Shivasamudram is surely the next thing that you are planning to explore which is why you are here. So that you do not go astray while planning your trip to this place, we have done all the research for you to help to plan a perfect trip. The following are some of the tips that are going to help you a lot.
How to reach Shivasamudram
Prior to planning a visit to Shivasamudram, one thing that you ought to know is that the Falls do not have connectivity via flight or train. However, the place is readily accessible via bus. Another way to reach the place is via car, you can opt to self-drive. The nearest major bus station is Majestic Bus Stand. Sivasamudram Bus Stand is another but it is a local bus stop having a limited bus frequency. If you plan to drive, the place is easy to reach from three major cities namely, Bengaluru, Coimbatore, and Mangaluru with a distance of 134km, 188 km, and 406 km respectively. If you are considering taking a train then Mysuru Junction Railway Station (MYS) is close, another is Hanakere Railway Station (HNK) again a local railway station but with railway connectivity that is limited. Another preferred option for many is airways with Kempegowda International Airport (BLR) being the closest followed by Mysore Airport (MYQ) which is a small airport having limited flight routes.
When to visit Shivasamudram
Shivasamudram is one destination that is in the bucket list of all those fond of traveling and exploring different places across the globe. This is one place that has its own charm to offer to the visitors in all the twelve months. The climate seems o remain more or less the same throughout the year. However, we recommend that you must plan for visiting the place in the months between July and January. These months are the best months to visit Shivanasamudra Falls. However, most people visit the place between August and October as it remains to be the peak season. Thus, the recommended period works well for you as there would be less rush and better accommodation options available. In the peak season, though the sight of the place remains to be picturesque and breathtaking.
Must-do things in Sivasamudram
There are not many places to visit in Sivasamudram but the few that are sure to offer you the best view of the place. These are the best attractions and sites for the tourist. You can plan to visit Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple that is located here built-in Dravidian architecture style also known as “Madhya Ranga.”Another place where you must go is Sri Someshwara Temple which is one of the most ancient temples and one of the most beautiful temples across the globe. Last but not least is the Shakthi Devathe temple of Vanadurga Devi which is another major attraction of the entire place. another thing that you should not miss out on is Gaganachukki Falls. These falls offer you the most mesmerizing view that you will never forget.
Food in Shivasamudram
If you are planning a trip to this beautiful yet exotic location then one thing that we would like to warn you about is the food options. There are not many food options available at this place so our suggestion remains that you should carry good eating stuff with you. There is but one place that you should not miss out on eating options. It is one of the most popular restaurants called Bharachukki which is located near the Dargah. This is a paradise for the non-vegetarians as they can surely try a diversity of fish preparations prepared with the extra spices. You can also explore other small eating joints at Gaganachukki that primarily offers the basic South Indian fare.
All in all, these are some of the most important things that you need to know prior to planning a visit to Shivasamudram. Unlike other tourist attractions, there are not many things to do or many options to explore at this place. So, you must have a plan in mind before heading towards this place so that you can utilize your time properly. There is no point planning long stays here as the things to do are limited.
If you are looking to view some beautiful sunrise, then night trek at Skandgiri should definitely on your list. If you are planning a Skandagiri Trek then here we are with answers to most of your questions.
How to reach Skandagiri Trek
Skandagiri is an easy to approach place via all three means of transportation, namely, air, rail, and road. If you are planning to reach the place from some far off place then you can go in for taking the airways or the railway depending on your ease. In both the cases, the cleanest airport, as well as the nearest railway station to the hills of Skandagiri, lies in Bangalore. Once you have reached the city of Bangalore via flight or train, you next have to take up the roadways in order to cover the remaining distance. The distance between Skandagiri Hills and Bangalore is nearly 62 Kms. You ought to know in advance that the Skandagiri trekking distance is 10 km. if you are planning to climb the hill and at the same time you walk at a normal high pace then it will take you around 5 hours at the maximum to climb the entire trek. Ideally, it takes nearly 2 hours to get to the peak but the time is directly proportional to your speed as well. Having reached the peak, you can then relax for some time in the picturesque laps of nature enjoying the most stunning view of the Nandi hills that are there in the surrounding. Descending the peak takes you around 1 and a half hours.
When to go on Skandagiri Trek
All the months except the rainy season are good for planning a trek to this beautiful place. However, to get the best out of scenic views winters as well as monsoons are considered ideal to plan for the trek. In winters you have access to the clear sky which means stargazing without any interruption from the clouds. While in monsoons, the flora and fauna lead you the fresh zeal to trek. In summers also, trek to Skandagiri can be planned but it’s up to you if you can beat the scorching sun or not. So, be careful at choosing the time of the trek.
What to do on Skandagiri Trek
There are not as many places of attractions as you would like this place to have. However, the few that the place offers are worth all your time. Other than enjoying the stargazing at night and scenic views in the daylight, there are other options also to explore. You can explore the Vivekananda Falls in the stunning Kethenahalli village which is at a distance of 12 km from Chikkaballapur village. Ranganatha Swamy Temple is also a must-visit. Nandi Hills offers you attractions like Tipu’s Drop and Tipu’s Summer Residence. Mountain biking in Nandi Hills is another option followed by paragliding. Amrita Sarovar and Bhoga Nandeeshwara Temple, as well as Brahmashram Cave, are other things that you can enjoy.
What to eat at during Skandagiri Trek
Eating should not be a major issue on your way to the trek. There are plenty of shacks as well as tea stalls on your way along the trek. These are well supplied with snacks, tea, cookies and cold drinks in addition to much obvious water. if you intend to have a proper lunch then you can settle down at any of the limited restaurants in Chikkaballapura for few minutes. To name a few, Kamat Upachar Restaurant, Hotel Babuji, Chandru Hotel, and Swathi Restaurant are some of the options that you can explore.
To wrap up, these are the most reasonable answers to all your questions pertaining to the Skandagiri Trek that you must have had in mind. Other than these, if there is something more that you need to know about then you are free to drop us your question in the comment section below and we will revert at the quickest.
