Bandipur National Park
Spread in a vast area, encompassing 874
square kilometers, Bandipur National Park is a great example of Project Tiger’s
conservation efforts. This tiger reserve was utilized as a private hunting
reserve by the Maharaja of Mysore in the earlier times. Along with Nagarhole
National Park, Mudumalai National Park and Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary; it forms
a part of the highly renowned Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve.
This whole reserve has earned acclaim due to
its reputation as Southern India’s largest preserved area. A great example of
Eco- conservation, the serene Bandipur National Park is situated along
Karnataka’s Mysore-Ooty highway. The year 1973 heralded establishment of the
beautiful Bandipur Tiger Reserve. Exquisitely managed, numerous biomes
consisting of moist deciduous forests, dry deciduous forests and shrub lands
flourish in the park. Home to a perfect tropical climate, its beauty is
enhanced on account of the presence of many rivers.
The northern end is witness to the Kabini
River and the Moyar flows through the south of the park. In addition, the
enchanting Nugu River flows through it. Many endangered and vulnerable species
have garnered refuge here. Stringent efforts followed regarding conservation
are extremely helpful in keeping the future of various species secure. A
majestic sight awaits wildlife enthusiasts when they witness mighty elephants
strolling in the park or the elusive tiger hunting its prey.
Chikmagalur
Chikmagalur (Chikkamagaluru) is popularly
known as Coffee Land of Karnataka and a chaming hill station of Karnataka
attracts many Trekkers, honeymoon couples, explorers and nature lovers through
out the year.
Chikmagalur or Chikkamagaluru literally means
'The Town of the Younger Daughter'. ‘Chikkamagalu’ in kannada means ‘Youger
Daughter’ and ‘uru’ in kannada means ‘Town’ or ‘place’ It is said to have been
given as a dowry to the younger daughter of Rukmangada, the legendary chief of
Sakrepatna.
Chikmagalur comprises the taluks of
Chikmagalur, Koppa, Mudigere, Sringeri, Tarikere, Kadur and Narasimharajapura.
The hill stations around Chikmagalur are
famous summer retreats since they remain cool even during summers.
Gokarna
Gokarna, which means the cow’s ear, is a holysite located on the Karavali Coast nestled between the rivers of Agnashini and
the Gangavali. The center is known for housing the famous Shiva Temple where
the ‘Aatmalinga’ is located. It is believed that Aatmalinga of Lord Shiva is in
the shape of a cow’s ear, thus giving rise to the name, Gokarna. Gokarna is
hailed as one of the seven ‘Muktistalas’ or pilgrimage centers of the state ofKarnataka in India.
The best time to visit the place is during
the time of Shivrathri, where a four day festival is marked by two giant
chariots being pulled by several devotees and it is dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Apart from the famous temple, Gokarna is blessed with secluded and pristine
beaches. There are close to four beaches present in Gokarna ‑ of which Om Beach is the most famous.
Badami
Badami is an interesting place to visit inKarnataka, situated about 499 kms from Bangalore. Badami is picturesquely
situated at the mouth of a ravine between two rocky hills, at an altitude of
177 metres. Badami was founded by Pulakesin I and was the capital of theChalukyas, reflecting the art of Chalukyas in style, grace and strength.
One of the main highlights of this city is
the natural gorge embellished with temples and gateways, leading to the city.
Badami is famous for its artificial lake, ancient temples and museum. The mainattraction of Badami are the caves which are carved out of sand stone on the
top of the hill and belongs to the 6th century AD. The temperature in Badami
ranges from 10 to 15 degree Celsius in winters and 23 to 38 degree Celsius in
summers. Badami can be visited throughout the year except in summers from the
month of April to June.
Bangalore
South India's most alive city is Bangalore. A
melting point of ethnic and cultural backgrounds, the hoi polloi is charmingly
mixed here. Nearly every one speaks English, even if it’s only a smattering,
and everyone is aware of the privilege they're bestowed with.
