Nandi Hills - Yet another Plan to Improve and Rejuvenate

Beautiful, cool and serene, Nandi Hills has a lot more in store than just perfect scenic landscape. The potential for tourism is here is immense but never tapped.

Every Govt. loves making a new announcement on their new plans for Nandi Hills

Here is a new one from the current BJP Govt.

Tourism park in Nandi Hills

"The State Government is planning to set up a tourism park in Nandi Hills, close to the Bengaluru International Airport, to attract more international tourists in the State, Tourism minister G Janardhana Reddy said on Thursday.Reddy told reporters that besides an amusement park and better lodging facilities in the park, international tourists can have detailed information about all tourist spots in the state. The minister said as many as 150 tourist guides are working in different tourist places. As the government has not been providing honorarium for them, the department has decided to pay honourarium of Rs 1,000 per month for guides. A decision in this regard will be announced in the budget to be presented next month, he said." more...

Nandi Hills Sight Seeing Highlights include one of the oldest temples in Karnataka the Bhoga Nandeeshwara temple located at the foothills. Other must see places are Tipu's Summer Palace, Amrit Sarovar and Bhoga Nandishwara Temple which is a fine example of Dravidian architecture. There are 1,175 steps to reach the top of the hill but the view of the whole city below is wonderful from up there.

Other useful resources for Nandi Hills

Nandi Hills Photos

Hotels and HomeStays at Nandi Hills

Location Map for Nandi Hills

Video Guide to Mysore - Royal City of Palaces

Short on time (well who is not), here is a quick way to see and understand Mysore and see the Sights Mysore has to offer through a 2 minute video. Enjoy a quick Video Guide to Mysore.

Mysore is known as the City of Palaces. Having been the Capital of Karnataka before it shifted to Bangalore, a large many royal families ruled here. Out of the many palaces built, those from the Wodeyar Dynasty are said to be quite noteworthy.

This former state capital is a seamless blend of old-world charm and modernity. It retains its tradition in music and dance, art and literature, and time-honoured crafts. Mysore today, is a pleasant and growing city in Karnataka with an old world charm, owing to its broad avenues, picturesque gardens, exceptional edifices and a salubrious climate .

Few Mysore resources
Map of Mysore
Mysore Hotels
Reviews of Mysore Tourism
Photos of Mysore
Videos of Mysore
Question & Answers on Mysore

Guide to Water Sports and Activities in Karnataka

Quick Travel Guide to Karnataka Water Sports Destinations (Beaches of Karnataka, Lakes of Karnataka and Rivers of Karnataka)

Water Sport destinations while usually near Sea Coasts or Beaches of Karnataka (HolidayIQ quick take on Beach & Sea Water Sports), the many Lakes and Rivers of Karnataka are hot spots for Fresh Water Sport Activities (HolidayIQ quick take on Fresh Water sports).

Karnataka is among the Top Water sport destination with a large coast line it has some of the best locales for water enthusiasts. Most Water sport destinations would invariably also be great beach destinations. Some of them are large lake based or backwater water bodies. To enjoy the thrills of scuba diving, coracling, surfing, canoeing, kayaking or windsurfing you are looking for, explore the places below.

Water Sport Equipments

The major Water Sport sites in Karnataka are well equipped with excellent quality surf boards, Kayaks, canoes and other facilities. These places also offer expert training for those who are new to these sports. Some types of Water Sports need special equipment, in most cases these are provided by the Resort but it is a good idea to check before had if there are any special charges and or equipment that you may have to carry yourself. The major Water Sport resorts or destinations in Karnataka listed below are usually are well equipped with excellent quality surf boards, Kayaks and canoes. Some of these places also offer expert training especially in the case of Snorkeling and Scuba for those who are new to these sports. They all have trained professionals who guide you and supervise your activities. subject to suitable weather conditions

Best Times for Water Sports in Karnataka

For Fresh water sports (Lakes and Rivers) best times are in the monsoon months of July, Aug, Sept and Oct. (One exception being Kali River which is year round except July, Aug and Sept))

For Sea and Beach bound water sports it is all months other than the monsoon months of July, Aug and Sept.

Types of Water Sport activities

Water Sport activities are categorized below by type of Water sport, wherever possible links are provided for Popular Accommodation options and more detailed information on the destination:



Boating (Rowing and Motor Boats)

Pleasure boating is a family sport and is growing in popularity as age is no barrier and it is a easy way to enjoy water. In this form somebody could be powering the boat by rowing or it could be a motor boat maneuvered by experienced driver. Locations for pleasure boating

Kabini Backwater – Wildlife Safari on a boat. – (Jungle Lodges & Resorts, Cicada, Water Woods and Orange County Kabini Resorts)

Brindavan Gardens Mysore – View the park’s fountains while cruising around on a boat.

