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Karnataka

Karnataka, with its capital at Bangalore, is home to a fascinating legacy of richly carved temples, imposing mosques and trappings of a royal past. Bangalore, with its many hotels and fine restaurants, is a good base for exploring the state. At once a modern industrial city, a shopper’s paradise and a gracious legacy of the British, Bangalore is renowned as much for its industrial plants as for its silk saris, and for the sprawling Cubbon Park which lies at the heart of the city, as also its prestigious race course. Mysore, the capital of the erstwhile princely state, has a profusion of palaces and museums. Nearby Srirangapatnam is linked to the memory of one of the old state’s best known rulers – Tipu Sultan. Somnathpur, a few miles away, has a magnificently carved temple. Belur and Halebid have between them a series of carved stone temples. For perfection of finish, wealth of detail and sheer artistry, they are unrivaled specimens of the art of temple sculpture. Hassan, with a comfortable hotel, makes the perfect base from which to explore the riches of Belur and Halebid. Also a short distance away, Shravanbelagola is famous as the pinnacle of the sculptor’s art. A figure 120 metres tall has been carved out of a single piece of granite in 183 AD. Every 12 years, the figure of Gomateswara is ritually bathed by priests and witnessed by millions of devotees in one of the most colorful festivals of the austere Jain religion.

Bangalore

Capital of Karnataka State, Bangalore is famous as the city of gardens. It is one of the most attractive cities in India with its beautiful parks avenues and impressive buildings.

 

How to get there

	Air: Indian Airlines link Bangalore with Calcutta, Delhi, Madras, Bombay, Pune, Ahmedabad, Coimbatore, Goa, Hyderabad, Calicut and Trivandrum. Damania Airlines, East-West, Continental Aviation also operates flights from Bangalore to Bombay.
	Rail: Bangalore is directly connected by rail with Ahmedabad, Bombay, Calcutta, Cochin, Delhi, Guwahati, Howrah, Hyderabad, Mangalore, Madras, Mysore, Nagpur, Trivandrum, Vasco-da-Gama (Goa) and other cities in India.
	Road: Bangalore is connected by good motorable roads with Bandipur- 220 kms, Belur- 322 kms, Madras- 334 kms, Bombay- 998 kms, Cochin- 526 kms, Dandeli 481 kms, Halebid- 214 kms, Jog Falls- 377 kms, Kodaikanal- 430 kms, Mysore 140 kms, Panaji- 595 kms, Sravanabelagola- 160 kms, Tirupati- 250 kms.
	Bus Services: Regular bus services connect Bangalore to Belgaum, Bidar, Bijapur, Bombay, Coimbatore, Goa, Hospet, Hyderabad, Madras, Madikere, Madurai, Mangalore, Mysore, Tirupati, Nandi Hills, Chanrajaragar, Jog Falls, Ootacamund (Ooty) Raichur, Ernakulam, Gulbarga, Pondicherry, Calicut, Dharwar etc.
	Local Transport: Coaches of B.T.S., I.T.D.C., K.S.T.D.C. are available. Tourist taxis and city bus services are also available.

What to see

• Aquarium- 5 kms,

• Bull Temple- 5 kms

• Fort & Tippu's Palace- 4 kms

• Ulsoor Lake- 2 kms

• Lal Bagh- 4 kms

• Venkatappa Art Gallery- 1 km

• Cubbon Park- 1 km

• Vidhana Soudha- 2 kms

• Vishveswaraya Industrial & Technological Museum- 1 km

• Venkatappa Art Gallery- 1 km

Excursions

• Bannerghat National Park- 21 kms(Closed on Tuesdays)

• Nandi Hills-60 kms

• White Field (Kadugodi)- 16 kms

• Kolar Gold Fields- 98 kms

• Ramohalli- 25 kms

• Sati Subramanya- 52 kms

• Mysore- 140 kms

• Kaivara (Temples of Pandavas)- 79 kms

Belur and Halebid

86 kms away Belur is famous for the Chennakesava Temple built in the Hoysala style. Started in 1116 AD it took 103 years to complete this temple.The temple commemorates the victory of Hoysala over the Cholas in the great battle of Talakad. The temple is intricately carved with sculptures, friezes & pillars.

How to get there

	Air: The nearest airport Mangalore (154 kms) is connected by Indian Airlines flights to Bangalore, Bombay, Madras.
	Rail: The nearest railhead Hassan (37 kms) is connected to Mangalore witch in turn connected with .
	Road: Belur is connected by road to Bangalore- 222 km, Halebid- 16 km, Hassan- 37 km, Mangalore- 154 km, Mysore- 155 km, Shravanabelagola- 86 km etc.
	Bus Services: Regular bus services connect Belur to Hassan, Halebid, Arsikere, Bangalore, Belgaum, Chickmagalur, Madikere, Mangalore, Mysore, Shimoga, Sravanabelagola, etc.
	Local Transport: Tourist & Other Taxis, Authorickshaws are available.

