Dynasty to its peak and improving the fort. Raja Ram, son of Shivaji Maharaj of Maratha is said to have taken asylum in Nagara Fort. The Nagara Fort was referred to as the Bidanur Fort till the 16th century as Bidanur was the last capital city of the Keladi Kingdom. The fort later fell into the hands of Haider Ali in 1763.

The beautiful Nagara Fort is built on a small hill near a lake and is a popular place known for its scenic views. Much of the fort is in ruins but one can see the remains of the palace, guardrooms, wells, storage facilities, watchtower, and canons. The fort has a well-developed system to circulate water. Nagara fort's main entrance and exterior walls are largely intact, helping us understand and appreciate the rich history. Another important area in the fort that is worth mentioning is the Devagange, the royal bathing area. It consists of 7 ponds of different shapes and sizes and these ponds contain water collected ...

Pilgrimage

At a distance of 17 km from Shimoga, Koodli, also spelled Kudli or Kudali, is a small historic village in the Shimoga district of Karnataka. It is one of the popular places of pilgrimage in Karnataka, and among the top places to visit during your Shimoga tour.

Kudli is one of the holiest places in South India and is the site of the confluence of two holy rivers Tunga & Bhadra. They meet here to give rise to the Tungabhadra River, a tributary of the Krishna River. Koodli has been an important place of worship, meditation, and peace since ancient times. The small village is home to some really important and old temples whose origin goes back to the beginning of the last millennium. The place is known as the 'Varanasi of the South' due to the presence of temples like Rameshvara, Narasimha, Brahmeshvara, and Rushyashrama.

The Rameshvara Temple is standing at the meeting point of the Tunga and Bhadra rivers and is a 12th-century temple with Hoysala era architecture. Dedicated to Lord, the temple is protected as a monument of national importance by the Archaeological Survey of India. Built with soapstone, the Rameshvara Temple has three entrances and a single vimana with an open mantapa. The sanctum houses a linga, the universal symbol of the god Shiva. Inside the temple and facing the sanctum is a platform on which is mounted a sculptured Nandi. There is also a popular Sri Chintamani Narasimha Swamy Temple here.
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Lake & Backwater

At a distance of 20 km from Tarikere, 31 km from Shimoga, 52 km from Kemmangundi, and 78 km from Chikmagalur, Bhadra Dam is a magnificent dam built across Bhadra River near Lakkavalli village. It is one of the popular places to visit in Shimoga.

The dam offers wonderful views of the surrounding hills. There are several small islands formed by the reservoir and these islands are shelters for migrating birds. Boating facility is available in the reservoir. The forests & valleys surrounded by the dam are rich in wildlife and the reservoir is the western border of Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary.

Safari into the Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary starts from River Tern Lodge near Bhadra Dam.

Lakkavalli can be easily reached from Tarikere.

Waterfall

At a distance of 40 km from Jog Falls, and 139 km from Shimoga, Dabbe Falls is a waterfall located at Dabbe or Dhombe village in Sagar taluk of Shivamogga district in Karnataka. Situated on Bhatkal - Siddapura Highway, it is one of the many beautiful waterfalls near Shimoga, and among the scenic Jog Falls tourist places.

Nestled within the lush green folds of Sharavathi Wildlife Sanctuary, Dabbe Falls is a hidden gem in the Shimoga region of Karnataka. The height of the waterfall is about 110 m and is a stepped waterfall, where a pool in each step overfills and flows down to another one below it hence the name Dabbe Fall where 'dabbe' means 'steps' in the native language. The waterfall is also known as Kepjoga in the native language as it makes a lot of sound while gushing down the rocks.

This is a picture-perfect waterfall that is immersed in nature and it is bound to sweep any one of their feet with its beauty. Moreover, as this place is tucked deep inside the jungles of Western Ghats, one has to trek through muddy terrains, dense forests, paddy fields, crossing many streams, and descending steep cliffs to reach the falls. When you are at the bottom of the falls, jump into the huge pool formed by the waterfall and enjoy a good swim. The cold and clean water of the falls can leave you refreshed and rejuvenated. This waterfall is also a good place for clicking photographs.

The ...

Waterfall

At a distance of 20 km from Hebri, 30 km from Agumbe, and 47 km from Udupi, Kudlu Teertha Falls is a picturesque waterfall located deep in the jungles of the Western Ghats near Hebri. Also known as Sita Falls, it is one of the most beautiful and most pristine falls in Karnataka and among the best places to visit near Agumbe as part of Udupi tour packages.

Located on Udupi-Agumbe Road, Kudlu Theertha is the first waterfall on the River Sita. It is a spectacular waterfall that drops from a height of about 300 feet into a pond. Legend has it that thousands of years ago sages used to meditate near the place where the pond exists today. As such, the local people consider the water of the pond to be very holy.

The pond where the water drops from the mountain is not very deep. Visitors can walk to a point where they can stand beneath the falling water and enjoy a refreshing bath. However, visitors need to exercise caution while putting their heads under a thick stream of water as the water drops down with immense force. Apart from waterfalls, the place is also known for its serene atmosphere. There is one more waterfall above Kudlu Theertha called Manga Theertha but there is no direct access to this fall.

Koodlu Theertha has remained as an isolated beauty that can only be reached by trekking through the dense forest. To reach the waterfall, trekkers have to cross the river Sita through a bridge built across it. The ...

Pilgrimage

At a distance of 41 km from Jog Falls, and 140 km from Shimoga, the Bheemeshwara temple & waterfall is a sacred pilgrimage site situated at Bheemeshwara village near Kargal town in Karnataka. Situated on Bhatkal - Siddapura Highway, it is one of the scenic places to visit near Shimoga, and among must-include places in Jog Falls packages.

Sri Bheemalingeshwara Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one of the ancient temples in Karnataka. According to mythology, the Bheemeshwara temple was constructed by Bheema, the second among the Pandavas, by bringing Shivlinga at the place, during their 14 years of exile and was established by Dharmaraya, the elder brother of Pandavas on the auspicious day of Maha Shivratri. There is a waterfall next to the temple called Bheemeshwara falls and is believed that the waterfall formed when Arjuna used his arrow to extract water from the rocks for puja.

The specialty of Bheemeshwara waterfalls is that the water never dries out throughout the year. On Maha Shivarathri, there will be a big Puja offered to the Lord by the local people every year. The lush green forests, blue skies as far as the eyes can see, and silence so resounding that you can hear your own breath, surely invite any heart wanting to lose itself in the lap of nature.

The Bheemeshwara temple and waterfalls are about 2.5 - 3 km from the main road. This distance is accessible via a slushy mud road not ...

Waterfall

At a distance of 32 km from Agumbe and 35 km from Udupi, Jomlu Theertha Falls is a mesmerizing waterfall situated at Handikallu village near Agumbe. It is one of the breathtaking waterfalls in Karnataka and among the best places to visit in Agumbe as part of the Agumbe Tour.

Located in the Someshwara Wildlife Sanctuary, Jomlu Theertha is small waterfall cascades down a rocky terrain from a height of 20 feet in the middle of the dense natural reserve. It is the second waterfall created by the River Sita, the first one being the Koodlu Theertha Falls. The gushing sound of the waterfall, the chirping of birds, and the calm atmosphere add to the charm of the falls.

The place is perfect for weekend getaways with family and friends. The beautiful waterfall is ideal for taking a bath in its refreshing water. However, caution must be exercised by visitors during the monsoon season as the currents are very strong here. In fact, it is better not to enter the water during the rainy season as there have been several instances where people have lost their lives due to drowning in the water of the Jomlu Theertha Falls. For those who want to enjoy a bath in the water of the falls, it is advisable to visit the place after the monsoon season.

It is advisable to carry food and water while on a trip to visit the waterfall as there are no shops near the falls. Visitors can carry fishing rods and try their hands at fishing in the water of the river.

Timings: 6 AM - 6 PM

Entry: ...

Waterfall

At a distance of 52 km from Agumbe, and 77 km from Udupi, Kunchikal Falls is a stunning waterfall located at Nidagodu village near Masthikatte in Shimoga district of Karnataka. Situated on the Shimoga-Udupi border, it is one of the beautiful waterfalls in Agumbe.

Formed by Varahi River, Kunchikal Falls cascades down from a height of about 455 m. The Kunchikal waterfall is 116th highest waterfall in the world and the highest waterfall in India. The River Varahi flows down from a greater altitude in a cascading manner over these rocky structures close to the Hulikal Ghati Temple. It is the main source of one of Karnataka's hydroelectric projects. Its evergreen natural beauty and vitalizing airs mesmerize visitors and attract tourists in large numbers every year. Situated amidst the dense lusty woods, the waterfalls are also a popular trekking spot.

After construction of Mani Dam near Masthikatte and underground power generation station near Hulikal, the water flow to this falls is greatly reduced and visible only during the rainy season (July-Sept). As the waterfall is within the restricted area, Gate pass is required to visit and the pass is being issued at Hosangadi village (about 15 km away). The area surrounding the waterfall is preserved very well to maintain the serenity of the area.

The best time to visit the Kunchikal Falls is during the rainy season i.e. from July to September. The enormous flow of water that gushing out of the waterfall is indeed a ...

Wildlife

At a distance of 21 km from Agumbe, and 47 km from Udupi, Someshwara Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected wildlife sanctuary located in the Western Ghats of Karnataka. Lies in Udupi & Shivamogga districts of Karnataka, below Agumbe, it is one of the lesser-known places of wildlife in Karnataka.

Someshwara Wildlife Sanctuary was established in 1974 with an area of 88.40 sq. km. In 2011, the sanctuary was subsequently expanded to 314.25 sq. km by adding Balehalli Reserve Forest, Agumbe State Forest, Someshwara Reserved Forest, and Tombatlu Reserved Forest areas. The expanded sanctuary forms a contiguous stretch of protected area that includes Mookambika Wildlife Sanctuary, Sharavathi Wildlife Sanctuary, and Kudremukh National Park. The sanctuary was named after the presiding deity 'Lord Someshwara' of the famed Someshwara temple located within the sanctuary. The perennial Sita River flows through the sanctuary.

The sanctuary is home to several animals including Barking Deer, Bonnet Macaque, Common Langur, Gaur, Jackal, Leopard, Lion Tailed Macaque, Sambar, Spotted Deer, Tiger, Wild Dog, and Wild Pig. There are also a few exquisite birds like Ceylon Frogmouth, Malabar Pied Hornbill, Malabar Trogon, and Malabar Whistling Thrush which can be found in the Someshwara Wildlife Sanctuary. Reptiles like pythons, Monitor lizards, and King Cobras abound in the forest. The forest is also a butterfly lover's paradise.

The sanctuary ...

Wildlife

At a distance of 23 km from Bangalore City Railway Station, Bannerghatta National Park is a wildlife park spread in reserve forests of Anekal Range in Karnataka. At an altitude of 1245 - 1634 m, this one of the most famous wildlife parks in Karnataka and among the top tourist places in Bangalore. This park is part of a wildlife corridor for elephants which connects the BR Hills and the Sathyamangalam forest. Bannerghatta is one of the popular national parks in India and among the must include place in Bangalore packages.

Bannerghatta National Park was founded in 1971 and declared as a national park in 1974. Spread over an area of 25,000 acre and a portion of the park became a biological reserve called the Bannerghatta Biological Park in 2002. The park consists of the main Nature Reserve, a zoo, a children's park, an aquarium, a crocodile park, a museum, a butterfly park, a snake park and a safari park. The forest consists of deciduous trees and thorny scrubs.

This is a very prominent destination that attracts people from different parts of the country. The park is home to tigers, lions, leopards, bison, deer, bears, birds and butterflies. One of the main attractions of this park is lion and tiger safari or Grand Safari. The one-hour long ...

Museum & Gallery | Miscellaneous

At a distance of 52 Kms from Bangalore City Railway Station, the Folk Art Museum or Janapada Loka is situated on the Bangalore - Mysore highway near Ramanagaram. This is one of the popular places of interest in Bangalore.

Numerous collections of masks, artifacts, costumes, collection of folk music and videos of folk dances are exhibited in the museum. Spread over 15 acres, the artifacts in the museum are kept in three buildings namely Lokamahal, Lokamatha Mandira and Chitrakuteera. In Lokamahal the visitors can find interesting folk puppets, utensils, instruments, weapons and masks. In Lokamatha Mandira a wide variety of baskets, utensils and earthen jars are featured which were used to store & grain pickles. In the Chitrakuteera a number of photographs covering different aspects of folk life is displayed.

The other attraction of the museum is a huge elegantly carved temple chariot. The museum also has an amazing amphitheatre. There is a lake at the rear end of the museum with boating facility.

Timings: 10.30 AM to 5 PM.

Nature & Scenic | Waterfall

At a distance of 93 Kms from Bangalore (via Kanakapura), 107 Kms from Mysore, Sangama and Mekedatu are two lovely places situated nearby. This is one of the famous weekend getaways from Bangalore. Sangama is the place where Arakavathi river merges with River Kaveri. From this point, about 3.5 kilometers downstream, Mekedatu is a place where river Kaveri flows through a deep and narrow gorge. These two are the must visit places for those people who want to relax amidst pristine nature as part of Bangalore trip.

Mekedatu means goat's leap in Kannada. River Kaveri flows into a deep and narrow gorge, so narrow that a goat could leap over it and that is how it got its name. It is said that a goat being chased by a tiger saved its life by jumping over the gorge whereas the tiger did not attempt to take the risk and abandoned the chase. When reaching the gorge the river flows ferociously onto the rocks sculpting them into some amazing shapes. The river Kaveri flows through a deep ravine of just 5-10 meter wide. The water flow is very fierce at this place during monsoons making it very dangerous to swim here. The rocks are also very steep and slippery, and visitors need to be careful while descending the rocks. Several tourists downed here due to water force and slippery rocks.

Sangama, 3.5 kms ahead of Mekedatu, is the confluence of Kaveri and Arakavathi. ...

Adventure / Trekking | Nature & Scenic

At a distance of 60 Kms from Bangalore (situated close to NH207 towards Chik Ballapur), Nandi Hills or Nandidurga is a popular trekkig destination near Bangalore. Located close to Skandagiri, it is one of the must visit places for trekking enthusiasts as part of Bangalore tour packages and among the popular one day trip from Bangalore.

It gets its name from the ancient Nandi or bull which is meant to be the mount of Lord Shiva. These hills are the source of the rivers Palar, Arkavati and Pennar. It was one of the Tipu's summer retreats. There are about 1,200 steps laid from foot of the hill to reach the top. Bhoga Nandishwara Temple situated at the foot of the hills is a must see place which houses a 1000 year old sculpture of Nandi.

Tipu Sultan's Summer Palace and Tipu's Drop, a 600 ft cliff from where Tipu Sultan used to throw his prisoners, offers a spectacular view of the valley. Amrita Sarovar Lake, ruins of Tipu Sultan's fort are other places to visit. There are also three temples dedicated to Sri Ugra Narasimha, Sri Yoga Narasimha and Sri Bhoga Narasimha.

There are few accommodation options available on the peak for those who want to experience early morning sunrise, though trekking the peak early in the morning is the best option. Self camping on the peak is not safe.

Adventure / Trekking


At a distance of 50 Kms from Bangalore (close to NH4 towards Tumkur), Shivaganga Hill lies at an altitude of 4599 ft and it is a good short trekking destination near Bangalore and a popular tourist place to visit near Bangalore.

There are also two Shiva temples, one very close to the foot of the hill, called Shivaganga Temple and another one at top of the hill, called Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple. The unique feature of the hill is that it looks like a bull from the East, a Ganesha from the West, a Linga from the South and a cobra from the North. A set of well laid steps will lead you to the top of hill where the shrine of Gavi Gangadhareshwara Cave temple is situated. There is a ruined fort at the bottom of the hill near Shivaganga Temple.

The Gavi Gangadhareshwara temple is believed to be very ancient, built in 13th century by Hoysala's. The current structure was built during 18th century. There is a huge rock with a large Nandi statue which offers a panoramic view of the plains below the hill.

There is a fresh water spring called Pathala Ganga on the way to hilltop past Gavi Gangadhareshwara temple. The water here is considered to be as holy. The trek to hilltop takes around 30-40 minutes one way.

While driving from Bangalore, a diversion is required at Dobbaspet (before Tumkur) towards left and Shivaganga Hill is about 7 Kms from here.

Adventure / Trekking

At a distance of 72 Kms from Bangalore (near Tumkur), Devarayanadurga is a rocky hill situated in the midst of picturesque locality at an altitude of 3940 ft. The main attraction of Devarayanadurga is the temples of Yoga Narasimha & Bhoga Narasimha. The Bhoga Narasimha temple is located at the foothills while the Yoga Narasimha shrine is located at the top of the hill. This is one of the popular tourist places near Bangalore.

This is also an ideal place for trekking. Motorable road is available till the hill top. Many people trek the hill from the Bhoga Narasimha temple at foothill. One can driver further from Yoga Narasimha temple to the peak of the hill to capture a nice view of the valley and surrounding places.

Devarayanadurga is famous for the natural water spring called Namada Chilume which is considered as the source of Jayamangali River. There are two other springs known as Ramatirtha and Dhanushtirtha. There is a large cave nearby with figures of Rama, Sita and Lakshmana. The car festival of Sri Bhoga Narasimha Swamy is held during the month of March/April here.

Sri Lakshmi Narasimhaswamy Jayanthi, an annual celebration of Narasimha avathara day takes place here during the month of Chaitra (around May).

A diversion is required on NH4 before Tumkur at Kyathsandra to reach Devarayanadurga.

Waterfall

At a distance of 43 Kms from Bangalore (towards Hosur on NH7, diversion at Chandapura after Electronic City via Anekal), Muthyala Maduvu is a small & cute waterfall. Also known as Pearl Valley, this is one of the popular Bangalore tourist places to visit for halfday.

Muthyalu means Pearls and Maduvu means Pond or Pool in Kannada. Situated in the midst of hills, nestled deep down in a valley, this secluded place makes a fascinating picnic spot. It is known for its verdant surroundings with water falling from a height of over 100 ft. Take a dive in this crystal clear water and feel one with nature. There are a couple of waterfalls in a small narrow valley. Overlooking these falls is a small shrine dedicated to Shiva, adding a religious touch to the place.

Monsoons (Aug to Nov) is the best time to visit this place. A little walk over around 100 well laid steps from the parking place takes you to the falls. There is a restaurant and restrooms are available near parking place.

Adventure / Trekking

At a distance of 2 km from Chelavara Falls, and 37 km from Madikeri, Kabbe Peak is a mountain peak located in the Kodagu district of Karnataka. Situated near Chelavara village, it is one of the popular places for hiking in Karnataka, and among the must-include places in Coorg packages.

Kabbe Peak is located at an altitude of 1420 m, which is about 300 m short of the Thadiyandamol peak, the tallest point in Kodagu. The Chelavara River originates as a spring in the hills of Kabbe. The spectacular Chomakundh peak (1600 m) is located to the south-east of the Kabbe Hills. Kabbe Hills come alive during the monsoon season with tiny streams, small waterfalls, and lush sholas.

For adventure enthusiasts, Kabbe Hill is a trekker's paradise. One can trek to the peak of Kabbe from the Forest office, and it is an easy one that can be completed in 30 minutes. The first one-third of the trek was a gentle climb along an unevenly laid stone path. The next one-third of the trail was steeper but manageable. The trail was a continuous ascent for about 30 minutes till the summit.

The view from the top of the peak is mind-blowing and it takes your breath away. You can see endless stretches of verdant forests and beautiful valleys of Western Ghats filled with mist and clouds. On a clear day, one can even see the Kerala border on one side and Coorg on the other. The solitude and silence add a hint of charm to the view and the surroundings.

Hiking up Kabbe Peak or going all the ...

Waterfall

At a distance of 83 km from Bangalore, and 101 km from Mysore, Chunchi Falls is a serene waterfall situated near Harro Shivanahalli near Bangalore. It is one of the popular waterfalls near Bangalore, and among the must include places in Bangalore Tour Packages.

Lies en route to Mekedatu and Sangama, Chunchi Falls is formed over River Arkavathi and is one of the most visited tourist places near Bangalore. It drops down from a height of about 50 feet through multiple tiers into a small pool. It is an ideal place to swim, play & relax in water amidst naturally formed rock formations.

Located on the edge of the Western Ghats, the waterfall is surrounded by rocky hills and lush vegetation, which make the scene quite picturesque. On the way to Chunchi Falls, travellers also come across a watchtower from where one can get a panoramic 360-degree view of the rocky terrain adorned with deciduous forest. There is a power station ahead of Chunchi Falls. After the installation of the power station, the amount of water has reduced significantly in the Chunchi falls.

This place is usually crowded on weekends. A little walk is required from the nearest road point to reach the falls. The place is a little dangerous due to the slippery rocks and deep gorge on the way to the falls. It is advised ...

Historical & Heritage

At a distance of 15 km from Hassan, Nageshwara & Channakeshava Temples are the twin Hoyasala temples situated at Mosale village in the Hassan district of Karnataka. It is one of the popular Hoysala temples in Karnataka, and among the top places to visit in Hassan.

The Nageshvara-Chennakeshava temples are built in 1200 AD during the reign of Hoysala King Veera Ballala II. The temple complex is an elegant example of Hoysala architecture of the early 12th century. The temples together form a unique Dwikutachala. One of the temples is dedicated to Nageshwara (Lord Shiva), and the other is dedicated to Chennakeshava (Lord Vishnu). This temple complex is protected and maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India. According to a legend, the village of Mosale was also the hermitage of Sage Jamadagni.

Surrounded by a wall, the two temples stand side by side in the complex a few feet apart and are similar in architecture. It is one of the popular places of heritage in Karnataka. The temples are simple single-shrined structures with all the standard features of Hoysala architecture such as a porch entrance into a square closed mantapa or navaranga leading to the sanctum, and a superstructure (shikhara) over the main shrine. The sanctum is connected to the hall by a vestibule called sukhanasi. The closed hall, whose inner and outer walls are decorated, ...

Waterfall

At a distance of 36 km from Sirsi, and 54 km from Jog Falls, Unchalli Falls is a magnificent waterfall situated at Heggarni in the Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka. It is one of the best waterfalls in Karnataka, and among the must include places in Jog Falls Tour Packages.

Also known as Lushington Falls, Unchalli Falls is created by a 116 m drop in the Aghanashini River. The Aghanashini River here takes a deep plunge to create this spectacular waterfall. The waterfall is named after J.D. Lushington, a district collector of the British empire who discovered it in 1845. This waterfall is also known as Keppa Joga because of the deafening sound it makes. It is one of the top Jog Falls tourist places.

Heggarne is the nearest village to Unchalli Falls, which is about 5 km away and the last 2 km to be covered on foot. The trek path is wide and not very steep. There is no path to reach the bottom of the falls/pool and any attempt is also very dangerous. For the convenience of the visitor, the government built two viewpoints to view the falls but the dense forest surrounding makes it difficult to get a complete view of the falls.

The best time to visit the falls is from July to September when it will be in full bloom. It attracts locals and tourists from all over the world, with ...

Historical & Heritage | Pilgrimage

At a distance of 42 km from Hassan, 44 km from Halebidu, 71 km from Chikmagalur, the Ishvara Temple, also known as Chandramouleshwara Temple is an ancient Hindu temple located in Arasikere town of the Hassan district in Karnataka state, India. It is one of the stunning Hoysala temples in Karnataka, and among the top places to visit near Hassan.

Dedicated to the Hindu God Shiva, the Chandramouleshwara Temple at Arasikere was built in the 12th century by the Hoysalas. Though modest in size and figure sculpture, the temple is considered the most complex one in architecture among surviving Hoysala monuments because of its ground plan - a 16-pointed star-shaped mantapa (hall), along with an asymmetrical star-shaped shrine, whose star points are of three different types.