Yes, every resident of Bangalore, regardless
of where they're from, takes immense pride in their address. Malls, parks,
pubs, theatre, cafes, art galleries, palaces - at any given point, Bangalore is
buzzing and alive with activity.
Shravanabelagola
Northwest of Bangalore, the Capital ofKarnataka. The town is a prominent center for Jaina Art, Architecture, religion
and culture for over 2,300 years. It is a town of ponds and temples. The name
of this holy center is derived from the pond called ‘bili-gola’ (white pond)
between two hills. The largest number of Digamber jam Basadis in India is foundat Shravanabelagola. This apart, largest number of rock inscriptions,
concentrated at a single center is found here. The temple on the Chikkabetta –
Chandragiri, is known as Chandragupta Basadi dedicated to Emperor ChandraguptaMaurya. This was originally built by Emperor Ashoka in the 3 Century B.C..
The 57 ft. (17.5 mtr.) tall magnificient monolithic statue of Gommateshwara
Bhagawan Bahubali was consecrated by Chavundaraya, the Prime Minister and
Commander-in-Chief in the Talakad Ganga Kingdom in 981 A.D.
Shravanabelagola is a historical temple town and pilgrimage centre in
Karnataka, located in South India. This small town boasts of the largest number
of Digambara temples as well as the largest number of inscriptions in the
country.The cynosure of the centuries, Gommateshwara towers in his 57 feet
solitary serene splendour, over the surrounding countryside. This freestanding
monolithic statue, which crowns the 438 feet high present- day Indragiri orVindhyagiri, hewn out of granite is the largest of its kind in the world.
Majority scholastic opinion dates its consecration by Chavundaraya, a general
of the Ganga dynasty, to 981 A.D. He was inspired by his mother Kalala Devi.
The statue was executed in 12 years by Mahashilpi Arishtanemi. Earlier
Indragiri, with 647 steps, was called ‘Per-Kalbappu’ (Large-Kalbappu) or Dodda
Betta. There are 7 types of monuments – eight small and large temples, four
mantaps, two ponds, five gateways or fortresses, three pillars, two arches and
172 inscriptions. These, in Kannada, Sanskrti, Marvadi Mahajani, Tamil and
Marathi, date from the late 10th to 19th cent A.D.
Bahubali was the son of Adinatha, the first in the line of the 24 Jam
threerthankaras. Rishaba Adinatha, on embarking on his spiritual quest,
bequeathed his capital city of Ayodhya to his eldest son Bharata. Paudanapura
went to Bahubali, the younger son. Bharata ventured on an ambitious course of
annexation, in his desire to don the mantle of the paramount emperor of his
age.
Bahubali refused to accept his elder brother’s suzerainty. Wiser counsel of elder
ministers averted a battle between the kingdoms, which would have let to
colossal loss of lives. Instead, Bharata and Bahubali were to engage in a duel.
This probably was the first instance in human history of voluntary disarmament,
avoiding unnecessary bloodshed. In all three different types of fight (drishti
yuddha, malla yuddb) hubali was the victor. As a last resort Bharata unleashed
his lethal weapon – the chakra. To the amazement of the entire assemblage, the
chakra circled Bahubali and settled at his right side.
In this moment of supreme victory, Bahubali was struck by the frailty of
fortune and the hollowness of desires, which even led to fraternal conflicts
over mere worldly possessions. In an act of unsurpassed renunciation he
abandoned everything but his soul. Observing the severest of austerities, he
stood in meditation in Kayotsarga pose for one full year, forsaking food and
water. Such was his penance that anthills grew at his feet and as sculpted in
the statue, tendrils – madhava latha – twirled around his arms. Thus he
attained the state of Kevali Arihantha – perfect and complete knowledge about
the universe, without undergoing any preparatory stages in previous lives,
which is mandatory for attaining such transcendent realisation. The acme of
manly perfection in physique, had now sublimated into godhood. ‘Gommata’ in
Kannada, which means ‘huge’ thus gave birth to Gommateshwara Bhagawan or Sri
Bahubali Swami.
