Karnataka

HISTORICAL

Afzal Khan's Cenotaph Situated in Bijapur is the marvellous cenotaph of Afzal Khan. It is supposed that Afzal Khan started the construction of his own tomb in his lifetime.

Anand Mahal Ananda Mahal or 'Palace Of Delights' was built by Adil Shah in 1589 AD. The two storeyed building which once housed the ladies of the palace has in its precincts today, a gymkhana club, an examination bungalow, several offices and the residential quarters of the assistant commissioner.

Badami Caves Badami town is best known for its beautiful cave temple, cut into the cliff face of a red sandstone hill. They display the full range of religious sects which have developed in India.

Bahamani Tombs The Bahamani Tombs are situated at Ashtur in Bidar, accessible by a road opposite the general hospital and through the Dulhan Gateway leads to the eight Bahamani tombs at Ashtur.

Bangalore Palace Built by Wodeyars, the rulers of the erstwhile Mysore Kingdom, the Bangalore Palace is inspired by the Windsor Palace and based on the Tudor style. Spread over an area of about 800 acres, the Bangalore Palace is famous for its elegantly carved wooden interiors.

Belgaum Fort Belgaum Fort, one of the oldest monuments of Karnataka is situated in the mid of Belgaum. Jai Raya, an ally of the Ratta Dynasty, built the 13th century inventive structure built of stone-and-mud.

Bidar Fort It is 110 km north-west of Hyderabad, 40 km north-east of Gulbarga. Described by historian Simon Digby as a sensational stone fort built on a natural bluff rising from the plain. Bidar was the capital of the Bahmani kingdom from 1428 to 1489.

Daria Daulat Bagh Palace Housing Tipu's Summer Palace, the Daria Daulat Bagh in Bangalore stands testimony to Tipu's love of greenery and open spaces.

Fort of Seven Rounds Fort of Seven Rounds is located in the city of Chitradurga. The military marvel that it is, has 19 gateways and 38 postern entrances, of which the fourth is indeed the best.

Gagan Mahal Built by Ali Adil Shah I around 1561 to serve the dual use of a royal residence and a durbar hall. The entrance to the outer court has a four-centered arch reminding one of Tudor structural design.

Gol Gumbaz Gol Gumbaz, situated in Bijapur is an astounding engineering feat. Its enormous "Whispering" dome is second in size only to St. Peter's Basilica in Rome. The dome is the second largest in the world, 124 feet in diameter.

Gomateshwara Monolith The Most Revered Jain Pilgrimage Wedged between two stark rocky hills, the legendary pilgrim centre of Shravan Belagola and shrine of the Jains since early times is 150 km from Bangalore , 52 km from Hassan and 80 km from Mysore .

Govt. Museum - BangaloreSpecimens of works of antiquity and ancient art, such as sculpture coins and inscriptions found in different parts of Karnataka have been kept for display.

Gulbarga Fort The fort itself has 15 towers. Gulbarga also has a number of imposing tombs of Bahmani Kings, a shrine to an important Muslim saint and the Sharana Basaveshwara Temple.

Ibrahim Roza Said to have motivated the Taj Mahal in Agra, this splendid mosque and tomb in Bijapur is very impressive. However, the jewel of Adil Shahi structural design is the Jami Masjid, with its graceful arches, aisles, halls, intricate designs and large crowning onion dome.

Jamalabad Fort Jamalabad is well-known for its fort built by Tipu Sultan, the Tiger of Mysore in 1794. The fort was renamed after his mother Jamalbee. The village, which lies at the bottom of a high rock, forms a fraction of the Kudremukh range of hills near Belthangadi.

Jayachamarajendra Art Gallery The Art Gallery in the Jaganmohan Palace in Mysore has a unique collection of ceramics, sandalwood, ivory, stone, antique furniture and ancient musical instruments. Paintings by reputed artists like Ravi Varma and Roerich, as well as the traditional

Lotus Palace The palace is a lovely synthesis of the Hindu and Islamic styles of architecture very different from the awesome magnificence of Hampi's temples.

Madikere Fort In the centre of Madikere, the 19th century Madikere Fort was once the scene of many a fierce battle. Today, it houses a temple, a chapel, the prison and a small museum.

Malik-e-Maidan The head of the cannon is fashioned into the shape of a lion whose jaws are trying to devour an elephant. Legend has it that if you touch the gun and make a wish, it will come true.