Like all Hoysala constructions, this east-facing temple was built with soapstone and is an ekakuta shrine (single shrine or cella) with two mandapas, one open and one closed. The sanctum (garbhagriha) enshrines a Shivalinga. The ceiling in the closed mantapa is divided into nine compartments or 'bays' by the four lathe-turned pillars. Unlike other temples, to have a darshan of Lord Shiva inside the garbhagriha, there is no direct straight access, since this particular mantapa is star-shaped. Instead, there are two lateral entrances at north and south of the mantapa.

The temple has a shikhara or tower with a decorated water pot like sculpture called kalasha on the top. The vestibule, which connects ...

Waterfall

At a distance of 30 km from Sirsi, 30 km from Unchalli Falls, and 77 Kms from Jog Waterfalls, Benne Hole Falls is a wonderful waterfall situated near Kasage village close to Sirsi - Kumta road. It is one of the beautiful waterfalls in Uttara Kannada district, and among the must-visit tourist places in Sirsi.

Benne Hole Fall is formed from the tributary of the Aghanashini River, which flows in the 'Devimane Ghat' region of the Western Ghats. It cascades down from the height of more than 200 feet into a pool around large and small rocks. The waterfall looks churning, creamy white butter hence the name Benne Hole where 'benne' means butter and 'hole' means big stream in Kannada. This location has another plus point for Bird-watchers as they can see birds such as plum headed parakeet, grey jungle fowl, common kestrel, woolly necked stork, jungle owlet, coppersmith barbet, orange minivet, black-headed oriole, and many more.

The waterfall is about 6 km from Sirsi - Kumta road after a village called Kasage. If you are on a Jeep or four-wheeler follow the jeep track towards the last house in Hosur village and then walk about 2 km to reach waterfalls. The regular path takes you to the top of the falls where several small pools are formed by the flow and it's a good place to relax. A diversion is required on the trek path to reach the bottom of the falls and is a little steep.

The ideal time to visit the waterfall is ...

Historical & Heritage | Pilgrimage

At a distance of 10 km from Hassan Railway Station, Bucheshvara Temple (also spelt Bucheshwara or Bucesvara temple) is an ancient Hindu temple located at Korvangla village in the Hassan district of Karnataka. It is one of the stunning Hoysala temples in Karnataka, and among the top tourist places in Hassan.

The Buchesvara Temple is a simple yet elegant specimen of the 12th century of Hoysala architecture. The temple was built in 1173 AD by a rich officer called Buchiraja to celebrate the coronation of Hoysala King Veera Ballala II. The Bucesvara Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva.

This is a dwikuta temple with two shrines facing each other. These shrines are connected by a closed mantapa, and an open mantapa. The western shrine facing east containing an image of Surya, the sun god, and the eastern shrine contains a Shivlinga. The entrance is very small and guarded by elephants. There are beautifully carved dwarapalaka statues on either side. This entrance leads to a Mukha mandapa which is supported by 32 pillars. The ceiling is partitioned into 13 parts and each is carved beautifully with lotus flowers. The navaranga is square and stands on four central lathe-turned round pillars. The ceiling of the navaranga has 9 ankanas decorated with different types of moldings. The open sabha mandapa is star-shaped, standing on four central lathe-turned round pillars.

The sanctum sanctorum has a huge Shivalinga made of black stone. As usual, there is a Nandi statue in ...

Adventure / Trekking | Nature & Scenic

At a distance of 24 km from Benne Hole Falls, 30 km from Kumta, 55 km from Sirsi, 86 km from Karwar, and 103 km from Jog Falls, Yana is a village in Uttar Kannada district in Karnataka. It is well known for the unique rock formations in the Western Ghats.

Among the most prominent places to visit in Jog Falls, Yana is famous for two massive rock formations known as the Bhairaveshwara Shikhara and the Mohini Shikhara. The huge rocks are composed of solid black, crystalline Karst limestone. Bhairaveshwara Shikhara is 120 m (390 feet) in height, while the Mohini Shikhara, which is smaller, is 90 m (300 feet) in height. A cave temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is found at the base of the Bhairaveshwara Shikhara. Water drips from the projecting rocks over the Shiva lingam, and people call this water Gangodbhava. The idol of Goddess Parvathi is found at the base of the Mohini Shikhara. Yana can also be visited as part of Sirsi Tour Packages.

According to mythology, once the demon king Bhasmasura performed penance to acquire a boon from Lord Shiva. As per the boon, whatever he touched burnt into ashes. Bhasmasura chased Lord Shiva to destroy him, who found refuge in the Bhairaveshwara peak at Yana. It is also believed that the other peak called Mohini is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, who took the form ...

Wildlife | Lake & Backwater

At a distance of 61 km from Gundlupete, 66 km from Mysore, 68 km from Kutta, 128 km from Ooty, and 209 km from Bangalore, Kabini is one of the most popular haunts for those who love to explore the wildlife sanctuaries in India and enjoy getting up close with nature. Kabini can be visited along with Mysore Tour.

Kabini is a region situated around the banks of the Kabini River. It is a part of Nagarhole National Park, famous for its spectacular wildlife and birdlife. It is the starting point of wildlife safari in the south-eastern part of Nagarhole. There is a dam built on Kabini River near Sargur which spread over an area of 55 hectares covering forests, rivers, lakes, and valleys. The backwaters of the Kabini reservoir are very rich in wildlife especially in summer when the water level recedes to form rich grassy meadows. During summer, animals in large numbers gather near the lake.

There are different kinds of accommodation facilities available near Kabini which include Orange County Resort, Kabini River Lodge, The Bison, Red Earth Resort, Waterwoods Lodge and Resorts, Kabini Lake View Resort, and The Serai. Besides accommodation, the resorts also offer several facilities to its guests like Wildlife Safari, Coracle Ride, Boat ...

Historical & Heritage | Pilgrimage

At a distance of 18 km from Halebidu, 21 km from Hassan, and 24 km from Belur, Lakshmi Devi temple is an ancient Hindu temple located at Doddagaddavalli village in the Hassan district of Karnataka. Situated on the Hassan - Belur highway, it is one of the stunning Hoysala temples in Karnataka, and among the top tourist places in Hassan.

Dedicated to goddess Lakshmi, the Lakshmi Devi Temple at Doddagaddavalli was built by a merchant called Kullahana Rahuta and his wife Sahaja Devi during the reign of King Vishnuvardhana in 1114 CE, and is one of the earliest known temples built in the Hoysala style. Built with soapstone, it is the only example of the chatuskuta (four-shrined) order of temples built during the Hoysala period. Each is complete with a shikhara, a sukhanasi (vestibule), a kalasa on the shikhara, and a Hoysala crest on the sukhanasi.

The temple complex has two entrances. The one on the east makes its way through a porch while the one on the west opens to the lake. Unlike typical Hoysala temples, this one is not built on a platform. The plan of the temple is different as it has four shrines placed around a common center. Of the four shrines, the east shrine is dedicated to goddess Lakshmi, the west is for Lord Shiva, the north has an image of Goddess Kali and the south one is devoid of any image now. All the towers, except that on the Lakshmi shrine (east), are of a simple stepped pyramidal variety of the Kadamba Nagara type. The tower over the Lakshmi shrine ...

Historical & Heritage

At a distance of 29 km from Shravanbelagola, and 52 km from Hassan, Lakshmi Narasimha Temple is an ancient temple located at Nuggehalli in the Hassan district of Karnataka. It is one of the popular places of heritage in Karnataka, and among the must include places in Shravanabelagola Packages.

The Lakshmi Narasimha Temple at Nuggehalli was built in 1246 CE by Bommanna Dandanayaka, a commander in the Hoysala Empire during the rule of King Vira Someshwara. The town of Nuggehalli was called Vijaya Somanathapura in ancient times and gained importance as an agrahara (place of learning) during the time of Bommanna Dandanayaka. The temple is maintained by the people who reside around the temple area called Agrahara, an area donated to Brahmins by the ruling people in view of maintaining and performing poojas in the temples that they built.

Built with soapstone, the temple is a good example of 13th-century Hoysala architecture. The temple is dedicated to Lord Narasimha who is believed to be an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Like other Hoysala temples, the Lakshmi Narasimha Temple at Nuggehalli is also built on an elevated platform called the jagati. The temple is constructed as a trikutachala i.e. it has three sanctums. The three shrines are located around a central closed mantapa with 9 bays. The ceiling of the closed mantapa is supported by four lathe-turned pillars which are deeply domed in the center.

The main temple is raised with a statue of Lord Narasimha in ...

Historical & Heritage | Pilgrimage

At a distance of 15 km from Shravanabelagola, and 53 km from Hassan, the Brahmeshvara temple is an ancient Hindu temple located in the town of Kikkeri in the Mandya district of Karnataka. It is one of the stunning Hoysala temples in Karnataka and among the top Hassan tourist places.

The Brahmeshvara Temple was built in 1171 AD by a wealthy lady called Bommare Nayakiti during the rule of Hoysala King Narasimha I. The temple is dedicated to Eshwara and the presence of Brahma on the doorway leads to the naming of the diety as Brahmeshwara. It is a fine specimen of 12th century Hoysala architecture and is a protected monument under the Karnataka state division of the Archaeological Survey of India.

The Brahmeshwara Temple is an Ekakuta (single shrine) temple and is facing East. This temple consists of a garbhagriha (sanctum), a sukhanasi (ante-chamber), a navaranga (hall), and a porch which is attached to a Nandi-mandapa. Entrance is provided via porch from north and south. Unlike other Hoysala temples that are built on an elevated platform, this temple is located on the ground level. Regular bands above the basement depicting animals and epic scenes, which are found on other Hoysala temples, are also missing here.

Two enormous dwarpalas are present at the navaranga entrance. Navaranga has four central pillars supporting its ceiling. Over these four central pillars are exquisite madanika statues. There is a four feet tall image of the Hindu god Shiva in one of ...

Historical & Heritage

At a distance of 5 km from Kikkeri, 19 km from Shravanabelagola, and 56 km from Hassan, the Panchlingeshwara Temple is an ancient Hindu temple located at Govindanahalli village in the Mandya district of Karnataka. It is one lesser-known Hoysala temples in Karnataka and among the top Hassan tourist places.

Panchalingeshwara Temple was constructed around 1238 AD during the reign of the Hoysala King Vira Someshwara. This temple is constructed in Pancha-kuta style and is probably the only surviving example of its kind built during the Hoysala period. The temple is protected as a monument of national importance by the Archaeological Survey of India. The famous sculptor of Hoysala times, Ruvari Mallitamma, is known to have made contributions to the temple.

The whole structure faces east and the entrance is provided via two porches facing each other. Each entrance is guarded by its own set of dwarpalas (guardians). The temple consists of five sanctums connected with a common navaranga (hall). All the garbhagrihas are provided with their own shikhara and are connected with the navaranga via suknasi. These five garbhagrihas houses five different manifestations of Shiva which are Sadyojata, Tatpurusha, Vamadeva, Aghora, and Ishana. The shikhara of all the five shrines are richly decorated in Dravidian style.

An intriguing feature of this temple is that though the temple is dedicated mainly to Lord Shiva, the outer walls of the temple carry images of various forms of ...

Adventure / Trekking

At a distance of 28 km from Sakleshpur, Hosahalli Gutta or Hosahalli Betta is a mountain peak situated near Jedigadde village in the Sakleshpur region of Karnataka. It is one of the popular places for trekking enthusiasts as part of Sakleshpur tour packages.

Situated at an altitude of 2500 ft, Hosahalli Gudda Hill is often called a trekker's delight. Embrace the sheer force of nature by visiting Hosahalli Peak on a vacation to Sakleshpur. It is flocked by tourists who are interested in trekking and challenge their spirits for an adventure. The hill is surrounded by thick evergreen forests and many coffee and cardamom plantations that make it just a haven for nature lovers to retreat in a serene landscape.

Hosahalli Gutta is also known as Gajakesari Hill after the Kannada movie Gajakesari which was shot here. The breathtaking view from Hosahalli Gudda is the best when you wait there till the time of sunset and take back a memory of the trip that you'll probably remember for life. The peak can be reached from Hosahalli village by 2.5 km off-road drive or trek. Hosahalli village can be reached from Heggadde on the Mangalore-Bangalore National Highway via concrete road through Kadagaravalli and Hiridanahalli. One can camp right at the top of the peak.

Timings: 9 AM - 6 PM

Entry: Free

Historical & Heritage

At a distance of 16 km from Kikkeri, 25 km from Melukote, 26 km from Shravanabelagola, 55 km from Mysore, and 69 km from Hassan, the Lakshminarayana Temple is an ancient Hindu temple located at Hosaholalu in the Mandya district of Karnataka. It is one lesser-known Hoysala temples in Karnataka and among the top places to visit in Hassan.

Lakshminarayana Temple in Hosaholalu was built by King Vira Someshwara of the Hoysala Empire in 1250 CE. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the temple may not be as famous as the other temples of Karnataka but it is a mystifying place. The beautifully carved sculptures, grand temple interiors, and the overall design of this shrine are the most attractive features.

Built out of Soapstone, Sri Lakshminaryana Temple at Hosaholalu is a splendid example of a trikuta vimana (three shrines) temple though only the central shrine exhibits a tower on top. The lateral shrines are square in construction with five projections and no special features. The temple is built on a jagati (platform) that resembles a star. This platform is raised and has a pillared hall or navaranga in the center and the three shrines around it.

The interior of the temple consists of a closed hall (navaranga) of modest size with four polished lathe-turned pillars supporting the roof. The four central pillars divide the hall into nine equal 'bays' (compartments) and nine decorated ceilings. Each pillar is beautifully carved with sculptures of young dancing girls in various ...

Wildlife

At a distance of 19 km from Bidar Railway Station, Black Buck Resort is a property of Jungle Resorts and Lodges, Govt of Karnataka. It is one of the best jungle resorts maintained by the Government of Karnataka, and among the must-include places in Bidar tour packages.

Black Buck Resort is located between the Honnikeri Reserve Forest and the Vilaspur Lake. The Lodge is spread over 4 acres of land, abundant in greenery, flora, and fauna. The Resort got its name from Black Bucks that roam freely surrounding the resort. Even Peacocks make a sudden appearance at the resort premises. The cottages, tastefully decorated, stand amidst an attractive setting. Each cottage has a private sit-out for those preferring a relaxed evening. The cottages have all the modern amenities with a touch of local architecture. There is also a cozy corner that provides an area for a campfire, restaurant, and spa.

The resort offers guided tours of Blackbuck National Park in jeeps for wildlife viewing and photography. Each jeep comes with binoculars and a field guide. Drivers cum Guide are trained and has good knowledge about wildlife sighting and birding. The park has pristine grassland where one can have glimpses of wolves, foxes, jungle cats, and hyenas. Besides, the resort arranges bird-watching tours for guests every morning. One can also go boating and coracle ride in the lake during your ...

Historical & Heritage

At a distance of 32 km from Melukote, 53 km from Shravanabelagola, 65 km from Mysore, and 108 km from Hassan, the Mallikarjuna Temple is an ancient Hindu temple located at Basaralu in the Mandya district of Karnataka. It is one of the Hoysala temples in Karnataka and among the top places to visit in Hassan.

The Mallikarjuna Temple in Basaralu is dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva and was built by Harihara-dandanayaka in 1234 CE during the rule of the Hoysala Empire King Vira Narasimha II. Harihara and his two brothers consecrated god Mallikarjuna in the name of their father. They also constructed a tank nearby, in the name of their mother. This temple is protected and maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India.

Stands on a jagati or the raised platform, the Mallikarjuna temple is a highly ornate example of Hoysala architecture. Built-in the trikuta style (3 shrines), the temple faces east and consists of a Nandi-mandapa, navaranga, and antarala or sukanasi. The entry to the 3 shrines is through a common mandapa (hall). The sanctum sanctorum houses the Shivlinga representing god Mallikarjuna and the other two shrines have Surya and Nagas. The temple has only one shikhara built upon the sanctum sanctorum and is elaborately embellished with sculptures.

This temple has various distinctive features of the mature Hoysala period architecture. The base, like all Hoysala temples, has six layers of decorative moldings that comprise elephants, horse riders, lions, ...

Historical & Heritage

At a distance of 9 km from Arasikere, 34 km from Hassan, and 59 km from Shravanabelagola, the Lakshminarasimha Temple is an ancient Hindu temple located at Haranahalli village in the Hassan district of Karnataka. It is one of the Hoysala temples in Karnataka and among the top places to visit in Hassan.

The Lakshminarasimha Temple, also known as Kesava Temple, is a complete and good example of 13th century Hoysala architecture. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the temple was built in 1235 AD by the Hoysala King Vira Someshwara. Mallitamma, one of the best-known Hoysala sculptors of the 13th century, is the main sculptor of the Kesava Temple. This is a protected monument under the Karnataka state division of the Archaeological Survey of India.

Stands on a jagati or the raised platform, the Lakshminarasimha Temple is built-in the trikuta style (3 shrines) with a strong focus on the middle shrine which has a shikhara and a sukhanasi. The three shrines are connected by a common hall (mantapa). The lateral shrines are connected directly to the hall while the middle shrine has a vestibule that connects the sanctum to the hall. Since the lateral shrines do not have a tower, they do not appear like shrines at all from the outside but rather as a part of the hall. The sanctum of the three shrines contain the idols of Venugopala, Kesava, and Lakshminarasimha.

The tower over the central shrine and its vestibule are intact and intricate. Since the lateral shrines have no towers, ...

Waterfall

At a distance of 10 km from KR Pete, 14 km from Kikkeri, 32 km from Melukote, 63 km from Mysore, and 67 km from Hassan, Hemagiri Waterfalls is a scenic waterfall located at Bandihole village in Karnataka. It is one of the popular places to visit near Hassan while holidaying in Karnataka.

Hemagiri Falls is formed due to a weir or a low dam built across the Hemavati River to supply water to the surrounding villages and their farmlands. And when the river has good flow during the monsoon season, this weir overflows and forms the Hemagiri Falls across the entire width of the river, and is a treat to watch. When the flow is low, one can safely go under the falls and take a shower, but when the flow is heavy, all you can do is find a nice spot near it, admire the lush nature around and lose yourself in the roar of the waterfall.

The lush green farmlands and serene hillocks are an enticing feature of this spot. This spot seems to be a film shooting locale for some of the Kannada movies. People frequent this place for relaxation and recuperation. Not only do you get to enjoy this panoramic waterfall, but also visit many ancient temples located in the vicinity. And the best part is that there are hardly any crowds so, it is a perfect hidden weekend getaway.

Timings: 6 AM - 6 PM

Entry: Free

Adventure / Trekking | Nature & Scenic

At a distance of 4 km from Durgadahalli, 7 km from Sunkasale, 24 km from Kottigehara, 41 km from Mudigere, and 70 km from Chikmagalur, Gatikallu Viewpoint is a stunning vantage point situated at Durgadahalli village in Karnataka. Located near Ballalarayanadurga Fort, it is one of the best places to visit near Chikmagalurfor nature lovers and trekking enthusiasts.

Nestled in the lap of Western Ghats, Ghatikallu is a 600 feet 'one rock mountain' with the most stunning view of the valley below. There are many myths about this 'one rock mountain' when heard will only kindle the nostalgic feeling of being one with history. From this viewpoint, one can get a panoramic view of the surrounding peaks, grasslands, valleys, thick jungle, Ballarayan Durga, and Rani Jhari Viewpoint. This place is a perfect getaway from all the hustles and bustles of routine city life.

Gatikallu Viewpoint can only be reached by trekking through the dense vegetation from Durgadahalli village. The trail starts from Kalabhairaveshwara Temple at Durgadahalli, which is around 41 km from Mudigere. The 4 km trekking route from the temple to the initial forest section (from where the actual trek starts) is on a moderately steep mud road. Jeeps and other SUVs can go all the way up to the start point covering a distance of 1 km else just park your vehicle at the temple and start trekking from there. It is a moderate trek and ...

Adventure / Trekking

At a distance of 21 km from Sakleshpura, and 33 km from Hassan, Parvathamma Betta is a scenic hill located at Dyathapura village in Karnataka. It is one of the popular places to visit near Hassan, and among the popular places for trekking in Karnataka.

Parvathamma Betta is well known amongst trekkers. The uneven and rough terrain of the attraction is deemed apt by many adventure seekers. There is a temple dedicated to Goddess Parvati, and Lord Shiva atop the hill hence the hill got its name Parvathamma Betta. The temple has some artistic stone carvings. The hill is visited by many travelers from Hassan, Bangalore, and nearby areas to get a fabulous view of the surroundings.

Climbing up this rocky hill is easy by foot and it is quite entertaining for all age groups. Usually, kids enjoy this climb immensely as it is an easy trek. The view is from the top is very scenic, can see a line of mountains of the Western Ghats from here. And, it is best to go here during sunset as it offers a panoramic view of the sun setting among the Western Ghats.

As there are no shops, one needs to carry their food, and water while trekking to Parvathamma Betta.

Timings: 6 AM - 6 PM

Entry: Free

Historical & Heritage

At a distance of 9 km from Belavadi, 13 km from Halebidu, 40 km from Chikmagalur, and 45 km from Hassan, the Lakshminarasimha Temple is an ancient Hindu temple located at Javagal Karnataka. It is one of the forgotten Hoysala temples in Karnataka and among the top places to visit in Hassan.

The Lakshminarasimha Temple is dedicated to Narasimha, a form of the Hindu god Vishnu, and was built in 1250 AD by the Hoysala King Vira Someshwara. This temple is a protected monument under the Karnataka state division of the Archaeological Survey of India. Indeed, this is the village from where the former Indian fast bowler Javagal Srinath's family originally hails, and while Srinath was raised in Mysore, his uncle's house still exists in the village and villagers will happily point it out.

The Lakshminarasimha Temple is an example of mid-13th century Hoysala architecture. It is a trikuta temple (three shrines) type built on an elevated platform known as jagati. The three equal size shrines are all square in plan and are connected by a common closed hall (mandapa). The closed hall is preceded by an open porch. The lateral shrines are connected directly to the hall while the middle shrine has a vestibule that connects the sanctum to the hall. Lord Narasimha here is accompanied by his consort, Goddess Lakshmi. The other two shrines of this trikuta temple are occupied by two other incarnations of Vishnu, Venugopal, and Sridhara. But only the shrine containing Lord Narasimha has a ...

Pilgrimage

At a distance of 53 km from Shravanabelagola, 90 km from Hassan, and 94 km from Bangalore, Yediyuru Siddhalingeshwara Temple is a pilgrimage center situated in Yedeyuru Village in Karnataka. It is one of the famous temples in Karnataka and among the top places to visit in Shravanabelagola.

Situated on Bangalore-Hassan-Mangalore road, Sri Siddalingeshwara Swami Temple is one of the most important pilgrimage centers of the state as it is the tomb i.e., Nirvikalpa Shivayoga Samadhi of Tontada Siddhalinga a great Vireshaiva teacher and author who flourished at the end of the 15th century. He traveled far and wide preaching Sharana faith which is predominantly praying with ISHTA LINGA (Atma linga) as envisaged by Basavanna, Allamaprabhu, and a vast group of learned men and women from all walks of life. He performed 12 years of penance at a garden belongs to Vokkaligara Nambiyana (Thota) and hence came to be known as Thontada Siddalingeshwara Swamy.

The Siddlingeshwara temple faces north and is a fairly large Dravidian structure. An inscription near the entrance says about the spiritual greatness of the teacher while scenes from the life of Sidhalingha are depicted on the Gopura. There is a small shrine for Veerabhadra Swamy in the basement. Sri Siddhalingeshwara Swamy is considered to be an incarnation of Lord Shiva. He is known to perform miracles on a large number of people belonging to different caste and creed. Many sick and suffering people are believed to be cured ...