Malpe (Close to Udupi)– Boat or Ferry ride to St. Mary’s Island - Vasco-da-Gama landed in 1498 on one of these islands, it is one the unique spots in India where basaltic rocks show up such peculiar formation. Popular Resorts -

Ranganthitu Bird Sanctuary Near Mysore - Ranger-guided boat tours of the isles are available throughout the day, early mornings and evenings are best times to catch all the birds. You can also get to see crocodiles, otters and bats.

Near Dandeli – Moonlight Boat ride at the Bison River Resort

Near Karwar – Speed boat rides at Jungle Lodges Devbagh Island Beach Resort



Banana Boat Cruise

A Banana boat is designed to be pulled by a larger boat where the riders sit astride a large tube. It provides some of the same thrill experienced during water skiing but is a lot easier.

Quite a few of the resorts across the west coast (Udupi, Karwar and Mangalore) offer Banana Boat rides. Popular Resorts - Jungle Lodges Devbagh Island Beach Resort



Snorkelling and Scuba Diving

Snorkeling much simpler than Scuba diving is sport where a using a tube the diver floats on the water’s surface. One end fits in the diver's mouth(Who is below the water surface) and the other end extends above the water.

Scuba which stands for self-contained underwater breathing apparatus (SCUBA) requires intense training at least for a couple days. Scuba divers carry a tank of air that allows them to breathe while deep underwater. Divers while underwater explore fish and corals. Diving is usually a ocean sport but some divers also explore lakes, rivers, and ponds.

Resorts near Udupi (Turtle Bay Beach Resort)
Resorts near Karwar (Jungle Lodges Devbagh Island Beach Resort and The Great Outdoors Karwar Island)



Coracling

A Coracle is a small, lightweight boat that looks like a walnut shell. They are used for fishing or just have a River rafting joy ride.

Resort near Bheemeshwari Location – (Bheemeshwari Fishing Camp and Lodges)
Resorts near Kabini Back Waters – (Jungle Lodges Kabini)
Resorts near Dandeli – (Jungle Lodges Kali Wilderness Camp, Bison River Resort, Jungle Camp Resort)



Rafting (Still water rafting)

Raft is the simplest type of watercraft. Modern rafts called rubber dinghies are in use today. The rubber dinghy is a boat consisting of a rubber shaped tube filled with air.

Honnemaradu Near Shimoga or Sagar (Mr. Swamy, Ms. Nomita - The Adventurers - Ph: 080 3409712/3305508, E-mail - honnemardu@satyam.net.in)
Resorts near Dandeli – (Jungle Lodges Kali Wilderness Camp, Bison River Resort)
Resorts near Udupi (Turtle Bay Beach Resort)
Resorts near Karwar (Jungle Lodges Devbagh Island Beach Resort and The Great Outdoors Karwar Island)



Canoeing

Canoeing is a sport where the paddler propelling a canoe through water, sometimes down a stream or river. Requires advanced training and great stamina. If done in a Whitewater river environment it requires significant expertise and skill to navigate the canoe through rapids.

Honnemaradu Near Shimoga or Sagar (Mr. Swamy, Ms. Nomita - The Adventurers - Ph: 080 3409712/3305508, E-mail - honnemardu@satyam.net.in)
Resorts near Dandeli – (Jungle Lodges Kali Wilderness Camp, Bison River Resort)



Kayaking

The kayak is propelled by a double-bladed paddle and requires both stamina and the paddler to keep balance while maneuvering the Kayak. Canoes are also made of fiberglass, plastic, and sometimes hard-rubber. This sport is usually enjoyed in pairs.

Resorts near Karwar (Jungle Lodges Devbagh Island Beach Resort and The Great Outdoors Karwar Island)
Resorts near Kabini Back Waters (Cicada)
Honnemaradu Near Shimoga or Sagar (Mr. Swamy, Ms. Nomita - The Adventurers - Ph: 080 3409712/3305508, E-mail - honnemardu@satyam.net.in)



Water Surfing (Surf Boards)

Surfing which is Riding on waves using a Surf Board toward the shoreline takes skill, stamina, and agility. This requires significant practice before being able to maneuver the Surf Board and learn to stay afloat.

