Hogenakkal Falls - Tamilnadu

 Hokenagal is one of the famous waterfalls in the Dharmapuri district of Tamilnadu. It means smoke and kali in Kannada. Hokenakal literally means smoke over the rocks as the mist appears over the waterfalls at large. Hokenagal is at the confluence of the two rivers Kauveri and Chinnaru and is located in the Tamilnadu (Dharmapuri district) Karnataka (Chamrajnagar district) border though the major part is in Tamilnadu. The waterfall comes inside the Woddapatti reserve forest  too in the Eastern Ghats. Hokenagal is located at a distance of 200km from Coimbatore and 344 km from Chennai. It is called as the Niagara falls of India. Hogenakkal falls are a series of waterfalls in the river. Hokenakkal is located in a scenic landscape surrounded by forests and rocky hills. The water in the falls is said to have medicinal properties and there are spots for those to take such theraupatic baths. There are two seperate are for bathing one for men and the other for women.

Pic Courteousy Outlook India

The earlier name of Hogenakal was Uguneer Kal and the name Hogenakkal was given during the Mysore Kingdom rule. There is a mention of the falls in Sangam Literature asThalaineer Aruvi. The areas around this waterfalls are called Thalaineer nadu and was ruled by the king named Adhiyamaan Nedumaan Anji. Thus said this area is very oldest one. The carbonatite rocks in this area are said to be the oldest in the world too. 

The river Cauvery drops in elevation in Dharmapuri. It becomes larger as lots of tributaries feed into the river and the waterfall is almost 66 ft and the waterfalls sounds like thunder. The soil that the river and waterfall brings in makes the area fertile. The river then flows towards mettur. The river surroundings are fertile and are home for various fauna and flora and people go for trekking and nature walks. The nearby forest area is the home to lepords, deer and hyneas. 

During the rainy season the river is in full spate and it is not good to venture into it but it is best to visit Hokenakal after the monsoon season. During the dry season boating is allowed as there is no strong wall fall and it will not distrupt the passage. The boats are parisal and they are made using bamboo and are made using waterproof materials like plastic sheets. There are a few single paddled boats  too that are bought in during the recent times. These coracles - parisals takes the visitors through the various network of streams and river tributaries and to the edge of the waterfalls. The view via this trip is definitely a thrilling experience and one can witness small rainbows being formed when they cross the waterfalls. 
There are not much eateries in and around Hogenakkal but the road side stands catch fresh fish and fry them. The TTDC hotel (Tamil nadu Tourism Development Corporation) have decent well maintained  basic rooms to stay which can be booked through TTDC website. The hotel area have ample parking and play area for kids. There is a decent restaunt too where one can have meals during thier stay. 

There are a few nature trails and trekkers use these trails for thier trekking experience. The villages in and around serve the beauty of the local culture. The trek overlooking the waterfalls is very beautiful sight and one cannot miss the charms that this place throws over to the visitors. One have to hike through rocks and greenery all along the route which makes the trekking a very fun filled experience for both the beginners and experienced trekkers.  The hanging bridge on top of the waterfalls gives a spectacular view of the falls and the surroundings. 

The Tamilnadu government have started an integrated drinking water project to provide safe drinking water to the districts of Krishnagiri and Dharmapuri. 

How to reach:
The nearest airport is in Salem and the travel from Chennai is one hour and from salem one need to travel by road for 2.5 hours

The nearest railway station is Dharmapuri and from there one can take a bus or rent a vehicle to Hogenakkal falls

Can rent a car or take a bus from any part of Tamilnadu

Jog Waterfalls, Karnataka

Jog Falls in the state of Karnataka is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country. The river Sharavati rises at Ambuthirtha in the Thirthahalli taluk and on its way to the Arabian Sea meets Haridravati and Yenne Hole before falling down the Jog Falls in 4 different segments. The Waterfall is surrounded by the hills and dense greenery of the Western Ghats. The water falling from a height of 830 ft is mesmerizing and majestic to say the least. The Tourism Department has built a staircase to reach the bottom of the hill and it consists of1400 steps. The average time to climb down is 1 hour while climbing back up takes almost double the time. There are a couple of viewing decks as well. Number of eateries, restaurants and both paid and free  parking is available in the vicinity. 