Adventure / Trekking

At a distance of 10 km from Horanadu, and 92 km from Chikmagalur, Kyatanamakki is a serene hill located near Horanadu of Chikmagalur district of Karnataka. It is one of the offbeat places for trekking near Bangalore, and among the top places to visit in Chikmagalur.

Located near the Kudremukh area, Kyatanamakki is the perfect place for those looking for a weekend getaway from Bangalore with the urge to escape the fast-paced life of the city. The picturesque landscape adorned with lush green meadows, and meandering streams leave you in awe. Besides, the rolling hills are hugely popular for their breathtakingly beautiful views of sunrise and sunset also draw many tourists.

Kyatanamakki is a fully off-road route and provides a super magnificent 360-degree view on reaching the hilltop. If going by own vehicle, one will need to park before the tar road ends as from there the road is not in good condition and one may hire a 4×4 jeep to reach the top or else one needs to walk about 3 km to reach the top point. It is quite an easy walk.

Timings: 6 AM - 6 PM.

Entry: Free

Adventure / Trekking

At a distance of 21 km from Koratagere, 48 km from Tumkur and 106 km from Bangalore, Madhugiri is a town in Tumkur district of Karnataka. Madhugiri is famous for a hill which is the second largest monolithic rock hill in Asia after Savandurga. It lies at an altitude of 3,930 feet and is becoming a famous destination for trekking from Bangalore.

There is a fort on the slopes of the hill which derives its name Madhugiri from the Honey bee colonies that were abundant during those days. Antaralada Bagilu, Diddibagilu, and Mysore Gate are the three gateways of the fort. A series of doorways lead to the hilltop. There is a temple of Gopalakrishna at the top of the hill. Both the temple and the fort stand in a ruined condition today due to lack of maintenance.

The construction of original mud fort was started around 1678 during the reign of Raja Heera Gowda and was finally completed around 1740 AD. Further fortification was carried out by Hyder Ali, who added huge arches, watch towers and large circular granaries. It was under the control of the British for a short duration. It was used by the British to jail the mutineers of the first India's Independence struggle in 1857.

There are four levels from the bottom to top and each level has a wall with circular bastions. The walls are about 6 feet tall with slits at regular intervals. Throughout the climb to the fort there are huge tanks used for the storage of rain water. The trek to Madhugiri is of moderate to difficult ...

Adventure / Trekking

At a distance of 14 km from Birur, 53 km from Chikmagalur, and 63 km from Shimoga, Doddabale Siddaragudda Peak is a stunning hill located near Hoggrekhangiri, Chikmagalur. It is one of the secluded places for trekking near Bangalore, and among the must-include places in Chikmagalur - Coorg packages.

Doddabale Siddaragudda Peak is situated at an altitude of about 5,500 feet and is the highest point in Doddabale. Shivgiri is a good location for trekking, wildlife enthusiasts, or those who just want to get away from the noise of the city and relax in a serene environment. Shivgiri has a dense forest cover situated near Yemmedoddi village in Hoggarekangri hills. Shivgiri is a place for bird-watching.

As you climb up the mountain, you will walk through the coffee plantations which makes the trip more exciting. Once you reach the top, you will come across an ancient Shiva temple, which is around 800 years old. During climbing, tourists can also see pugmarks and animal droppings and are advised to take a guide along with them on the journey. From the peak, tourists can see a beautiful and remarkable view of Lakeville Dam, Baba Budangiri Hills, Bhadra Lake, and Yemmedoddi Village from this peak. The place also offers one of the most serene settings to catch the sunset as well as sunrise. One can also visit Madagadakere Lake near Yemmedoddi, which according to folklore is said to be filled with magic rain.

The ...

Pilgrimage

At a distance of 7 km from Horanadu, 21 km from Kudremukh, 53 km from Sringeri, 86 km from Chikmagalur, and 93 km from Sakleshpura, Kalasa is a small town located in Chikkamagaluru district of Karnataka. Surrounded by the scenic Western Ghats, it is one of the popular pilgrimage towns in Karanataka, and among the must include places in Sringeri Tour Packages.

Located on the banks of the Bhadra River, Kalasa is home to the Kalaseshwara Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. According to the legend, during the wedding of Shiva and Parvathi in the Himalayas the attendance of the entire pantheon of deities caused a change in the earth's rotation. Lord Shiva requested the great sage Agasthya to travel south and balance the shift of the earth, promising him that he would be able to witness the wedding from where he resides. Kalasa is believed to be the spot where Sage Agasthya resided during the wedding of Shiva and Parvathi. The marriage is celebrated by devotees to this date.

The Kalaseshwara Temple is located on a hillock, and its main features include a soapstone shrine was built in the Hoysala sculpture style. Meals are provided to pilgrims daily at the temple. Girija Kalyanam is one of the biggest festivals celebrated with great pomp and fervor at Kalasa. It begins on the new moon and continues to the full moon. The procession idol of the Kalaseshwara temple is taken out during the Car Festival or Rathotsava. Shivratri is another important festival of Kalasa.

Kalasa ...

Waterfall

At a distance of 17 km from Chikballapur, and 78 km from Bangalore, Vivekananda Falls is a beautiful waterfall situated at Kethanahalli village in Chikballpur district of Karnataka. Also known as Kethanahalli Falls, it is one of the stunning waterfalls in Chikballapur, and among the prominent places to visit near Bangalore.

Vivekananda Falls is a seasonal waterfall situated amid the greenery. The 2 tiered waterfall drops down from a height of 90 feet amidst five hills namely, Brahmagiri, Divyagiri, Nandagiri, Skandagiri, and Vishnugiri. It cascades down the rocks makes a deafening roar during the monsoon season. The sound of water breaks the silence of an otherwise quiet forest and can be heard from afar. During the monsoon season, the waterfall is surrounded by a lovely mist that enhances the beauty of the falls.

To reach Vivekananda falls, one needs to head towards Kethenahalli, and the fall is about 1 km away from the village. Visitors need to cover the distance by walk as the road is not suitable for vehicles. Once you get there, the excitement and joy will be tenfold by looking at the scenic beauty of the place.

Timings: 7 AM - 5 PM

Entry: Free

Pilgrimage | Adventure / Trekking

At a distance of 54 km from Mysore, Chikkadevvamma Hill is a sacred place situated at Kundur Village in the Mysore district of Karnataka State. It is one of the popular places of pilgrimage near Mysore and among the prominent trekking places in Karnataka.

There is a temple on the hilltop and is dedicated to Goddess Chikka Devamma, believed to be the sister of goddess Chamundeshwari. This old temple was constructed by Mysore Wodeyars. The hill derived its name from the goddess Chikka Devamma, who came from Kerala and settled in Chikkabetta. Devotees have a strong belief that the Goddess has fulfilled all their genuine demands.

Besides, Chikka Devammana Hill is well known for its mesmerizing surroundings. From the top, one can have a panoramic view of agricultural fields, villages & Nugu Reservoir. The hill is also surrounded by forest so one can find elephants, leopards deers and other animals here.

The journey to the hilltop is also a wonderful experience as there are many hairpin bends. Especially, in the last stretch, from the foothills to the top, one needs to climb around 200 m vertical height, in a length of 4 km. But interestingly, the condition of the hilly road is very good and within 15 minutes, one can climb the hill without much difficulty.

Temple Timings: 6 AM - 6 PM

Adventure / Trekking | Nature & Scenic

At a distance of 34 km from Belthangady and 57 km from Chikmagalur, Charmadi Ghat or Charmady is a Ghat in Belthangady taluk of Dakshina Kannada and Mudigere taluk of Chikmagalur. It is one of the popular ghat roads in Karnataka and among the must-visit places to visit as part of Chikmagalur Tour Packages.

Charmady Ghat is one of the most scenic and dangerous (to drive) Ghats of Karnataka. It is one of the points in Western ghats through which motorable road passes connecting Dakshina Kannada with Chikkamagaluru district. The 25 km stretch starting from Kottigehara and ends at Charmadi Village is awesome, calm, and peaceful. It lies on National Highway 73 that connects Mangaluru to Tumkuru. This ghat section has 12 Hairpin curves and receives very heavy rainfall of over 7000 mm during the monsoon.

Charmadi Ghat is known for its visual beauty as it is home to lush forests, evergreen shrubs, streams, and waterfalls. The roads in this ghat section are very narrow and very deep compared to the other Ghat sections of Karnataka. The Netravati River originates at Bangarabalike which lies between Charmadi and Kudremukh. One of the major attractions of Charmadi is Ballarayanadurga. It is an amazing fort located atop a hill at a distance of 10 km from Sunkasale, via the Kottigehara-Kalasa route. Charmadi Ghat is also blessed with a waterfall named Bandaje Arbi. It falls from a height of 200 feet creating a staggering sight to experience. On a usual note, Charmadi is always ...

Nature & Scenic

At a distance of 5 km from Gutti, 22 km from Mudigere, 52 km from Chikmagalur, and 57 km from Sakleshpur, Devaramane is a scenic village in Mudigere Taluk of Chikkamagaluru district in the state of Karnataka, India. It is one of the mesmerizing offbeat trekking places in Karnataka and among the must include places in Chikmagalur Tour Packages.

Devaramane village is renowned for its Kalabhairaveshwara temple. Situated on a hill, this small nice temple looks like quite an old temple and is well maintained. The term 'Devaramane' roughly translates to the 'Abode of God' and the serene tranquility that prevails here quite aptly satisfies that nomenclature. There is a pond in front of the temple and a hill backside. The route leading to the temple provides us the mesmerizing view of the hills around and the road is in good condition. About 200 m from the temple, there is a viewpoint called Devaramane viewpoint that offers some panoramic views of the lush green surroundings, gurgling streams, and glittering lakes.

Devaramane offers a number of variations that make it an ideal trekking spot for both beginners and hardcore trekkers. There are several hillocks to climb, the Ettinabujha- Bulls Hump-back, also known as Shishila Gudda, towers over the rest of the peaks in the area. From a height of 3000 ft, the roar of the river flowing beneath can be heard. The famous Kapila fishing camp is located nearly 15 km from Devaramane.

Daily, buses ply between Bangalore, and ...

Pilgrimage

At a distance of 7 km from Dharwad Railway Station, 9 km from ISKCON Sri Krishna Balarama Temple, and 20 km from Hubli Junction Railway Station, Nuggikeri Hanuman Temple is a sacred Hindu temple located at Nuggikeri village in Hubli. It is one of the prominent temples in the Dharwad district, and among the must-visit places during your Hubli Trip.

Nuggikeri Hanuman Temple is an ancient temple in Dharwad and is dedicated to the monkey god Hanuman, also known as Sri Balabhima. Located on the banks of Nuggikeri Lake, Sri Hanuman at Nuggikeri had been in worship for hundreds of years, and is among the best pilgrimage places to visit in Hubli. According to folklore, Lord appeared in the dream of His devotee and instructed him to bring out the idol from the lake for worship. Accordingly, the devotee searched the lake and brought the idol out, and started worshipping. The deity is said to be idolized by a senior member of the Nuggikeri village belonging to the Nuggikeri Desai family while the reinstallation of the Lord was done by his holiness Sri Vyasaraja, the chief saint in the court of Sri Krishnadevaraya of Hampi. To date, the temple administration is controlled by the Desai family.

The temple has a three-tier raja gopuram that is facing south. There is a deepa stambha in front of the raja gopuram. In the sanctum sanctorum, one can see the ...

Pilgrimage

At a distance of 17 km from Hubli Junction Railway Station, Navagraha Teertha or Navagraha Tirtha is a Jain temple situated at Varur near Hubli, Karnataka. It is one of the major places of pilgrimage for the Jain community in India, and among the top places to visit in Hubli.

Adjacent to the Pune-Bangalore Road, the construction of Navagraha Teertha began in 2005 and was inaugurated in 2009 with mahamasthabhishekam. The work was supervised by Sri Gunadhar Nandi Maharaj, supported by Sri Dharmasena Bhattaraka Swamiji and hundreds of volunteers with donations from philanthropists. It has become an important place in Karnataka that draws huge crowds from all over the country.

Spread over 45 acres, the temple features a 61-foot tall monolithic idol of the Shri Parshvanatha in the Kayotsarga posture mounted on a 48 feet (15 m) pedestal making its total height 109 feet. The statue is the tallest statue of the Jain deity Parshvanatha in India and weighs 185 tons. The monolithic statue of Lord Parshwantha is larger than the statue of Gomateshwara or Lord Bahubali in Shravanabelagola. There are also smaller statues of the other eight Jain Tirthankaras.

It is believed that the Graha doshas of nine planets can be resolved by worshipping the following nine Tirthankaras here. Accordingly, the statues have been mounted on respective planet-like structures that the Teerthankars represent at the Navagraha Tirtha. Bhagavan Padmaprabhu (Sun), Bhagavan Chandraprabhu (Moon), ...

Adventure / Trekking

At a distance of 27 km from Gonikoppal and 78 km from Madikeri, Barapole River is a famous spot for white river rafting in Coorg, Karnataka. The white water rafting in Barapole River is one of the most popular things to do as part of Coorg Tour Packages.

The Barapole River is a turbulent river that originates from the Kithu Kakathu River further extending to Brahmagiri hills to the Arabian Sea. White water rafting is one recreational activity that Barapole River is famous for and is considered as one of the most challenging rafting experiences in South India. This stretch of river has more than nine Class 2‑Class 4 rapids. The rapids have some fascinating names like Morning Coffee, Grass Hopper, Ramba Samba, Wicked Witch and Big Bang. The real length of this run is between 3 - 4 km and the whole rafting session keeps going around 3 hours.

The white frothy river with speedy waters and rapids, flowing through beautiful landscapes, makes for an ideal river rafting experience. The thrill, excitement and adrenaline rush is so high especially if done during the monsoon season. The Barapole River surges through dense forests and offers rafting participants a breathtaking view of the Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary.

The tour organizers prepare the guest for the white water experience through an orientation and safety precaution activity. The minimum age requirement for this trip is 13 years. Adults should be in reasonably good health and weigh less than 110 kg. ...

Pilgrimage

At a distance of 64 km from Badami, 86 km from Hubli, 99 km from Belgaum, Sri Kalika Devi Temple is a Hindu temple located in the small village of Sirasangi in Belgaum district of Karnataka, India. It is one of the popular temples in Karnataka, and among the best place to visit as part of Hubli Packages.

The Kalika Devi Temple at Sirasangi is dedicated to Goddess Kali. As per the studies conducted by the department of archaeology, the temple of Shri Kalika Devi in Sirsangi might have been constructed during the first century. Sirasangi is mentioned as Rishishringapura, Pirishingi, or Hirishingi in two records from the same place dated 1148 of Jagadekamalla and another dated 1186 of Someshwara IV. It was a noted commercial center.

According to mythology, Kalika Devi Temple is the exact place where sage Vrushya Shrunga is involved in penance. However, demons like Narundasur, Bettasura, and Nalundasur disturbed his meditation. Then the goddesses Chikkumbasura (Chikkumbi) and Hirekumbasura (Hirekumbi) killed these demons heeding the please of the ascetic Vrushya Shrunga. The Goddesses later settled down here and consequently the sanctuary of Sri Kalika Devi was raised in Sirsangi.

The place also has many monuments, and temples including Kalmeshwara Temple, and Bhairaveshwara or Kalamma Temple. Also, there are two small hillocks at the outskirts of the village, one having a cave locally called Maunappanagavi and the hillock is called Kallupuragudda. The cave can ...

Lake & Backwater

At a distance of 7 km from Somwarpet and 46 km from Madikeri, Honnamana Kere is a lake situated at Doddamalthe village in Coorg district of Karnataka. It is the biggest lake in the region of Coorg and among the must-visit places while on your Coorg Trip.

Honnamana Kere Lake is the biggest natural lake and one of the sought after Coorg destinations. The lake is surrounded by mountains, cliffs and a huge expanse of coffee plantations along with two hills named Gavi Betta and Mori Betta. The still and calm lake looks absolutely stunning and presents tourists with amazing photographic opportunities. The calm and relaxing environment around the lake is just perfect for those who want to spend some quality moments with their loved ones amid Mother Nature. Along with sightseeing, visitors can also engage themselves in various kinds of outdoor activities such as boating and fishing.

Along with its obvious scenic beauty, the lake has religious importance as well. It has been named after Goddess Honnamma, whose temple is situated adjacent to the lake as well. It is believed that the goddess had sacrificed her life to save this village. A large number of newly wedded couples and visitors gather at this shrine to pay their offerings and seek blessings of the Goddess during the Gowri Festival. The soothing environment and the spiritual vibes will make your visit to the Honnamana Kere Lake a refreshing experience.

Timings: 8 AM - 6 PM

Entry: Free

Historical & Heritage

At a distance of 24 km from Gadag, 44 km from Hubli, Amruteshwara Temple is an ancient temple situated at Annigeri in Karnataka. It is one of the popular heritage temples in Karnataka, and among the popular places to visit near Hubli.

Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the Amruteshwara Temple in Annigeri was built in the year 1050 CE by the Kalyani Chalukyas, and was the first temple made of soapstone. The temple is a fine example of Kalyani Chalukyan Architecture. Built-in the Dravidian style, the temple has a roof that is supported by 76 pillars. The walls of the temple are covered with carvings of mythological figures. The Amruteshwara Temple was to be the prototype for later, more articulated structures such as the Mahadeva Temple at Itagi.

Annigeri is the birthplace of the famous Kannada poet Adikavi Pampa. It served as the last capital of Kalyani Chalukyas for a short period as their main capital 'Kalyani' was seized by Kalachuri rulers. It was also part of the Hoysalas, and Yadavas, and Kalachuri domain. The historic town came into the limelight post finding mysterious 600+ skulls. Besides, Annigeri is also home to temples dedicated to Banashankari, Basappa, Gajina Basappa, and Hanuman. Annigeri has seven mosques and two Lingayati Mathas.

The best time to visit this temple is between December and January. This is the time of the temple car festival, the Rathotsava when an idol of Lord Amruteshwara is taken out in procession in a Ratha.

Timings: 8 AM - ...

Museum & Gallery

At a distance of 34 km from Bangalore, the Innovative Film City is an Indian movie theme park located at Bidadi on Bangalore-Mysore highway in Karnataka. It is one of its kind theme park in India, and among the most popular tourist places to visit near Bangalore.

Covering over an area of about 58 acres of land, the Innovative Film City is broadly divided into three parts and is replete with a myriad of fun activities. Whether you want to cool down during the summer months, feel that fear of meeting something spooky, or take your kids back in time to when dinosaurs ruled the earth, Innovative Film City has something for everyone irrespective of their age.

The Film City boasts of many attractions, which guarantee the visitor a day full of fun and adventure. One can experience icy shivers as you gear up to meet zombies, ghostly beings, and skeletons at Haunted Mansion, splash around in the water with your little ones, enjoy thrilling rides or show your moves on the dance floor in the Aqua Kingdom, enjoy time travel and admire super-realistic dinosaurs up close at Dino Park, or have fun finding your way out from a mind-boggling maze of beautiful mirrors. Cartoon City features exciting rides that are inspired by well-known cartoon characters. There are also Theme Museums including the tribal museum, wax museum, and oddities museum.

Visitors can see the miniature versions of famous landmarks like the Leaning Tower of Pisa, Great Wall of China, London Bridge, and ...

Historical & Heritage

At a distance of 11 km from Kumta, 22 km from Gokarna, 31 km from Honavar, 59 km from Karwar and 56 km from Murudeshwar, Mirjan Fort is a beautiful fort located in the village of Mirjan near Gokarna. It is one of the most popular heritage places to visit in Gokarna.

Located on the banks of the Aganashini River, a tributary of Sharavathi River, the Mirjan Fort is known for its architectural elegance, and is one of the must include places in Gokarna Tour Packages. Built over an area of about 10 acres, the fort is approached through a series of wide steps that lead to the interiors of the fort. It is a double-walled fort built using laterite stones and has high walls and bastions with high turrets. The fort has four entrances and is surrounded by a moat with interconnected wells.

Mirjan Fort has a rich history and there are many versions of the origin of the fort. According to one version, the fort was built in the 16th century by Chennabhairav Devi, Queen of Gersoppa, a subordinate of Vijayanagar kings. Her reign was one of the longest in the history of female domination in Indian history, from 1552 - 1606. The stronghold of her territory was centered on North and South Kanara districts and South Goa. After the battle of Tallikota in 1565, the territory was attacked by Bijapur Sultans. ...

Waterfall | Nature & Scenic

At a distance of 7 km from Kakkabe, 27 km from Virajpet and 48 km from Madikeri, Nilakandi Falls is a beautiful waterfall located near Kabbinkadu village in Coorg district of Karnataka. Well-known as Honey Valley, it is one of the stunning waterfalls in Coorg and among the must include places in Karnataka Tour Packages.

The Nilakandi Falls is set amidst the dense tropical forests of Coorg and starts somewhere in the Thadiyandamol range. Cascading down from a height of about 50 feet, it is a picturesque and serene waterfall that lends trekkers a wonderful waterfall shower experience. This place is definitely one of the few tourist places in Coorg that portray the enchanting beauty of this lovely destination. Do plan a visit to this waterfall if you want to plunge in the natural beauty of Coorg.

Honey Valley is a private resort owned and run by Mr. Suresh Chengappa and is situated 4 kilometers from the Kabbinkadu bus stop. The estate is spread over 75 acres of coffee, cardamom and pepper plantations. A forty-five-minute easy walk through more or less level ground takes one to Nilakandi Falls from Honey Valley. The actual trek to the waterfall starts from the dry pond which is about 1 km from the Honey Valley Resort. A three-kilometer trek from the lake takes one to the stream that flows down from the Nilakandi Falls. And another four kilometers from there takes you to the source of the waterfall, which is a small lake.

Timings: 6 AM - 5 PM

Entry: Fre ...

Lake & Backwater

At a distance of 7 km from Dubare, 15 km from Kushalnagar and 24 km from Madikeri, Chiklihole dam is a small reservoir located near the town of Nanjarayapattana. It is one of the popular places to visit in Coorg.

The Chiklihole Reservoir is built across the river Chiklihole flowing through the Cauvery basin of Karnataka. It was built in the year 1985 for the purpose of irrigating the nearby villages. The reservoir is used to fulfill the water demands of 865 hectares of land. With a length of 464.8 m and a height of 25.3 meters, the dam has a gross storage capacity of 5.097 mcm.

The unique shape of the dam in itself is a great attraction for visitors. The dam has a semi-circular structure without any crest gates. With the increase in inflow, the water overflows like foam on a curved structure and offers a breathtaking sight to visitors. The area around Chiklihole reservoir is bestowed with lush greenery and rich fauna and flora of the forest around creating a pleasing setting to spend a few special moments with your family and friends. Watching the sunset from the dam is a wonderful experience. The dense forests and open area make for absolutely awesome picnic spots.

As the place is a remote one, there is no store or shop offering any kind of facilities to travelers. Visitors must come prepared with food, water, and snacks if they want to spend a relaxing day or even a few hours in the vicinity of the dam.

The best time to visit the dam is during the ...

Adventure / Trekking | Nature & Scenic

About Mandalpatti Viewpoint


At a distance of 25 km from Madikeri, Mandalpatti is a spectacular vantage point situated at Mandalpatti, Karnataka. It is one of the popular viewpoints in Coorg and among the must-visit places for nature lovers during their Coorg Trip.

Amidst the lap of nature, Mandalpatti has recently become popular amongst tourists as the place is away from the hustle and bustle of city life and offers some seclusion and calmness. The viewpoint offers a panoramic view of the city and its surrounding plains. The colors of sunrays during sunset were magnificent with sprinklers of rainfall in the sky. Trekking is an easily available option for adventure seekers at this point. The name Mandalpatti translates into head amidst the clouds or head touching the clouds owing to its elevation.