Resorts near Karwar (Jungle Lodges Devbagh Island Beach Resort and The Great Outdoors Karwar Island)
Honnemaradu Near Shimoga or Sagar (Mr. Swamy, Ms. Nomita - The Adventurers - Ph: 080 3409712/3305508, E-mail - honnemardu@satyam.net.in)



White Water River rafting

White water river rafting location in Karnataka include the Kali river at Dandeli. Kemphole, Sitanadi (near Agumbe) and Netravati. Parts of Cauvery at starting at Bheemeshwari is also popular with White water rafting enthusiants.

Near Dandeli - All through the year except monsoon months of June, July and August

Conducted by Southern River Adventures and Ozone

Organized or Self Contanied white water rafting expeditions at Dandeli - Aquaterra

Near Bheemshwari at Bheemshwari Fishing Camp and Lodges (Conducted by CARE India) - monsoon months of June, July and August

Near Agumbe or Sitanadi which lies in Shimoga district or 105 Km from Chikmagalur (Conduced by Venture Adventure Club or Adreno ) - monsoon months of June, July and August

Near Coorg

At Barapole River (Conducted by Southern River Adventures Coorg) - monsoon months of June, July and August with Rafting base at Ponya Organic Coffee Estate

Organized or Self Contanied white water rafting expeditions at Coorg - Aquaterra Coorg

Near Shimoga or Sagar

Honnemaradu (Mr. Swamy, Ms. Nomita - The Adventurers - Ph: 080 3409712/3305508, E-mail - honnemardu@satyam.net.in)



Windsurfing

The basic skill required here is to get on and off the board with falling. The basic equipments for windsurfing are a board and rig. In addition the surfer required buoyancy aid windsurfer boots and wet suits. Going in a straight line or going backwards could be quite challenging.

Resorts near Karwar (Jungle Lodges Devbagh Island Beach Resort and The Great Outdoors Karwar Island)
Honnemaradu Near Shimoga or Sagar (Mr. Swamy, Ms. Nomita - The Adventurers - Ph: 080 3409712/3305508, E-mail - honnemardu@satyam.net.in)



Water Skiiing

Originally called "aquaplaning”, in this sport the skier holds on to a rope attached to the front of a ski board. Ski boards are usually 6 to 10 feet long and 3 feet wide. The skier has to use their body weight to stand up and manipulate the board., with a rope tied to the front.

Resorts near Karwar (Jungle Lodges Devbagh Island Beach Resort and The Great Outdoors Karwar Island)
Honnemaradu Near Shimoga or Sagar (Mr. Swamy, Ms. Nomita - The Adventurers - Ph: 080 3409712/3305508, E-mail - honnemardu@satyam.net.in)



Water Scooters

Water scooters accommodate two people on a ride. This action sport provides all the thrills of a motorbike and is usually easy for even amateurs to get started.

Resorts near Karwar (Jungle Lodges Devbagh Island Beach Resort and The Great Outdoors Karwar Island)

Shravanabelagola Quick Travel and History Guide

We have all heard about the Gomateshwara statue at Shravanabelagola in Karnataka in India, it is arguably one of the most popular monument in India. Here is a Quick Travel Guide both for Trivia buffs and for someone planning their next trip to this Historic marvel central to Karnataka’s Religious and World Heritage Tourism circuit. You can combine you visit to Sravanabelagola with other Heritage locations such as Mysore, Hampi and or Badami, You can find more Karnataka itineraries here.

Where in the world is Shravanabelagola?

This monument of Karnataka is at a distance of 158 km from Bangalore located at Shravanabelagola in Hassan district (49km southeast of Hassan and 93km north of Mysore). Here there are two hills Doddabetta(Vindyagiri) and Chikkabetta(Chandragiri Hill). The monument is positioned on the top of the Doddabetta hill which is at a height of 438 Feet.


What was the unique recognition given to this statue in 2007?

On August 5, 2007, the magnificent statue of Shravanbelagola was voted by Indians as the first of the Seven Wonders of India.


When is the next Mahamastabisheka and when was the first Mahamastabisheka?

Chavundaraya who created this monument himself conducted the first Mahamastabisheka on 14-3-981. From that day every 12 years, thousands of devotees congregate here to perform the Mahamastabisheka, a spectacular ceremony in which the thousand-year-old statue is anointed with milk, curds, ghee, saffron and gold coins. The next Mahamastabisheka will be held in 2018 A.D.


How can I reach Shravanabelagola or Can I get Driving directions from Bangalore?

Unfortunately there is no flight yet from Bangalore to Hassan (there will be one in the next couple years). You can go by train to Hassan from Bangalore and drive to Shravanabelagola.