River - Sharavati

Taluka - Sagara

District - Shimoga

State - Karnataka

Names - Gerusoppa Falls, Gersoppa Falls, Jogada Gundi

Elevation - 1601 ft / 488 m

Height - 830 ft / 253 m

Number of Drops - 4

Names of the Drops - Raja, Rani, Rocket, Roarer

Longest Drop - 1559 ft / 472 m

Flow Rate - 5,400 cu.ft / s

Ranking

1. Second Largest Plunge Waterfall in India 

2. 36 th Free Falling Waterfalls in the World

3. 128 th in Single Drop Waterfalls of the World

4. 490 th in the World with respect to height 

Dam Built on the River - Linganamakki, which is one of the largest hydroelectric power station in the country 

How to Reach

1. Nearest Railway Station - Talaguppa Railway Station (20 Kms )

2. By Road - Bangalore to Jog Falls ( 411 Kms )

3. By Air - Mangalore International Airport

 ( 219 Kms ) 

Timing - 8.a.m. to 4.45 p.m.

Where to Stay 

Home Stays 

Sharavathi Adventure Camp, operated by Jungle Lodges & Resorts 

Mandaara Comforts, 170 m

Prakruthi Yatri Nivas, 470 m 

Sri Ranga Residency, 550 m

Jog Sharadha Homestay, 580 m

Hills View Stay, 640 m

Best Time to Visit - June to September ( Monsoon ) 

What to Do 

Nature Walks, Bird Watching, Water Sports, Hiking

Viewing Points - 2 

Total Steps - 1400  

Nearby Attractions

Honnemaradu, 20 Kms

Keladi, 35 Kms

Images - wikipedia

Kadgani Riverside Resort Coorg

A stay in a place like Coorg is always pleasant and if it added with lots of amenities then the stay gets even better. Kadkani Riverside Resort, Coorg is one such place where one can expect such serene experience. It is at a distance of 12kms from Ammathi and 40 kms from Hunsur. The resort is located in a calm and serene place and one can reach it via the long winding roads which are lined up with different plantations all along. The plesant experience starts from the time you step down any place near Coorg as the resort offers pick up facility when informed them in advance as they have a car rental service. (Though the pick up and drop facilities are free one can use the car rental to move around)

All the 36 cottages are fully equipped and they all have private porch. The guests can avail free room service and laundary. Experience 24 hours of hot and cold running water (which is ofcourse no wonder as the resort is closer to the river Cauvery). The rooms are equipped with telephone and Cable TV. Though we go on a holiday to relax and rejenuvate at times we just get sick due to some reasons and the resort have a doctor on call.

The guests can use the well maintained swimming pool to take a relaxing dip and if one is not so keen in swimming can always relax under the trees that line up the area. The games room is equipped with board games, table tennis and card games. For the outdoors one can try their hands on lawn tennis too. The resorts arrange for rafting the Cauvery river that runs nearby and they are guided by professional expert to know the tips and tricks of rafting. Coorg is another place where people love to go for trekking and the trekking enthusiasts can register themselves for the different trekking trips organised by the resort with professional trekkers and naturalists who help and guide inside the coffee plantations and the river banks. Never be worried of your belongings when you are on a trekking trip or a rafting experience as you can deposit them in the safe deposit box of the Kadkani Riverside Resort.

If you are a fishing enthusiast collect the equipments avaialble at the resort for rent and have fun fishing in the river Cauvery. If you are a group of people on a holiday, play beach volley ball or go an a golfing spree. On demand the Kadkani Resort arranges for a bonfire with a Bar-B-Que too.  After your relaxing holiday, take some soveniers from the craft centre to show off and for gifting too. These souveniers are sure to remind one of the plesant stay that one gets in this resort.

