Murudeshwara- Sea Coast

Murudeshwara is one of the western beach of Karnataka. This place is more famous for its Shiva temple which is bounded by sea from three sides. With the help of private estate company government is developing this place as a tourist spot.
With the roaring sea to the west, the towering hills to the east and the coconut and areca groves nearby, the temple attracts a lot of devotees and tourists as well. This place is full of local tourists in weekends. Thus makes a very good picnic spot.


Around 466 km from Bangalore and 209 km from Goa, this scenic beauty is the connecting between Bangalore and Goa. Other famous beaches of Karnataka like Bhatkal and Hanavar can be accessed in same day. But to enjoy every bit of each places it is suggested to devote single day for each place.



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Hotels are also cheap. One can find many small hotels and lodges ranging between 300-600/per day. The most famous hotel here is RNS Residency, a 3 star hotel. This hotel is surrounded by sea from 3 sides, and gives a phonemic view of sea from its balcony. This hotel serves very good vegetarian food including Chinese and South Indian food.
Accessing this place from Bangalore, capital of Karnataka state will cost 2000 per person/day. One side bus fare is around 600/person. One can enjoy fish curry and coconut water at the coasts.

Narasimha Temple

Virupaksha Temple- Hampi

This temple is mainly dedicated to Lord Virupaksha, also called Pampapati. This is the oldest temple in Hampi and an ancient temple of Hoysala period. Some parts of this temple were built by HariharaI and Krishnadevaraya built a stage for public assembly.

The temple has two towers and two distinct compounds. The first and the bigger tower is known as 'Bistappaya Tower'. It is 165 ft high, 150 ft in breadth and 120 ft in length. It is not known that who has built this tower but it has been renovated many times by different rulers.
The second tower is the 'Raya tower'. Krishnadevaraya built this at the time of his coronation. On crossing this tower we get into inner compound or second compound. This compound consists of flag and the lamp post in middle. On the lest and right side of the compound there are small temples of different god and goddess.

Enter the past lock through Hampi

Hampi was the capital of the powerful empire of Vijayanagara from 1343 AD to 1565, today ruins of Hampi spread in 26 sq km of area. Bordered by Tungabhadra river in the north, this land remind us about the royalty and strength of largest Hindu empire. In medieval times, the Vijayanagara dynasty, framed for its patronage to art and culture ruled from here.

Hampi's history does not restrict to the medieval times, it has connection to the Hindu God Rama. It is said that this region was the mythical Kishkindha, where Sri Rama has spend most of his period of Vanvasa and there are ample proofs to satisfy the Hindu sentiments. It is here that Sri Rama met Hanuman and Sugreva and planned the battle against Ravana to regain Devi Sita. During the medieval period, Hampi and its environs were ruled by a succession of dynasties, including the Kam including the Kadambas, the Chalukyas, the Rashtrakutas and the Hoysalas. Then between 1326-27, the Delhi sultan, Muhammad- bin - Tughluq, conquered the area but within ten years the Sangama brothers, Harihara and Bukka, led a rebellion and regained the area. They founded the celebrated city of Vijayanagara along the Tungabhadra river whose essence is alive till today.

Scream of Beauty

Jog Falls- where heaven meets earth

Kanva reservoir, Karnataka

Kanva reservoir is an artificial lake and tourist attraction 69 kilometres from Bangalore and 10 kilometres from Ramnagara(known for its silk). The reservoir has been formed from the damming of the river Kanva and is well known as a tourist destination for its birdlife. For getting to KR, Bangalore is the connecting point. Bangalore- Mysore highway is the connecting strip. One can find agricultural fields and small muddy hunts near the reservoir. Coconuts and mango trees are in ample. Government run research and training center near this reservoir.
This spot is loved by silient seekers and love birds. It is a good picnic spot for family but it would be best if visitors plan it in the winter.
Kanva Dam is a minor irrigation project dam. Built in 1946 across the Kanva river, it is 15 km long covering 776 hectares. The Kanva river (a tributary of the Cauvery river) is named after the sage Kanva, who is believed to have lived in the caves in the mountains and forests around the dam in the time of Ramayana. Ramnagara and places around Kanva reservoir are in lime light due to its connection with Ramayana. Ramnagara which is merely 10 kilometers from reservior is claimed to be the place were Ram and Sita were use to reside during Vanvasa( life in the forest) period of 14 years.
This wide spread lake is worth to visit. In winter, warm sun rays and cool wind blowing both at the same time make this place lively.

Coconut and mangoes plantation along the road side add value to the scenic beauty of this place.


Reservoir is situated nearly 4 kilometers from the main Bangalore- Mysore Highway road. One has to take a right turn from the highway. Landmark board is placed at the main road, painted in yellow color.

