Bangalore is the capital city of the southern Indian State of Karnataka. It is also known as the Garden City because of its many splendid gardens and parks. The city was founded in the 16th century and has since continued to be an important administrative center of South India. Because of the high centering of IT industry, the city is also called the Silicon Valley of India. Another tourism attraction of the city lies in its Pubs. It is now also called the Pub City with over 200 Pubs all over the town. They are the most hangs out zones quite familiar among the tourist as well as the locals.
SILICON VALLEY OF INDIA
India's first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, called the Bangalore City as "India's city of the future". Today Bangalore tourism, ranks as one of the fastest growing industries in India. Its gratifying pleasant weather, courteous people, and its highly educated population have made the city a Silicon Valley of India. Almost all Computers related multinationals companies are setting up their India head office at Bangalore.
HISTORY
The Chola King - Veera Ballalla ruled the Deccan plateau, the South of India during the 12th century in the year 1120 AD. Once on a hunting trip the king lost his way in the dense forest of the region. After a long search to his way out he met an old lady in the forest who greeted him with all amenity and offered him shelter for the night and served him baked beans for dinner. The king was thoroughly impressed by the loving gesture of the lady and decided to show his gratitude by constructing a town and named it as Benda Kalooru, which means Baked Beans. Later in 1537, a local chieftain, Kempe Gowda helped design this town and give it its modern shape.
ATTRACTIONS
The Bull Temple
has been built by Kempegowda in the 16th century AD. The gray granite sacred bull, Nandi, is the main attraction after which the temple has been named. The sacred bull has been carved out of a single granite block and measures 4.57 m in height and 6.10 m in length.
Tipu Sultan's PalaceTipu Sultan's Palace
built of teakwood, was constructed between 1781-1791. The palace is famous for its inlay designs, the floral patterns on the walls and ceilings, After Tipu's death the British used the palace as a Secretariat until 1867.
Lalbagh
a botanical garden, it was originally called Lalbagh, Lal means Red and Bagh means Garden. The garden is embellished with thousands of beautiful red roses. It also has a green house with a collection of various kinds of flora. Another attraction of the garden is the Glasshouse constructed on the pattern of the Crystal Palace in London.
Sri Gavi Gangadhareswara Temple
The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is caved out of a monolithic granite rock. It is believed that on January 14th every year, a ray of sunlight passes through an arch between the horns of stone bull that stands outside the temple and lights up the idol inside. It shows the supremacy of the techniques used in ancient architecture combined with their knowledge of astronomy.
Aquarium
The Bangalore aquarium is an ideal place to see a large variety of aqua-fauna at close quarters. It the second largest aquarium in the country.
Timings: Open 10.00 to 19.30 hours. Closes on Thursdays.
Government Museum and Venkatappa Art Gallery
Established in 1886 the Government Museum showcases varied collection of archaeological artifacts. The art gallery has a collection of the works of the noted artist - K. Venkatappa of the Mysore Court.
Timings: Open 10.00 to 17.00. Closes on Wednesdays.
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The erstwhile capital of the Mysore Maharajas lies 130 km from the State Headquarters, Bangalore. Mysore is the second biggest City of Karnataka State, which still preserves its age-old glory that in its majestic palaces, forts and gardens. The other tourism attraction of the city is its exquisite products. Mysore is also famous for sandalwood and rose wood carved products. The beautiful Mysore silk sarees and sandalwood oil are few of shopper's delights. Mysore is also famous for many institutions propagating Carnatic Classical music and dance.
This beautiful city is situated at a most picturesque location, almost 763m above the sea level surrounded by mountain range extending from north to south. Also known as the 'Garden City' and the 'City of Palaces', Mysore City extends on an area of more than 40sq.km and has a population of over seven lakhs. Kannada is the local language of the people, other spoken languages are Tilu, Konkani, English.
HISTORY
The Mysore Yadu dynasty came to power in 1399 AD. The dynasty also bestowed to the expansion of temples in Mysore. The Emperor of Mysore - Bettada Chamaraja Wadiyar, restructured the fort of Mysore in 1584 AD and made Mysore as his capital known as 'Mahishur'. Later Raja Waidyar shifted the capital of his kingdom from Mysore to Srirangapatna in 1610 AD.
