Explore Karnataka Today!
The State Cabinet, which has decided to bring tourist activities under the priority sector, has come out with a host of new plans including offering government land to entrepreneurs at 50 per cent of the market value to establish resorts and privatising the managements of government guest houses.
This was decided in April 2002. The government would be creating infrastructure in tourist places so that entrepreneurs could open resorts, hotels, amusement parks etc. One of the major attractions offered to entrepreneurs was to make available government land in all places barring in Bangalore City, at 50 per cent of the market value for opening resorts/hotels and for carrying out tourist related activities.
The Tourism Department would be identifying the government land available. If entrepreneurs fail to implement their plans within a stipulated time, then the government would forfeit the land. The government would be offering four per cent tax concession for three years on aviation fuel to encourage domestic aviation industries to operate flights to district headquarters in the State. The government would be underwriting certain number of tickets so that the industries would have assured revenue.
The government would be using airstrips in Bidar, Belgaum, Hubli, Mangalore, Bellary and Harihar. The air strips in Mysore and Gulbarga would be strengthened and the government will also build airstrips in Bijapur, Raichur, Karwar, Shimoga and Gulbarga. Nandi Hills, Bridavan Gardens, Kemmanagundi, Jog Falls , Badami, Aihole, Pattadakal, Belur & Halebedu, Shravanabelagola, Bijapur , Hampi , Gokarna and Karwar would be treated as major tourist spots.
The government would be developing Bangalore as a tourist destination by promoting adventure sports, creating high-end accommodation and allowing private parties to manage tanks like Ulsoor, Sankey, Madiwala, Bellandur etc.
There are many places of historic and religious importance. The great Acharyas, Shankara, Ramanuja and Madhwa, preached in this region. Great reformers like Sri Basaveshwara, mathematicians like Baskaracharaya, commentators like Sayana, saint poiets like Purandaradasa and Kanakadasa, great writers like Pampa, Harihara and Kumara Vyasa have all enriched the heritage of Karnataka.
The temples at Aihole, Badami and Pattadakal in Bijapur district have great significance for all lovers of art. The temples of Halebedu, Belur and Somanathapura are great architectural achievements - the like of which are rarely seen in any part of the world.
The profusion of artistic skill is bewildering in its range and exquisiteness. At Hampi [Bellary district] one can see Indian sculpture in all its richness and vitality.
The Muslims and Christians in ages past have made no mean contribution to the enrichment of art and architecture in Karnataka. The Gol Gumbaz and Ibrahim-Roza at Bijapur, the Daria Daulat Bagh (Summer Palace) of Tippu Sultan at Srirangapatna, the Khwaja Bandenawaz Darga at Gulbarga are someof their remarkable contributions.
The churches at Mysore, Mangalore, Bangalore and Bijapur indicate the contribution of Christians to the great repertoire of Karnataka's culture. With all these manifold attractions a visit to Karnataka State is always memorable.
In August 2004, the State Government decided to form Kaginele Development Authority (KDA) to protect all the monuments and the documents related to Kanaka Das. KDA will be formed on the lines of Koodal Sangam Development Authority which was formed to save and protect all the monuments of 12th Century. Also, Kaginele, which is the birth place of Kanaka Das a great saint from Kuruba community, will be developed. The govt has decided to form Basava Kalyan Development Authority to protect the ruins of 12th Century.
Tourist information on Karnataka is now available across the country over a toll-free telephone number. The toll free number is 1-600-44-1414 and the service is provided nine hours a day, from 09:00 hrs (IST) 18:00 hrs (IST) round the year. The office is closed on Tuesdays.
The State-run Jungle Lodges and Resorts Limited (JRL) is into eco and adventure tourism - river raftin, scuba diving and jungle treks. With several strategically located properties acros the State and many more inthe offing, JRL is increasingly becoming the eco-tourism face of Karnataka. One of their offering is to spend time with elephants at the Dubare camp.
If you need any assistance with booking in any hotel in Karnataka or India in general click here
Belgaum
Udupi
The name Udupi is derived from the Tulu language, is associated with a temple at Malpe, devoted to Vadabhandeshwara. According to legend, due to a curse by King Daksha, his 27 daughters (the 27 stars, according to Hindu astrology) were married to the moon and the moon lost its shine. The moon prayed to Lord Shiva to get back its original shine. Lord Shiva was pleased with the moon's prayer and restored its shine.
 |
BangaloreLegend goes that King Veeraballa of Vijayanagara once lost his way in forest. Hungry and tired, he came upon a lone hut in the thick forest where he met an old woman.When he asked for food, she gave him baked beans ('Benda Kalu' in Karnataka).The King found this humble meal taste better than the richest fare.To commemorate this incident, he called the place "Benda Kalu Ooru"(place of baked beans). Bangalore today is getting popular though for a different variety of Beans-JavaBeans. |
Lalbag
Shivagange
This is a hill which looks like the shape of the Shiva Linga from one of its sides. There are spring water spots found on this hill, it is believed that the water is “Gange” sacred river for Hindus. Hence the name “Shivagange”. Just about 60kms from Bangalore, near Dobbspet, Tumkur district this hill is ideal location for a one day trek. Also it is a holy place which is known as “Dakshina Kashi”. Here on the hills are several temples – Gangadhareshwara temple, Olakal Teertha, Nandi Statue, Patalagange.