St. Philomena Church, Mysore

This church is made in a Gothic Architectural style. His Highness the Maharaja of Mysore laid the foundation of this church in the year 1933 and it took 8 years to reach the stage og completion(1933-41).
This church is 165 ft tall as the twin spires are of 165 ft in height. The three bells in the towers resound before every service inviting people for worship.
The main three doors and the side doors are the entrances to the church.
Now management also run a secondary school in the campus of the church.
Timings of Holy Mass:
Weekdays: 5:30, 6:15, 7:00, 16:00
Sunday: 5:00, 6:00, 7:00, 8:00, 9:00, 16:00

Talcauvery- Coorg District, Karnataka, India

Vishwa Shanthi Ashram, Bangalore

Address: Vishwa Shanthi Ashram, Arasinakunte, Nelamangala Taluk, Bangalore- 562123

Maru Village, Karnataka

Maru Village Primary School for children

A road towards jungle

Side view of Maru village.

Lal Bagh Botanical Garden, Bangalore

Lalbagh Botanical Garden is considered to be one of the most diverse botanical garden in South Asia. Lalbagh Botanical Garden is located in the southern part of the city, about 4 km from Vidhana Soudha and M.G. Road (GEO 12.97°N 77.56°E). Lalbagh has four approach gates. The main gate is at the North facing towards Subbaiah circle, the West gate is towards Basavanagudi, the South gate is towards Jayanagar and the East gate is towards the Double Road.
Lal Bagh was initiated by Hyder Ali, one of the most famous ruler of Mysore in 1760 and was further devloped by his son Tipu Sultan. Further it was extended to the great heights by British Bureaucrats.
Lalbagh is currently under the aegis of the Directorate of Horticulture, Government of Karnataka. The Directorate is housed amidst the splendid environs of the botanical garden. Lalbagh was given the status of a Government Botanical Garden in 1856, and since then, it has been an internationally renowned centre for scientific study of plants and botanical artwork and also conservation of plants.

A Gelogical Monument for the Peninsular Gneiss formation is also a tourist attraction at the gardens. This monument has been erected by the Geological Survey of India on the Lal Bagh hill which is made up of 3000 million year old Peninsular Gneissic rocks. One of the four cardinal towers erected by Kemepgowda II, also a major tourist attraction, is seen above this hillock.

Lal Bagh remains open daily from 6.00 a.m. to 7.00 p.m. throughout the year. For the benefit of joggers, tourists and fitness enthusiasts, entry is free from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. and from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. At other times, a fee of Rs.10/- is charged. Entry for school children and the disabled is free all day.

Flower shows are conducted every year to educate people about the variety of flora and develop public interest in plant conservation and cultivation.

The Government of Karnataka organizes "Janapada Jaatre" in Lal Bagh on the second and fourth weekends (both Saturday and Sunday) of every month. Janapada Jaatre, which translates to Folk Fare, features Folk Dance, Music and Plays performed by troupes from all parts of Karnataka. The show mainly depicts the cultural folklore of Karnataka, the traditional costumes and musical instruments.

Coorg- Scotland of India, Karnataka

Coorg is known as 'Scotland of India', but comparing two places one of which is situated near North pole and Coorg which is near Tropical of Cancer, in India make no sense. Every place has its importance and nature do not duplicate itself.
Coorg (Kodagu) is a mountaineous district located in the south of india, know for its beautiful scenery. Those travelers who love nature, the unspoiled charm of villages should get off the beaten track and visit Coorg, a wild and rugged region located in the state of Karnataka.252 km away from Bangalore, capital of Karnataka, this place is heaven for nature lovers, photographers, researchers and trekkers.
The beautiful landscape of Coorg is a combination of shallow valleys, gentle slopes and intermingled swamps. The trees are spread widely opening up patches of grassland. Big timber trees like rosewoodand teak dominate the areas of the forests where the undergrowth is dense and rainfall is high. The areas of the forests that are drier provide a home for the shorter trees like the Flame of the Forest, bamboo, Indian Laburnum etc.
Attractions:


Medikeri:Madikeri is the headquarters for the district of Coorg and where you will find many interesting tourist attractions. Some of the more notorious attractions are the former Palace, the Raja Seat, the Omkareshwara Temple, the Fort and the Gaddige or Rajas' tombs.

Abbey Fall: It is not known that how this fall has got its name, but this fall is synonymous to Medikeri, situted 10 km from Medikeri.

Talcauvery: Every year, at a predetermined time, water gushes out from a small pond at Talacauvery, the birthplace of river Cauvery. Talacauvery is located 44 km from Madikeri, on the slopes of Brahmagiri Hill. Besides being a pilgrimage center, Talacauvery is known for its natural beauty.

Bull Temple, Bangalore

Year of Construction: 1537 AD

Place: Basvangudi, South Bangalore. ‘Basava’ in Kanada means Bull and ‘Gudi’ means temple.

Transportation: BMTC and KSRTC buses are available at regular interval from Majestic Bus Stand, near Bangalore City Railway Station. One can also hire private car or auto to the temple.

Bull Temple is located on the Bungle Hill. Bull temple is one of the oldest temples in Bangalore and dedicated to Lord Nandi, the mount of Lord Shiva. This 4.5 meter tall and 6 meter long monolithic is much older than the temple housing it. The carving of lord Nandi is a typical style of Dravidian Architecture, and carved on a single granite rock. The Granite Rock turned black due to application of coconut oil during rituals and prayers.