In 1799, due to the fall of Srirangapatna and death of Tipu Sultan, Mysore again became the capital of the Wadiyars. The small town of Mysore, which restrained in the walls of the fort was expended and transfigured into a modern township at the time of Krishnaraja Wadiyar III. It was Krishnaraja Wadiyar IV who developed Mysore into a most charming city with foremost layouts, wide roads, majestic fort palaces and fairy-tale gardens.
The famous Kannada work, "Kantirava Narasaraja Vijaya", displays a gorgeous portrait of Mysore. Poet-Govinda Vaidya, describes King Kantirava Narasaraja Wadiyar as "Maisoora Narasarajendra". The Sri Mahabaladri Hills, Goddess Chamundi atop the hills, the Palace, the fort, the streets, the gardens and the people in the town of Mysore are the highlights of his work.
ATTRACTIONS
Mysore Palace
Mysore Palace is one of the major attractions of Mysore. Built in Indo-Saracenic style the Palace is an abode of exquisite carvings and precious paintings from all over the world. The fort also has abstruse designed gateways with carved domes, minaret, archways and gallery. The royal Durbar Hall has a decorated ceiling and many chiseled pillars. Another attraction of the palace is the Wodeyars royal throne made of gold, embellished with precious stones and jewels. The throne is displayed in the palace for public viewing during the Dasera festival.
The palace is beautifully lighted on Sundays and all public holidays, an awe-inspiring view that makes one's visit worth.
Chamundi Hills
On top of the Chamundi Hills the 12th century temple of Goddess Chamundeshwari of the Wodeyars perches about 335m high from the sea level. The temple can be approached through a 13km well-formed road or can climbed up by the 1,000 steps constructed in 17th century by the Mysore Maharaja. Major attraction of the site is the Nandi, Lord Shiva's Bull, an august 4.8m structure carved out of single granite rock. The zenith of the hill offers a breathtaking panorama of Mysore's lakes, gardens and palaces.
Brindavan Garden
Expended over 150 acres, Brindavan garden is the most acclaimed garden in Indian sub-continent. Situated at the KR Sagar Dam Kannambadi, Brindavan Garden is a popular site of the Indian Films. Since 1960s, it is continuously used for shooting song sequences for the films. A special attraction of the garden includes the 'Musical' Dancing Fountains'. Today garden has gone under complete renovation with introduction of new fountain and light system, which attracts tourist not only from India but also from other parts of the globe and futther helped in boasting tourism industry of Mysore.
Timings: Monday-Friday: 6:30 PM - 7:25 PM and Saturday-Sunday: 6:30 PM - 8:25 PM
St. Philomena's Church
Another attraction of the city is exquisite Cathedral- the St. Philomena's Church. A specimen of medieval architectural style, the church is one of the biggest churches in the country showcasing stained glass windows and elevated towers.
Mysore Zoo
The Mysore Zoo includes some of the rare species of wildlife, which are kept in natural, green surroundings. The Zoo is also notable for breeding some very rare mammals in confinement.
The Art Gallery
In 1875, the Jaganmohan Palace was transformed into an art gallery, showcasing beautiful paintings of that era. The world prestigious, Mysore 'gold leaf paintings are also exhibited in the gallery, which are also a great source attraction among the tourist.
Fort
There is a Gumbaz,Tipu's tomb near the fort with splendid black doors carved out of ivory. The fort also houses a mosque and the Ranganathaswamy Temple.
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A friendly warning to all concerned: One trip to Coorg (Kodagu) and it’ll haunt you for the rest of your life. You might leave Coorg, but Coorg will never leave you. Don’t blame us if you keep returning to it time and again.
That’s Coorg for you- incomparable scenic beauty, lush green valleys, coffee plantations, teak wood forests & majestic mountain ranges. Add to that a strong, brave martial race of Coorgs (Kodavas) that reveres tradition, has a distinct culture and lives life to its fullest.
Coorg is situated on the Western Ghats of Karnataka in South India. For the adventurous at heart, it is an absolute treat. There are trekking, golfing and angling (Mahaseer too!) options available. Religious trips abound on Hindu and Buddhist circuits. Family getaways can be easily arranged. You can also relax your body and mind with special Ayurvedic massages. Coorg is also as trendy and happening as its close neighbour Bangalore.
But the predominant entity here is nature at its best. Coorg is like the dreamland of the philosopher. If you’re the type who likes to mingle with nature, romance in the mountains, feel the tingle of the cool and gentle breeze, watch leaves flutter in dance-like movements and hear sounds of birds fill the air, then Coorg is just the place for you.!