Places of interest

• Chenakesava Temple

• Veernarayan Temple

• Kappe Chennigaraya Temple

Excursions

• Halebid (16 kms)

• Sravanabelagola (86 kms)

• Gorur (61 kms)

Mysore

How to get there

	Air: The nearest Airport is Bangalore.
	Road: 140 km from Bangalore.

HOTELS: Deluxe – Lalitha Mahal Palace, Rajendra Vilas Palace. Krishnarajasagar Hotel. Standard – Metropole, Dasaprakash Paradise.

Excursions

• Somnathpur (40km) has one of the finest 13th century Hoysala temple in the shape of a star with 16 points.

• Sravanabelgola (99 km) has the 1000 year old colossal statue (57 feet tall) of the hermit Gomateswara.

• Belur (91 km) has the beautiful Chennakesava 13th century temple.

• Halebid (117 km) has the famous Hoysaleswara Temple. That took 80 years to construct.

Badami

Badami, the one time capital of the Chalukyas, is noted for several temples, some structural and others rock-cut,of the sixth-seventh century A.D.

How to get there

	Air: The nearest airport Belgaum (192 kms) is connected to Bombay by Vayudoot flights.
	Rail: Nearest railhead Badami (4 kms from Badami town) on the Hubli-Sholapur metre-gauge line.
	Road: Badami is connected by road to important places in the south. Some of the places are Ailhole (44 kms), Bangalore (499 kms), Bagalkot (34 kms), Bijapur (163 kms), Gadag (70 kms), Hospet (108 kms), Hubli (128 kms), Panaji (359 kms), Pattadakal (22 kms) etc.
	Bus Services: Karnataka State Transport Corporation buses are available from Badami to Aihole, Bangalore, Bagalkot, Belgaum, Bijapur, Gadag, Hospet, Hubli, pattadakal and places around it.
	Local Transport:  few private taxis and vans are available. Also Tongas are available.City Buses from Badami town to Railway Station available.

What to see

(Distances given are from Badami Town)

• Badami Caves (0.5 km)

• Badami Fort (2 km)

• Museums & Art Galleries
  A Sculpture Gallery is maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India on the Bhutanatha Temple Road. Entrance is free. Timings: 0900 to 1700 hrs. Closed on Fridays.

Excursions

• Aihole (44 km)

• Banashankari Temple (50 km)

• Guledgud (24 km)

• Lakkundi (82 km)

• Mahakuta (14 km)

• Naganath Temple (10 km)

• Pattadakal (22 km)

• Kada Siddeswara Temple

• Jambulinga Temple

• Galaganatha Temple

• Sanghameswara Temple

• Mallikarjuna Temple

• Virupaksha Temple

• Papanatha Temple

• Jaina Temple

• Shivayoga

• Mandira (11 km)

• Museums & Art Galleries
  There is a sculpture gallery maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India within the Pattadakal temples complex. It is open from 1000 to 1700 hrs. on all working days. Entrance is free.

Pattadakal

A tiny village only 22 km away from Badami known for its ancient structural temples built by Chalukyas. Connected with Badami by regular bus services.

 The important temples are as follows:-

• Khada Siddheshwara Temple

• Jambulinga Temple

• Galaganatha Temple

• Sangmeshwara Temple

• Mallikarjuna Temple

• Virupakesha Temple

• Papanatha Temple

• Jain temples & ASI Museums

Aihole

It is historically famous as the cradle of the Hindu temple architecture. There are almost 125 temples divided into 22 groups scattered all over the village. It is connected with Badami via Pattadakkal by regular buses.

 The most important ones are as follows :-

• Durga Temple

• Ladhkhan Temple

• Gowda Temple

• Suryanarayana Temple

• Konti group of temples

• Hucchimalli Temple

• Meguti Temple

• Ravanphadi Temple and ASI Museum

How to get there

	Air: The nearest airport is Belgaum (189 km) which is connected to Bombay by Vayudoot flights.
	Rail: The nearest railhead is Bagalkot (34 km) on the Hubli-Sholapur metre gauge line.
	Road: Aihole has convenient road connections to important places around it. Badami (44 km.), Aminagad (10 km.), Bagalkot (34 km.), Bangalore (510 km.), Bijapur (135 km.), Pattadakal (22 km.)
	Bus Services: are available from Aihole to Aminagad, Badami, Bagalkot, Ilkal and Pattadakal.