Are you a NRI then you can easily exchange your money at the money exchange facility the resort offers and what more all the major credit cards are accepted so payment for the facilities and stay that you are availing are made easy.

When you are on a holiday, all that you need is to enjoy a good food and the food served in the restaurant inside the resort Pride of Pachat which is a Coorgi Style multicuisine one. Enjoy the taste of Coorg cuisine in the pleasant restaurant atmosphere. The kids have a separate hobby centre to keep themselves engaged when the adults relax or keep themselves occupied by the various activities. The parents can relax away without worrying much about the kids.

What more, this resort is not just for families or young couples but it also offers facilities for corporates too who want to have their annual conferences or meetings at a place of relaxation where they can get their employees rejenuated too. The conference room of the resort is a place that combines work, play and enjoyment.

The Kadkani Coorg Riverside Resorts is sure to offer a peaceful week end or a holiday for all those who want to relax and rejenuate themselves.

Why wait get going as it is just a 5.30 hours drive from Bangalore.

How to reach Kadkani River Resorts:
Reaching Kadkani River Resort is quite easy as there are plenty of busses from Banglore and Mysore and also from Manglore and Hassan. Autos and taxis are also available in plenty. Ensure that you reach the resort in whatever mode you travel before 6.00pm as it gets darker quite fast.

Contact details for Kadkani River Resort:
Kadkani River Resort,
Ammathi,
Vontiangadi,
South Coorg,
Karnataka-571211.
Ph:08274 254186, 08274 254187

Sales Office:
224, 1st Main Road,
Domlur 2nd Stage [off 100FT Road]
Indranagar, Bangalore 560071
Phone: +91 9901444444, +91 80 40942950
E-Mail: sales@kadkani.com

(Phone numbers are subject to change, better check out in their official website www.kadkani.com)

Pictures from google. 

Udupi - The pilgrimage town of Karnataka

Udupi - The name reminds mainly of the Udupi Krishna Temple. This city is the headquarters of Udupi District of Karnataka State. The Udupi Cuisine has its birth place in this District. It is situated at a distance of 58 kms north of Banglore.

The name Udupi has two different stories behind it. One is it is derived from the Tulu language name Odipu and the other is from the combination of two Sanskrit words Udu and Pa (source wikipedia). The legend says that Moon being so close to one of his 27 wives was cursed by father-in-law Daksha to go blank and not appear at all. And on prayers to Lord Shiva - at the Chandramouleeswar temple in Udupi, his curse was reduced and he will increase in shine for 14 days and shine brightly on the full moon day and start reducing from the next day and go blank on the New Moon day. Thus the name Udu - Stars and Pa - Lord combined together formed Udupi - The lord of stars. The Krishna Mutt and the Krishna Temple is also very famous in Udupi.

The language spoken in Udupi are Tulu, Konkani, Kannada and Beary Bashe.

The National Highway of NH17  - connecting Manglore and Karwar passes through Udupi. The state highways connects Karkala, Dharmastala and Sringeri. The city is connected with a station for itself by the Konkan railway on the Tiruvananthapuram - Mumbai rail road.  The nearest International Airport is the Manglore Airport which is at 50 kms distance. The nearest harbour is Malpe at a distance of 5km and the Gangoli harbour is at a distance of 36kms. The New port at Manglore is a distance of 50km.

Yakshagana is a very popular folk art form of Udupi.

Bandhipur National Park, Karnataka

Article by Dr. Apurva Tamhane

The Bandipur National Park

The Bandipur National Park is located in the State of Karnataka. The Nearest access to the Bandipur National Park is from Mysore and Ooty cities, both of which are located nearly 80 kilometers from the National Park.
The Main wildlife animals found in the Bandipur National Park are the Asian Elephants and the Gaurs.