ATTRACTIONS
Madikkeri
The capital of Coorg formerly called Mercara, Madikeri is often known as the Scotland of India. It has enchanted millions of travellers with its misty hills, lush forests, coffee plantations and breath taking views. Also known for its lovely climate, Madikeri is a world record holder for the cardamom crop.
Kakkabe
Famous for being the largest producer of honey in south east Asia, though most come here for the Padi Igutappa temple. This is Coorg’s most important temple and the presiding deity of the Puthari Festival. Built as a hunting lodge, the Nalnad Palace is used as a kiddies’ camp, though no one will really mind you pottering around. You could also visit the honey farms.
Omkareshwara Temple
With a dome in the middle of a square lake and minarets at each corner, this is a catholic mix of Keralite, Gothic and Islamic architectural styles. Built in 1820 by King Lingarajendra.
Cauvery Nisargadhama
A great place to cuddle up for the night. This 2.5 sq. km. large island in the middle of the River Cauvery, is some place to romance.
Bhagamandala & Telecauvery
At the convergence of the rivers Cauvery, the underground Sujyothi and the Kanike, the Bhangandeshwara temple here has a distinct Kerala touch. Because of the three rivers, it is also called Triveni Sangama. The serene temple has intricate carvings and a copper roof. A dip at the Triveni Sangam nearby is supposed to revive sagging spirits, but take prior permission at the temple.
Every October 17, on Tulasankranama, thousands come here to swim and pray. For this is Telecauvery (meaning Head of the Cauvery), the origin of one of the seven sacred rivers. The source of this long river, which passes through two states, is on the top of the hill called Brahmagiri. It is 1535 metres above sea level. Steps lead up to the Brahmagiri peak, from where a panoramic view of Kodagu meets the visitor.
Nagarhole National Park
Though the name literally means Snake River in Kannada, there aren’t too many snakes around. Created from a former raja’s hunting grounds, Nagarahole is one of the best game sanctuaries in South India, providing a natural living conditions to several wild animals like elephants, tigers, panthers, rhinos and wild elephants, but one is more likely to see smaller game like gaur, deer, wild dogs and langur. Pleasantly cool round the year, it is a little difficult to reach, which makes it quieter than other parks. This in turn makes it a great place to relax. Jungle safaris are available as elephant rides.
Irpu Falls
This is more a hike than a holiday (there are people like us out there who take these differences very seriously). You could begin from behind the Rameshwarna temple, and relax at a refreshing pond halfway up the falls. Then, if you are some strange sort of enthusiastic trekker and have some spare RBC (the leeches demand that), carry on to the top.
Abbi Falls
Just 7 kilometers from Madikeri town are the Abbi Falls, as remarkable and striking a sight as you would see anywhere. The narrow road to Abbi Falls is a combination of steep ups and downs, twists and turns, wriggling through the green and dense foliage of surrounding coffee plantations. Situated on private property, a narrow pathway leads you downward to where the waterfall can be seen.
As various streams congregate in the mountains above, they swell with the monsoon rains and force their way down the mountain slope. Splashing hard against the huge boulders of rock, unmindful of the crevices and hollows, the water drops at enormous speed accompanied by gushing sounds. This white wall of water creates a misty cloud with its moisture-like spray and descends into a flowing stream to perhaps join with the River Cauvery somewhere in the vicinity.
Somwarpet
If you can get off to an early start and if the sky is beautiful with the clouds, take the road to Somwarpet. This 42-kilometer, one-and-half hour drive will surely perk you up. This is the coffee heartland of Coorg. You will pass through some of the finest coffee estates you will ever see. Magnificent trees reaching up to the skies, casting much wanted masses of shade to the coffee plants. It's one great spread of continuous foliage very gloriously prepared in an extraordinary operation by Nature. Mingled with cardamom and pepper as well. Big, medium or small, they add to the already beautiful and fabulous landscape all around. Besides being the hub of coffee activity, Somwarpet's other claim to fame is the Basappa Club. Like the cold stone-walls of taverns where sailors and ship mates would gather to make merry, drink, talk and pick up some gossip, the Basappa Club is frequented by the medium and small gentlemen coffee planters, who meet here to unwind. Except that out here, there are no cold, stonewalls. Instead, one can have a game of Table Tennis or Snooker in this small, but compact club. And there’s plenty of gossip to be picked up, as well. Apart from the popular sight seeing places, Kodagu district has a whole lot of Trekking Tracks for those who seek adventure in the wild.
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