Karnataka continues to gain popularity among tourists on the back of its biggest attraction – the Nightlife of Bangalore, the markets of Mysore, etc. However, there are some hidden gems that remain unknown. Today we bring you a list of Bangalore’s hidden wonders
1. Bidar
Bidar’s wealth of monuments is simply inconceivable – with 61 monuments of which at least 30 are tombs. It has been associated with the Mauryan empire and finds a mention in Mahabharata, Harivamsa, Bhagavata, Purana, Malavikagnimitra, etc. The monuments here though were mostly built by Muslim rulers.
2. Anegundi
A 20 km ride on State Highway 49 from Hampi will take you to the next item in our list of Karnataka’s Hidden Wonders – Anegundi. It is claimed this almost forgotten town served as the Kishkindha, the kingdom of monkey kings Bali and Sugriva mentioned Hindu epic Ramayana and which was also the abode of the monkey god Hanuman. Anjanadri Parvatha is believed to Lord Hanuman’s birthplace and has a temple dedicated to him right at the top. Apart from that, there is not much to see here apart from the lush greenery. That said, Anegundi has a history far older than Ramayana – and is said to have been settled in for four billion years based on researches carried out by geologists who have found stone age traces here.
3. Badami
The first in our list of Karnataka’s Hidden Wonders is Badami. In its most glorious days, Badami was the capital of Badami Chalukyas but now it is a relatively forgotten town though it still stands in all its splendor. Among the sites to see is Agastya Lake next to which are cave temples design in Dravidian architecture, made of two giant sandstone hills.
4. Arbi Falls, Dashrathnagar, Manipal
Arbi falls are located at a distance of 5 kilometers from Manipal which, in turn, is located at a distance of mere 64 kilometers, the nearest major tourist destination of Karnataka via NH 66 and SH 67. From the base of the hill, the falls is just a small hike away. This hidden wonder of Bangalore is relatively unknown to the mainstream tourists and thus a nice peaceful place – far more peaceful than more popular waterfalls and thus making it second in our list of Karnataka’s Hidden Wonders.
5. Shivagange
Third, in our list of Bangalore’s Hidden Wonders Despite being located so close to Bangalore, Shivagange peak continues to get ignored by the tourists. For locals, though it is an important Hindu pilgrimage site. The site of the worship comprises of Shivalinga-shaped mountain and a spring that comes out of it locally known as Ganga. The site is also home to sculptures of Nandi or Basavanna that are brilliantly carved on the top of a steep rock. You can reach the site after an easy hike too.
There are some other temples nearby – and you must also see the cave temple of Sri Gangadhareshwara that, if mythical legends can be believed, is connected by a secret tunnel to the garbha griha (sanctum sanctorum) of another temple to the Gavi Gangadhareshwara temple in Bengaluru.
6. Augumbe
Now something that fiction lovers can’t ignore, this relatively unknown town has been labeled as Cherrapunjee of South. However, the reason why it makes to our list of Karnataka’s Hidden Wonders is it’s having served as the basis of Sahitya Academy Award-winning author RK Narayan’s magnum opus Malgudi Days.
If you have a nostalgia for the imagined town of Malgudi immortalized by Narayan’s works, you must visit the Malgudi Mane here. We also recommend watching the sunrise on Kundadri Hills.
7. Bijapur
Established around a thousand years ago, by the Chalukyas of Kalyani, Bijapur was initially christened as Vijayapura or the City of victory. If you are a history freak, the lack of Bijapur’s popularity might bewilder you. The city has several historical monuments like Ibrahim Rauza, Gol Gumbaz, Anand Mahal, umma Masjid, Jod Gumbaz, J Saat Manzil, Jal Manzil, etc – mostly built during the rule of Adil Shah dynasty, still waiting to be recognized by the tourism industry. It is this very lack of popularity though which has earned it a place in our list of Karnataka’s Hidden Wonders.
8. Mullayanagiri
Mullayanagiri is named after the great sage Mullapa Swamy, a temple to whom is dedicated to the peak of the mountain. Despite its location near Bangalore and it’s being one of the best if not the best trek in the state, Mullayanagiri fails to attract tourists.
8. Shivanasamudra
Shivasamandua is a small island town where Kavei drops down to form to incredibly beautiful waterfalls -Gaganachukki and Bharachukki which are together called the Shivanasamudra falls and earn it a place in the list of our list of Karnataka’s Hidden Wonders.
The town also has ancient temples such as those dedicated to Sri Ranganathaswamy, Sri Someshwara, etc that constructed in the Dravidian style of architecture.
9. Shettihalli
The Church here, Shetttihali Church is also known as the Submerged Church and the Floating Church and is the next item in the list of our list of Karnataka’s Hidden Wonders. It was built by French missionaries in the late 1800s and later become an abandoned sight with the construction of the Hemavati which leaves it partially submerged during monsoons.
10. Chitradurga
Next in our list of Karnataka’s Hidden Wonders is Chitradurga, claimed by many to be the birthplace of Hidimba and Hidimbi, the demon brother-sister duo from the Mahabharata. The place is home to rocky hills and beautiful valleys a fort known as Kallina Kote or a stone fortress that has 18 temples.
According to a legend, Obavva, the wife of a guard, once single-handedly managed to kill several soldiers of Hyder Ali’s (Tipu Sultan’s father) army who were trying to infiltrate into the fort with an Onake (which is a long wooden club meant used by women pounding paddy grains), before giving in to her injuries.
11. Marvanthe
Next in our our list of Karnataka’s Hidden Wonders is Marvanthe. Marvanthe is home to Karnataka’s most amazing sea beaches. A drive on National Highway is another valuable experience worth having as you drive between the Souparnika river which flows right next to the Arabian Sea.
12. St. Mary’s Island
Last in our list of Karnataka’s Hidden Wonders is St. Mary’s Island. Named as one of the 26 Geological Monuments of India in 2001, by the Geological Survey of India, the island is supposed to the place where Vasco De Gama first landed before he ‘discovered’ India. According to the legend, it was he who named the island upon landing here.