By road take Tumkur Rd towards Nelamangala (27Km from Bangalore). Take a Left onto NH-48 drive for 94 Km and divert at Hirisave towards Sravanabelagola (18Km).


Who was Bahubali also called as Gomateshwara?

Lord Gomateshwara was a Jain saint and is often referred to as the Lord Bahubali.


Who created this monument?

This monument was created by Chamundraya around 983 AD. Chamundraya was a minister of the Ganga King, Rajamalla. The sculptor of this mega statue is said to be Arishtanemi (Bharatoja). The sculptor converted a tor standing at the summit into a colossus statue. Choosing a strategic opening between boulders, he also constructed a gateway (the present Akhanda Bagilu) with a large Gajalakshmi panel adorning its upper portion.


Who are the Gangas?

Know as the Western Gangas with their capital at Talakad on the banks of the River Cauvery. They ruled from 350 to 550 AD.
The kings of this dynasty encouraged the fine arts due to which literature in Kannada and Skilled Craftsmanship flourished. They were most famous for their patronage towards Jainism resulting in the construction of monuments in places many places across their small kingdom including the Lord Gomateshwara at Shravanabelagola.


Why is this monument special?

It is the largest monolithic statue in the world.
The monument is considered as one of the greatest achievements in the field of sculptural art in ancient Karnataka. The statue is made up of a single block of granite 17 meters in height. A 438 feet high granite mass forms its pedestal. It is regarding as one of the most brilliant Jain works of art. Carved from fine-grained white granite, the image stands on a lotus. With no support up to the thighs the 60 feet tall statue has a face measuring 6.5 feet. The serene expression on the face with curled hair, graceful locks and detailed proportional anatomy. Brilliantly combing artistry and craftsmanship it is called the mightiest achievement in sculptural art in medieval Karnataka is considered the high point of Karnataka’s craftsmanship. The architecture has Pallava and Badami Chalukya features or influences.


Why was this jain monument created in Karnataka?

Jainism was the state religion during various periods, it has very strong roots in Karnataka.
Jainism came to Karnataka four centuries before the Christian era. The religion received patronage of all the major dynasties that ruled this region including the Gangas, Kadamba, Chalukyas, Hoyasala and Wodeyars. Around 297 BC when Chadragupta, the founder of the Mauryan dynasty gave up his throne and came to Sravanbelagola in Karnataka to become a Jain monk he died here at a Hill near Shravanbeagola’s called Chandragiri. This is where later the Shravanbeagola shrine belonging to the Digambara sects of the Jains was built.


Are there any inscriptions at Shravanbeagola?

There are more than 800 inscriptions are found at Shravanabelagola dating from various points during the period from 600 to 1830 AD. The inscriptions are found across the town and Chandragiri. Shravanabelagola abounds in inscriptions that are scattered around the area and are in various Halagannada (Old Kannada) and Purvahalagannada (Pre-Old Kannada) characters. There inscription mention various dynasties including Gangas, Rashtrakutas, Hoysalas, Vijayanagar empire and Mysore Wodeyars.

Top Rated Stay, Hotel or Home Stay options near Shravanabelagola at Hassan or Mysore which are closeby towns to this monument.

Hampi Utsav and Festival Quick Travel Guide – November

Hampi Utsav is organized by the Government of Karnataka every year in November to promote Hampi Tourism. The Hampi festival includes dance, drama, music, fireworks, puppet shows and processions that recreate the grandeur of the bygone era and providing travellers a chance to experience a slice of Hampi’s glorious past. The festivities take you back to a time when the Dasara festivities of the Vijayanagar kings were held with incredible pomp and show. The kings of Vijayanagar used to sit on a grand throne in the House of Victory or Mahanavami Dibba and witness the 9 day Dasara festival.

Utsav or Festival Highlights

• Heritage Walk - conducted to cover important landmarks such as Virupaksha temple Mahanavami dibba, Gajaalaya, Queen’s bath and Vijaya Vittala Temple


• Illumination of the Vijaya vittala Temple which houses the stone chariot and musical pillars and other important Monuments for night viewing


• Eminent artistes to perform at Hampi Utsav to create a Mega cultural extravaganza of dance, drama and music (1,400 artistes would be performing on six stages simultaneously)


• Sound and light programme would focus on Karnataka Vaibhava.


• Cycle race, water sports and treasure hunt.

Sightseeing Highlights (Location Map for Sights)

• Vithala temple complex with its 56 musical pillars.


• Near the Vithala temple is the ‘Purandara Dasara Mandapa.


• Virupaksha temple and close by at the western end of the famous Hampi bazaar.