About Bandipur National Park

Around midway in the Mysore – Ooty National Highway, the Deccan plateau rises from the mean level of the Grounds where it meets the mountains of the Western Ghats. This place has become one of the most popular places for the reserves of Wildlife and is named after the local area – The Bandipur National Park.
The Park lies in the District of Chamarajanagar of the Southern Western District of Karnataka and also becomes a part of the States of Tamilnadu and Kerala. The climate in the Park is ambient, moderate and the geographical features are diverse in flora and the fauna. The richness of the place gives it a resemblance to the paradise of Wildlife.

History of Bandipur National Park

The year 1973 evidenced Bandipur to become one of the first Tiger Reserves which was a part of the Nine reserves under the Project Tiger. The next year, Bandipur was declared as the National Park under the Wildlife protection Act. The best time to visit the Bandipur National Park are the Pre monsoon showers in the month of April when the reserve becomes greener. The birds in the park start their breeding activities and the air is filled with melodious calls. The grass which is sprouting has visitors like the herds of elephants and the Gaurs in large numbers. The Bandipur National Park is a heaven to visit in the months of April to October. In the dry months of Summer, The Kabini Reservoir in the Northwestern portion of the park has the most congregations of animals from the Reserve.

Time to visit Bandipur National Park

The Best time to visit Bandipur National Park is between the months of April to October.

How to get to Bandipur National Park

Air : The nearest airport is at Bangalore which is 220 km from Bandipur.
Rail : Mysore is nearest railhead, at a distance of 80-kms.
Road : 220 km from Bangalore; 80 km from Mysore; 80 km from Ooty.

Bandipur National Park Tourism Packages

Check out the tourism packages for Bandipur National Park which is a part of the South India tourism packages and is usually a 2 to 3 day tour package. Enjoy more deep forest reserve tours from the Indian forest department or you can enjoy the bigger tour packages which include the other national parks too.

Karwar Beach - Karnataka

The Karwar Beach is a wonderful beach located in the North Kannada district. The best place for nature lovers who love sand, sea and sun. Karwar is a historical town too with lot many pilgrim centres. The river Kali meets the Arabian sea in Karwar. The name Karwar was spelled and pronounced by the British as they had difficulty in pronouncing Karwad.
The scenic beauty of the Karwar Beach was the inspiration for Rabindranath Tagore to write his first play in 1916.
Karwar beach is lined with small virgin islands all along the coast.  The beach line is drenched with sun and waves. The swaying palm and silver sand offer a perfect holiday and romantic location.

Though this beach is located in the state of Karnataka, it can be reached faster from Goa. The entire ride through road transport is picturesque. Karwar beach is at a distance of 1.5kms from the bus stand. The beach of Karwar is quite close to Goa beaches, still it is different from the Goan beaches. It is better not to be in the beach after 9.30pm.
The best time to visit Karwar beach is between September and May. 

Kadri Temple in Manglore

Kadri Temple is of Manjunatha, located 5 km away from the Mangalore city.  This is one of the major tourist attractions in the city.
History of Kadri
Kadri was called as Kadri Vihara, where Buddhist monks came here to spend some time and got settled here. After which some of the Natha pantha followers came and got settled here in the city.
The idol in Kadri Temple of Manjunatha was installed by a Rishi Machendranatha in 10^th century.
Some unique features of Kadri temple are:

• Ever flowing water from tank “Kalyani” situated on higher level of the temple from Gomukha.
• It is believed that this water cure skin disease
• Currently this water is used for irrigation purpose.
• There is “Pandava Guha” which is believed as Pandava stayed here during the 13 longs years of exile.

Ullal Beach - Manglore

Ullal Beach is located 5km away from Mangalore, Karnataka.  The stretch of the beach is 320 km towards Arabian Sea.

About Ullal Town

Ullal town belongs to 15th century and has monuments which are built during the Portugese time.

There are many place you would like to visit when you are in the Ullal town, Mangalore.