Conclusion
Even with this additional list of attractions, we can’t fully enumerate all the wonderful places there are in Karanata. There are, for example, Talakadu, the temple town of Banavasi, Karkala, Gadag, Bylakuppe, etc – not to mention Hampi which we believe has made it to the list of prominent attractions ever since the publication of V. S. Naipaul’s infamous book ‘India: A Wounded Civilisation’. But we do hope this gives you some ideas. Tell us what other places should have made it to this list in your opinion. Do tell us in the comments below. J
During our travels in Karnataka, the hill station of Chikmagalur was one of the topmost of the cities we intended to visit because of its countless attractions.
How to reach Chikmagalur?
By Air
The town does not have an airport of its own and the nearest airport is Mangalore airport which is 113 kilometers away which is well connected to major cities of the country. You can hire a prepaid taxi from there.
by Road
Chikmagalur enjoys good road connectivity to cities like Bangalore, Mangalore, Hubli, and Hassan via state-run and private buses.
By Rail
Chikmagalur does not have a railway station and the nearest station is 40 kilometers away in Kadur but you can hire a taxi from there. This is the option we took.
Places to visit in Chikmagalur
1. Kudremukh National Park
Located at a distance of about 96 km from Chikmagalur city, this National Park is at a high latitude which ensures a cool temperature even in the worst of the summers. We loved this National Park for giving us a break from the heat of summers but far more for the tremendous diversity of its flora and fauna. The national park gets its name from the ‘Kundre’, the Kannad word for a horse and ‘mukh’ which is Kannad word for face. The name is inspired from a hill here which is shaped like the head of a horse. Three rivers – Tunga, Bhadra, and Nethravati originate from within this national park. We also visited a cave that serves as a temple here devoted to goddess Bhagavati – a statute of which is kept inside the temple. This cave is of great spiritual importance among the local Hindus.
We didn’t spot a tiger here because of a rare case of bad luck but we spotted a barking deer and a couple of leopards and a bear and, overall, it was an amazing experience.
Another amazing sight was Kandambe falls which held us captive with its first sight for several minutes with its stunning beauty. We reached the falls in the afternoon and spent some time nearby orchids (with permission of their owners of course) and when we came back for a last look at falls, we saw Jackal visiting the falls.
2. Mullayanagiri
Chikmagalur holds the highest mountain peak of Karnataka – Mulllayanagiri which rises as high as 2000 meters and offers several incredible trekking trails. We spent a whole evening trekking amidst stunning scenery created by the flora here to reach a temple right at the very top which is dedicated to Lord Shiva and attracts hundreds of devotees.
3. Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary
Another wildlife protected area, Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary, also known as the Muthodi Wildlife Sanctuary, is about 35 km from Chikmagalur town. This wildlife sanctuary is home to a number of exotic wild animals and birds. This time we got a chance to spot a tiger during our Jeep Safari but the tiger was only one of sights we were offered by this sanctuary filled with a tremendous abundance of flora and fauna. is about 35 km from Chikmagalur town.
The Sanctuary gets its name from Bhadra region from which it gets its name. The river is surrounded by deciduous forests which have over a hundred species of trees – of which we recognized rosewood, teak, mathi, Kindal, etc. Among fauna, an expert will be able to spot about 250 species of birds but since we were no experts, the Ornithologists that accompanies acted as our encyclopedia. The sanctuary is also claimed to have king cobra and pit viper among other reptiles as well as marsh crocodiles that roam in the banks of small water bodies of the region.
4. Sharadamba Temple
Located in Shringeri, a town in Chikmagalur district, Sharadamba Temple, Shardamba Temple Is the place where great Hindu sage Adi Shankaracharya set up his practice. Once he was walking by the Tunga River when he saw a cobra with its head raised high. Upon a little closer observation, he realized that the serpent was providing shelter to a spawning frog from the heat of the sun. Seeing this, he decided to set his abode here. He stayed for twelve long years teaching tenets of Hinduism to his disciples in the gurukul that he established here.
The temple stands at the banks of the Tungabhadra River and dates back to the 8th century and is dedicated to the goddess of wisdom. Praying to this goddess can, so the myth goes. improve your learning capacity. This reputation attraction a number of students as well as other people in pursuit of wisdom here. We paid our respects but since we had long ceased to take any maths tests, we didn’t feel compelled to pray for wisdom.
At the beginning of the 20th century the temple was entirely built out of wood, the statue of the goddess too was made of Sandalwood but then fire less destroyed the entire thing and thus the temple was entirely rebuilt and a statue made of gold was placed inside it. It now attracts thousands of pilgrims.
5. Hebbe Falls
Next in our list of sights to see in Chikmagalur is Hebbe Falls. These enchanting falls are accessed from Kemmangundi hill station, located at a distance of 8 km from Chikmagalur. We reached them after walking the 8 km trek from Kemmangundi. The falls create a stunning sight surrounded as it is by astonishing greenery of dense forests, coffee plantations, and hilly background. The stunning effect was heightened for us by the music of splashing water that greeted our ears even before we had seen the falls; the serene weather and a chance to take a dip in the waters together making it a perfect picnic spot. The 168 meters fall is divided into two stages – the Big Falls called Dodda Hebbe and the Small Falls called Chikka Hebbe. The falls are also surrounded by some of the best homestays of the region one of which we chose as our accommodation after we had our fill of photography the immense beauty of the falls.
6. Baba Budangiri (Datta Peeta)
Baba Budangiri also is known as Datta Peeta and the Chandra Drona Parvatha is located in the Baba Budan Giri range and named after the Muslim saint Baba Budan. Located at a height of 1900 meters, the sight has three caves. Three Siddhas, the religious oracles, are buried here. An annual ceremony is held in these caves. The places also have a popular Diwali celebration.
Sri Guru Dattatreya Bababudanswamy’s Darga, an ancient institution is located nearby and is respected both among Hindus and Muslims.
Another holy site nearby is a cave built by Dattatreyaswamy which is claimed to be the residence of Hazrat Dada Hayath Mir Khalandar.