Trekking to Mandalpatti Viewpoint


Visitors can drive up to a checkpoint within the forest and from there one needs to cover 3 km by trekking to reach the top. The trek elevation is about 200 m high, and it will be a challenging one. This is because the winds in this region are quite harsh and may tempt you to return from the mid-way. However, every effort to reach the top position is worth all the efforts that you invest in. It is better to equip oneself with all the required materials before starting the trek as there are no shops. Thus even basic items like water and food need to be carried.

Jeep Ride to Mandalpatti Viewpoint


Mandalpatti ...

Adventure / Trekking

At a distance of 9 km from Bhagamandala and 40 km from Madikeri, Nishani Motte is a mountain peak in Karnataka. It is an ideal weekend trekking trail for the people living in Bangalore and one of the lesser-known places to visit in Coorg.

Situated at an altitude of 4167 feet, the peak of Nishani Motte is a part of Tala Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary which is home to many wildlife animals like elephants and leopards. The place is best known for its scintillating views of misty mountains, green forest cover, lush green open meadows and rare species of flora and fauna. It is also a popular trekking destination amidst the avid trekkers and adventure enthusiasts.

This approximately 15 km moderate-trek starts from Bhagamandala forest range right after the jeep trail amidst the Shola forest. The trail is not a well-trodden pathway so it is necessary to have a trained guide accompany you. The trail goes through soft ridges, sprawling meadows, aromatic coffee estates, and small rivulets and streams. The gradual ascent to the top takes about half a day. Although the initial trekking trail is not steep and is an easy climb, the pathway is laced with leeches, snakes and other animals. The final Blue Ridge uphill trek of 1 Km is a bit challenging and not very well marked.

From the summit, one can get a 360◦ view of the stunning landscape with the emerald Western Ghats making a perfect backdrop. Since it is a long-distance walking trail amidst dense forest, it is recommended ...

Adventure / Trekking

At a distance of 10 km from Bhagamandala and 35 km from Madikeri, Kopatty Hills is a mesmerizing hill range situated at Kopatty village near Cherambane on Madikeri - Bhagamandala Road. It is one of the lesser-known trekking destinations in the Western Ghats and among the must include places in Coorg Tour Packages.

At an altitude of 4300 feet, Kopatty is one of the tallest peaks in the Talacauvery Range adjoining to Bhagamandala town. The hills are tucked amidst unbeatable serenity prevailing in Talacauvery range which is home to a variety of flora, especially the wild herbs that are endemic to this region. Since this place is situated away from the hustle & bustle of the metropolitan cities, it is endowed with a soul-calming ambiance.

Kopatty Hills Trek is one of the best weekend treks around Bangalore where you can experience the bliss of the Coorg lifestyle and the endless tropical trails of the Western Ghats in the Coorg district of Karnataka. This beautiful trekking trail passes through thick forests, meadows, and valleys. The 14 km trail to the Kopatty Hill is less inclined with damp passages and takes 5 hours both ways.

The trek starts from the Maha Vishnu Temple, which is a short walk away from the Kopatty Bus Stop. The initial stretch of 2 km consists of the concrete road surrounded by the paddy fields. Later, the trail goes through a muddy jeep track for 20 minutes until the first stream appears. Take left at the Y-intersection and after 10 minutes ...

Adventure / Trekking

At a distance of 33 km from Somwarpet and 52 km from Madikeri, Kote Betta is a mountain peak in Karnataka. Located in between Somwarpet and Madikeri, it is one of the popular places for trekking in Coorg.

Situated at an altitude of 5,400 feet, Kotebetta is the third highest peak in Coorg after Tadiandamol and Brahmagiri. The word Kote Betta means Fort Hill. It has been named because of its appearance which resembles a fort. Locals believe that the famous Pandava brothers spent a significant period of their exile here. This is a classic hill and jungle trek passing through different terrains.

This trek of moderate difficulty begins at a point close to the Hattihole Bridge. From there, the peak is at a distance of 10 km. The trail is truly magical as it is passing through rows of coffee plantations on one side and green hills on the other. As the footsteps proceed further, the trail goes through a dense jungle and then to a wide-open plain. There is a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva at the peak of the hill. Around the temple, one can find a flat ground with ample shade to sit and enjoy the glories of the mountains overlooking the endless forests. Although one doesn't require any permission from the authorities to trek the hill, it is better to have one guide to help you throughout the trekking.

Timings: 6 AM - 6 PM

Pilgrimage | Adventure / Trekking

At a distance of 100 km from Bangalore, Siddara Betta is a mountain and pilgrimage place situated near Koratagere in the Tumkur district of Karnataka. It is one of the top places for trekking near Bangalore, and among the popular religious places in the Tumkur region.

Located at an elevation of 1700 feet, Siddara Betta is a tourist place surrounded by rocky hills, temples, and caves. The hill is frequently visited by trekkers, adventures as well as pilgrims who climb the mountain to visit the shrine of Lord Siddalingeshwara which is placed inside the caves. Siddara Betta means 'Hill of Saints' in the local Kannada language owing to the many Hindu saints who perform penance and meditation within the caves here in the olden days. Besides, this place is also very popular for medicinal plants.

The hill is very much loved by trekking enthusiasts and professional climbers due to the amazing panoramic views of the surrounding villages and the serene environment atop. The 4 km trekking path is moderate in terms of the level of difficulty. The trek pathway starts with a flight of staircase and later progress to a more rugged stairway carved onto the hill with a steeper gradient. It takes 45 minutes to reach the natural cave temple of the Lord Siddeshwara Swami from the base of the hill. After that, the trekking trail traces through some huge boulders and caves.

From here, one has to take ...

Adventure / Trekking | Nature & Scenic

At a distance of 1 km from Barapole River Rafting Point, 20 km from Gonikoppal, 21 km from Kutta and 76 km from Madikeri, Glenlorna is a tea estate situated near Hudikeri town in Coorg district of Karnataka. Owned by Tata Plantations, this is the only tea estate in the center of the coffee-dominated Coorg and among the must-visit places for nature lovers while holidaying in this region of Karnataka.

Tucked away in the hills, the Glenlorna Tea Plantation Estate lies at an impressive elevation of 808 m, surrounded by the famed fauna and flora of the Western Ghats. Apparently, tea was grown here since 1914 and like many other estates, this was a part of the British legacy too. Spread over an area of about 1200 acres, Glenlorna is well- renowned for its impressive tea production averaging to roughly around 3,845 kilograms of tea per hectare, post-harvest. There is a tea processing factory here and is the only tea estate with a processing unit in the Coorg district.

The Glenlorna estate gets an abundance of rainfall and is not only famous for its tea, but also pepper crops and areca nuts. The area surrounding the estate is home to wild boars, hares and an array of birds, considered to be one of the most ecologically sustained zones. Providing sweeping views of the tea gardens and the hills in the distance, the Glenlorna Tea Plantation has an old British edifice that is charming and cozy and surrounded by boundless serenity. This old villa was named after Glen & Lorna, ...

Waterfall

At a distance of 12 km from Srirangapatna Railway Station & 15 km from Mysore, Balmuri Falls & Edumuri Falls are man-made waterfalls on the way to KRS dam in Karnataka. Situated near Brindavan Gardens, it is one of the must include places in Srirangapatna Tour Packages.

Balmuri Falls is famous of the two and is a favorite film shooting spot. Balmuri Falls is actually a small waterfall created by a check-dam constructed on river Cauvery. The water flow is not heavy during the dry season and it is safe to enjoy & play in the waters here. It is a good picnic spot and is typically visited in the winter.

Edumuri Falls is about 500 m east of Balmuri Falls and is a good spot to swim and play in the water. There is also an ancient Ganesha temple in the vicinity.

Timings: 6 AM - 5 PM

Entry: Free

Lake & Backwater

At a distance of 19 km from Magadi, and 35 km from Bangalore, Manchanabele Dam is a beautiful reservoir set amidst dense vegetation at Manchanabele village in the Ramanagara district of Karnataka. It is one of the most popular places to visit near Bangalore.

Manchanabele Dam is built across the Arkavati River. It provides drinking water to Magadi town and surrounding villages for farming. This place is visited by a lot of tourists due to the calm, natural beauty, and serenity offered by the location. Manchanabele Dam is replete with cool and clear water. This dam is also surrounded by lush green trees in small hills that make the place look even more mesmerizing. The place looks spellbinding during sunrise and sunset as the different hues of the sky juxtaposed with the lush greenery and blue water is simply magical.

The destination is preferred by both nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts who come here to enjoy a wide range of activities ranging from trekking to rappelling, kayaking, and camping to various other water sports. A boating experience in this clear reservoir will rejuvenate your body and soul. The place is a great choice for organizing a fun-filled family get-together or corporate events. However, the reservoir bed is a death trap with sudden fault-lines, large boulders as well as deep slush. More than 200 people have lost their lives between 2006 and 2011. It is very dangerous to get into the waters ...

Historical & Heritage | Pilgrimage

At a distance of 50 km from Mysore and 133 km from Bangalore, Melkote / Melukote is a historical town located in Pandavapura taluk of Mandya district, Karnataka. Also known as Thirunarayanapuram, it is one of the popular pilgrimage places in Karnataka and also one of the best places to visit as part of Mysore Tour.

Melkote can also be included in your Mysore holiday packages. The town is built on rocky hills known as Yadavagiri or Yadugiri overlooking the Cauvery valley. The town derives its name from two words, Melu means top and Kote means fort. According to the history, the great Vaishnava saint Sri Ramanujacharya lived here for about 14 years in 12th century AD and thus it became a prominent center of the Srivaishnava sect of Brahmins.

There are two popular temples reside in this town, one is Cheluvanarayana Swamy Temple and the other one is Yoga Narasimha Swamy Temple. These temples existed even before Sri Ramanujacharya came to this place. The main temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu known as Thirunarayana or Cheluvaraya installed by Lord Krishna. The utsavamurthy or procession idol of the deity is referred as Cheluvapille Raya whose original name appears to have been Ramapriya. This utsavamurthy was lost when the Moghuls invaded the place and it was recovered by Ramanujacharya from Bibi Nachiyaar the daughter of Mohammed Shah.

The temple has been under the patronage of the Mysore royal family and is ...

Historical & Heritage | Adventure / Trekking

At a distance of 23 km from Madhugiri, 68 km from Tumkur, and 125 km from Bangalore, Medigeshi Fort is an ancient hill fort situated at Madigeshi village in the Tumkur district of Karnataka. It is one of the famous places of heritage in Karnataka, and among the top places for trekking near Bangalore.

Located at an altitude of 2581 feet, Madigeshi Fort was built by Nagi Reddy, a chieftain, during the Vijayanagar era. The fort got its name after Nagi Reddy's wife who is nicknamed as 'Midigeshi' as her hair touched her ankles (in Kannada, Medi is ankle and Kesha means hair). After Nagi Reddy, Chikkappa Gowda conquered the fort after losing possession of Madhugiri and Channarayana Durga in battles. In 1761, Haider Ali won the fort and ruled it for a few years before it was annexed by the Marathas in 1767. Tipu Sultan took over the fort in 1774. Finally, it was conquered by the British forces under Lord Cornwallis but was later abandoned.

The massive fort of Midigeshi had the usual seven gates and several mandapas in the field around it, but only a ruined mosque with three arches, two minarets with a fine latticed design, and some granaries are intact now. In the vicinity, a temple of Hanuman can also be found. There are two temples Venkatramana Temple and Lakshmi temple at the base of the hill. A couple of dhones, named Musure dhone and Kannerammana dhone, with ample water are also seen. Two large circular structures ...

Hill Station | Wildlife | Pilgrimage

At a distance of 85 km from Mysore, 40 km from Chamarajanagar and 170 km from Bangalore, the Biligiri Ranga Hills popularly known as the BR Hills is a lofty hill range in Chamarajanagar district of Karnataka. It is considered to be the wildlife corridor that connects Eastern Ghats to Western Ghats. This is one of the popular tourist places to visit near Mysore and is one of the top attractions you must include in Mysore packages.

BR Hills is famous for BRT Wildlife Sanctuary (Biligiri Rangaswamy Temple Wildlife Sanctuary). The sanctuary is situated at an altitude of 5091 feet and is spread across an area of 540 km. It was declared a tiger reserve in 2010 by the Karnataka State Government. The highest peak within the sanctuary is the Kattari Betta. The wildlife sanctuary is inhabited by a number of animals including elephants, sloth bears, bison, deer, porcupines and a number of other wild animals. It is said that the sanctuary has more than 250 species of birds like the Paradise Flycatcher, Racquet Trailed Drongo and the Crested Hawk Eagle, etc.

Another attraction of the BR Hills is the 500 years old famous Biligiri Rangaswamy Temple which is situated on the highest peak of the hill range, on the white cliff (biligiri) which gives the hill its name. The local form of the deity is called Ranganath, another form of Lord Vishnu and is depicted in a unique standing position. ...

Waterfall

At a distance of 32 km from Bangalore, Thottikallu Falls is a seasonal waterfall situated at Nallakkana Doddy village off the Kanakapura Road. It is one of the scenic waterfalls near Bangalore, and among the must-visit Bangalore tourist places.

Thottikallu Falls or TK Falls is one of the lovely spots for nature lovers and trekkers. It is also known as Swarna Mukhi Falls which means Golden face. The name itself implies the mesmerizing beauty that the waterfall boasts of. Thottikallu Falls is an amalgamation of two adjacent waterfalls. One fall has a wide shower, and the other is a narrow jet stream. People also visit the Muneshawara Temple that is located under a huge tree right at the entrance of the waterfall. It is a peaceful site for visitors to spend a few moments.

One can take a shower after the tedious trek or inhale the fascinating beauty of this place. Visitors cannot take the four-wheelers quite far because the road leading to the fall is narrow and getting a vehicle there can be an uphill task. If you are opting for a trekking scene then, you will find a steep, narrow trail leading to a high cliff. The view from the cliff is astounding. Getting down the cliff is risky and can be fatal if precautionary steps are ignored.

To enjoy the real charm of this waterfall, one must visit immediately after or during the monsoon season as in the summer season, it dries up to a large extent. If you ...

Nature & Scenic

At a distance of 5 km from Bheemeshwari, 90 km from Mysore, and 97 km from Bangalore, Muthathi or Muttatti is a settlement situated on the banks of the Kaveri river near Malavalli in Karnataka. It is one of the must-visit places near Bangalore, especially for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers.

Muthathi is surrounded by a dense forest that is part of the Cauvery Wildlife sanctuary, with the Cauvery river flowing through it. River Kaveri and Hanuman temple are the main tourist attractions in Muthathi. The location has mythological associations with Sita, the wife of Rama and Hanuman. Once goddess Sita loses her nose ring while taking bath in the Kaveri river. Later, Lord Hanuman finds her nose ring in this place and returns it to her. Hence, Hanuman in this place is called 'Muthetharaya'. The village acts as a transit point and a stopover for folks that have a religious obligation and/or want to sacrifice animals.

The forest itself is quite amazing and the best time is to visit is in the early morning. It is quite an enthralling experience to see wild trees like 'Flame of the Forrest' bloom & the different hues of the leaves and topography during the summer months. It is home to a good number of bird species and wildlife, including Elephants, Langoors, Spotted deer, foxes, mongoose, Indian monitor lizards, and some reptile species. Bheemeshwari Fishing Camp is yet another spot near Muthathi.

The access to the river from the forest road has been cut-off ...

Adventure / Trekking

At a distance of 25 km from Chikballapur, and 91 km from Bangalore, Avalabetta is a hilltop situated in the Chikballapur district of Karnataka. It is one of the few trekking destinations near Bengaluru and among the popular one day trips from Bangalore.

Located amidst one of the minor hill ranges in the Deccan Plateau, Avalabetta is popular among the youth, especially trekking enthusiasts. The hillock offers a charming view of the countryside with hills, valleys, lakes, trees and is a green treat. The natural beauty and serenity of this place have earned it the name 'Nandi Hills without the Crowds'.

The primary attraction at Avalabetta is the protruding rock and the temple. The protruding rock is an almost unsupported cliff, projecting away from the main hillock. Youngsters who come here can be seen making poses and taking selfies at the rock. The temple here is dedicated to Lord Lakshmi Narasimha Temple which is a typical Dravidian-style temple with a pyramidal tower known as vimana above its sanctum. There is a small pond on the hilltop, where one can sit, chill, have a nice conversation and look at the greenery all around.

To reach the Avalabetta trek starting point, you need to drive to Chikkaballapur on National Highway 44. From the Chikkaballapur Exit, head to the town of Peresandra, where you exit the main road and enter the service road, to reach the hillock's base. From there, you ...

Adventure / Trekking

At a distance of 12 km from Tumkur Bus Stand, and 60 km from Bangalore, Mandaragiri Hill or Basadi Betta is a small settlement in the Tumkur district of Karnataka. It is one of the famous places of pilgrimage in Karnataka, and among the top places to visit near Bangalore.

Mandaragiri Hill has evolved as a popular Jain pilgrimage center mainly because it houses four ancient Digambar Jain temples built between the 12th & 14th centuries and got restored recently. These small Jain temples belonged to Bhagwan Chandranatha, Bhagwan Parshwanatha, and Bhagwan Suparshwanatha. The first thing to notice at the base of the hill is the Manastambha, a beautifully carved pillar-like structure similar to the ones adorning the thousand pillars temple in Moodabidri.

There is a statue of Chandranatha Tirthankara to the right ahead of Manastambha. Close to it to the right, there is the Guru Mandir, built in the shape of a pinchi, a peacock feather fan carried by the Jain munis. The dome was used as a meditation center. Behind the hill is a beautiful lake known as Mydala Kere. The calm waters along with dense forest and mighty hills make for a perfect spot to sit and enjoy your serene morning.

There are about 450 steps carved on the rock and hardly takes 15 minutes to climb the hillock. While on top, you will be treated with a 360-degree view of the entire surrounding. The best thing about the hill is you can enjoy scenic sunset from the top of this hill.

Timings: 6 AM ...

Beach

At a distance of 19 Kms from Mangalore Railway Station, Surathkal Beach on the shores of Arabian Sea is a clean beach with tremendous scenic beauty. The beach offers wonderful views of the sunset and it's usually crowded during evenings. It is one of the popular beaches near Mangalore.

The historical Sadashiva Temple near the beach is an added attraction. According to mythology, when Lord Ganesha kept Ravana's shivalinga on the ground, Ravana tried to pick it up with force and some pieces are scattered. One such piece from the linga is said to have fallen in Suratkal.

There is a light house near the Sadashiva Temple, located on a small hillock. Suratkal houses the famed National Institute of Technology Karnataka (NITK).

Suratkal is connected by frequent bus service with Mangaluru.

Waterfall

At a distance of 30 km from Siddapura, 40 km from Unchalli Falls, and 64 km from Sirsi, Burude Falls is a stunning waterfall situated at Illimane village in Siddapur Taluk. It is one of the beautiful waterfalls in Karnataka, and among the must-visit tourist places in Sirsi.

Located in the Western Ghats of India, the Burude Waterfall is also known as Illimane Falls because it is formed of a rivulet called Illimane, the tributary of the Aghanasini River. This 90 feet waterfall descending into 5 different levels, and each level creates a separate natural pool at the base. The waterfall is famous for its breathtaking beauty and mesmerizing surroundings which consist of lush green forests. The waterfall gets frequent local visitors due to its proximity to Siddapur and is famous as a picnic spot that can be visited along with Sirsi Packages.

There are tons of activities including trekking, and bird watching in and around the fall that requires more than a few hours to explore. Enjoying a calm walk around the waterfall or sneaking out into the wilderness with friends is a must-experience thing for everyone who visits.

Burude Waterfall is best enjoyed during the months between November and February in other words between winter and before summer when the weather is pleasant and there is less ...

Nature & Scenic

At a distance of 10 km from Sangama, 14 km from Bheemeshwari, 14 km from Mekedatu, and 102 km from Bangalore, Galibore Fishing & Nature Camp is a resort located deep in the deciduous forests of Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary in Karnataka. It is one of the scenic accommodations maintained by the Jungle Lodges, Karnataka, and among the best places to visit near Bangalore.

Named after the windy hillock called Galibore that stands behind it, the Galibore Nature Camp is a good bet for a true sense of escape. Surrounded by hills, Galibore Camp has 10 tented cottages which will get you very close to nature. The camp is devoid of modern comforts such as electricity, however, you will be provided with hurricane/solar lamps. The camp also provides barbecue by the riverside and a bonfire for the guests in the evening.

Activities at this resort include coracle ride, trekking, joy fishing, lazing on the hammocks, angling, bird watching. If fishing is your kind of thing, the place offers you ample opportunities to indulge in this activity. Just ensure that you release the catch back in the waters as Galibore Fishing and Nature Camp practices a strict catch-and-release policy, especially to protect the endangered mahseer fish. Also, the Camp does not provide you with fishing gear and you are to make arrangements for these on your own.

The place is also home to amazing wildlife like spotted deers, the endangered grizzled giant squirrel, marsh crocodiles, turtles, and snakes await ...

Beach

At a distance of 11 Kms from Mangalore Railway Station, Panambur Beach located near the Mangalore Port is one of the most frequently visited Mangalore beach and also one of the famous Mangalore tourist places.

The beach offers very good views of the sunset. The beach attracts good number of visitors due to its close proximity to the city. The ships anchored out in the sea waiting for berth in the harbor can be seen from the Beach which presents an attractive picture. Camel ride is an added attraction at this beach. This beach is a safe place for swimming.

The beach offers boating and water sports facilities to the visitors. Panambur beach is famous for International Kite Festival conducted during the last week of April.

Waterfall

At a distance of 22 km from Sirsi, and 29 km from Shivaganga Falls, Muregar Falls is a picturesque waterfall situated near Muregar village in the Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka. It is one of the lesser-known waterfalls in Karnataka, and among the must include places in Sirsi Tour Packages.

Muregar Falls is also called 'Teppige falls' or Daggumane Falls. This waterfall is formed by a small stream known as 'Muregar Halla', the tributary of the Shalmala River. The waterfall is only about 30 feet in height but as far as its width is about 120 feet. During the monsoon, it presents a fearsome sight with rapids and powerful spray mist all around. As the rains recede, the fearsome look changes into a friendly soothing sight.

The waterfall is located on the Sirsi-Hulekal road. Once you reach Saalkani Cross (Kengre hole) which is 10 km away from Sirsi, take a diversion towards Saalkani and you reach Muregar cross. Take the right deviation and after 1.5 km you find the Duggumane bus stop. Then go on Muregar road up to 4 km, you will reach Muregar Falls. It is better to walk the last one kilometer or so from Shirlebail as the walk in the woods is pleasant. If you are going to visit 'Shivaganga Falls' then do visit this waterfall, as it is very near to the road to Shivaganga Falls.

The best time to visit the Muregar waterfall is from November to April.

Timings: 6 AM - 5 PM

Entry: Free

Adventure / Trekking | Hill Station | Pilgrimage

At a distance of 135 km from Mysore, 89 km from Hogenakkal, 72 km from Kollegal & 209 km from Bangalore, Male Mahadeshwara Betta, also known as MM Hills is a sacred place situated in the eastern parts of Kollegal taluk in Chamarajanagar district of Karnataka. It is situated at an altitude of 3000 feet. This is one of the top attractions you must include in Mysore packages.

Male Mahadeshwara Hills is surrounded by dense forest and is famous for Malai Mahadeshwara Temple dedicated to Lord Mahadeshwara. The ancient and sacred temple of Sri Male Mahadeshwara is a very popular Shaiva pilgrim center and one of the most powerful Shiva temples in the region. The temple is surrounded by 77 hills of the Eastern Ghats. The temple draws large number of pilgrims from the states of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.