• Near to the Virupaksha temple is the giant ruin in the form of Ugra Narasimha which is a 6.7 m and sculpted from a single boulder during the reign of Krishnadevaraya.


• Mahanavami Dibba or the House of Victory which was built by Krishnadevaraya after his victorious expedition to Orissa.


• Hazara Ramaswami temple and its two ruined gates.


• Lotus Mahal an air-conditioned summer palace of the queen and close by elephant stable
  

Food Tip: Do not miss to taste of the local favorite cuisine jolada rotti and yennegai

Top Rated Hampi Videos

Top Rated Budget Stay Options in Hampi - Hotels and Home Stays

Waterfalls & Rivers of Karnataka - Travel Guide

Karnataka is famous for its waterfalls; it is home to some of the more spectacular falls in India. The waterfalls of Karnataka and Kudremukh National park are listed as must-see places and among the "1001 Natural Wonders of the World." . Some of these are part of the database listing the Largest Waterfalls in the World.

After a good season of rains all of Karnataka’s major river systems (Cauvery, Krishna, Sharavati and Godavari) along their course provide some great views primarily during the monsoon season. It is primarily the Rivers of the Western Ghats who along their course create some of the deepest and tallest Waterfalls anywhere in the world.

Karnataka hosts a very large number of waterfalls and river basins; there are more than 100 waterfall and river backwater or river side based Tourism destinations in Karnataka. This blog post is an attempt to catalog them by location and capture key highlights of these falls.


Around Chikmagalur

Hebbe Falls – Near Kemmangundi - River Sharavathi
Manikyadhara Falls – Near Kemmangundi – River Sharavathi
Kalathgiri Falls. – Near Kemmangundi – River Sharavathi
Shanti falls - Near Kemmangundi
Kadambi Falls - Near Kemmangundi
Sirimane Falls – Near Sringeri
Alekan falls – Near Kottigehara, Charmadi Ghat
Sirimane Falls – Near Kigga, Sringeri


Around Bangalore

Shivanasamudra Falls – 120 Km from Bangalore – Cauvery River – Second Biggest water fall in India and sixteenth largest in the world
Hogenakal Falls – 150Km from Bangalore – Cauvery River
Mekedatu – 90Km from Bangalore - Arkavati merges with Cauvery River
Muthyalamaduvu – 40Km from Bangalore - Arkavathi River
Chunchi falls – Near Kanakapura 90 Km from Bangalore – Arkavathi River


Around Mysore

Chunchanakatte Falls – Near KR nagar – Cauvery River
Balamuri - Near Mysore – Cauvery River


Around Coorg

Abbey Falls (also Abbi Falls) – Near Madikere - Cauvery River -
Irupu Falls – 50 Km from Madikere - Near Nagarhole - Lakshmana Tirtha River joining Cauvery River


Around Shimoga

Jog Falls – Near Sagara - Sharavathi River
Kunchikal Falls – Near Agumbe – Varahi River
Barkana Falls – Near Agumbe - Sita River
Arisina Gundi Waterfalls – Near Kodachadri
Dabbe Falls – Near Hosagadde, Sagar


Around Udupi (South Kanara)

Kudlu Teertha – 45 Km from Udupi – River Seetha
Jomlu Teertha - 45 Km from Udupi – River Seetha
Koosalli Falls- 85 Km from Udupi – Kundapura Taluka Near Shiroor
Kudumari Falls (Chaktikal Falls). - Kundapur Taluk
Bandaaje Arbi – Near Dharmasthala
donDole falls – Near Dharmasthala, kakkinje near charmaDi


Around North Kanara

Lalguli Falls - Near Yellapur - Kali River
Unchalli Falls (also Lushington or Keppa Jog Near because of the deafening sound) – Near Siddapur - Aghanashini River
burude falls – Near Sirsi or Siddapur - Aghanashini river
Magod Falls – Near Sirsi or Yellapur - Bedti river or Gangavati
Sathodi Falls – Near Sirsi – Kali River
Shivaganga falls – 40Km from Sirsi – Sonda River
Bennehole falls – Near Sirsi - Aghanashini river
Waate HaLLa Falls - Near Sirsi - Aghanashini river
Vibhooti Falls – Near Sirsi or Yana


Around Belgaum

Godachinmalki Falls – Near Gokak - Markandeya river joins Ghataprabha river
Gokak Falls – Near Gokak - Ghataprabha river
Vajrapoha Falls – Near Jamboti – Mandovi River



Around Raichur

Jaladurga Falls – Near Lingsugur - Krishna River


Make sure one or more of these Waterfalls in Karnataka are part to your next travel itinerary.