Conclusion
Chikmagalur is one of the most important tourist attractions of Karnataka despite lacking direct connectivity. Here we have presented only a small list of its numerous attractions that also include nearby hill station Kenmmangundi, Kallathigiri Falls, Coffee Museum (yes you heard it), Bhadra Dam, Kadambi Falls, Manikyadhara Falls, etc. A hill station that you just can’t have enough of. J
Karnataka has something … correction, lots of things for all kind of art lovers. Wildlife, coffee plantations and dense forests for nature lovers; countless adventures for adventure lovers; forts, palaces, etc for History freaks; artifacts, sculptors, etc for art lovers as well as temples, dargahs, etc for ones with the religious bent of mind.
Today we bring you a list of 5 Offbeat Trek in Karnataka that every adventure lover should give a try:
1. Kumta Beach Trek
When it comes to holidays, there is no such thing as sea beaches. And thus the first our list of 5 Offbeat Trek in Karnataka will end in Kumta Beach Trek. The beach is located at a distance of over 460 kilometers from Bangalore and offers all major delights that a beach can offer. Its distance from urban worlds ensures the freshness of the air that will greet you here. The trail, which starts at Vanalli Beach and ends at Nirvana beach, has Kumata beach as a base camp, is surrounded by equally beautiful sights of hills and natural vegetation on both the sides as well as 10 pristine beaches.
Best visited during the winter season, the 20 kilometers trek is not too difficult in terms of terrain but can be a test of your endurance. Make sure to see the stunning sunsets and sunrises.
Add to the fun by camping on beech and sleeping under ever-gorgeous stars and enjoying local cuisine near a bonfire while playing group games.
2. Nishanimotte Trek
Coorg has been dubbed as the adventure capital of India but it also has several numerous other attractions – and one of them is Nashnimotte Trek, the second in our list of 5 Offbeat Trek in Karnataka. The 14-kilometer long trek in western ghats is surrounded by dense deciduous forests, meadows, ridge walks, etc on either side offering a moderate level of difficulty to the trekkers. The trek is the best experience in our opinion in Autumn-spring season. Besides such outdoor activities, like camping and cooking for oneself, the trek also offers opportunities to see the Talacauvery Temple and Bhagamandala Temple
3. Kurinjal Trek
This trek is located among the hills of incredible Kudremukha National Park. The national park takes its name from a hill which is shaped like the mouth of a horse ( the Kannada word Kudre means ‘horse’ and much means ‘mouth’).
This beautiful valley has several wild animals including tigers, langoors Baring deer, etc as well as the tall trees characteristic of Deciduous vegetation. Situated at a distance of over 350 kilometers from Bangalore, the trek is an amazing opportunity to go hiking in a place where you are also likely to come across wildlife. But first of all, make sure to obtain required permission from the forest department of the region. You will have to take special care not to litter or spoil in any manner the natural beauty of the place in any manner. The moderately difficult trek is a 16-kilometer long passage through every changing terrains and can experience all times of the year as being based in a hill station, it has a cool temperature through the year. On this trek, you will come across rich natural vegetation, some wildlife, Somavati Waterfall and, if you like, you can drive ahead and watch Belur temple.
4. Nagalapuram Trek
Next in our list of 5 Offbeat Trek in Karnataka is Nagalapuram trek. This 13 km trail oversees several pools and waterfalls. Since one of the main objects is taking a dip in waters, we were clever enough to take along water jackets which we ended up needing.
The trek is comparatively easy unless you are considering those dips in the water. Recently it has attracted many crowds and which has created a lot of litter and river too is getting pollution. Some measures need to be taken about that. Travelers too need to learn not to spoil the natural beauty of the place.
5. Kopatty Trek
Kopatty Trek of Coorg will be last in our list of 5 Offbeat Trek in Karnataka. The relatively easy 8-kilometer trek is ornamented with the lush greenery of tropical forests on either side. An arc at the entrance to the trail will lea you to Mahavishnu temple nearby. The first two kilometers or so of the trail are a tarred road that has paddy fields on either side. A muddy Jeep trek follows for another few minutes till you reach a stream, another few minutes later, you will enter the forest which again lasts only 2 kilometers before you hit a green meadow. A ten-minute ride to a flat top later you will be able to get a 360 degree of western ghats in all its paranormal beauty.
This trek offers you a chance to experience being in Coorg’s famous coffee plantations and a chance to visit Talacauvery Temple and Bhagamandala Temple
Conclusion
Being greedy foodies we are, we eat more than our share of food, well more than many people’s share of food, and that is all the more reason for us to go trekking every once in a while to stay fit. And these treks offer additional perk in the form of amazing sights they have to offer. What about you? What are your favorite treks in Karnataka? J
Karnataka is increasingly growing popular venue among tourists because of the diversity of geography, wildlife, natural vegetation, food, art and culture, mountains, valleys, rivers, sea beaches, historical sights, temples, shrines, adventures ….. and well everything that the state offers. Today Ghoomophiro brings you a 7-day itinerary that will with least of effort from you will try to ensure you get a bit of, preferably the best of all the pleasures this state has to offer.
How to reach Karnataka?
We recommend setting your first camp in Bangalore, the silicon valley of India. It has its own international airport 40 kilometers away from the city and a railway station right at the heart of the city. Air, rail or road – the city is well connected by all those ways to the rest of the world.
Day 1
Brunch at MTR
Okay before you head to the most iconic place of the city, you might be hungry in that case we recommend to let your first meal in the state be Mavalli Tiffin Rooms (MTR) – a south Indian legend and the best place to enjoy authentic Udupi food.
Afternoon- Bangalore Palace
Okay now your bellies full, you can easily spend your afternoons in Bangalore Palace. An amazing palace that needed 80 years to be completed and has courtyards that are reminiscent of the Victorian era. We won’t go into details and let the beauty of the palace speak for itself.
A late lunch – Street Food
Before moving to the next destination, we recommend trying some street. Otherwise, if you are more into luxuries the ITC Pavillian about 20 minutes from the palace is a good alternative.
Evening – ISKCON Temple
The ISKCON temple at Yeshwanthpur Industrial Suburb has a building which shows architectural genius and is the perfect place to spend your first evening in Karnataka. The temple opens at 4:15 p.m. and is bound to impress you especially if you have a religious bent of mind.