The Mahadeshwara Temple was built by Junje Gowda Rich Kuruba Gowda Landlord. The Lord Sri Mahadeshwara is believed to be the incarnation of Lord Shiva. Historical evidences suggest that the Saint Mahadeshwara came here in 15th century to perform penance and it is believed that he is still performing penance in the temple's garbha gudi in the form of a linga. The linga, worshipped now in the garbha gudi, is a self-manifested one. Sri Male Mahadeshwara Swamy was moving on a tiger known as Puli Vahana (Tiger as a vehicle) and performed a number of miracles around the Betta ...

Historical & Heritage

At a distance of 54 km from Bangalore City Railway Station, 6.5 km from Chikkaballapur, 9.5 km from Nandi Hills, Bhoga Nandeeshwara Temple situated in Nandi village is a grand temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. This temple is a great specimen of South Indian temple architecture. It is one of the best temples near Bangalore and also one of the best one day trip near Bangalore.

Originally built in 9th century by Nolamba dynasty, the temple received great contributions from the rulers of Ganga, Chola, Rashtrakuta, Hoysala & Vijayanagara dynasties. The temple boasts wonderful architecture and great sculptures. The large temple complex has a vast open area in front of the wonderful gateway. The main enclosure has three shrines dedicate to Lord Shiva known as Bhoga Nandeeshwara, Arunachaleswara and Ardhanareewara (also known as Uma Maheshwara) along with several other shrines on the rear side of the temple. The large mandapa in front of the main shrines has great art work with each pillar possessing beautifully carved images of gods, animals, puranic characters, sages and scenes depicted from Hindu mythology.

The highlight of the temple is the vasantha mandapa built in front of Ardhanareeswraa shrine. Constructed during Hoysala period, the kalyana mandapa is breathtakingly beautiful with passionately carved pillars, artistic roof and intricately carved images of Shiva, Parvathi, Vishnu, Mahalakshmi, Brahma, ...

Waterfall

At a distance of 43 km from Sirsi, Mattighatta Waterfall is a small picturesque waterfall situated near Mattighatta village in the Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka. It is one of the lesser-known Karnataka Waterfalls, and among the must include places in Sirsi Tour Packages.

Popularly known as the Hasehalla Falls, Mattighatta Water Falls is a small waterfall formed by a string of few streams mainly the Hasehalla stream. It is one of the popular places to visit in Sirsi. It is a two-tiered waterfall amidst the dense forest and strong wall-like rocks. It cascades down from a height of about 350 feet into a large pool, and further pass into a narrow river canyon. Even in December, the river had enough water to make the waterfalls majestic. The high rising rocks on either side add to the beauty of the falls.

To reach the falls, visitors must travel from Sirsi on Kumta road till Hegde Katte, which is about 15 km away from Sirsi. Then go on Mattighatta road up to 7-8 km to find Devanahalli village. After covering another 15 km, one can reach Mattighatta village. From here, starts the tough journey cum trekking downhill for about 2 km to enter Kelagina Keri. A short walk will lead to a river and trek alongside the river negotiating rocky boulders to reach the base of the waterfalls. The river ...

Adventure / Trekking

At a distance of 6 km from Ramanagara Bus Stand, and 49 km from Bangalore, Ramdevara Betta is a serene hill situated in the Ramanagara district of Karnataka. Located on Bangalore - Mysore Road, it is one of the popular places for trekking near Bangalore.

Standing tall at a height of 3800 feet, Ramadevara Betta is a good spot for a quick one-day trip. The place also has relevance in Hindu Mythology. On the top of the hill lies small temples dedicated to Lord Rama, Hanuman, Ganesh, and Shiva Parvati. It is believed that Sugreeva established the idol after Lord Rama helped him in killing Asura Sukasura. This idol later was identified and renovated by Kempegowda, founder of Bangalore. Kempegowda also built a fort here, the remains of the Fort wall can be seen at various points. There is another attraction called Sita's Pond. No one knows how deep it is and why it is called so.

Ramadevara Betta is also popularly known for the location of Bollywood's most iconic movie 'Sholay'. This is the place that was converted into Gabbar's hideout and the movie's best scenes and songs were shot here. For several decades, the place is also home to Eygptian and white-backed Vultures. Thus, the area was designated as Vulture Sanctuary by the Forest Department in 2012. But sadly, there are hardly any vulture sightings because of the temples and the number of people visiting. The forest is also home to leopards, bears, and peacocks. However, the wildlife is more active after sunset.

There ...

Beach

At a distance of 10 Kms from Mangalore Railway Station, Someshwar Beach located near Ullal Railway Station is a well known beach near Mangalore. This beach is famous for clean & white sands. It is one of the popular Mangalore places to visit. It is also known for the large rocks called 'Rudra Shile' situated near the beach. Someshwara Beach is a natural, safe and clean beach. The beach offers breathtaking views of the Arabian Sea and is an ideal spot for nature lovers and swimmers.

The other attraction of Someshwar beach is the historical Somanath Temple constructed during the rule of the famous Queen Abbakka Devi (16th century) is situated towards north. Presiding deity here is Lord Shiva and the temple is adorned with beautiful sculptures. In the temple premises there is the statue of great sage Parusharama. As per mythology, the coastal region of Karnataka (along with Kerala) was the creation of Parusharama.

Waterfall

At a distance of 18 km from Benne Hole Falls, and 30 km from Sirsi, Wate Halls Waterfall is a picturesque waterfall situated near Nilkund village in the Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka. It is one of the lesser-known waterfalls in Karnataka, and among the must include places in Sirsi Tour Packages.

Waate Halla Fall is formed by a stream called Wate Hole, a tributary of the Aghanashini River. It cascades down from a height of around 100 feet. The stream Wate Hole falling from a height of around 100 feet in 3 stages to form an eye-catching waterfall in the Western Ghats of Karnataka. The locals named this fall Wate Hole / Wate Halla falls as Wate in Kannada stands for a variety of bamboo which can be seen in the surrounding forest area and Hole/Halla means a stream of water.

The waterfall is invisible from the top of the valley as it is fully covered with trees but one can hear the roaring sound during monsoon season. One has to descend the valley nearly 300 feet to reach the base of the waterfall. The path is very steep and challenging. And, it is impossible to reach the base of this falls in the rainy season as the path is so slippery along with dangerous rocks all around the falls.

This waterfall is approachable from Nilkunda village on Sirsi-Kumta road. At Nilkunda, take a right deviation into Nilkunda-Devimane road. After a kilometer from here, a stream cuts the road, and after the stream the road forks. The right-hand fork is easy to miss, but this ...

Adventure / Trekking

At a distance of 10 km from Ramanagara Bus Stand, and 63 km from Bangalore, Thimappana Betta is a serene hill situated in the Ramanagara district of Karnataka. It is one of the popular places for trekking near Bangalore, and among the must-include places in Bangalore tour packages.

Thimmappana Betta is known for its gorgeous twin rocks and surrounding nature that make it a perfect landscape picture for Instagram. This rock has come to the limelight recently in 2017 due to easy accessibility to the top, without needing much trekking or climbing. There is a well-maintained temple named Thimmappana Swamy Temple at the base of the hill. There are 2 viewpoints - one very close to the temple while the other one is 15 minutes away.

Roads are really very good till the basement of the hill. This place is less known hence less crowded. This place is a good option around Bangalore for a short ride, click photos and breathe some fresh air. The place is very clean, no drinking is allowed anywhere near this place. There is little scope for trekking here as one can find huge rocks everywhere that are very steep to climb. If you're skilled enough and your bikes permit you can ride on top of the rock. Be extra careful if it is raining or if your bike is not powerful enough or too heavy to handle.

Timings: 6 AM to 5 PM

Entry: Rs. 50 for Car, & Rs. 20 for Bike

Historical & Heritage | Pilgrimage

At a distance of 45 km from Sirsi, the Tarakeshwara or Tarakeshvara Temple is a Hindu temple complex located in Hangal, Karnataka. It is one of the ancient temples in the Malnad region of Karnataka, and among the top places to visit near Sirsi.

Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the Tarakeshwara Temple dates back to the 12th century AD and is considered to be an architectural marvel. The temple was the most significant contribution of the Kadambas to the history of the town. However, the town and the temple came into prominence during the rule of Kalyani Chalukyas who were the most powerful in the Deccan region during their period. They made massive architectural innovations and additions to make it into the present form. It is a protected monument under the Archaeological Survey of India.

Built with grey-green chloritic schist, the temple is a fine example of the typical Chalukyan style of architecture with influences of Dravidian and Nagara styles. The main temple consists of a Garbhgriha or sanctum with adjoining enclosures like the Antarala, Navaranga, Sabhamandapa, and Mukhamandapa. The sanctum sanctorum houses Lord Tarakeshwar is in the form of a linga along with sculptures of Vishnu, Brahma, Karthikeya, and Nandi.

The major attraction of the temple is the main hall which has a large domical ceiling in the form of a lotus. The elaborately-carved structure is 9 m in diameter, and a huge stone, 6 m in diameter, forms the ceiling of this structure. The stone, cut ...

Adventure / Trekking

At a distance of 24 km from Lepakshi, 33 km from Chikballapur, and 92 km from Bangalore, Gudibande Fort was is a historical fort situated at Gudibande town in the Chikkaballapur district of Karnataka. It is one of the popular places of heritage in Karnataka, and among the top places to visit near Bangalore.

Gudibande Fort was built in the 17th century, by Byre Gowda, a local chieftain who ruled the place for only three years. It was believed that he belonged to the Tuluva dynasty of the Vijayanagar empire. It can be said as a concise replica of the Madhugiri fort.

The fort has seven levels with interconnecting escape routes which would help soldiers to flee in case of emergency. The fort contains two temples dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathi. The Shiva temple is known as 'Sir Rameshwara Temple', and is believed to be established by Lord Rama. The nandisthambha in front of the shrine, which stands on a square base, has sculpted stone images of Nandi, Shanmukha, and Shiva Linga. Besides, there were around 19 rock ponds at different levels of the fort that are linked by dhones and they could hold nearly 3 lakhs liters of rainwater in all.

One can also visit the Lakshmi Venkataramana Swamy Temple in Gudibande town which was constructed by Cholas. The temple is sort of a cave temple hewn out a huge rock and the name Gudibande to the town came from this where Gudi means temple, and Bande means rock. One can also visit a pristine lake called Bhairasagara ...

Beach

At a distance of 23 Kms from Mangalore Railway Station, Sasihitlu Beach situated towards Udupi is a clean beach & stretches about 2 km in length.

This place is also famous for a beautiful island called Munda surrounded by Shambhave and Nandini Rivers on one side and Arabian Sea on the other side.

Waterfall

At a distance of 55 Kms from Mysore, Chunchanakatte Falls is a famous waterfall formed by Cauvery River. The river flows into Chunchanakatte forming a 60 feet tall and about 350 feet wide waterfall. It is one of the top Mysore tourist places to visit in monsoon and another popular attraction not to miss in a Mysore tour package.

Legend describes that Lord Rama during his tenure in the forests stayed in this place on the behest of the tribal couple Chuncha and Chunchi. There is a belief that Goddess Sita took holy bath in this place and till now the water colour in that area looks like mixed with turmeric and other holy powders used for pooja. The place is very scenic surrounded by waterfalls and greenery. Lord Kodanda Rama temple is situated just beside the waterfalls.

There is a hydraulic power generating station installed.

Historical & Heritage | Pilgrimage

At a distance of 27 km from Hangal, and 68 km from Sirsi, the Nagareshvara Temple is an ancient Hindu temple situated at Bankapura in the Haveri district of Karnataka. Located inside the ruined Bankapura Fort, it is one of the historical temples in Karnataka built by Western Chalukyas, and among the must-visit places near Sirsi.

Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the Nagareshwara Temple was built in the 11th century in the Western Chalukya style. This eye-catching temple is also called Aravattu Kambada Gudi which means 60 pillars temple in Kannada. According to archaeologists, the temple suffered much damage when Bankapura fell to the armies of Firoz Shah Bahamani in 1406 CE and later again when it was occupied by the Bijapur Sultan Adil Shah. However, despite much plunder, the large temple with its majestic mandapa still retains some of its original beauty. The temple is a protected monument under the Archaeological Survey of India.

The temple is constructed with soapstone and comprises a small shrine and a closed hall (mandapa) that connects to a large open hall (Navaranga). Like all Western Chalukyan temples, the sanctum is connected to the large hall via a vestibule (antechamber). At the end of the large hall, facing the sanctum is an open Nandimantapa. The highlight of the large hall is the bell-shaped lathe-turned pillars. The main decoration on these pillars is the horizontal rings of moldings. The ceiling in the large hall is highly decorative with designs such as rosettes ...

Nature & Scenic

At a distance of 18 km from Bangalore Railway Station, Turahalli is a sprawling dry and deciduous forest located off Kanakapura Road, Bangalore. It is one of the best places to visit in Bangalore, especially for nature lovers.

Turahalli is a perfect escapade from the hustle and bustle of the city into nature. Considered to be the city's only surviving forest, the forest is sprinkled with huge rock boulders that make it a perfect spot not only to sit and relax but also to pose and take great pictures with the forest in the backdrop. In addition to that, the forest supports rich and varied wildlife, both in terms of flora and fauna. The trees are mostly eucalyptus among other species. The place is quiet, scenic, and surrounded by nature with a wide range of bird species.

Popularly known as Karishma Hills, this stretch of beautiful forest is perfect for a day trip if you are looking for a spot of fresh air, exercise, or even adventure. It has a nice view and a small Shani temple on top of a rocky hill. It is also among the few places within the city for natural rock climbing as there are several rocks of various sizes and shapes. Many climbers practice regularly, in preparation for local or international competitions.

Vehicles have been banned inside the forest except for cycles. So, the best way to enjoy Turahalli forest is to drive your vehicle up to the entrance, head out for a walk into the forest, and indulge in the rejuvenating environs of the forest. Cycling ...

Historical & Heritage | Pilgrimage

At a distance of 26 km from Bankapura, 34 km from Hangal, 72 km from Sirsi, and 78 km from Hubli, the Siddheswara Temple, locally called Purada Siddeshwara, is an ancient Hindu temple located in the town of Haveri in Haveri district of Karnataka. It is one of the popular temples in Karnataka built by the Western Chalukyas, and among the top places to visit near Sirsi.

The SiddheshwarIt is considered an ornate example of 12th century Western Chalukyan architecture and is well known for the many loose sculptures of Hindu deities that exist in it. However, the inscriptional evidence within the temple suggests that the temple was built in the late 11th century. Initially, the temple was constructed as a Vaishnava temple, but later in the years, the Jains removed the images, and thus the Shiva temple was created since it came under the possession of Shiva devotees.

The Siddheshvara temple is built of soapstone and faces west, instead of facing the rising sun in the east like all Chaluyan temples. The temple bears a close resemblance to a few other Chalukyan temples in the vicinity of Haveri- the Mukteshvara temple at Chavudayyadanapura, the Someshvara temple at Haralahalli, and the Siddharameshvara temple at Niralgi. The entire basement of this temple has sunk by a few feet, making it necessary to descend into the open mandapa (hall). The Siddhesvara temple boasts of 1300 stone carvings.

The mantapa (hall) in the temple contains sculptures of Uma Maheshwara, Vishnu ...

Pilgrimage | Adventure / Trekking

At a distance of 15 km from Ramanagara, and 61 km from Bangalore, Revana Siddeshwara Betta or SRS Hills is a sacred hill located at SRS Betta village in the Ramanagara district of Karnataka. It is one of the popular places of pilgrimage in Ramanagara, and among the best trekking places near Bangalore.

Situated at an altitude of 3,066 feet, Sri Revanna Siddeshwara Betta is famed for its arduous rock climbing spots and the Shiva temple. There are 3 temples on the hill, Renukamba temple at the base, Bemeshwari Temple at midway, and Reveanasiddeswara temple at the top. This elegant cave temple of Lord Siddeshwara is snuggled on the notch of a monolithic stone hill and is surrounded by the trails of natural wonders. Sri Revana Siddeshwara Swamy is considered as a reincarnation of the great Jagadguru Shri Renukacharya, who was one of the five acharyas who came to Kali Yuga to teach and preach Virasaivism.

One needs to climb around 300 steps to reach the top from the base of the hill. The climbing was not difficult since steps were craved and covered with a sheet on the top with also grills around. It will take 30-40 minutes to reach the hilltop. From the top, one can get the panoramic view of surrounding villages, a beautiful lake, and farms. Whether you are looking for solace or wish to add a rock climbing experience to your trip, then this is the best pick.

Timings: 8.30 AM to 5 PM

Entry: Free

Beach

At a distance of 10 Kms from Mangalore Railway Station, Ullal Beach is a beautiful beach located to the south of the Nethravati River on the shores of Arabian Sea. This is one of the best & developed beaches of Karnataka and among the top tourist places in Mangalore.

Ullal Beach is also the most serene and calm beach in Karnataka. This silver sands beach also offers breathtaking views of the sunset, especially when viewed through the casuarina groves. Sunbathing and swimming are the two common activities on the beach. There are several water sports available at the Ullal Beach. The Summer Sands Beach Resort near Ullal is also a popular picnic spot.

The beach is very close to Ullal Bus Station, which can be reached from Thokkottu on Kerala Road.

Pilgrimage

At a distance of 13 km from Benne Hole Falls, and 28 km from Sirsi, Sri Venkataramana Temple is a sacred Hindu temple situated at Manjuguni in Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka. It is one of the popular places of pilgrimage in Uttara Kannada, and among the must-visit places in Sirsi.

Located in the Sahyadri Hills, the Manjuguni Temple is dedicated to Lord Venkataramana and Goddess Padmavathi. According to Sri Venkatesha Mahatmya, the founder of this temple is Sri Tirumala Yogi, a saint. It is believed that the Lord of Tirupati settles down here in this temple while traveling around the globe hunting wild animals. Thus the temple is also referred to as Tirupathi of Karnataka or Chikka Tirupathi. During winter, this place will be covered by thick fog, and hence this place is called Manjuguni.

The Venkatramana Temple at Manjuguni is a huge complex built in Vijayanagara style. The temple has a huge Dwaja Sthambha, Bali Peetha, and then the entrance to the main shrine, which includes the facade, the hall, and the Navaranga, Sukhanasi, and sanctum sanctorum of the original temple. The main idol here is assumed to be more than 1000 years old. The special feature of the idol here is that the Lord is holding an arrow and bow as symbols of assurance and protection to the devotees. His consort Goddess Padmavathi is on the right side. Navaranga hall has several pillars decorated with beautifully carved figures of gods and goddesses that attract the attention of every visitor. ...

Adventure / Trekking

At a distance of 19 km from Ramanagara, and 60 km from Bangalore, Narayanagiri Hill is a mountain peak located at Jalamangala village in the Ramanagara district of Karnataka. It is one of the lesser-known mountain peaks in Karnataka, and among the popular one-day trekking trips from Bangalore.

Narayanagiri Hill is situated at an altitude of about 3800 feet. The place is also known by the name Lakshmi Narayana Swamy Betta due to the temple of Laxmi Narayana situated atop the hill. The temple is open only on Saturdays. The entire hill is historically fortified and one can see the remains of a fort wall almost encircling the top of the hill. There are also a vast number of natural caves on the hill. There is a lake in the vicinity which one can visit or enjoy the serenity of it from the top of the hill.

This is the perfect place to trek on your weekends and relax at the top through Camping. The hill is accessible via 560 rough steps, hewn on the stone rock face in the upper reaches. The viewing of sunrise on the top of the hill is very admirable. Night trekking is one of the most sought-after activities here. It is advisable to carry your drinking water as there is no source of drinking water on top of the mountain.

Timings: 5 AM to 6 PM

Entry: Free

Wildlife

At a distance of 71 Kms from Mysore, 85 Kms from Bangalore City Junction, Kokkare Bellur Bird Sanctuary is located in Mandya District of Karnataka and is about 20 km from Mandya. The name of the village is derived from Kokkare meaning stork and Bellur meaning village of jaggery. This is one of the popular tourist places near Bangalore & Mysore.

The Mandya district is famous for sugarcane fields and this village is famous for having large colonies of Painted Storks and Spot-billed Pelicans nesting in trees within the village. It is home to cranes, painted storks and pelicans.

The best season to visit the migratory birds is October to March.

Timings: 6 AM to 6 PM

Waterfall

At a distance of 38 km from Mudigere, and 68 km from Chikmagalur, Kodige Falls is a mesmerizing waterfall situated near Durgadahalli village in the Malenadu region of Karnataka. It is one of the stunning waterfalls in Karnataka, and among the most scenic places to visit near Chikmagalur.

Also known as Durgadahalli Falls, Kodige Waterfall is a 30 feet waterfall formed over the Netravathi River. The waterfall is located in a private estate surrounded by dense forest. The water is shallow which allows visitors to swim and play in the water. This is a perfect retreat from the busy city life during your Chikmagalur Trip. Do take extreme care in any water body as it might slip and with kids do take extra care.

Visitors need to walk about 10 minutes from the parking area. The trek path is an easily accessible place for kids and elders. However, it is better to park the vehicles at Durgadahalli village during the monsoon season as the road is muddy and is not suitable for cars. One can also reach the top of the falls. There are also restrooms and changing room facilities for visitors. Post monsoon is the best season to visit the waterfall when it is in full flow.

Timings: 8 AM - 5 PM

Entry: Rs. 30 for Person

Nature & Scenic

At a distance of 8 km from Benne Hole Falls, 18 km from Manjuguni, and 37 km from Sirsi, Devimane Ghat is a mountain pass situated in Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka. It is one of the scenic ghats in Uttara Kannada, and among the must-visit places in Sirsi.

Devimane Ghat lies in the Western Ghat part of Karnataka, ultimately connecting Malenadu town Sirsi and Karavali town Kumta. Being under the lush forest zone in Uttara Kannada district, it consists of 15 hairpin curves, and the road elevation ranges from 25m to 567 m. In between these 15 hairpin curves lies the Devimane village, a pristine little hill town known for its tranquility. Perfectly nestled in the Western Ghats, this region has numerous waterfalls and viewpoints. There is a Durga Devi temple above the hill which led people to name this ghat as Devimane, meaning the home of goddess Devi.

There is also a viewpoint at Devimane that affords stunning views of the surroundings, as well as a temple of Kshetrapaleshwara that people believe protects the surrounding areas. Travelers going through this ghat usually stop at Kshetrapaleshwara Temple, and offer money, coconut, fruits, and flowers to God and pray for a safe journey. During the monsoon, the entire region gets covered by fog, reducing visibility and increasing the beauty of this place.

Devimane is also a protected forest reserve, preserving the evergreen flora of the Western Ghats. This region is home to many medicinal plants and fauna. Lion-tailed ...

Waterfall | Adventure / Trekking

At a distance of 4 km from Ballarayanadurga Fort, 9 km from Kodige Falls, 45 km from Mudigere, and 75 km from Chikmagalur, Bandaje Falls is a mesmerizing waterfall located in the Charmady Ghat section of the Western Ghats in the Belthangady taluk of Dakshina Kannada district, Karnataka. It is one of the stunning waterfalls in Karnataka, and among the must-include places in Chikmagalur holiday packages.

Also known as Bandaje Arbi Falls, Bandaje Waterfall is formed by a tributary of the Netravathi River. It plunges 200 feet from the hilltop and is a surreal sight to behold. The waterfall continues its journey downhill as a single stream to join the river Netravathi as a tributary. It is one of the most magnificent natural treasures of the Western Ghats hidden among a blanket of greenery on top of the hills. The majestic waterfall is as famous for its natural beauty as for being a junction of various trek routes. Permission from the Belthangady wildlife range office, Kudremukh national park is required to trek to Bandaje Falls.