What to see

• Durga Temple

• Ladh Khan Temple

• Gowda Temple

• Suryanarayan Temple Konti Group of Temples

• Hucchimalli Temple

• Meguti Temple

• Ravanphadi Cave

NOTE: Only some of the main temples could be covered here. There are a number of other temples of interest in Aihole bearin witness to the prolific temple building activities of the Chalukyas.

Museeums & Atr Galleries

• A Sculpture Gallery is being maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India in the Durga Temple Complex. It is open on all working days from 1000 to 1700 hrs. Entrance is free.

Excursions

• Badami (44 km)

• Koodalasangama (45 km)

• Pattadakal (22 km)

Hampi

Hampi was once the glorious capital of mighty Vijayanagara Empire (1336-1565), from the Deccan Plateau to the tip of the Peninsula. Founded in the middle of the 14th century by two local princes, Hukka & Bukka, the Vijayanagara empire came to be celebrated for its might and wealth and as a showpiece of imperial magnificence. The emperors of this dynasty were great patrons of art and architecture which can still be seen in the vast ruins of Hampi. In an effort to resurrect this abandoned capital, the government has been involved in the restoration, excavation and protection of the ruins which spread over an area of 26 sq. kms. The terrain is dominated by rocky hills and the mighty Tungabhadra river which flows through this rugged landscape.

How to get there

	Air: The nearest airport is Bellary (77 kms) which is connected by Vayudoot flights to Bangalore. Belgaum (259 kms) is connected by Indian Airlines flights to Bombay. Bangalore (353 kms) is linked to most parts of India by Indian Airlines and Vayudoot flights.
	Rail: The nearest railhead is hospet (13 kms) which is connected to Bangalore, Hubli and guntakal.
	Road: Hampi is connected by road to Aihole 156 km (via Hospet,Hungund); Badami 189 km (via Hospet, Hungund); Bangalore 353 km (via Hospet,Chitradurga); Bellary 77 kms, Bidar 379 kms (via Gulbarga, Homnabad); Bijapur 254 kms (via Hospet); Hungund Gadag 91 kms, Gulbarga 264 kms (via Sindhnur); Guntakal 133 kms (via Bellary); Hassan 335 kms (via Hospet, Chitradurga, Hosdurga, Arsikere); Hospet 13 kms, Hubli 154 kms (via Gadag); Hyderabad 416 kms (via Raichur, Mahaboobnagar); Mysoer 366 kms (via Chitradurga, Tiptur, Chennarayapatna); Raichur 194 kms (via Gangawati, Sinnur); Tungabhadra Dam 17 kms.
	Bus Services: Hampi is connected by frequent bus services to Hospet which is connected with Anegondi, Badami, Bagalkot, Bangalore, Belgaum, Bijapur, Hyderabad, Guntakal, Kamalapur, Mantralaya, Munirabad, Mysore, Mangalore etc.
	Local Transport: Nil. However tourist taxis may be hired from Hospet an Bicycles can be hired from Kamalapur.

Places of interest

• Virupaksha Temple

• Monolithic Ganeshas

• Krishna Temple

• Monolithic Narasimha

• Hazara Rama Temple

• Elephant Stables

• Zenana Enclosures

• Royal Performance Zone

• Royal Residences

• Quieen's Bath

• Vittala Temple

• Achyuta Raya Temple

• Kodandarama Temple

Museums & Art Galleries

• There is an Archaeological Survey of India Museum in Kamalapur which has a collection of sculptures found in the region. Entrance free.
  Timings: 1030-1800 hrs. Friday Closed.

Excursions

• TUNGABHADRA DAM (17 Km)
  15 km from Hospet is the site of the dam built across the Tungabhadra river. The high masonry dam is about 590 metres long and 49 metres high. The reservoir has a storage capacity of 1,32,559 million cu.ft. of water spread over an area of 379 sq. kms.Regular bus services are available from Hospet.

Nagarhole National Park

The name Nagarhole is derived from the Kannada `Naga' meaning `snake' and `Hole' meaning `streams'. A number of streams snake through the rich tropical forests of Nagarhole which is situated in picturesque districts of Kodagu and Mysore in Southern Karnataka.

How to get there

	Air: The nearest airport is Mysore (96 km) which is linked to Bombay by Goaway flights. Bangalore (236 km) is another airport which is linked to most parts of the country by Indian Airlines flights, also other private airlines like East west Airlines, Damania airways & Continental aviation operates flights from Bangalore to Bombay.
	Rail: The nearest railway station is Mysore (96 km) which is connected to Bangalore.
	Road: Motorable roads connect Nagarhole to places around it. Bangalore (236 km.), Madikere (93 km.), Mysore (96 km.).
	Bus Services: There are bus services to Nagarhole from Hunsur, Madikere and Mysore.