Nightlife
From temples to night clubs, may gods forgive us but then Bangalore is not seen if you have not seen its nightlife and for this you must head to MG road where you can visit a number of clubs (Arbor, Hoppipola, Indian Brewing Company to name a few) – we suggest trying more than one of them
Day 2
Breakfast and Head to Mysuru
Since you must be tired or having a bit of hangover from last night, we shall start the second day a bit late but not too late for you can rest a little in your three hours long ride to Mysore after having breakfast in hotel itself. We recommend hiring a personal ride especially if you are traveling in groups.
Early Lunch
Take lunch in one of the local food points, preferably Vinayaka Mylari. For the sweet dish, try Mysore’s own invention – Mysore Pak.
Afternoon attractions – Mysore Palace
Mysore Palace will make you forget the Bangalore Palace a little. It attracts the second largest number of tourists in India, second only to Taj Mahal among monuments.
Mysore Palace. Those facts should be enough for you to imagine the aesthetic pleasure the palace has to offer to its visitors.
Afternoon attractions – Saint Philomena Church
Also known as St. Joseph’s Cathedral is one of the tallest in Asia. This church is designed with Neo-Gothic architecture that takes its inspiration from the Cologne Cathedral in Germany.
Evening Attractions
And now is the time you get yourself shopping – maybe buy a few souvenirs too. We recommend rosewood artifacts, Mysore paintings, small stone sculptures, etc for souvenirs. Shoppers might want to buy sandalwood products (you can buy the government factory and see them manufactured), coffee powder (brought here from Croog, famous for its coffee plantations), and Mysore sarees.
Dinner – Tiger Trail
What makes Tiger Trail amazing is the sights you will be feeding your sights on as you eat your food. We highly recommend getting your hands on famous Mysore Paan as a sweet dish.
Night attractions – Karanji Lake
The beautiful Karanji lake is surrounded by a butterfly park, India’s biggest walk-through aviary and a little further is located a natural museum of History. Take your time and enjoy all these as much as you can before setting to rest for the night.
Day 3
Breakfast – The Old House
The old house is exactly what the name suggests – an old house only also an amazing food point to enjoy breakfast. The trouble is you will have to be here early to find a seat or you will just have to settle for some other food point.
Morning – Chamundeshwari Temple
Breakfast is done. Drive the 13km to the Chamunda Hill and keeps your eyes open to enjoy the enchanting views that will greet you in the one-hour journey. Chamundeshwari temple is one of the 18 Shakti peeths of the country and is one of the important places of pilgrimage for Hindus.
Lunch – Foodie Restaurant
This semi-popular food restaurant falls on your way back to Mysore and is a great place to have your lunch.
Afternoon – Jaganmohan Palace and Art Gallery
The Jaganmohan Palace used to be the home to the famous Mysore royal family (of which Tipu Sultan was the most famous ruler) before the construction of the Mysore Palace. The palace has now been turned into an art gallery. This is just the place for the art lovers to lose themselves in.
Evening – Drive to Hasan and see Bhagawan Bahubali temple en route
Once you have been able to break away from the art gallery. Drive for 3 hours to reach Hassan. The Jain temple Bhagawan Bahubalit temple falls in the way and it has a gigantic Gomateshwara statue that was carved out of a single stone as far back as in 981 A.D.
Dinner at a local’s house
There are not a lot of commercial entities, thus we recommend having some packed food with you or eating at a local’s house. You can go to bed early tonight.
Day 4
Early Morning – Vasantha Mantapa and Chennakeshava Temple
Hoysala is famous for its ancient temple Vasantha Mantapa. Visit the temple after having some local breakfast or snacks. Then head to Belur and see Chennakesava Temple there which has been recommended as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Then head to Chikamagalur – a one and a half hour drive away.
Lunch and afternoon attractions – Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary
We know you must be tremendously hungry by this time. First, have your early lunch at Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary.
And once you are full, spend the afternoon exploring this amazing sanctuary full of exotic flora and fauna after wishing for yourself luck good enough to see a tiger.
Trek to Kudremukh
Spend the evening hiking on the trek to Kudremukh. The trek is surrounded by brilliant vegetation and is quite easy.
Dinner and Nightime
Take a guest house here and after dinner, request your guesthouse to set a campfire out in open. While your night away doing lazing bonfire things, playing antakshari, telling stories, etc.
It’s time for some backpacking, to experience nature up close and personal. A visit to Kudremukh can only be possible via an easy trek. Once up there, you’ll thank yourself for going ahead with it.
Day 5
Morning – Kudremukh National Park
After having an early breakfast, you can try your luck once again at spotting a tiger in Kudremukh National which has countless other gifts endowed to it by nature for every visitor here to enjoy.
Lunch
Mangalore is a coastal town and thus it has delicious seafood to offer. Thus unless you are a vegetarian, we recommend some local seafood, fishes in particular specifically at Machali, a famous local restaurant.
Afternoon – St. Aloysius Chapel
Constructed by Italian Jesuits who have played a tremendous role in education and general social upliftment of Mangalore’s Catholic community, the church is an architectural marvel with beautiful paintings done all over the walls that are
Evening – Sultan Battery and Tannirbhavi Beach
As evening arrives, head straight to Sultan Battery to enjoy the tremendous sight of sunset from the Batterywatchtower. Once done with that, go to Tannirbhavi Beach and while away your time lazying around the beach.
Dinner
Have your dinner by poolside in the Cardamom Restaurant and make sure to follow it up by Pabbas Ice Creams
Day 6
Morning – Mangala Devi Temple
The temple is dedicated to Mangaladevi. after whom the city is named. It was built by great Hindu saint Lord Parashurama. This brilliant piece of architecture is mostly made of wood staying true to the region’s ancient traditions.
Once you have your fill with the temple, head straight to Coorg.
Lunch
Eat at some local food joint of your preference.
Afternoon – Madikeri Fort
Madikeri is a hill in Coorg and its top has the fort that has in it artifacts that once belonged to the legendary local ruler Tipu Sultan.