As we go up the hill, we first see the Gangadhareshwara, ancient temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva. It has a low roof and alight only with diyas. Pujas and abhisheka are performed here. It is believed that the Abhisheka in ghee turns into butter. There is a tunnel in the Garba Griha (inner sanctum) which is believed to be connecting to the Gavi Gangadhareshwara temple at Bangalore. Nobody has tried to enter the tunnel as it is closed from both the entrances for safety reasons.
Olakala Teertha
Further up on the hillock we come across the spring water, Olakala Teertha. One has to step down the narrow stairs between the rocks to find the spring. It is said that one who is pious and good can touch or feel the water.
Nandi Statue
At the top of the hill is the Nandi Statue, is a monolith placed on a huge rock .The view around the area atop the hill is mesmerizing. This is the peak of Shivagange. After this is the visit to Patala Gange.
Patala Gange
Patala Gange is a temple built in the mountain. Here has underground spring seeping at entrance of the temple. Sometimes the water level is up to the knee length and very cold. Passing this we arrive at the Garba Griha where in we can crawl into a tunnel to make the Pradakshina to the Lord. They say the water flows here is connected at Antargange.
How to reach:
By Road: From Bangalore 60kms, from Tumkur town 8kms
Nearest Town: Tumkur
Nearest Railway Station : 8 km away in Dobbespet.
Nearest Airport: Bangalore.
Traveling Tips
- You need to carry plenty of water and a food packet as the hill is a good 2 km(approx) trek.
- Beware of menace of monkeys. Please do not take carry bags and do not litter.
- Wear a cap or umbrella to avoid the scorching sun.
- There are not many hotels or eat-out, so pack your lunch if you plan to stay longer.
- You start early from Bangalore and cover Shivagange, Namada Chilume and Devarayana Durga in one day. There is a Kamat Outlet and many more hotels on Tumkur road for food and refreshments.
Malai Mahadeshwara Betta or MM Hills
Malai Mahadeshwara Betta or MM Hills is the famous for the temple of Lord Sri Mahadeshwara, incarnate of Lord Shiva. This temple is situated at an attitude of 3000 feet in the Kollegala taluk, Chamarajanagar district, Karnataka State. There are about 77 hills around the Eastern Ghats near MM Hills.
History
It is believed that Swamy Mahadeshwara, a young saint from Srishaila, Andhra Pradesh travel all the way MM hills. He was blessed with divine powers and miracles which he performed for the welfare of the natives here. He freed many saints from black magic. It is believed that the Swamy Mahadeshwara moved about on a tiger. Many laurels are sung on the holiness to this day and lakhs of devotees throng to see this Shaiva temple from all parts of South India. In Puranas (Hindu literature), the hills of Mahadeshwara are described as Anumale, Jenumale, Kanumale, Pachchemale, Pavalamale, Ponnachimale and Kongumal.
Poojas at the Temple
First Pooja: 5.30am
Rudrabhisheka: 6.00 am to 8.00 am and 10.30 to 12 noon.
Archana: 6.30 pm and 8.00 pm.
Sankashta Chathurti Poojas are performed on New Moon and Full Moon day of every month. Deepavali and Maha Shivaratri are very famous here.
For devotees and pilgrims there is Dasoha Bhavana, where Anna Dana (free food) offered through out the year. One can find accommodation and lodging at guest houses at MM Hills. There are many temples and shrines near by MM Hills.
Forest Reserve
Male Mahadeshwara Reserve Forests stretches for approximate area of 39361.45 hectares, is an adventurous location for trekkers and nature lovers. The dense forests, mainly deciduous variety, are famous for its sandalwood and bamboo trees. Rightly, the forest is a host for more than 2500 elephants (pachyderms love to feed on bamboo shoots). Sloth bears, Guars (Indian Bison), Sambar deer, spotted deer, jackals, porcupine, tiger, leopards, panthers and wild dogs are found here. On the north east of MM Hills flow the River Kaveri and the river Palar flow to the South.
Contact details:
Deputy Conservator of forests,
Kollegal Division
Phone: 08224-252027
Fax: 08224-252027
Trekking
Trek to Palar from M M Hills is famous and takes about 2 days. One has to trek to Nagamale (1000m) via Indignata (874m), a hill which has a huge rock split into two portions which resembles a Linga guarded by a snake. On the next day the trek will begin from Nagamale to the Parasalnatham (654 m) then Palar. This route has scenic view and one can enjoy the nature bounty.
Note to Trekkers:
One has to carry food and water. The villagers in the area are helpful but there is no electricity at Indignatha. The first day will be more rigorous and tough. Beware of wild animals and take necessary precautions. MM Hills has food facilities.
Titbits: The MM Hills has been on the map for sandalwood smuggling, elephants poaching. Veerapan, a dreaded smuggler, was shot dead here.
How to reach:
By Road to M M Hills:
From Bangalore: - 210 kms
From Mysore: - 130 kms
From Palar to Mysore via M.M. Hills by bus - 160 kms
From Palar to Bangalore via M.M. Hills, Kollegal by bus - approx 270 kms
From Palar to Bangalore via Mettur, Darmapuri by bus - approx 290 km
Nearest Airport: Bangalore
Nearest Railway Station: Bangalore
- Karnataka Tourism News
- Near By Bangalore
- Water Falls in Karnataka
- Forts in Karnataka
- Trekking in Karnataka
- Adverture Sports in Karnataka
- Golden Chariot - Karnataka's own Palace On Wheels (luxury train)
- Hotels Of Karnataka
- Agumbe
- Opportunities in Karnataka Tourism for investors