The waterfall is located in a remote area of Western Ghats and can be reached only by undertaking trekking in thick forests and grasslands with the help of local guides. A trekker's delight, there are two different routes to reach the falls. If you are travelling via Mangalore - Ujire, it is located 25 km from Ujire. The trek generally starts from Valambra near Somanthadka village (7 km ...

Adventure / Trekking

At a distance of 6 km from Durgadahalli, 10 km from Sunkasale, 27 km from Kottigehara, 43 km from Mudigere, and 72 km from Chikmagalur, Ballarayana Durga Fort is an ancient fort situated near Durgadahalli village in Karnataka. It is one of the few forts that can be found in the Western Ghats, and among the major places to visit as part of Chikmagalur Packages.

Ballalarayana Durga Fort lies on the top of a hill amidst the dense forest of Karnataka. The fort was constructed by the wife of Veera Ballala l, the king of the Hoysala Empire in the 12th century. The fort has lost its glory and stands as a distant reminder of its beautiful past. However, one can find a few periphery walls, arches, entrances overrun with vegetation.

Perched at an altitude of 1509 m, the fort offers some of the best panoramic vistas and picturesque views in the region. The engulfing greenery charms visitors at all times of the year. Besides, the fort is ideal for watching amazing sunsets when the whole place comes alive with colors of different hues. Another best thing about this place is that there is no network connectivity, making this place a serene spot to relax and enjoy nature.

Cosily tucked up in the Western Ghats, Ballarayana Durga Fort can only be reached by trekking through the dense vegetation that grows on the slopes. Although the hill fort is currently in ruins, it is a major destination for trekking in Karnataka, and ...

Adventure / Trekking | Nature & Scenic

At a distance of 20 km from Kukke Subrahmanya and 55 km from Sakleshpur, Bisle Ghat is a ghat situated between Kukke Subrahmanya and Sakleshpura in Karnataka. It is one of the top adventurous spots in Karnataka and among the popular Sakleshpur Tourist Places.

Bisle is part of Western Ghats and situated in the border of Hassan district and Dakshina Kannada district. Bisle Viewpoint, about 5 Km from Bisle village, is popular as a view point to get the beautiful and astonishing views of three mountain ranges including Kumara Parvatha, Pushpagiri and Dodda Betta. The highlight of this point is that the view has a valley, with Giri River separating the beauty point and these mountain ranges. The forest department has erected a shelter here to sit and enjoy the view.
Besides breathtaking views, it is also a perfect destination for the trekkers. Bisle Reserve Forest is also situated here which is home to a variety of flora and fauna. The forest remains protected and unexploited as there is no human occupancy in it. Tourists here can also enjoy spotting some diverse wild animals like peacocks, monkeys, spotted deer, and elephants while passing through the reserve forest. With a blanket of greenery all around dotted with waterfalls and streams, Bisle Viewpoint offers an unforgettable time for nature lovers in Sakleshpur.

The road leading to Bisle is being concretized currently and it's better to enquire before moving as the ghat road is closed sometimes. Not advised to ...

Wildlife

At a distance of 16 km from Banavasi, and 41 km from Sirsi, Gudavi Bird Sanctuary is a protected sanctuary situated at Gudavi village in the Shimoga district of Karnataka. It is one of the lesser-known bird sanctuaries in Karnataka, and among the popular places to visit near Sirsi.

Spread over an area of 0.74 sq. km, Gudavi Bird Sanctuary is a paradise for ornithologists. It was declared as a bird sanctuary in 1986 and is now protected. The sanctuary is located on the banks of Gudavi Lake surrounded by a thick cover of green trees. The small lake is filled with water throughout the rainy season. As per a survey, there were 217 species of flora and fauna, belonging to 48 families in the bird sanctuary.

A variety of birds migrate to Gudavi for breeding in the months of monsoon, that is, from June to December, an ideal period for a visit. The trees and the natural lake give shelter to these birds. The sanctuary inhabits various species of migratory birds like white ibis, little cormorant, Indian cormorant, little grebe, and jungle fowl along with common species like heron, ibis, egrets, darter, cormorant, parrots, mynas, and kites. A special platform is built for the bird watchers to have a closer look at the birds.

The sanctuary has 2 entrances, and tickets are given at both sides. From the entrance, one has to take a vehicle some 700m, park it and then walk along the pond. Platforms are constructed for visitors to walk on, making them visitor friendly. Department ...

Waterfall

At a distance of 5 km from Kalasa, 11 km from Horanadu, 50 km from Kottigehara, and 91 km from Chikmagalur, Soormane Falls is a mesmerizing waterfall situated near Kalasa in the Chikkamagaluru district of Karnataka. It is one of the lesser-known waterfalls in Karnataka, and among must-visit places as part of Chikmagalur tour packages.

Also known as Abbugudige Falls, Soormane Waterfall is a 40 feet waterfall formed by an unknown stream. The waterfall is located in a private estate surrounded by dense forest. The waterfall forms a beautiful crystal clear pond below which is a good place for visitors to swim and play in the water. This is a perfect retreat from the busy city life as it is one of the least explored waterfalls in Chikmagalur. Do take extreme care in any water body as it might slip and with kids do take extra care.

One needs to walk about 5-10 minutes from the parking area. The trek path is an easily accessible place for kids and elders. The most suitable time to visit the place is during the monsoon season when the waterfall is in full flow. However, beware of leeches. It is advisable to carry enough food and drinks as there are no shops in the far vicinity.

Timings: 8 AM - 5 PM

Entry: Ra. 50 per Person

Adventure / Trekking

At a distance of 11 km from Kanakapura, and 72 km from Bangalore, Bananthimari Betta is a twin hillock located near Kanakapura town. It is one of the top places to visit near Bangalore for trekking.

Bananthimari Betta is locally known as Karadi Betta in and around the region since bears are spotted around it. Surrounded by plush green fields and patches of flowers and rock surfaces, the hillock is around 2090 feet in height and makes up for a moderately easy trek that beginners and experienced trekkers can easily take. Bananthimari Betta gets its name from the Devi Temple situated at the base. Bananthi means 'mother who is nursing a newborn', and Mari means 'the violent goddess'.

Bananthimari Betta is surrounded by verdant green fields which are mostly used by shepherds to feed their flocks. The Devi Temple at the base of the hillock serves as a great starting point for this 2.5 km trek. Bananthimari is situated between the villages of Konanadoddi and Kuthanahalli. The villagers are extremely helpful, in case you need help with directions. Most of the hillock is made up of granite rocks with patches of protruding grass and vegetation and a few trees. The coarse granite rocky boulders offer the perfect grip to trek and hike. The top of the peak is slightly blunt and flat.

As the height increases, the scenery gets more and more enticing. Visitors will be awed at the beauty of the neighboring vistas ...

Pilgrimage

At a distance of 35 km from Sakleshpur, Betta Byraveshwara Temple is ancient temple situated near Mekanagadde in Sakleshpur Taluk of Hassan district, Karnataka. Surrounded by serenity, it is one of the top places to visit in Sakleshpur.

Dedicated to Lord Shiva, Betta Byraveshwara Temple is located atop Pandavar Gudda Hill and is considered approximately 600 years old. The temple is nestled in the beautiful Western Ghats and offers a panoramic view of the landscape. According to the mythology, the Pandavas in Mahabharata stayed here for a short while during their exile. Also known as Bettada Bhairaveshwara Prasanna Temple, this is an excellent tourist spot for those who like the calm and beauty of nature. One can see some big grinding stones at the temple.

An annual Abhisheka will be held once in a year in January month where all the people from surrounding places come here to take the blessings of Lord Bhairava. There are also many popular hills of Sakleshpur which are located nearby and offer some amazing opportunities for trekking and sightseeing. Some of these hills which you can see here are Jenukallu Gudda and Deepadha Kallu Peak.

There is a nice motorable road, though steep, leading to the temple. One can also climb up to the temple through steps that have been built.

Timings: 6 AM - 8.30 AM

Waterfall

At a distance of 5 km from Didupe, 18 km from Ujire, 19 km from Charmadi, and 89 km from Chikmagalur, Ermayi, or Ermai Falls is a mesmerizing waterfall situated near Kajoor in the Chikkamagaluru district of Karnataka. It is one of the lesser-known waterfalls in Karnataka, and among the best places to visit near Chikmagalur.

Ermai Waterfall is a hidden waterfall located at the foothills of the Ballalarayana Durga range of the Western Ghats. This is a multi-layered waterfall that slides down the rocky terrain from 75 feet. It forms a 5 feet deep pool at the bottom where tourists can swim or play with water. However, avoid getting too close to waterfalls during monsoon as the water level tends to increase along with strong currents. Don't climb without the guidance of locals or experienced trekkers as plenty of people have lost their life.

It is a seasonal waterfall, which comes to full glory in the peak monsoon season. The waterfall is situated on private property but the public can visit this place. In addition to this, there are 2 other waterfalls near Ermayi which can be trekked with the help of locals. This is a remote place so avoid getting into the jungle on yourself because it is very confusing to find a way out. Moreover, there are no eateries or restaurants in and around the corner, so it will be better to carry food.

To reach this place one can travel to Uijre, from there reach Mundaje, take the diversion towards Didupe village. After heading 6 km ...

Nature & Scenic

At a distance of 20 km from Shivanasamudra, 74 km from Mysore and 130 km from Bangalore, Doddamakali Nature Camp is a hidden gem nestled in the heart of Karnataka. Located on the banks of the magnificent River Cauvery, it is one of the scenic destinations in Karnataka, and among the top places to visit near Mysore as well as Bangalore.

Situated just 6 km upstream from the Bheemeshwari Fishing Camp, Doddamakali is known for its rustic charm and sylvan surroundings. It is one of the popular locations for corporate team building and weekend getaways in Bangalore. As it is isolated from the hustle and bustle of the city, this place promises a tranquil escape from the chaos of city life.

With its lush greenery, gushing river, and abundant wildlife, this place perfectly blends natural beauty and adventure. The main attraction here is the River Cauvery, which flows gracefully through the region, providing ample opportunities for water-based activities like angling, kayaking, and river rafting. The surrounding landscape of Doddamakali is adorned with dense forests, making it an ideal destination for wildlife enthusiasts. The region is home to various exotic species, including elephants, leopards, deer, and numerous bird species.

Mountain biking and hiking are also common at Doddamakali. Tourists visiting Doddamakali often go for nature walks and visit the ruins of an ancient Shiva temple located nearby. ...

Adventure / Trekking

At a distance of 7 km from Pandavapura, 14 km from Srirangapatana, 30 km from Mysore and 122 km from Bangalore, Kunti Betta is a picturesque hill situated in Pandavapura Taluk of Mandya district in Karnataka. This place Pandavapura was named after the Pandavas who had been here during their exile days. Kunti Betta is one of the best places to visit near Bangalore for one day trip and also one of the popular places to visit in Mysore.

Kunti Betta is marked by the two rocky hills at an altitude of 2,882 feet. These rocky hills are surrounded by sugarcane, paddy fields & coconut trees. The Kunti Betta trail is a short but fairly challenging one. It includes steep ascents and descents. There is a temple with a pond at the foot of the hill which serves as a popular destination for pilgrims. There are rooms which are used by the pilgrimage for an overnight stay at the temple. The temple is situated between the two hills of Kunti Betta.

The Kunti Betta trek starts from the right side of the pond. The initial inclination for few meters is more than 60 degrees. One needs to be slow and careful on this slope. There is a rock on the edge of the hill top. The rock has a shear drop and an inclination on the other side and visitors must be very careful if they want to reach the edge of the rock. This gives a clear view of the paddy fields ...

Adventure / Trekking

At a distance of 9 km from Hanbal and 25 km from Sakleshpur, Agni Gudda is a hill situated near Agani village in Sakleshpur Taluk of Hassan district, Karnataka. It is one of the beautiful peaks in Karnataka and among the best trekking places in Sakleshpur.

The name 'Agni Gudda' means 'Fiery Mountain' and is called so due to the extreme volcanic nature of this hill in the region. It is frequented by trek enthusiasts and people who are interested in outdoor camping. From the mountain, one can avail the views of the surrounding rice fields. This spot also has been recorded on various South Indian and Bollywood movies.

The peak can be reached by 3 km trek from Agani village. It is fairly moderate climb which will take 1 hour to reach the top of the hill. From the top one can get the postcard view of surrounding plains and lush green fields. Visitors need to carry water and snacks as there are no shops available. One can also pitch their own tent and do camping overnight on the top.

Timings: 6 AM - 6 PM

Waterfall

At a distance of 4 km from Didupe, 23 km from Ujire, and 95 km from Chikmagalur, Didupe Falls is an unexplored waterfall that hides at the base of Charmadi Ghat in Karnataka. It is one of the lesser-known waterfalls in Karnataka, and among the best places to visit near Chikmagalur.

Didupe Falls is also known as Kadamagundi Falls or Anadka Falls by locals. It is a seasonal waterfall, which comes to full glory in the peak monsoon season. It plunges from a 70 feet rocky cliff and splashes the ground with great force. This waterfall is surrounded by rocky terrains and dense misty forests on most sides. A beautiful natural pool is formed at the base of the waterfalls where one can take a dip and play with water. However, it is not suitable for swimming as the pool is not very deep and

To reach this place one can travel to Uijre, from there reach Mundaje, take a diversion towards Didupe village. Once you reach the village, ask the locals for directions, as there are no signboards to guide you. Besides this, landslides keep happening in these regions during monsoons, so it is always better to hire a local guide to reach the falls. To visit Didupe Falls, one needs to seek permission from the forest department from Didupe village. It is a 30 mins trek and mostly the trail passes through the forests, narrow streams, and private farmlands. Watch your foot while crossing the streams as the rocks are super slippery and full of moss. There are multiple routes to the falls and ...

Adventure / Trekking

At a distance of 8 km from Betta Byraveshwara Temple and 40 km from Sakleshpur, Jenukal Gudda or Jenukallu Gudda is a mountain peak in Hassan district of Karnataka. It is the second highest peak in Karnataka and among the best trekking places in Sakleshpur.

Jenukal Gudda is lapped amidst the thick green woods and rich plantations of coffee and is often frequented by trek-lovers from all parts of Karnataka. Jenukal Gudda is also termed as a honey stone mountain. Along with a panoramic view of the various hill blanketed with verdant greenery, Jenukal Gudda is a great place where you can bask in the vistas of Arabian Sea in Mangalore on a clear sunny day.

Jenukallu Gudda Peak can be reached by trek from Betta Byraveshwara Temple. The trek distance is about 8 km from the temple and it will take 4-5 Hours both ways. The initial part of the trek was gradual and walk was casual while the final stretch was steep. It was bit tricky at couple of places where one needs to navigate narrow path through the rocks with vertical fall on one side. This part would pose a challenge for the trekkers climbing during monsoon. Many famous peaks like Ettina Bhuja, Kumara Parvata and Sheshaparvata are visible from the hill top during clear days.

There is a nearby hill called Diggallu or Deepadha Kallu which is clubbed with Jenukal Betta for trekking. During the lush post monsoon months the hill top will be misty with very low visibility. It is dangerous to climb the mountain during ...

Adventure / Trekking

At a distance of 24 km from Kunigal, and 93 km from Bangalore, Huliyurdurga Fort is an ancient fort situated at Huliyurdurga village in Kunigal taluk of Karnataka. It is one of the top places for hiking near Bangalore.

Huliyurdurga is part of the Navadurgas, situated on the outskirts of Bangalore. They are Savandurga, Nandidurga, Devarayanadurga, Hutridurga, Channarayanadurga, Kabbaldurga, Makalidurga, Huliyurdurga and Byravadurga. Huli means Tiger and Durga means fort in Kannada. Legends say that tigers used to roam and rule this area during the 16th century. However, locals call this hill Kumbi Betta (Inverted clay pot) due to its peculiar shape of an inverted cup.

The fortification of the hill is about 845 m above sea level and was said to have been erected by Kempe Gowda, the founder of Bengaluru. The fort later came under the rulers Chikka Devaraya Wodeyar, Hyder Ali, and Tippu Sultan in turn, after which finally in 1792 the Marathas and the British together laid siege to the fort. There are a few ancient temples at the base of the hill believed to have been built during the reign of the Wodeyars. This place is surrounded by thick forests and is a perfect trek for a challenging adventure.

This 3 km trail starts from the base of the hill and takes 2 hours. From the base, steps are laid up till the temple of Lord Sri Kumbhi Ganapathi and it was an easy climb. The main climb started after this temple. There were multiple arrows pointing in 3 directions! ...

Lake & Backwater

At a distance of 27 km from Hassan and 63 km from Sakleshpur, Hemavathi Dam is an earthen dam situated at Gorur in Hassan district of Karnataka. Also known as Gorur Dam, it is one of the popular picnic spots in Hassan and among the prime places to visit in Sakleshpura.

The dam is built across the river Hemavathi, an important tributary of River Kaveri. Built in 1979, the reservoir has been providing water supply for drinking and irrigation purposes to the nearby villages. The dam is 58 meters in height, and 4692 meters long, impounding a reservoir of 8502 hectares. The reservoir has 6 large radial spillway gates.

Hemavathi Dam offers a beautiful view to the visitors. The sight is more attractive when the gates of the reservoir are open and the water gushes down in a lovely manner. There is a garden covered in green grass right next to the dam which enhances the beauty of the location. The garden is often used by the locales as a picnic spot. An early morning visit to the dam offers a wonderful sight of various water birds coming to the reservoir.

The temples of Paravasudeva and Yoganarasimha are located near the dam and are popular tourist attractions of the area. One can also visit Shettihalli Church which was built around 450 years ago. The church was constructed by French Missionaries in the 1860s, and has a mighty and magnificent structure in the Gothic Architecture. The uniqueness of the church lies in the fact that the church remains submerged in the ...

Miscellaneous

At a distance of 21 km from Nandi Hills, and 45 km from Bangalore, Grover Zampa Vineyards is located at Doddaballapura. It is the longest-standing wine producer and leading exporter in India and among the top places to visit near Bangalore.

Situated at an altitude of about 920 m, Grover Zampa Vineyards spread over 410 acres on the foothills of the Nandi Hills. With over 30 years in the trade, the company maintains the most impressive pedigree in the Indian wine industry through its sustainable viticulture practices, selective hand harvesting, and winemaking carried out by a team of local enologists directed by international French wine consultant Michel Rolland and French winemaker Mathias Pollard.

Take a trip to Grover Zampa Vineyards to learn the process of winemaking. Go on a tour around this peaceful vineyard, and learn all about their winemaking - from filtering to the packaging of the bottles. Visitors can sample a variety of wines produced at the vineyard and also take part in some fun and traditional grape-stomping! This is an immersive and educational experience that wine lovers cannot afford to miss.

There are three tours in a day that start at 10.30 AM, 12 PM, and 2 PM. The winery tour and tasting session would take around 60 to 90 minutes, or sometimes more. The winery tour starts from the crushing unit where visitors will understand the sorting, crushing, fermentation, ageing, ...

Miscellaneous

At a distance of 39 km from Nandi Hills, and 63 km from Bangalore, the Soma Vineyard is located in Sonnenahalli, Karnataka. It is one of the leading wine exporters in India, and among the top places to visit near Bangalore.

Soma Vineyard is spread over a vast area of around 120 acres and is unique with rolling slopes dotted with several fruit trees including coconut, palm, custard apple, and neem. Darby Raju and Aruna own Soma Vineyard. Darby bought the estate in 1980 and converted it into vineyards in 2001. The project has been initially growing grapes and supplying them to Grover intermittently since 2003. The estate specializes mainly in Shiraz (75%), and some Sauvignon Blanc also (25%).

With Makali Hills on one side, Gundamagere Lake on the other, and a sunset deck within the estate, Soma Vineyards is one of the most scenic vineyards in India. One can spend hours hill-gazing or watching the spectacular sunset or sunrise over the Makali Hills, or even soak in the breathtaking 360-degree views from several vantage points while sipping some of their limited edition wines available only at the vineyard's tavern.

A visit to this estate is a perfect retreat from the city's noise and pollution with only the sounds of vines breaking the silence. It is also ideal for hosting private events. The Soma Vineyard does not take walk-ins so visitors will need to book in advance for a wine-tasting tour ...

Miscellaneous

At a distance of 69 km from Bangalore, Heritage Winery, now called Domaine Sula, is located on the Mysore highway near the town of Channapatna in Karnataka. It is Sula's fourth unit in Karnataka, and among the top places to visit near Mysore, as well as Bangalore.

Spread over nine acres, the Heritage winery produces Sula's Kadu range of wines - meaning 'wild' in Kannada. It is the first wine in India dedicated to tiger conservation within Karnataka, besides its other delicious range of wines. The winery is extremely famous for the finest quality of wine and the choices they have. The rustic town Channapatna offers the best favorable climatic conditions to produce remarkable grade wine and is exceptionally famous in Karnataka.

Heritage Winery is probably the best place near Bangalore to witness the wine-making process. The 1-2 tour begins with grape farming, where the visitors are taken through the fields and shown how grape cultivation is done, how different varieties of grapes are grown in different climatic conditions as well as how watering is done based on the timing of each grape's quality. The next section of the tour begins with a tour of the wine-making process that includes crushing, fermentation, and storage. Later, visitors were taken to taste the Kadu and Sula wines in their tasting room. There is an in-house restaurant offering European, Italian, and Indian cuisine, where you can grab an ...

Miscellaneous

At a distance of 25 km from Bangalore, Nandi Valley Winery is located amidst the picturesque Nandi Valley. It is one of the top places to visit near Bangalore for wine lovers.

Spread over 250 acres, Nandi Valley Winery, also known as Kinvah Vineyards & Tavern, is best known for its Kinvah range of premium wines, from red and white to rose. Kinvah, named after an exotic wine from the Mauryan era, is a leading wine manufacturer in this region and the winery aims to produce French grape wines that are at par with French or Italian wines in their refinement and flavor notes. The pleasant and cool climate of the Nandi valley, with its fertile soil, is apt for producing the finest quality of grapes.

Kinvah makes for a super-fun weekend getaway too, as one can spend a day filled with fun activities here. The winery offers you wine tours in two batches daily - 10.30 AM and 1.30 PM. On this tour, guests are informed about the history of wine and its cultivation before proceeding to witness the actual process at the vineyard. Practically every aspect of wine-making is discussed-right from fermentation to bottling and final labeling. Then, you can take part in a wine-tasting session where you can try the best wines from their collection.

Besides, visitors can also experience an exciting grape stomping session followed by a leisurely walk in their vineyards and spend some time in nature, relaxing or playing ...

Miscellaneous

At a distance of 22 km from Bangalore, Rico Vineyard and Winery is located in the picturesque town of Chikkaballapur. It is one of the scenic vineyards in Karnataka, and among the top places to visit as part of the Bangalore packages.

Spread over 50 acres of lush greenery along Yelahanka - Doddabhallapur Road, Rico Vineyard, and Winery stands as India's premier wine producer and also a paradise for wine lovers and adventure enthusiasts alike. The Rico Vineyard first started producing wine at its Bijapur winery about a decade ago and then expanded in 2020 to Bangalore, with the construction of its second winery. The vineyard offers a unique opportunity to explore the process of winemaking followed by a curated wine-tasting session, and indulge in exciting outdoor activities.

The Rico Wine Park conducts Wine Tours in two sessions - 11 AM and 1 PM, each lasting 2.5 hours. The tour begins with a guided walk through the vineyard, where you can see different varieties of grapes and learn about the process of winemaking. Visitors will be taken to the grape-crushing area, the fermentation tanks, and the barrel room, where you can see wine aging in oak barrels.