Evening – Go microlight Flying
Microlight Flying is one of the rarest experiences to be had in India but Coorg, the adventure capital of the country, offers it for you. The microlight gliders can hold up to two people and have the ability to rise up to 5000 meters and fly at an impressive speed of a hundred kilometers per hour. Please note that there are a number of other adventures you can have instead – rock climbing, river rafting, kayaking, Quad Biking, etc. The choice of adventure is up to you.
Dinner
Have dinner at a food joint nearby and go to bed early in order to be freshened up for the last adventure of the trip and journey back to home.
Day 7
Morning – Dubare Elephant Park
This elephant Park is one of its kind in India – and a must-visit place for the elephant lovers of the country. The elephants are groomed, trained, fed by naturalists in a natural environment and you can participate in these activities under their guidance.
Once you are done here, if you still have time before your flight back home, you can head to a coffee plantation and experience walking amidst them.
Conclusion
We have tried to bring as much of best of Karnataka as possible to you in these 7 days. You can change this itinerary according to your wishes. Nature lovers may want to spend more time in Mangalore or Coorg; while adventure lovers will definitely wish to spend more time trying their hands at adventures Coorg has to offer and a lover of urban nightlife won’t find just one night at Bangalore sufficient. If, on the other hand, you are greedy for all those things like us, you may want to elongate your trip or visit it again. After all, you can never have enough of Karanatka. J
Coorg is one of our getaways. Nature smiles at Coorg and despite being a rural district of Karnataka it has managed to attract tourists on the back of countless attractions. Wildlife lovers, nature lovers, adventure lovers – there are attractions enough for all of them in Coorg. There are so many things we have loved doing, Here, we bring you a list of amazing things to do in Coorg:
Barapole river rafting.
One of the most favorite amazing things to do in Coorg is Barapole river rafting. Barapole has challenging and untrustworthy water which makes it perfect for adventuresome river rafting. The river passes through Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary which added to the spirit of adventure and we came across an elephant who was drinking water at the shore of the river and a Nilgiri Langoor during rafting.
Visit Dubare Elephant Park
If you love elephants the way we do, then you just can’t skip over a chance to visit Dubare Elephant Park. Naturalists here try to train elephants in as natural a manner as possible. In an environment surrounded by natural vegetation, we could see how elephants are fed, trained and groomed and ask questions and the best part was participating in it ourselves. In particular, we loved bathing those giants.
Please note that the park is open only between 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM and 4:30 PM to 5:30 PM
Visit Abbey Falls
Abbey Falls offers some of the most beautiful picnic spots we have come across. – it is a perfect place to go click happy. It is opened from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and we took Jeep ride on your way there and to back from Mandalpatti, which was an amazing way to enjoy tranquil sunrises and sunsets.
Experience the Tibetian culture at Golden Temple
The Namdroling in Arlikumari, better known as Golden Temple is surrounded by the only Tibetian settlement in South India. Located at a distance of about 6 kilometers from Kushalnagar, this amazing work of architecture is home to about 7000 monks. There is a number of food stalls around the temple from where we tasted the delicious Tibetian food and bought some souvenirs.
Go trekking and hiking
Next in our list of amazing things to do in Coorg is to trekking and hiking. The Western Ghats offers amazing treks that offer a totally different kind of challenge in winters and summers. We ourselves went hiking on Brahmagiri trek and it offered us several astounding views. Some of the treks include adiandamol, Kodachadri, Kumara Parvatha, and Mullayanagiri.
Visit Madikeri Fort
Taking a break from nature, we now chose to turn to next in our list of things to to do in Coorg by visiting Madikeri Fort. Madikeri is a hill in Coorg and its top is the fort famous for carrying in it artifacts that once belonged to the legendary local ruler Tipu Sultan. The fort was first built by Mudduraja but Tipu Sultan and later Linga Rajendra brought several renovations. It also has a church built by East Indian Company.
7. Go Microlight Flying
Microlight Flying is one of the rarest experiences to be had in Coorg. It was definitely one of the most thrilling experiences we had in here. These gliders can hold up to two people, can rise up to 5000 meters and fly at a speed of a hundred kilometers per hour. Microlight Flying gave us a way of looking at things, figuratively speaking, from a bird’s point of view.
Try your hands at Rock Climbing
We had long wanted to try our hands at rock climbing and we got a chance to do so in Honnamanna Kere. The rocks of mountain ranges that define typography of the area are just perfect for the experience. Of course, you will need to avail yourself with necessary safety equipment, gloves, shoes, etc. But as far as we are concerned it is one of the must-do things in Coorg. There are instructors there to facilitate your experience and ensure your experience – so pay heed to their instructions. They were of tremendous assistance to us.
Go Kayaking
At Madikeri, we also went Kayaking. It is one of our favorite activities – there is nothing so adventuresome and tranquil at the same time as when our arms strike a peace with the paddling motion and we could lose ourselves to natural incredible views that surround us. Madikeri is not the only place in Coorg where you can try your hands at Kayaking, you can also try it at other places like Kushalnagar or Kakkabe, but it must surely make it to your list of amazing things to do in Coorg.
Take a dip in the waters of Talacauvery
Next in our list of amazing things to do in Coorg was Talacauvery. Located unparallel natural scenery just about 45 kilometers from Madikeri, Talacauvery is considered to be the source of river Kaveri and is, thus, of great spiritual importance to the devotees of Goddess Kaveri, one of the holy rivers of the country. We highly recommend visiting the place to have a dip in its waters, the way we did. We visited it during the festival of Tulasankaramma which is the best time to visit this holy place.
Visit Nisargadhama
Next in our list of amazing things to do in Coorg that we loved most is a visit to Nisargadhama. This small island is approached by crossing a hanging garden. We were enchanted by the spell-binding views of nature it had to offer. It also had an ecological park. Surrounded by bamboo trees and scenic vegetation, the island offers perfect photography and picnic opportunities. We clicked scores of pictures during the few hours of our trip there.