• Somanatheshwara Temple and
• St. Sebastian Church
• Ofcourse the exhotic Beaches in town.

People come here from all across the state and country to spend quality time and special moments.

There is good hospitality and beach cottages available in the town.

Some other attraction in and around Mangalore are:

• Kadri Temple
• Mangaladevi Temple
• Venkataramana Temple
• Gokarnatheshwara Temple
• Manjunatha Temple
• Durga Parameshwari Temple
• Subramanya Temple
• Sultan Battery
• Suratkal Beach
• Mangalore Beach

Tourism Information Offices Karnataka

Department of Tourism,

Government of Karnataka

#49, 2nd Floor, Khanija Bhavan, Race Course Road, 

Bangalore 560 001

Tel: 080-2235 2828, Fax: 080-2235 2626

Email: info@karnatakatourism.org

Central Reservation Counter
Badami House, Opp. BBMP,
NR Square, Bangalore 560 002
Tel: 080-4334 4334

Karnataka Tourism House
8, Papanna Lane, St Mark’s Road,
Bangalore 560 001
Tel: 080-4346 4353
   
Corporate Office
49, Second Floor, Khanija Bhavan,
Race Course Road, Bangalore 560 001
Tel: 080-2235 2901-03
Email: info@karnatakaholidays.net

ISKON Temple - Banglore

ISKCON Temple - Sri Krishna temple is one of the best place to visit in Bangalore city.  This is one of the best temple in the city and land mark.
The ISKCON (International Society for Krishna Consciousness) was started by Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, who is great devotee of Sri Krishna.

ISKCON Temple is one of the oldest and landmark place. Anyone visiting Bangalore would not like to miss visiting ISKCON Temple atleast one.
ISKCON Temple is situated on Hari Krishna Hill in Rajajinagar and is on the travel list of all tourist guide in the city.

There are many facilities provided by ISKCON Temple like Akshaya Patra - every day meal providing to under privileged children in diffferent location of Bangalore.

Address:
ISKCON Sri Radha Krishna-Chandra Temple,
Hare Krishna Hill,
Chord Road,
Bangalore 560010,
Karnataka,
India
How to Reach

The ISKCON temple is easily accessible from any part of Bangalore.

Distance from Bangalore International Airport - 32 Kms.
Distance from Yeshwantpur Railway Station - 8 Kms.
Distance from Cantonment Railway Station - 7 Kms.
Distance from Kempe Gowda Bus stand(Majestic) -7 Kms.
For more details, visit http://www.iskconbangalore.org/

Phone number : 91 80 23471956, 23578346


Post Courteousy - Nitin Bajaj

Pyramid Valley - Bengaluru

Maitreya Pyramid is the world’s largest meditation pyramid situated between rocky hills and lush green valleys off Kanakapura Road in Karnatka State neary to Bangalore city.
Maitreya Pyramid was is built 26-acre property called Pyramid valley in the year 2008 with a investment of Rs. 5 crore.  This is complete new toursit destination to Bengaluru city.  This pyramid can accomodate 5000 people at one time to meditate inside it.
The pyramid valley design is based on the Giza, Egypt, the oldest of the world’s seven wonders.  There is King chamber which 34 ft tall which can accomodate 40 people at time for meditation.

More facilities at the Pyramid Valley are:

• There are dormitories on the premises, which can lodge 200 people. 
• There is also an amphitheatre, two lakes, other smaller waterbodies, a hillock with a pagoda for meditation and a cafeteria. 
• The trust has an Annadana programme where food is provided free to all.
• This open for 18 hours, will be moving to kept open for 24 hours in future.

