| Destinations
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Mangalore, the district head-quarters of Dakshina Kannada is one of the major cities of the state. It has some well known temples- Mangaladevi, Kadri Manjunatha (which houses the exquisite icon of Trilokeshwara, considered to be one of the best in the country.) The St. Aloysius Chapel has a rich collection of paintings of Moschemi, the Italian Jesuit.
Dharmasthala (75 kms from Mangalore) dedicated to Lord Manjunatha, Karanje (37 kms) well-known for its medieval Shiva temple, Subramanya and Katil are the Hindu shrines around Mangalore. In the coastal area of Karnataka many varieties of mangoes are cultivated, as is jack fruit, cashew and bananas. The spicy fish curries and other delectable seafood specialities are well known. |
More on Karnataka • Introduction • Bangalore • Gulbarga • Sravanabelagola • Bidar • Bijapur • Hampi • South West K. • Wildlife Sanctuaries • Bandipur Park • Nagarhole Park
Impressions |
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Mangalore is linked by air, rail and road to several major cities. But a journey on the Bangalore-Hassan-Mangalore railway line is a memorable experience, passing through the tropical forests of the western ghats.
South-West Karnataka Mercara (Madikeri), the capital, has a wonderfully cool climate and is a major coffee growing area. Raja's seat and Sri Omkarshwara temple are the major tourist attractions. Talacauvery which is about 50 kms from Madikeri is the source of the river Cauvery.  The Silver Cascades:
Jog Falls At Jog, the river Sharavathy flows over a rocky bed, splitting into separate streams called Raja, Rani, Rocket and Roarer. One of the highest waterfalls, the cascading waters are a delight. Shivasamudra Karnataka Power Corporation has a circuit house here. The Gokak Falls July-September is the best period to enjoy the fury and the glory of the Gokak Falls. 535 kms north west of Bangalore, the Gokak railway station is 6 kms away. Belgaum is 24 kms away. Magod Falls The Hebbe Falls near Kemmannagundi and the Unchalli Falls (also known as Lushington falls) are located amidst dense forests and this scenery enhances the beauty of the gushing waters. Unchalli is about 19 kms from Siddapur, in the course of the river Aghamashini. Wildlife and Bird Sanctuaries
Nagarhole Murkal which is 12 kms from Nagarhole offers 2 beds / 3 beds cottages and dormitory accommodation. Safaris into Nagarhole are charged at Rs.50/- per person. Accommodation will have to be booked well in advance at: 1."Vana Vikasa", Forest Department Corporation, 18th Cross, Malleswaram, Bangalore-3. Tel: 3345192. 2. Assistance Conservator of Forests, Wild Life Preservation, Chamarajendra Circle, Vani Vilas Road, Mysore. Tel: 211559. Bandipur National Park For booking of accommodation contact the Field Director, Project Tiger, Government House, Nazirabad, Mysore. Kabini River Lodge The Cauvery Fishing Camp at Bhimeswari, 117 kms from Bangalore is an angler's delight. Many of the fish caught here have weighed upto 60 lbs. Bhadra Wild Life Sanctuary Also in Chickmagalur district is Kemmannagundi, a hill resort on the Baba Budan range. It enjoys a salubrious climate throughout the year and offers a panoramic view of the mountains and valleys. This hilly district has some exciting trekking routes in the western ghats including Mullanagiri, the loftiest point of the Baba Budan range. The entire area is dotted with coffee plantations. (Information courtesy Karnataka Tourism Department)
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Editor: Romola Butalia (c) India Travelogue. All rights reserved. |
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Recognised as one of the best wild life conservation spots, this national park is 95 kms both from Mysore as well as from Mercara. The sanctuary boasts of a large elephant congregation and the rich lush green bamboos, succulent grass and other shrubs offer ideal conditions for these magnificent beasts. It is an ideal habitat for bisons also. The sanctuary also boasts tigers, deer, panthers and jackals, various insects, scorpions and several gorgeously plumed birds. Toads and tortoises, and carp and mahaseer complete the jungle book of any wildlife enthusiast.
A well maintained `Project Tiger' site, Bandipur, 80 kms from Mysore, is mid-way on the Mysore-Ooty highway and stretches along the borders of Kerala and Tamil Nadu. The deciduous forests and water reserves ensure that the eco-system is maintained. Besides elephants and tigers, wild bear, sambar and other wild animals can be seen here.