Off-Road Jeep Drive To Nishani Hills
Another amazing adventure that we could not help adding to our list of amazing things to do in Coorg is the Offroad Jeep Drive to Nishani Hills. If like us, you have wanted to experience the ruthless driving in the rough natural terrains of the kind that we often see in so many action movies of Hollywood and Bollywood. Then, this guided tour through the deciduous forests of Coorg is just the thing for you. I don’t think we ever stopped screaming throughout the drive.
Irruppu Falls
Perhaps nowhere else does the Western Ghats shows its beauty in all its wildness as in Irruppu falls which shall form penultimate item in this list of amazing things to do in Coorg. Located amidst natural vegetation, the waterfall mesmerized us with its breathtaking views.
Conclusion
There is a good reason why Coorg is Called the adventure capital of India. But as you can see that though it offers unique adventures and is thus worthy of the title, its attractions are not necessarily limited to adventures. Our trips to Coorg have given us some of our best memories. J
“Shopoalcohalism is not dangerous to your health. It won’t kill you. Your bank balances may not like it but that is totally a different thing.” That should be humanity’s motto of life – well, it is our motto of living at least and, for shopaholics like us weekend markets of Mysore are little paradises.
The reputation of Mysore‘s markets for its famous silk sarees, rosewood and sandalwood products, rock sculpture souvenirs, coffee powder, etc – not to mentions its delicious cuisine which has got centuries of refinement had reached us long before we had set foot in them.
And there are really several special products that you can buy in this city that once formed the empire of the great ruler Tipu Sultan but today we limit ourselves to 5 things you should shop in Mysore.
1. Mysore Pak
over 70 years ago, the king of Mysore called for a cook reputed locally for his skills during the time to create a new, original sweet that would bear the name of the city (an idea that can only occur to a ruler of the sweet loving country like India).
The cook prepared a special sugar syrup called ‘paka’ and its cooks were referred to as ‘Nalapaka’. Mysore Pak is a living example to what a bit of imagination and creativity can do for the gratification of our taste buds and thus a natural favorite to be first in our list of 5 things you should shop in Mysore.
This special delicacy has as its main ingredients flour, sugar, and butter and is easily available in a number of places – Sayyaji Rao Road and Guru Sweet Mart. There are a number of variants among which we especially loved and thus lovingly recommend variations offered by Annex Bombay Tiffanys, Indra Sweets, and Mahalaxmi.
2. Mysore Silk Sarees
Next in our list of 5 things you should shop in Mysore is something that is fast catching eye of fashion industry experts and middle-class women alike – Mysore Silk Sarees.
While some claim Mysore’s connection to silk goes as far as its most legendary ruler Tipu Sultan, there is no clear evidence produce to fortify such claims. What one does know is that the Mysore royalty has acted very consciously to encourage the silk industry in the twentieth century in Mysore and its surrounding areas. The industry had a great advantage in that the region is ideal for the growth of mulberry, the main feeding ingredient used by silkworms. The industry thus shows the city’s genius not in the textile industry but also in the incredible art of rearing silkworms.
No city in India seems capable of making its reputation on the back of its garment industry unless it also produces iconic sarees too. And Mysore is no exception. Its Silk sarees are tremendously popular both in surrounding areas and in the whole of the country because of their use of a rather light and smooth variety of silk which retains a very distinctive sheen even after multiple washes. A golden Zari border beautifies these gracefully beautiful silk sarees. To make sure they are original, you must keep in mind to check for an embroidered number on one edge.
We brought our own Mysore Silk Sarees in the KSIC Mysore Silk showroom which stood up to its reputation for being the best place to buy them and thus we highly recommend it though there are several other showrooms in the center of town.
3. Sandalwood Products
We leave you to choose your favorite option from among a number of Sandalwood products as the third in the list of 5 things you should shop in Mysore. A sandalwood oil factory was established here as far back as in 1917 by King of Mysore, Krishnaraja Wodeyar and Diwan Sir M. Visvesvaraya just two kilometers from the royal palace. to benefit from the rich sandalwood forests of the region and ever since it has grown to be an important hotspot for products using sandalwood.
Pure sandalwood oil is a rare thing even here since the forest department very aptly regulates cutting of trees in order to preserve forests from complete destruction. Still, you can but a number of oils, soaps, perfumes, etc infused with beautiful sandalwood fragrance.
The factory itself is the best place to buy these products. We also used the opportunity to see the sandalwood harvested first hand and the extraction of tremendously useful sandalwood oil from it in the factory. You can also buy the products from shops in Gandhi square and Devaraja Market.
Timings: The factory can be visited from 9:30 AM t0 11:00 AM and 14:00 PM to 16:00 PM on all days except Sundays.
4. Mysore painting
There are a number of artifacts to be found in Mysore – wooden and stone sculptures the size of toys that can be bought as souvenirs, rosewood, etc, there are only two slots we can avail them. The paintings come from a very ancient form and might trace its origin to the famous carvings of Ajanta and Ellora. The paintings got a royal boost during the royal patronage it enjoyed in times of Vijayanagara empire. During 15th and 16th century. They mostly depict gods, goddesses, and scenes from the famous mythological tales of Hinduism. They use delicate drawing and pleasant colors and their overall effect is that of simplicity because of a lack of too fine details. Their distinction lies in their use is the gesso work, which is a kind of embossing done by using white lead and glue overlaid with gold foil. Its delicate and low-relief form sets it apart from Tanjore style which used bold embossing as well as the use of glitzy precious stones absent in Mysore painting. Ganjifa cards are also available with these patterns. We brought Mysore paintings from the Mysore Palace.
5. Mysore betel leaves
Mysore’s paan – a preparation that is packed its famous betel leaves folded in spirals, have a proverbial reputation and are thus a natural favorite to make it to our list of 5 things you should shop in Mysore. In the simplest variety, the leaves are smeared with some slaked lime (Sunna or chunnam) and then rolled with a filling of chopped betel nuts. Devaraja Market, in particular, is frequented by Paan lovers lusting after its famous for its unique color and incredible taste. The paan is often eaten after meals as sweet dishes but like sweet dishes need not be kept limited to that.