Opposite Indragiri is the Chikka Betta (small hill) or Kalbappu, now called
Chandragiri, the abode to the historic Bhadrabahu Basadi and ChandraguptaBasadi. This 200 feet high hill with 192 steps also treasures the imprint of
Bhadrabahu’s feet, the revered jam monk, who was the teacher and spiritual guid
of the Mauryan Emperor Chandragupta. There was 18 temples dating from 9th cent.
A.D. to as recent as the bearing Dravidian architectural features. A historic
inscription dated circa 600 the earliest in the country to refer to the
migration of Jams to the south, the famine in Ujjain, to the role of Bhadrabahu
in safeguarding the Sangha. Wri Sanskrit, another of the earliest, refers to
Chandragupta. It also has the records of 92 deaths by Samadhi of Jam monks..
‘Bili-gola’ (white pond) nestling between the two hills, became Belgola, and consistently
used between 650 A.D. and 1889 A.D. Shramana or Shravana after Digambar (naked)
monks used this place, was added to form Shravanabelagola. Apart froe there are
two ponds on Vindhyagiri, three on Chandragiri, there are ponds or tanks near
almost every monument. There is no record of construction of ponds before time
of Gangaraja (early 12th cent.). There are 7 temples in the town and — more in
Jinanathapura and surrounding areas. The foundation of Jmnanathapura a northern
foot of Chandragiri was undertaken by Gangaraja in 1117. The Santivara Basadi
located here, is the most ornate of the Hoysala Basadis in Karnataka.
Mysore
Mysore is a city in the Indian state of
Karnataka, and the administrative seat of Mysore District, one of the largest
districts in Karnataka. Patrons of art and culture the Wodeyars ruled Mysore
kingdom and contributed significantly to the cultural growth of Mysore city.
Mysore was the former capital of the Kingdom of Mysore until 1947. Mysore is
the name by which Karnataka State was known prior to 1973.
Mysore is located at 770 m above sea level at 12.18° N 76.42° E and is 140 km
from Bangalore, the state capital. It covers an area of 128.42 Sq. Km. having
City Municipal Corporation since 1977. The population of the city is 8,87,446
consisting of 4,62,617 males and 4,24,849 of females according to the census of
2011.
Mysore, the cultural capital of the Karnataka state, has many educational,
commercial, administrative centers and heritage monuments. It was the home for
many great musicians, music composers, dancers, Sanskrit scholars, writers and
in general intellectuals.
The city with the majestic Mysore Palace, the royal mansions, public buildings,
gardens, water bodies and planned markets exhibit an indelible impression of
the vision of the Maharajas, their Dewans and other talented luminaries on the
City Municipality as early as 1862. The total harmony of buildings, sites,
lakes, parks and open spaces of Mysore and the back drop of Chamundi hill adds
to city’s attraction.
Mysore is called the City of Palaces as a number of palaces are situated in the
city. Ambavilas Palace, the main palace of Mysore is one of the most visited
monuments in India, even beating Taj Mahal. Mysore is a tourism hot spot and
also acts as a base for other tourist places in the vicinity of the city. The
city receives the maximum number of tourists during the Dasara festival which
signifies the triumph of good over the evil and the worship of Devi
Chamundeswari, is being celebrated with much pomp and glory as a State
festival.
Chitradurga Fort
The well-maintained ruins of sprawling
Chitradurga Fort are a hidden, lesser-known gem in the heart of the Deccan
Plateau northwest of Bangalore, on the way to Hampi. Much of the fort was built
by the Palegar Nayakas between the 15th and 18th centuries.
It was later expanded by Hyder Ali, who defeated the Nayakas. Its rocky
landscape on a granite hill is peppered with boulders and valleys. Notable
features include seven circular walls, 19 gateways, 35 secret entrances, four
invisible passages, 2,000 watchtowers, 18 temples in the upper fort, and a hugetemple in the lower fort.
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