Places of interest

• Forest Types
  (a) Southern tropical semi-evergreen forests.
  (b) Southern tropical dry deciduous forests.
  (c) Southern tropical moist mixed deciduous forests.
  (d) Scrub forests.
  (e) Lush, green, grassy swamps.

• Fauna : Animals Four horned antelopa, sloth bear, civet cat, barking deer, mouse deer, spotted deer, wild dog, elephant, jackal, common langur, slender loris, bonnet macaque, common mangoose, small Indian mangoose, striped-necked mangoose, Otter, Pangoline, panther, wild pig, porcupine, sambhar, giant squirrel, flying squirrel, malakar squirrel, threestriped palm squirrel tiger. Birds Pea fowl, common babbler, scinaitar babbler, bea eater, red whiskered bulbul, red vented bulbul, little brown dove, ring dove, spotted dove, crested hawk eagle, crested serpent eagle, tawny eagle, malabar pied hornbill, malabar grey hornbill, loriekeet, minivet, biyth's myna, Alexandrine parakeet, blue winged parakeet, blossom-headed and rose ringed parakeets, southern treepie, green imperial pigeon, adjutant stork, balabar trogon, great Indian Warbler, reed warbler, wood-peckers.Reptiles Common cobra, marsh crocodile (in Kabini river) Krait, Monitor Lizard, rock python, Indian python, bamboo viper, pit viper, Russell's viper, several species of gecko, skink and agamid lizaards, etc.

Excursions

• Bandipur National Park (100 km)

• Madikeri (93 km)

• Mysore (96 km)

Bandipur National Park

The Moyer River forms a natural boundary between the Mudumalain Wildlife Sanctuary in Tamilnadu and the Bandipur National Park in Karnataka. Nestling at the foothills of the Nilgiris, the Bandipur National Park was formed by extending the Venugopal Wildlife Park which was set up in 1931 by the Mysore Maharajas.

A popular game resort of the rulers of Mysore, the flora in the forest comprises of teak, rosewood, honne, mathi, bamboo, sandal trees. The important animals in the park are the tiger, elephant, gaur, leopard, chital, samber, etc. Birds like the pea fowl, partrige, quail, hornbill, Ibis, etc., are alsofound here.

The Bandipur National Park is one of the fifteen Tiger Reserves in the country, launched under the Project Tiger scheme during 1973. The scheme is committed to the preservation of the fast dwindling tiger population in India.

How to get there

	Air: The nearest airport is Mysore (80 km) connected by Goa Way flight to Bombay.
	Rail: The nearest railhead is Mysore (80 km)
	Road: Motorable roads connect Bandipur to Bangalore 220 km via Mysore. Coimbatore 168 km via Udhagamandalam Mudumalai Wild Life Sanctuary 19 km Mysore 80 km. Udhagmandalam ( Ooty) 79 km via Mudumalai.

What to see

• Forest Types
  (1) Southern Tropical Moist-mixed deciduous forests.
  
  (2) Southern Tropical Dry Deciduous Forests.
  
  (3) Scrub Forests.Flora Forests consists predominantly of teak (tectona grandis) with its main associate species like rosewood (dalbergia latifolia), Honne (Pterocarpus Marsupium), nandi (lagerstroemia lanceolata), mathi (terminalia tomentosa) hunal (terminalia paniculata) dindal or dindiga (anogeissus latifolia), bamboo ( bambusa arundianasia and dendrocalamus strictus), bende (kydia calycina), sandal (santalum album), mavu (mangifera indica), muthuga (butea/frondosa ) also occur in these forests.

• Fauna:
  a. Animals Tiger, elephant, gaur, leopard, chital, sambar, sloth bear, barking deer, wild boar, wild dog, jackal,mouse-deer, four-horned antelope, common langur,porcupine, otler, pangolin, malabar squirrel, civer cat,leopard, hares, jungle cat, bonnet macaque, etc.
  
  b. Birds Pea fowl, grey jungle fowl, partridge, quail, paradise fly catcher, hornbill, wood pecker, ibis, stork,sun bird, flower pecket, thrush, crested hawk eagle, serpent eagle, drango, cuckoo, oriole, minivet, wagtail, myna, blue jay, king fisher, etc.
  
  c. Reptiles Land monitor, crocodile, tortoise, python, cobra, krait, viper, rat, snake, flying lizard.

Excursions

• Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary (19 km)

• Mysore (80 km)

• Udhagamandalam (Ootacamund) (79 km)

• Gopalaswamy Hills (20 km)