The betel leaves have other traditional uses too among locals. They are often used as an offering to guests and can be offered as gifts to guests at home as well as wedding as parting gifts when they are leaving.
Conclusion
This list of things to buy in Mysore is by no means an exclusive list. A number of items are skipped over here – wooden and stone sculptures the size of toys that can bought as souvenirs, rosewood artifacts, Coffee powder from nearby Coorg district famous for its coffee plantations, agarbatti (Mysore is one of the main causes behind Karnataka being dubbed as ‘agarbatti capital of India’), Mysore Jasmine, Channapatna toys etc to name a few.
With Evolve Back resort, relive the 14th-century Vijaynagar Empire. Just 4 km away from the UNESCO World Heritage site Hampi, it takes its inspiration from the ruins of Vijayanagar and it is evident in their arched hallways and Jal Mahal rooms inspired by Queen’s Palace. The resort is at a short distance from Vijayanagar ruins and Tungabhadra dam in the state of Karnataka. A six-hour drive from Bangalore will land you straight at the resort.
The entrance:As soon as you enter those grand archways, you are received with their traditional way of greeting ‘Namaskara’ with towels, flowers and vermilion powder along with refreshment of Coconut Milk with jaggery. Their white corridors with floral arches and eardrop shaped balustrades give you the feeling of a royal palace.
Rooms: The rooms itself are huge and comfortable with an ensuite tub, twin Jacuzzi, and shower stand. The granite and wood floor add to the decor of the room. We had a private balcony as well as basic necessities like Flat screen TV, coffee etc in the room. But who would want to watch TV with such a great ambiance outside? The room itself has a big comfortable bed with a canopy and drapes hanging on the wall add to the royal vibe. We relaxed in the Jacuzzi before our night sleep. The Nivasa room that we stayed in is perfect for couples with a separate living, sleeping and dining area. It is very spacious as well as comfy.
Sites around: The resort is at a short distance from the UNESCO World Heritage site as well as Tungabhadra dam so a short drive will take you to all the site-seeing areas.
Other amenities: The Ayurvedic spa is absolutely delightful and relaxing. With the four-hand massage, all your tense muscles are loosened and as they chant Sanskrit chants in harmony, your soul feels lighter as well.
Food: For food, they have two options Tuluva Restaurant and Bahmani Speciality restaurant. Even the names of these restaurants are taken from the Vijayanagara dynasty. Tuluva restaurant offers a good view of the infinity pool while you enjoy a variety of food from their menu. The Bahmani restaurant looks like a mixture of Persian and Hyderabadi architecture and it has the same vibe of royalty. The food was included in our booking. We got the breakfast buffet which was usual eggs, bread, and the general breakfast.For lunch, you can try the candlelight dinner at Bahmani. Try their variety of paneer cheese, dal, naans and Yakhni Lamb. Among Tuluva and Bahmani, we found Bahmani to be better with food. The flavor of the food was delicious and then we tried some Indian desserts which turned out to be good as well.
Final verdict: Evolve Back was a good resort and we were treated well by the staff who were good in their hospitality. The resort is beautiful to look at as well as at a short distance from the sights which saves a lot of time.
Cost: Three-day stay package at the place is more cost-effective and would end up costing 27000 INR per night. But for that comfort, you would easily pay that price.
P.S-> Recently they have changed their name from Orange County to Evolve Back Resorts.
Known as the tourist’s paradise, this little south Indian hill station is nothing short of enigmatic. Located at an elevation of about 2240 meters, Ooty is full of some eye catching visuals, magnificent hills and the wide range of flora and fauna. Also known fondly as the Queen of Hill stations, Ooty is one of the very few hill stations in the southern part of the country, let alone Tamil Nadu, its native state.
Tall still mountains, picturesque landscape, spread tea gardens, a peaceful surrounding, and much more, there is no word that can define the beauty of the place completely. Famous with the name of ‘Queen of Hill-stations’, the alluring city of Ooty rest in the laps of charming Nilgiri Hills and located at the distance of about 80 km from Coimbatore.
At every place we go, there are certain places that we look for as soon as we land, for the food and beverages. Ooty has made quite a name for itself when it comes to coffee shops. Let’s take a look at some good places in the hill station where you would like to stop and refresh yourself to get some finely brewed hot cup of coffee.
The Garden Cafe- Other than the amazing south Indian food that gets served here there is one other thing that is attractive to the people. The meals and the beverages are quite affordable in here. A good coffee for two starts from less than 300 INR and then goes up. Coffee and vegetable Uttapam is the specialty here for the food lovers and the cafe is located at the Nahar Nilgiris hotel. Find the place and stop here for a quick bite; you will fall in love with the place.
Willy’s Coffee Pub- Located on the Walsham road, this one is a modernized coffee shop and pub in the area. With a library, comfortable seating arrangements and a very friendly staff, you will feel a deep sense of relaxation in here. The rolls, sandwiches, super crusty pizzas and the Indian food, you will find almost everything. It is said that you aren’t very likely to find any other place in the entire hill station where you can get a coffee as delicious as this place.
Cocoapods- The amazing taste of flavored coffee and delicious Chocolate Brownie with roasted almonds, chocolate chips, chocolate syrup and vanilla ice cream is just like the cherry on the cake, everything around will leave you to lick your fingers. A sip of Hot coffee in a steamy climate is definitely the best idea of experiencing the romantic surrounding with your sweet love.
Ooty Coffee House- One of the several things Ooty is known for is Coffee. The Ooty coffee house can also be known as a place set up to celebrate the coffee culture in the area. OCH happens to be located on the commercial road, Ooty and serves the coffee made with the best hand picked coffee beans taken straight from the plantations. We can also say that their coffee is organically the best in the entire hill station.
Some of the other best cafes in Ooty are Nahar Sidewalk Cafe, Jus’ Bakad, C-store cafe etc.
Coffee is one addiction that most people have. Too much of it may be bad for your health but stealing a cup or two a day is completely fine. We have given you the list, now go search for these places the next time you visit Ooty, the queen of hill stations.