Tipu Sultan Summar Palace, Bangalore

Tipu Sultan Summar Palace:
Location: K.R.Market, Opposite Bangalore Medical College, Bangalore
Transport: Regular buses are available from Bangalore City Bus Stand( Magestic Bus Stand)
Entry Fee: 5 rupees per person
Main attraction: Rocket bombs that were used by the Tipu Sultan during war times are kept inside this palace.
Note: Video Camera is allowed after paying an entry fee of 50 rupees, but still camera are allowed free of cost. Inside the palace campus eatables are not allowed.
Tipu Sultan Summer Palace, is not very much magnificent and a large palace, but the size and the interior of the palace reveals that this palace was not made for long staying or administrative purposes but this was made so that royal family can spend their leisure days in this palace.
This palace is made up of stone and teak wood.This palace was started in 1781 by Tipu's father Nawab Haider Ali Khan in1781 and was completed by Tipu Sultan in 1791.
Palace is a doubled- storied building of symmetrical plan i.e front side and the back side of the palace are alike. Foundation of the palace is made of stone, with gigantic fluted pillars in wood with stone bases. Carvings and interior design is of typical Indo-Islamic style, painted and polished in two different colors.
The upper chambers and balconies can be assessed by four staircases lending to them, two in the front and two at the back of the palace. The central portion of the first floor is a large hall with four small rooms at its corners.

CHAMUNDESHWARI TEMPLE-MYSORE

The Chamundi Hills on the outskirts of Mysore city is another famous landmark of the city, Mysore.The Chamundi Hills is about 3km from the city. It is at a height of 1065 meters above sea leave and about 800 feet above Mysore city. On the top of the hill is the Chamundeshwari temple that dates back to the 11th century. Goddess Chamundeshwari is an incarnation of Goddess Parvathi(wife of lord SHIVA) who took this form to destroy the demon king Mahishasura(symbol of sins).
The Chamundi Temple on top of the Chamundi hills is the most famous temple in Mysore, since Goddess Chamundi or Chamundeshwari is the presiding deity of Msyore. Initially the temple was a small one, but over the past few centuries, as a result of the patronage and expansions made by the Mysore Maharajas it has become a big temple. In the olden days, human and animal sacrifices were regularly made at this temple, but were stopped in the 18th century.
The temple has a quadrangular structure. The Gopura or pyramidal tower at the entrance is intricately decorated in the Dravidian style and has a small statue of Lord Ganesha on the doorway. The doorway is silver-plated and has the images of Goddess in different forms on it. As one passes through the main gate, on the right hand side is a small statue of Lord Ganesha, the remover of all obstacles. Climb a few steps and there is a flagstaff, the footprints of the Goddess and a small statue of Nandi, facing the sanctum sanctorum.
Maharaja Krishnaraja Wodeyar repaired this temple in 1827 and built the enormous tower on it. He also gifted the temple with a large wooden chariot known as the Simha Vahana, which is now used during the Rathotsava or car festival.
Auspicious days to visit the temple are Tuesdays, Fridays and the 10 days of Dussehra. Temples is open from 7.30am to 2pm and from 3.30pm to 6pm. The tower of the temple is illuminated on festivals and on public holidays.

JAGANMOHAN PALACE( ART GALARY)

The Jaganmohan Palace in Mysore is one of the oldest buildings in Mysore. This Palace is more that 150 years old.This Palace was built in 1861 and was initially an ornate wooden one and was being used by the Royal family when a fire destroyed it in 1897. The Royal family lived in this palace till the main Mysore Palace was built. The coronation of Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV was held here in 1902. The then Viceroy and Governor-General of India, Lord Curzon, attended this ceremony.To this day many cultural activities and conferences are held in this hall as it is in the heart of the city. This includes the cultural programmes held during the Dasara festivities. This hall has two huge wooden doors on which is carved the Dashavatharas or ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu. The main structure of Jaganmohan Palace consisting of three stories(THREE FLOORS) has been converted into the famous Jayachamarejendra Art Gallery during the reign of Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV. It displays the paintings and artifacts that belonged to the Kings of Mysore. Today this art gallery is considered one of the best in South India.One can see 5-6 small shops selling the art of Mysore.Just with Rs.10/- in your pocket one can enjoy the rich art and heritage of royal time.

NEW MYSORE PALACE( INDIA)

In order to restore the grandeur of the Mysore Palace, the Maharani Vanivilasa Sannidhana, C.I., then Regent, decided to build a new palace on the model and on the foundations of old palace. The construction which was inaugurated by Her Highness in October 1897, was completed in in 1912 at an aggregate outlay of Rs.41,47,913. Two special features in the construction are note worthy: utilisation of local materials as far as possible and adoption of fire proof methods of construction.
The main building is of massive grey granite, three stored, and dominated by a five storeyed tower covered by a gilded dome. The tower is about 145 ft from the ground to the golden flag to its summit.