No vineyard tour is complete without a wine-tasting session. At Rico Winery, you can taste some of their finest wines and learn about the different notes and flavors. The vineyard offers a unique dining experience, where you can enjoy a meal amidst the ...

Miscellaneous

At a distance of 29 km from Bangalore, Big Banyan Vineyard is located on the outskirts of Bangalore. It is one of the scenic vineyards in Karnataka, and among the top places to visit in Bangalore.

Set in 20 acres of sprawling greenery, Big Banyan Vineyard is situated near the iconic Dodda Alada Mara, the massive 400 year old banyan tree spanning 3 acres. The red clay soil and the mildly nippy weather with bursts of sunshine are perfect for some of the varietals cultivate here. Lucio Matricardi, the vineyard winemaker, has handpicked a crew of farmers and trained them in the subtle nuances of viticulture. Together, they tend to vines, prune them, nurture them, wait for the ripe moment and pluck the grapes for the winery.

The vineyard is open to the public, and the company has built a modern Tasting Room where you can try four to six wines and cheese from 10 Cuts of Cheese. The vineyards and the Big Banyan winery offer the rare experience of witnessing the magical creation of exotic fine wines. Take a stroll down the vineyards and join the team at the winery as they guide you through the entire wine-making process.

Open from Monday to Sunday, the wine tours run in slots every hour starting from 11 AM to 4 PM, and on Weekends i.e. from Friday to Sunday, there is an additional tour at 5 PM. Advance booking is mandatory to visit the vineyard. If you're longing for a short relaxing break ...

Historical & Heritage

At a distance of 16 km from Gorur Dam, 25 km from Hassan and 45 km from Sakleshpur, Shettihalli Rosary Church is an ancient church situated at Shettihalli village in Hassan district of Karnataka. It is one of the popular places to visit in Hassan and among the best places to visit near Sakleshpur.

Popularly called as Floating Church, Shettihalli Church was built in 1860 by the French missionaries for the wealthy British estate owners. After the construction of the Hemavati Dam and Reservoir in 1960 the church was abandoned. Since then the church submerges in water every year during monsoon season.

The church was built magnificently in the Gothic Architectural style. The uniqueness of the church lies in the fact that the church remains submerged in the backwaters of the Hemavathi River at all times of the year except summer. Even when the church is half under the water, tourists can go near it on a coracle. During the summer season the water recedes and visitors can pay a visit to the church.

Timings: 6 AM - 6 PM

Adventure / Trekking

At a distance of 6 km from Belthangady, 61 km from Mangalore, 87 km from Kudremukh and 111 km from Chikmagalur, Jamalabad Fort is an old hilltop fortification in Jamalabad Village near Belthangady in Dakshina Kannada District of Karnataka. It is located in the Kudremukh range of hills. The fort lies at an altitude of 1700 ft.

The fort was formerly called Narasimha Ghada, which refers to the granite hill on which the fort is built. It is also referred locally as Jamalagadda or Gadaikallu. Originally a mud fort existed on the hilltop. The fort was reconstructed over the ruins of an older structure by Tipu Sultan in 1794 and named after his mother, Jamal Bee. The fort was captured by the British in 1799 during the 4th Mysore War. As per legend, those who are not favorable to Tipu were hurled down this fort to their death.

The fort is accessible via a narrow path with about 1800 steps cut out of the granite hill. Inside the fort, there is a tank to store rain water. Remains of a single cannon lie at the top. Nothing much of the fortifications remain but hints of the fort wall with parapets are visible. This hillock fort has one room at the top. There is also an unmanned microwave repeater station on top of the hill.

Jamalabad is a popular trekking destination and has been classified as a medium difficulty trekking site. The top of fort offers good views of the surrounding landscape and the Kudremukh range. ...

Adventure / Trekking

At a distance of 15 km from Kukke Subramanya, 30 km from Somwarpet, 65 km from Madikeri, 115 km from Mangalore, 260 km from Bangalore, Kumara Parvatha, also known as Pushpagiri, is a beautiful mountain peak located in Pushpagiri reserve forest near Kukke Subramanya town in Dakshina Kannada district of Karnataka. Situated at an elevation of 1712 m above sea level, Kumara Parvatha trek is one of the toughest treks and most popular trekking destinations in the Western Ghats of Karnataka. The trek distance is around 25 km (with return) and usually done in 2 days.

Kumara Parvatha is the third tallest peak in Karnataka, Mulliyangiri in Chikmagalur being the tallest and Thadiyandamol in Coorg being the second tallest. Kumara Parvatha trek is one among the most popular trekking trails in Karnataka. This peak has numerous white stones that are known as 'Saligramams'. The Shivalingas with six faces, also known as the 'Kumaralingas', can also be seen here.

There are two routes to trek Kumara Parvatha. First route starts from Kukke Subramanya Temple and goes through Girigadde (Bhattare Mane) & Mantapa. This route is moderate difficulty. Bhattare Mane is the only point along the trek where you can get food, water and rest­rooms. Camping can be done at Girigadde (Bhattare Mane) or Mantapa.

Second trek route is little hard and starts from Heggade Mane, which is about 5 km from Bidahalli (which is 15 km from ...

Adventure / Trekking

At a distance of 100 Kms from Mangalore, 30 Kms from Kukke Subramanya, 65 Kms from Hassan & 80 Kms from Chikmagalur, Yedakumeri is a beautiful place in the Western Ghats & a wonderful trekking destination.

A trekking along the abandoned meter gauge railway line between Donigal and Yedukumeri (17 Kms - 8 Hrs) is a unique experience and is popularly referred to as 'Yedakumeri Railway Trek' or 'Green Route Trek'. This route is nature lovers & photographers paradise.

The trek route has several curves, tunnels and bridges. The mountains stretch with more than 25 waterfalls and several small streams. Trekking usually starts from the Dhonigal (on Bangalore - Mangalore route) and run along the tracks to Yedakumeri. Camping can be done at Dhonigal & Yedakumeri stations. Trek can be extended till Kukke Subramanya (16 Kms extra).

Donigal can be reached by Bus/Cab from Sakleshpura (which is connected by Bus with Bangalore via Hassan) - 10 Kms away.

Pre & post monsoon is the best time.

Historical & Heritage

At a distance of 26 km from Koppal, 43 km from Gadag, 70 km from Hampi, and 79 km from Badami, Mahadeva Temple is an ancient temple situated at Itagi in the Koppal district of Karnataka. It is one of the popular heritage temples in Karnataka, and among the popular places to visit near Hampi as part of Hampi Tour Packages.

Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the Mahadeva Temple at Itagi was built in the year 1112 CE by Mahadeva, a commander (dandanayaka) in the army of the Western Chalukya King Vikramaditya VI. It was constructed on the general plan of the Amruteshwara Temple at Annigeri. The Mahadeva Temple has the same architectural components as Amruteshwara but there is a difference in their articulation. The well-executed sculptures, finely crafted carvings on walls, pillars, and the tower make it a good example of complete Western Chalukyan art which speaks volumes about the taste of the Chalukyan artisans. An inscription dated 1112 CE in the temple calls it Devalayagala Chakravarti means Emperor among Temples. The Mahadeva temple is a protected monument under the Archaeological Survey of India.

The Mahadeva Temple is an example of Dravida articulation with a Nagara superstructure. The temple plan consists of a shrine (cella) which is connected to a closed mantapa (hall) by a vestibule (antechamber). The closed mantapa leads to an open mantapa. This open mantapa has 64 pillars, 24 of which are full pillars that support ...

Lake & Backwater

At a distance of 34 Kms from Madikeri & 10 Kms from Kushalnagar, Harangi Dam is built against a small stream, a tributary of river Cauvery at Hadgur village. The dam is 846 meters long with a height of 47 meters. The dam attracts large crowd during the monsoon season when the gates are opened and the water is released. It is one of the popular sightseeing places in Coorg. The backwaters are spread across several acres with small islands in the middle and thick forest on the banks.

There is a small garden near the dam and a stone statue of Goddess Cauvery. Just around the reservoir there is Chamundeshwari Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva & Goddess Parvathi.

August to October is the best time to visit the dam. Timings: 8 AM to 6 PM.

Adventure / Trekking

At a distance of 7 km from Nalaknad Palace and 41 km from Madikeri, Tadiyandamol Peak near Kakkabe is a tallest mountain peak in Kodagu. Tadiyandamol is one of the top things to do in Coorg and also a well-known destination for trekking in Karnataka. It is one of the top attractions you must include in Coorg package

Lies at an altitude of 5730 feet, Tadiyandamol is the second highest peak in Karnataka after Mulliyangiri in the Baba Budan Range. The name Tadiyandamol literally means tallest mount in Kodava. With gentle, velvety green slopes, Tadiyandamol is one of the most exquisite treks in Karnataka and one which is also known to a few.

It is a 14 km trek both ways, takes you through the vast expanse of the Shola forests, endless lush green grasslands and streams. The peak can be approached from the Nalakand Palace (7 km) which is at the base of the hill. It is of historic importance as it was built by Dodda Veerarajendra in 1792 to shelter his army against the British. It is a day trek which makes it even more doable for city folks- whether avid trekkers or beginners. The trek from Nalaknad Palace to top of the peak is moderate and takes around 3 - 4 hours one way.

September to May is the best time to trek Tadiyandamol. It is advisable to hire a guide to trek the ...

Waterfall

At a distance of 43 km from Madikeri, 23 km from Virajpet & 13 km from Kakkabe, Chelavara Falls is a beautiful waterfall situated near Cheyyandane village on Virajpet - Talacauvery road in Coorg. It is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Karnataka and also one of the best places to visit in Coorg.

Chelvara Falls is a natural waterfall formed by small stream, a tributary of Kaveri River. It drops from a height of about 150 feet into a big pool. The pool has a depth of more than 50 feet. The waterfall is locally known as Embepare, which means tortoise in local Kodava language. The rock over which the water cascades is shaped like a tortoise and hence the name Embepare.

The water fall is really a wonderful site as the water gushes from the rocks amidst the green coffee plantations. The enchanting natural beauty and the tranquility of the place attract tourists and nature lovers. This waterfall is seasonal and it offer wonderful views in rainy season. Entering the water is very dangerous and has proven to be fatal for many over the past few years. The tourists are advised not to get into the water.

The waterfall is close to the motor able road (autos can be hired at Cheyyandane) and needs 10 minutes' walk to reach the falls. Chomakund Hill is another renowned tourist spot which is about 2 km away from the falls. Tourists visiting Chelavara Falls will also visit Chomakund hill. Chomakund is an awesome place surrounding with lush green shrubs and trees and ...

Adventure / Trekking

At a distance of 85 km from Madikeri and 10 km from Irupu Falls, Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary is a popular wildlife sanctuary situated in Kodagu district of Karnataka state and is part of the Western Ghats. It is situated on the border of Wayanad district of Kerala and Kodagu district in Karnataka. It is one of the famous sites for trekking in Karnataka and also one of the popular places of trekking in Coorg.

Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary was established in 1974. Situated at an altitude of 5357 feet, the sanctuary is spread across 181 Sq. km. The sanctuary derives its name from the highest point, the Brahmagiri Peak, which lies at an altitude of about 1607 m. The vegetation in the low-lying areas is predominantly evergreen and semi-evergreen forests, while shola grasslands cover the higher altitudes. The undulating terrain is dotted with several steep valleys and hillocks.

Elephant, gaur, tiger, jungle cat, leopard cat, wild dog, sloth bear, wild pig, sambar, spotted deer, Nilgiri langur, Malabar giant squirrel, giant flying squirrel, Nilgiri marten, common otter, brown mongoose, civet, porcupine, and pangolin are the common wildlife spotted at the sanctuary. Python, cobra, king cobra, malabar pit viper are some of the reptiles found in the sanctuary. Birds in the sanctuary include emerald dove, black bulbul and Malabar trogon.

Brahmagiri Peak, towers over the sanctuary, is a major tourist attraction and is also ...

Adventure / Trekking

At a distance of 70 km from Madikeri, and 33 km from Somvarpet, Pushpagiri is a mountain peak situated in Kodagu district of Karnataka. Pushpagiri is one of the best places for trekking in Coorg and among the top Karnataka trekking places.

Pushpagiri is the highest peak in Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary in the Western Ghats of Karnataka. Situated at an altitude of 5626 feet, Pushpagiri is the 6th highest peak in Karnataka and also 2nd highest peak in Coorg after Thadiyandamol. The Harangi River originates from the top of this hill. Covered by lush green forests, valleys, and hills, the area is perfect for hiking expeditions and it is one of the best places for trekking.

The trekking starts from the forest checkpoint at the base of Pushpagiri Hills, after Heggadamane village. The Pushpagiri peak is about 7 km from the Check Post and takes about 3-4 hours one way (moderate to difficult level) through thick forest, wet grasslands & some rocky terrain. There is a small temple at the peak dedicated to Kumara Swamy. It is possible to return on the same day if you wish to visit only Pushpagiri peak. But most of the trekkers continue to exit through the Kumara Parvatha (to Kukke) and camp at Girigadde which is 14 km from Pushpagiri Check Post (takes about 7 hours). There is very basic private accommodation available in Girigadde called Bhattara Mane and food is also served (need to carry sleeping bags).

Kukke is about ...

Waterfall

At a distance of 89 Kms from Udupi, 16 Kms from Tirthahalli, 72 Kms from Sagar & 75 Kms from Shimoga, Achakanya Falls is located near Aralsuruli at a distance of 4 Kms from Ambutheertha. This fall is formed by the Sharavathi River.

This is relatively small waterfall where water drops from a height of about 20 feet in 2 steps. The surroundings of the falls offer spectacular natural beauty.

Pilgrimage

At a distance of 35 km from Aihole, Kudalasangama is a pilgrimage site in the Bagalkot district of Karnataka. At the confluence of Krishna and Malaprabha Rivers, it is one of the popular places to visit in Aihole. It can also be visted along with Badami Tour Packages

Kudalasangama is famous for 850 years old Sangameswara temple, known as Kudala Sangameswara dedicated to Lord Shiva. Built-in 12th century, the temple is situated on the banks of the Krishna River and it was renovated several times. The temple is constructed in Dravidian style with a large temple tower at the entrance, followed by the main temple with a porch, navaranga and sanctum. The door frame of the garbhagriha is richly carved with floral designs and animal figures. It is one of the must include places in Aihole tour packages.

In front of the temple, amid the river, is a small stone mandapa with a Shivalinga in it, and lofty cement concrete dry well has been built around it to protect it from submersion. The sikhara of the temple is a typical South Indian-style structure. The temple has inscriptions dating back to 1160 AD and 1213 AD.

This place is also associated with famous saint Vishwaguru Basavanna, a great devotee of Lord Shiva and the founder of the powerful Lingayat faith. His samadhi is at Kudalasangama. ...

Beach

At a distance of 48 Kms from Murudeshwar & 52 Kms from Udupi, Maravanthe is the place separated by Arabian Sea on one side and Souparnika River on the other. The Maravanthe Beach is a beautiful sight on the NH17 towards Udupi.

With a mountainous backdrop of Kodachadri Hills this is a picturesque virgin beach not unspoiled by tourists. The beach is also well lit up at night and the street lights reflect in the waters, making an attractive display. The water at Maravanthe beach is safe for swimming.

Historical & Heritage

At a distance of 10 km from Gadag, and 77 km from Badami, Lakkundi is a historical place situated between Hubli and Hospet. It is one of the popular places of heritage in Karnataka, and among the must visit places part of Badami Tour Packages.

Lakkundi is a place of historical importance with about 50 temples and 30 inscriptions from the period of the later Chalukyas, Kalachuris, and the Hoysalas. Kashi Vishweshwara Temple, dedicated to Lord Siva is a grand temple with wonderful carvings on the towers and the doorways. The temple was built around the 11th century during the late Chalukyas period. The architecture and carvings of the temple have similarities with the Hoysala temples at Belur & Halebid. Nanneshwara Temple looks like a simple and small replica of the much elaborate Kashi Vishweshwara Temple. It is one of the most popular places to visit in Badami.

Lakkundi is also noted for its veiled wells, artistically built with decorated enclosures enshrining lingas inside the walls. The Manikeswara Temple exhibits the artistic and architectural marvel of the wells constructed during that period. The sculpture museum maintained by the Archeological Survey of India is an added attraction here. There is also a Jain Temple dedicated to Mahavira ...

Adventure / Trekking | Waterfall

At a distance of 43 Kms from Murudeshwar, 53 kms from Jog Falls, 93 Kms from Udupi & 17 Kms from Shiroor (on Udupi - Karwar road), Kudumari Waterfalls (also known as Chaktikal Falls) is a magnificent waterfall located in deep forest near Chaktikal village. The waterfall is 17 Kms from Shiroor via Toodalli (also known as Soodalli) and 3 Kms from Chaktikal village. Chaktikal is about 5 Kms from Koosalli and can be reached by driving 2-3 Kms from Toodalli towards Koosalli and taking diversion into Chaktikal village.

Kudumari Waterfalls is a magnificent waterfall dropping from a height of 300 feet through a single step. One has to trek for about 3 Kms from Chaktikal through dense forest. The trek route is considered to be very dangerous and not usually recommended for regular visitors (about 2 Hrs trek two-way). Nov - Dec is the best time to trek this place. Chaktikal can be reached from Shiroor by Auto (very few buses are available till Toodalli - 5 Kms from before Chaktikal).

Adventure / Trekking | Waterfall

At a distance of 45 Kms from Murudeshwar, 54 kms from Jog Falls, 95 Kms from Udupi & 20 Kms from Shiroor (on Udupi - Karwar road), Koosalli Waterfalls is a magnificent waterfall located in deep forest near Koosalli village. The waterfall is 20 Kms from Shiroor via Toodalli (also known as Soodalli) and 5 Kms from Koosalli village.

Koosalli Waterfalls is a 6 step cascading waterfall dropping from a height of 380 feet. One has to trek for 5 Kms from Koosalli through dense forest which also includes difficult rock climbing in order to reach the falls (2 Hrs trek from Koosalli village one-way). This place is highly dangerous during monsoons when the rocks become slippery. Nov - Dec is the best time to trek this place. Koosalli can be reached from Shiroor by Auto (very few buses are available till Toodalli - 5 Kms from before Koosalli).

First three falls are little smaller and remaining three falls are gorgeous. Especially, the sixth fall is awesome with a height of 150 feet.

Waterfall

At a distance of 67 Kms from Murudeshwar, 83 kms from Udupi & 10 Kms from Kollur Temple, Arisina Gundi Falls (also called as Arasina Makki Falls) is a famous waterfall located in thick forest inside the Mookambika Wildlife Sanctuary. It is also an ideal place for trekking.

This falls are deep inside the forests close to Kodachadri hills and demands 1-2 Kms trek from the nearest approach road. The road can be reached by hiring Jeep from Kollur Temple. The trekking starts after 8 Kms drive through thick forest. There are signs showing way to the waterfalls on trek route. Entry permission can be obtained at the check post while entering into the forest.

The falls is huge and water drop into a big pool. Swimming in the pool below the falls is very dangerous due to the sharp rocks. However, there are smaller streams near the falls where swimming is possible.

You can also trek all the way from Kollur Temple. However, it's highly recommended to hire a guide. Oct - Dec is best time.

Adventure / Trekking | Waterfall

At a distance of 72 Kms from Murudeshwar, 88 Kms from Udupi, 33 Kms from Hosanagara, 53 Kms from Sagar, 109 Kms from Shimoga & 15 Kms from Kollur Temple, Hidlumane Falls is located near Bellakka village near Nittur. The falls are situated on Kodachadri trek route.

Hidlumane Falls are a series of 6 cascading falls each falling from a height of 50-70 feet. Part of the route from Kollur Road can be reached by a Jeep (can be hired at Kollur Temple, Hosenagara or Nagara). At least 3 Kms distance needs to be trekked from the road after the Jeep ride to reach the first fall. The total distance to Kollur main road is 8 Kms. The final trek route runs through thick forest and includes rock climbing. The trek from first fall to the 6th fall includes steeper trek that runs through forest, water and rocks.

The top most waterfall is more gorgeous and worth all the effort. The trek time is about 90 mins one way and recommended for experienced trekkers.

Adventure / Trekking

At a distance of 75 Kms from Murudeshwar, 90 Kms from Udupi, 110 Kms from Shimoga & 20 Kms from Kollur, Kodachadri is a mountain peak in the Western Ghats situated at an altitude of 1343m. Kodachadri is a wonderful place for trekking and is among the top destinations for trekking in Karnataka. It is believed that Shankaracharya did meditation on this hill and there is a 'Sarvajna Peetha' located on top of the hill.

There are several routes to trek these wonderful hills. Famous route starts from Nagodi village situated on Kollur - Nagara route. The trek duration is about 5 hrs on this route (one way). Trekking via Hidlumane Falls is a magnificent experience, though it's bit difficult & long route (via Nagara, Nittur & Marakutuka). There is also a Jeep route via Sampekatte which needs only 3 Kms trek to reach the top, after the Jeep ride.

There are few accommodation facilities available at top of the hills including a forest guest house.

Beach | Nature & Scenic

At a distance of 7 km from Karwar, Anjadiva Island or Anjadip Island is located in the Arabian Sea in South Goa. Due to the fact that the Island situates about 2 km from Binaga Village in Karnataka it is widely believed that Anjadiva belongs to this State but legally it is a part of Goa.

The Anjadip Island occupied an area of 1.5 sq km, it is the largest of the Karwar Panchadiva chain of five Islands and the other four are Kurnagal, Mudlingud, Devgad and Devragad. Anji stands for five in Tamil and it denotes the 5th Island. This idyllic Island is home to the Indian Navy.

The legendary sailor Vasco Da Gama and a Jewish trader Gaspar Da Gama requested the king of Portugal to create a naval fort at the region of Anjadiva to gain the administrative control of Goa. Anjadiva Fort is present on the Anjadip Island. Currently the fort lies in ruins and the Church of Our Lady of Springs which was constructed in the year 1505 is close to it. However, this fort was deserted by the Portuguese during the year 1843. The Hindus and Christians utilized the fort as a shelter when Portuguese territory was attacked by Tipu Sultan. On 19th December, 1961 Anjadiva Fort officially was declared a part of India.

The Island is known for its annual feast of Our Lady of Springs known as 'Nossa Senhora das Brotas' on 2nd February and feast of the Chapel of St. Francis D'Assisi on 4th October.

You can also travel by boat from the ...

Beach

At a distance of 4.5 km from Karwar Bus Stand and 3 km from Devbagh Beach, Kodibag Beach or Koodi Bagh Beach is located at the confluence of the Kali River and the Arabian Sea in Karwar.

Koodi Bagh is among the most beautiful shorelines of Karwar and also one of the tourist places in Karwar. The meeting point of the Kali River and the Arabian Sea is a spectacular sight to watch. This beach is situated at the northern end of the Karwar Beach.

This beach offers an amazing view of sunset. It is good to have a relaxing time with some fun at this Beach. Long leisurely walks in the cool beach sands will be a soothing experience. This beach is very clean and is a perfect destination for adventure lovers. At this palm-fringed beach various activities such as canoeing, kayaking, paddling, banana boat riding and many more can be enjoyed.

Waterfall

At a distance of 80 km from Karwar, 30 km from Yellapur, Devkar Falls, also called as Vajramala Falls, is one of the beautiful waterfalls in Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka. This falls is visible from Devakar village and is one of the best tourist places in Karwar.

Devakar Waterfalls is situated on a small island called Devakar which is surrounded by the Kadra Dam backwaters. The height of the waterfalls is about 300 feet and the water of the falls reaches Kaiga reservoir. While falling, it glows like a Diamond (Vajra), so locally this falls is called Vajramala falls. This waterfall is originated from the Bare stream. Due to the lack of publicity, this beautiful fall is still unknown to a lot of people.