(Post Courteousy - Nitin Bajaj)

Iruppu Falls - Coorg

From the top of the Bramhagiri Hills

Don't forget to visit Iruppu Falls, which form an important tourist destination when you are in Coorg, Karnataka. Iruppu Falls are known for its majestic splash from a great height. You can also thinks oftrekking from the bottom of the falls to the top portion from where the falls generate.

zigzag route

  
Its wonderful to watch the zigzag route which brings the water up to the top og the slope on Brahmagiri Hills from where it splashes out to form a majestic waterfall. The route is overall rocky, zigzag and really splashy. Tune into those chirpy birds who adds variety to the existing sound of water.

The fall

 As per the legends of India, Laxmana is the creator of this falls, which also gives it an additional name, Laxmanatirth Waterfalls. The river where the waterfall splashes out is called Laxmanatirth River and also is considered to be holy by the locals and other visitors.

Location: Near Nagarhole National Park, Coorg

Best Time to Go: Monsoons

Bull Temple or Nandi Temple Banglore

Bull Temple in Basavangudi is dedicated to Nandi, the mount of Lord Siva. The temple was constructed in the 16th century and is carved out of single granite block. The temple depicts the Dravidian style and lots of people visit during the months of November and December to participate in the Kallekai festival which is the festival of harvesting peanuts.

The Bull Temple
      The bull temple or the Nandi temple situated in Bangalore have a 4.57m high bull. It is also of 6.10m in length too. The Nandi is carved out of one single granite stone and this is a monolithic statue. In Kannada Basava means bull and Gudi means living place and the area surrounding this temple is named after Nandi's living place and is called as Basavangudi. The temple is built in 1537 by a Vijayanagara king in the Vijayanagara architectural style (which is also dravidian style). The Nandi faces the  temple of Lord Shiva and is in the mandap with sculptures of Lord Surya dn Chandra on their chariots.

      On 14th January, the sun's rays passes between the two horns of the Nandi and lights the idol of Lord Shiva - Sri Gavi Gandadhareshwara Temple which is in the underground of the temple. The temple comes to full liveliness during the Shivaratri festival.

Legend
      The area surrounding the bull temple which was known as Sunkenahalli had lots of farm lands where the farmers raised groundnuts. Once a bull was grazing the well grown crops of peanuts and the owner of the land hit the bull with a club. The bull sat there stunned and it turned to be a stone statue. The farmers then decided to build a temple for the bull and they all were shocked to see the bull growing taller and taller. The farmer who hit the bull then prayed for Lord Shiva who advised him to take a trident burried a few feet away from the bull and place it on top of the head of the bull. Thus done, Nandi stopped growing. And from then on the farmers place their first crop of groundnut harvest as an offerring to the bull.

     Thus every year during the harvest period of groundnut a ground nut fair or Kadalekai Parishe is held at the temple premises to show their gratitude.

Temple Timings
      The temple is open from 6.00 am to 8.00 pm.

Accessibility to Bull Temple
      KSRTC - The Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation operates regular busses from all over the state to the temple premises. Tourists can also avail of tourist coaches and taxi too.

Important thing to note:
      Non Hindus are not allowed inside the temple.

Aahan Home Stays - Coorg

Aahan Home Stays, is an economical home stay in Madikeri, Coorg. Having 2 rooms with attached bathroom and a kitchen, this home stay is just right for those who travel alone, students, and families who want to have a pleasant and comfortable stay.


Distance from : 

Madikeri : 5km, 
Mysore : 120 km, 
Bangalore : 260 km,
Mangalore : 130 km, 
Kushalnagar:40 km, 
Tellichery:180 km.

One can get both veg and non-veg Coorgi food. One can have a steam bath, personalised care in this home stay. Tour arrangements are made using tourist cabs.

To have a stay here prior reservation atleast 2 days in advance.

Aahan Hills Cottage , 
Sapthagiri Estate 
Kootuhole,Madikeri. 

Contact Address: 
Sapthagiri Enterprises, 
No 17-14/3 Ist Floor ,
Brahmins Valley, 
Madikeri – 571 201,
COORG, KARNATAKA.
Ph: 08272 – 229472,222762
Cell: 9845334972, 
email: aahan_hills@yahoo.com