There is no well-developed road to reach the falls and during the rainy season, it becomes inaccessible. One has to cross the backwaters of Kadra reservoir to reach Devkar Village. There is a bus that runs from Kadra to Devkar Bus Stop, from there one has to cross the backwaters of Kadra Dam by boat. The 5 km trek from Devkar village to Devkar falls is moderate to difficult. The path runs through muddy tracks covered by thick forests.

The best time to visit Devkar falls is post-monsoons (November - February).

Beach

At a distance of 4 km off the coast of Karwar, Kurumgad or Koormagad Island is a tortoise shaped island in the Arabia Sea and is adjacent to Devbagh.

This tortoise shaped island is one of the five islands in this region; the other four islands are Devbagh, Sanyasi, Anjadip and Oyster. The Island is now privately owned and belongs to a Coffee Planter Suresh Mathias.

It bears a very old fort which is said to be related to Maratha rulers. This island contains some sightseeing places like Narasimha Temple and Kurumgad Beach. The hilltop Narasimha Temple attracts thousands of devotees during the annual jatra held on Pushya Purnima every year in early January. One has to climb the mountain to access the temple and thus the trekkers can have some good time here. Large number of people from Goa & Karnataka flocks to this island in January to offer prayers to Lord Narasimha. The Island has a sweet water pond despite the fact that it is located in mid Arabian Sea.

There are palm trees along the coastline and the sight of the grey sea is simply soothing for the eyes. Kurumgad is a snorkeling site with coral reefs extending over half a kilometer. Kurumgad is famous for water sports. Tourists can enjoy exotic beach walks, nature walks, swimming, fishing, bonfires and barbecues, dolphin spotting, boat rides and beach volleyball. There are many sea animals such as otters and dolphins that can be found near the island.

Kurumgad Island can be reached by travelling ...

Pilgrimage

At a distance of 29 km from Kudremukh, 42 km from Sringeri, and 70 km from Chikmagalur, Horanadu Annapoorneswari Temple is a famous temple situated in the thick forests of the Western Ghats in the Chikmagalur district of Karnataka. It is one of the popular temples in Karnataka, and among the must include places in Sringeri tour packages.

Sri Annapoorneswari Temple is situated on the banks of River Bhadra and is also known as Sri Kshethra Horanadu. It is believed that this temple was established by Agasthya Maharishi. This temple is dedicated to Goddess Annapoorneswari, one of the incarnations of Goddess Durga. A new idol of the main deity was installed at the temple in 1973. It can also be visited along with Chikmagalur Tour Packages.

The temple is now known as Adi Shaktyatmaka Sri Annapoorneswari Temple. The recently renovated sanctum of the temple is surrounded by Adi Sesha while the Padma Peetha is formed by Ashtagaja, Koorma, and others. The main idol of the goddess is made of gold. The Goddess Annapoorneswari is seen standing on a peetha with four hands, each holding a Shanka, Chakra, Sri Chakra, and Gayathri Mantra. The name Annapoorneswari means feeding one and all. It is believed that a person who seeks Annapoorneswari's blessing will never face a shortage of food in life. It is believed that Lord ...

Lake & Backwater

At a distance of 41 km from Karwar, 17 km from Anshi and 16 km from Kaiga, Kadra Dam is one of the popular dams and is situated in Uttar Kannada district of Karnataka. The dam was primarily built as hydroelectric project for supply of water to turbines of electric power generating station. The project was completed by KPCL. It is one of the popular Karwar tourist places.

Kadra Dam was constructed in 1997 in the Tapi and Tadri river basin across the Kali River. It is an earthen dam with a length of 2313 m and height is 40.5 m. The dam is the integral part of the Kaiga Project. The Kadra power house has been built on the left bank of the river with an installed capacity of 150 MW. The power house integrates three 50 MW Kaplan turbines which are coupled to the generating units. The annual generation is 570 MU. The design head is 32 m.

The Kadra Dam site normally experiences heavy rainfall measuring up to approximately 4600 mm in the monsoon season from June to September. The architects of the dam have given special emphasis on the safety standards of the dam during floods and failures.

One of the major attractions of this area is a beautiful park with fountains, cascades, caves, colorful trees and plants. A gorgeous rose garden is a special feature of the dam. The unique Vedic garden depicting sun signs, planets and stars is not to be missed.

Mahamayi Temple near Kadra is an ancient and popular temple that ...

Waterfall

At a distance of 26 Kms from Sringeri & 15 Kms from Kudremukh, Hanuman Gundi Falls (also known as Sutanabbe Falls) is a wonderful waterfall situated close to the main road between Sringeri & Kudremukh. Falling from a height of 100 feet, this is a majestic waterfall located in serene location.

There are about 300 well laid steps to reach the falls after little walk from the main road. It is a very safe place to take bath and it's possible to go directly under the falls. Post-monsoon is the best season to visit this falls. The falls is maintained by Forest Dept. and an entry fee is charged at the gate.

This place is relatively less crowded.

Timings: 9 AM to 5 PM

Waterfall

At a distance of 12 km from Kudremukh, 38 km from Karkala, 43 km from Sringeri, 93 km from Chikmagalur and 86 km from Mangalore, Kadambi Waterfalls is one of the spectacular waterfalls which is located inside the Kudremukh National Park in the Chikmagalur district of Karnataka.

The Kadambi falls is about 30 feet high falling through the rocks. It is very close to the main road between Sringeri & Kudremukh and it can be seen from the bridge situated nearby. However, it's possible to get down into the falls with some difficulty. The adventurous visitors even get down to the waterfall to enjoy the beauty of the surroundings and the water.

During the monsoon season the waterfall comes alive with full force and is an amazing sight to watch. It is an ideal spot for tourists who wish to spend time amidst calm and peaceful environment. There are several attractions in the vicinity of the waterfall that are worth visiting, mainly trekking to Kudremukh Peak, Kudremukh National Park, Lakhya Dam and Hanuman Gundi Falls.

The best time to visit the waterfall is from October to April.

Miscellaneous

At a distance of 30 kms from Bangalore & 5.5 Kms from Hesaraghatta, Nrityagram is a famous dance village on the outskirts of Bangalore.

The village was established in 1990 by the well-known Odissi dancer Protima Bedi. The idea behind Nrityagram was to develop a traditional Gurukul to teach Indian classical dance. The school offers training in Indian classical dance forms, Odissi, Mohiniattam, Kathak, Bharatnatyam, Kuchipudi, Kathakali and Manipuri.

One of the best times to visit Nrityagram would be during the Vasanthahabba festival held to celebrate the arrival of spring. Artists from all over the world perform at the Nrityagram amphitheater during this festival.

A temple was built in 1998, which depicts the image of Kelucharan Mohapatra, guru of founder Protima Bedi in a dancing pose. Hesaraghatta Lake is very close (about 4 kms) to Nrityagram and can be visited together.

Casual tours and guided tours are allowed in Nrityagram. Guided tours need to be booked in advance.

Waterfall

At a distance of 45 km from Sirsi, 102 km from Jog Waterfalls, 130 km from Gokarna, Shivaganga is a beautiful waterfall situated in the Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka. It is one of the most famous waterfalls in the Western Ghats, and among the best places to visit during your Sirsi Trip.

Shivaganga Waterfall is formed over the small Sonda River, also known as Shivaganga River. The small river falls from a height of about 74 m into a deep valley covered with dense flora and presents a charming view. One can also enjoy swimming at the falls. There is a small island near the falls locally called Ganesh pal. This name is derived from Lord Ganesh due to the presence of a small mural of Lord Ganesh inside a small temple present here.

From Sirsi, one can take a cab/bus to Kodnagadde, which is about 5 km from Shivaganga falls. Motorable road is available for further 4 km which can be reached by own/private vehicles. From here one has to walk 1 km amidst the thick forest to reach the falls. The trekking path is steep and it turns out to be a bit difficult in some stretch. The Forest department has built several viewpoints that offer a beautiful view of the waterfall & valley from a distance.

The ideal time to visit the waterfall is post-monsoon (November - March). In the rainy season, the water level is very high and swimming is extremely dangerous at the falls.

Timings: ...

Pilgrimage

At a distance of 100 kms from Bangalore, 35 kms from Kolar and 14 kms from Bangarapet, Sri Kotilingeshwara Temple is a wonderful temple situated at Kammasandra village between Bangarapet and Bethamangala. This is one of the popular pilgrimage sites to visit as part of Bangalore tour and also one of the ideal one day trip near Bangalore.

Kotilingeshwara, meaning 10 million lingas, is one of the famous pilgrimage sites around Bangalore with great religious significance. This temple is famous for huge 108 feet Shivalinga, which is one of the largest in the world and 35 feet tall Nandi in front of it. There are lakhs of shivalingas all over the temple. The temple was built in 1980 over an area of 13 acres.

There are several other shrines inside the temple complex and they are usually visited while moving towards the main shivalinga. Apart from the main shrine of Lord Kotilingeshwara, the other shrines include Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu and Lord Maheshwara temples, Venkataramani Swamy Temple, Goddess Annapoorneshwari Temple, Lord Panduranga Swamy Temple, Lord Panchamukha Ganapathy temple, Lord Rama, Lakshmana and Sita Temple, Lord Anjaneya Temple, Goddess Kanyaka Parameshwari Temple and Goddess Karumaari Amma Temple.

The temple attracks large crowd during weekends. It is advised to reach the temple early in the morning (preferably, 8 AM) to avoid ...

Historical & Heritage

At a distance of 23 km from Sirsi, 50 km from Jog Falls, 139 km from Karwar and 111 km from Shimoga, Banavasi, also known as Konkanapura, is an ancient temple town in Uttar Kannada district of Karnataka.

Situated on the banks of Varadha River, Banavasi lies in the Malnad region of Western Ghats.
Banvasi is the oldest town in the Karnataka state. The name Banavasi comes from the words Bana and Vasi, which means forest and spring respectively.

Banavasi was once the capital of Kadamba rulers, an ancient royal dynasty of Karnataka. They established in 345 AD and ruled South India for at least two centuries. Before the Kadamba dynasty, Banavasi was under the reign of different dynasties, including Sathavahanas, Chutu and Pallavas. From mid-6th century to 8th century, the town was under the rule of Chalukyas. After Chalukyas, Rashtrakutas, Chalukyas of Kalyani, Yadavas, Hoysalas, Vijayanagara kings, Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan ruled this region. After the death of Tipu Sultan, the town was conquered by the British, who ruled the region till independence.

The Madhukeshwara Temple is the main attraction of Banavasi. This is one of the oldest temples in Karnataka. The main deity is Lord Shiva in the form of a honey colored Shiva Linga. The color of the Linga is the reason for the name, Madhukeshwara. The temple is a simple structure with minimal decorative sculptures on the walls and pillars. The temple is in the ...

Adventure / Trekking | Hill Station

At a distance of 67 Kms from Sringeri, 90 Kms from Chikmagalur and 26 Kms from Kudremukh Town, Kudremukh is one of the best trekking destinations in Karnataka. At an altitude of 1894m, it is one of the highest peaks of Western Ghats and among the top destinations for trekking in Karnataka.

Permission from RFO at Kudremukh town is necessary to do this trek. The trekking is performed inside the national park and camping is not allowed in specific seasons (check with RFO before planning the trek). Though there are several routes to trek Kudremukh peak, the Samse - Mullodi route is quite famous. Mullodi is 12 Kms from Kudremukh via Samse and can be reached by Jeep from Kudremukh. Though Mullodi is starting point of the trek, some people trek from Samse, which is 4 Kms before Mullodi.

The peak is about 14 Kms from Mullodi village and takes about 5 Hrs to trek. Incase the camping is not allowed on the peak, you will need to start early & return to Mullodi by evening (total 8-9 hrs trek) and stay at Mullodi (home stays available).

Adventure / Trekking

At a distance of 80 kms from Bangalore & 4 kms from Kolar, Anthargange is a wonderful tourist place near Bangalore with religious significance as well as a nature & trekking destination. The place is famous for Anthargange Caves and Temple and which are quite famous as ideal places for trekking from Bangalore city, particularly well known for night treks and camping. This is one of the popular pilgrimage sites to visit around Bangalore.

Anthargange literally means Inner Spring, named after a spring originated in the hill and water flows through a bull statue at the temple in middle of the Anthargange hill. The temple is situated amidst thick vegetation and a wonderful spot to experience natural beauty of the area. Motorable road is available close to the temple but vehicles need to be parked at the entrance of the hill and need to walk up hill for about 15 minutes to reach the temple.

The temple is very ancient and considered sacred. There is a water pool formed by the water sourced from the spring. The place is full of monkeys and they also attack pilgrims for food sometimes. Visitors are advised to be careful and also take care of kids.

The Anthargange Caves are located on the peak which is about an hour trek from the temple. There are several caves on the hill top that can be explored by foot. Some of the caves are quite big and good for camping. Several visitors trek up the hill to camp overnight on the hill.

There are no food options at Anthargange. ...

Adventure / Trekking

At a distance of 18 Km from Sringeri, 20 Km from Agumbe & 65 Km from Udupi, Narasimha Parvatha is an excellent destination for trekking in Karnataka for a two day trip. It is situated at an altitude of 3780 feet. This is one of the popular moderate to difficult treks in Karnataka with overnight camping on the peak.

Most common trekking route starts from Malandur (6 Km from Agumbe) and ends at Kigga (10 Km from Sringeri) with overnight stay on Narasimha Parvatha. Malandur can be reached by private vehicle from Agumbe (walking takes 1.5 hrs). From Malandur, the trek distance to the peak is about 14 Km via Barkana Falls (6-7 Hrs trek). Camping is allowed on the peak. Kigga is about 8 Km from Narasimha Parvatha and takes about 3-4 Hrs (Sirimane Falls can be visited during this trek with 1-2 Hrs extra effort). Water filling can be done at Barkana Falls and there is also a small pond on the peak for emergency water. Sunrise from the peak offers a breathtaking experience.

Agumbe is the base station to start the trek to Narasimha Parvatha. Agumbe has direct bus connectivity with Bangalore and other major cities in Karnataka. There are a couple of small lodges and restaurants in Agumbe to fresh-up and pack food before starting the trek. Autos can be hired to Malandur where the actual trekking starts. It is mandatory to register the names at Agumbe police station before starting ...

Historical & Heritage | Pilgrimage

At a distance of 80 kms from Bangalore, Kolar is a small town which was once famous for gold mines. Kolar has several tourist attractions like Someshwara Temple & Kolaramma Temple. Anthargange is about 4 kms from Kolar. Kolar is one of the popular tourist places to visit around Bangalore.

Someshwara Temple is a beautiful temple built in 14th century during Vijayanagara rule. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, Someshwara Temple is famous for large temple tower built on a stone carved mahadwara. The temple has nice carvings on the pillars and large mahamandapa. There is also a stepped temple tank adjacent to the temple. The temple is located near Fort Area in Kolar.

Kolaramma Temple, situated at a distance of 100 meters from Someshwara Temple is another interesting place to visit in Kolar with lot of history. It is believed that the temple was constructed in 5th century during Ganga dynasty. The temple has several carvings from Chola rule (11th century). This is a protected monument and being maintained by ASI. Timings: 5.30 AM - 1.30 PM & 5 PM - 8 PM.

Historical & Heritage

At a distance of 25 kms from Bangalore City Junction and 32.6 km from Ramanagara, The Dodda Alada Mara literally translated to Big Banyan Tree is a giant Banyan tree located in the village of Kethohalli in the Bangalore Urban district of Karnataka. This is one of the popular tourist places near Bangalore.

Dodda Alada Mara is a single Banyan tree that is 400 years old and has spread over 3 acres of land. This tree is said to be the largest tree in Karnataka and the second largest in India. It has a circumference of more than 250 m and has more than a thousand aerial roots. In last 10-15 years the main root of the tree succumbed to natural disease, and thus the tree now looks like many different trees. The area is fenced and well-maintained with pathways, bright cement seats and handy dustbins.

There is small temple dedicated to Lord Muneshwara (Lord Shiva). It is believed that the Big Banyan Tree symbolizes the holy trinity of Hindu Gods. The root, stem and branches represent Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva respectively. The big banyan tree is also a well-liked outing for quite some time as well as a preferred location for several film shootings.

Manchinabele dam which is 8 km and Mukti Naga Temple, which is 3 km from Dodda Alada Mara are the nearby attractions. Mukti Naga temple houses the world's largest monolithic statue of Lord Naaga about 16 feet ...

Waterfall

At a distance of 25 km from Yellapur, 76 km from Sirsi, 75 km from Dandeli, and 113 km from Gokarna, Sathodi Falls is a picturesque waterfall situated near Kallaramarane Ghat in Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka. It is one of the beautiful waterfalls in Karnataka, and among the must include places in Sirsi Tour Packages.

Sathodi Falls are formed by several streams and cascades down from a height of 50 feet. It further joins the backwaters of the Kodasalli dam built over the Kali River. This is popularly known as the Mini Niagara and also one of the top places to visit in Dandeli. This falls forms a part of the Ganeshgudi forest range. The fall drops into the natural pool that surrounds the rock and swimming is possible here. It is advisable to avoid this place during peak monsoon season. It is home to leeches which are very active in the rainy season.

Surrounded by the mighty Western Ghats and evergreen forests, the milky white waters of the falls offer a soothing contrast to the emerald natural beauty all around it. There is also a waterfall near to sathodi falls called Kumbal Falls. Kumbaal Falls is not familiar to the tourists though it is very close to Sathodi is because of the quiet interior forest. This beautiful waterfall cascades down from 100 feet height in the deep forest of Western Ghats. Make a note that it is quite difficult to reach there by vehicle, better walk a bit!

From Yellapur, visitors ...

Waterfall

At a distance of 18 km from Yellapur, 60 km from Sirsi, 81 km from Dandeli, 88 km from Hubli, 107 km from Gokarna, and 117 km from Jog Falls, Magod Falls is a group of waterfalls situated at Magod village in Uttar Kannada district of Karnataka. It is one of the best waterfalls in Karnataka, and among the must include places in Dandeli Tour Packages.

Magod Falls is engulfed amidst the trials of the Western Ghats of Karnataka. Formed over Bedti River, also known as Gangavalli River, it is a two-tiered waterfall that falls from 200m in cumulative height and then split into two segments. It is one of the popular tourist places in Dandeli. The thickly wooded countryside, the roar of gushing water, and a beautiful view combine to make this spot one of the best Dandeli tourist places and also a trekker's paradise.

One can reach the Magod waterfall after climbing through the rocky and boulder-filled pathway. This path is surrounded by dense green forest and muddy paths. Visitors can't explore the bottom of the fall but one can cherish the lures of the picturesque view. This place attracts relatively less crowd and becomes isolated by 5 PM, so better to visit this place in the morning time. It is situated close to the famous sunset point in the ...

Pilgrimage

At a distance of 58 km from Bangalore City Junction, Ghati Subramanya is a popular pilgrim center located near Doddaballapur. This is one of the popular sites pilgrimage near Bangalore and among the well known Bangalore places of interest.

The Ghati Subramanya temple is dedicated to Lord Subramanya and Lord Lakshmi Narasimha. Lord Subramanya is elder son of Shiva and Parvati. Subramanya is considered as lord of Snakes. It is believed that the idol of Shri Subramanya is self originated. The uniqueness of the temple is Sri Subramanya is facing east and Sri Lakshmi Narasimha is facing west in a single idol. The devotees can view Laxmi Narasimha through a strategically placed mirror.

According to legend, Ghati is the place where Lord Subramanya performed penance in the guise of a serpent inside the caves in the mountain ranges of this area before going to kill the demon Tharakasura. Ghati is also the place where Lord Subramanya invoked protection from Lord Lakshmi Narasimha for the serpentine clan from Garuda's scare.

Ghati Subramanya has a recorded history of more than 600 years. It is an ancient temple built in Dravidian tradition. The temple is particularly special for those who seek the Lord to bless them with a child. It is also an important centre in South India for snake worship. An interesting ritual here is of installing idols of snakes. One can see thousands of these near ...

Adventure / Trekking | Lake & Backwater

At a distance of 103 km from Bangalore City Junction and 58 km from Mandya and 84 km from Mysore Junction, Bheemeshwari is a small town in Mandya district of Karnataka. It is located between the Shivanasamudra Falls and Mekedatu on River Cauvery. This is one of the popular tourist places to visit near Bangalore and a well known place for the activities of trekking and adventure near Bangalore city, apart from being a famous Bangalore weekend getaway for one day trip.

Bheemeshwari is a great spot for eco-tourism and is a natural habitat for the Mahseer fish found in the waters of the Cauvery River. Mahseer is considered as one of the finest game fish in the world. A number of fishing camps have been developed here where professional and amateur anglers can catch mahseer. The surrounding lush forest cover is home to many animas like elephants, wild boars, monkeys, jackals, crocodiles, otters and leopards; as well as a variety of water birds like herons, ibis, cormorants and kingfisher.

Bheemeshwari is also a great place for trekking and boating. Tourists can participate in adventure activities like river rafting on the Cauvery, enjoy a coracle ride, take a nature walk to just sit back and indulge in bird watching.

Bheemeshwari is surrounded by lush green forests and lies in the midst of steep valleys, this place is ideal for trekking ...

Adventure / Trekking | Nature & Scenic

At a distance of 48 km from Bangalore City Junction, 31 km from Ramanagara and 13 km from Magadi, The Savandurga hill is considered to be among the largest monolith hills in Asia. Savandurga hills are located at an altitude of 1226 m above the sea level and are also considered to be a part of the Deccan Plateau. This is one of the popular one day trip from Bangalore for trekking and also one of the ideal weekend getaways from Bangalore.

Savandurga consists of two hills, the Billigudda and the Karigudda. They serve as the base for pilgrims who come to visit the Savandi Veerabhadreshwara Swamy temple and Narasimha Swamy temple, situated at the base of the hills. The paths leading to these temples are quite uneven and thrilling. Thus, they make it to the wish-list of the rock-climbers, cave-explorers and adventurers.

Savandurga was a prominent place during the Hoysala rule. The hill fort on the top of the hill was erected in 1543 by Samanta Raya. It came under control of Kempe Gowda until 1728 when it was captured by the Raja of Mysore from whom it passed to Haider Ali. In 1791 Lord Cornwallis captured Savandurga from Tipu Sultan's army in the Third Anglo-Mysore War.

Trekking in Savandurga is an extremely popular activity. There are actually two main trekking trails that run up towards Savanadurga. One is the Karigudda and the other is the Billigudda trail. Both Karigudda and Billigudda are tough ...

Adventure / Trekking

At a distance of 61 km from Bangalore City Junction, 18 km from Doddaballapura and 6.4 km from Ghati Subramanya Temple, Makalidurga is a hill fort situated near the village of Makali in Karnataka. This is one of the top things to do in Bangalore.

Makalidurga hill is situated at an altitude of 1350 m above the sea level. It used to be granary storage of the late 1800's palegar 'Makaliraya'. Hence it is known as Makalidurga. At the foothill there is a temple dedicated to Lord Krishna. This hill is filled with date plants, lemon grass and small boulders. From the hill top it is very beautiful to see the lakes on either side, curvy roads and the railway track below this hill. The glimpse of the train from here is very exciting.

Makalidurga Trek is a moderately difficult trek. There are some directions written on the rock which provide directions for climbing. The trekking trail here is not as popular as Savandurga but the experience is still wonderful. The Fort situated atop the massive granite hill is the main attraction in Makalidurga. The fort at the summit has an old temple of Shiva with Nandi and in legend Markandeya Rishi performed penance here. The path leading to the fort comprises of rocky and uneven trails which are often traversed by trekkers from various regions.

According to the history of Makalidurga, Vijayanagara Empire where they used to conduct army exercises in this ...

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