Mehtar Mahal Situated in Bijapur, Mehtar Mahal is the ornamental gateway leading to a mosque and a garden. Meaning a 'Sweeper's Palace', this gateway has a flat stone roof supported by stone brackets of delicately carved birds and rows of swans.

Mysore Palace Mysore Palace: Designed by a famous English architect, the Saracenic style Mysore Palace was built in place of an existing palace that was burnt down in 1897. The enchanting Mysore Palace represents a fine blend of Hindu and Muslim architectural styles.

Nobelmans Palace To the north east of the freshly exposed underground temple in Hampi, are the remains of several palaces improved known as the Noblemen's Palaces.

Queens Bath Hampi abounds in water channels and water tanks, a telling testimony to the engineering ability, which had been achieved by the management in the past.

Railway Museum Located behind the railway station is the little-known but impressive Rail Museum with its priceless locomotives, coaches and collection of paintings and photographs narrating the 'Rail Story.'

Rangin Mahal Positioned in Bidar, the colorful palace called as Rangin Mahal is close to the Gumbad Darwaza.

Singarada Hebbagrilu Situated in Hampi, at the back the Elephants' Stables, Singarada Hebbagilu is one of the most huge and oldest gateways in the capital city.

Takth Mahal The Takht Mahal is located in Bidar, past the Diwan-E-Am. Now in ruins, it was the royal palace where the kings once lived.

Tarakash Mahal The Tarakash Mahal comprises of a vast pile of ruins adjoining the masjid. The palace originally consisted of the apartments of the female members of the regal household.

Taylors Manzil Taylor's Manzil is a must visit while in Shorapur. This was the residence of Col. Meandows Taylor. He was an Englishman appointed by the British as political agent

Technical Museum Adjacent to the Government Museum in Bangalore is the Vishveshwaraya Industrial And Technological Museum, the second of its kind in India.

Tipu's Fort In the most crowded market area of Bangalore lies the remnants of Tipu's Fort - a silent testament of Tipu's battle against British regime.

Vidhan Soudha The majestic looking Vidhan Soudha situated in Bangalore is a marvel of neo-Dravidian structural design and one of the most impressive building not only in Bangalore but also in India.

Yana Caves Located amongst the evergreen forest of the Sahyadri Mountains, Yana Caves are 25 kms for Kumta, a small coastal town and 40-km for Sirsi, a commercial centre.

BEACHES AND LAKES

Bhatkal Beach Famous Bhatkal Beach is situated at a distance of 16-km from Bhatkal and 126 km from Karwar. Dotted by the composed blue seas and majestic hills, this beach is a well-liked tourist spot and identified for the beautiful temples.

Devbagh Beach The Sadashivgad Hill Fort with a Durga temple and the Naganath temple where an anthill is worshipped. From a jetty, under a bridge spanning a creek, we caught a speed-boat and skimmed across an estuary to a casuarina-whispering island.

Gorkarna Beach Gokarna, on the other hand is, basically, a paddlers' beach: wet saris, rolled up trousers, and screams as the surf silvers in. Most of the paddlers, we learnt, had come as pilgrims to the famed temple and had then determined to take a dip in the sea.

Gokak Water Falls The Gokak Falls are produced by Ghataprabha River that takes a 170-ft leap here over a sandstone cliff. The cliff is in a pictorial gorge of the Gokak valley and is in the shape of a horse-shoe. The rugged valley and the picturesque gorge inspire poetry.

Hebbe Waterfalls An 8 kms. trek from Kemmangundi along a steep and narrow path leads you to these sprightly falls. Surrounded by dense forests and coffee plantations, Hebbe Falls gushes down from a height of 250ft. in two stages to form Dodda Hebbe (Big Falls) and Chikka Hebbe (Small Falls.)

Iruppu Waterfalls The fascinating Iruppu Falls is located on the way to Kutta from Gonikoppal and is at a distance of 75 kilometres.

Jog Waterfalls og fall located on National Highway number 206 connecting Honovar to Tumkur and is well connected by road. Jog fall is 372 KM from Bangalore the capital of Karnataka State.

Karanji Lake The Karanji Lake situated at the footsteps of Chamundi Hills is spread over an area of 90 acres. One of the largest lakes in Karnataka, the lake affords a charming view of the Lalitha Mahal Palace.

Abey Watefalls Situated 8 kms from Madikeri, these falls cascade down in steps to flow as a small river. A big attraction for tourists and filmdom similar the Abbey Falls appear magnificent with waters cascading down from sparkling heights.

Karwar Beach Karwar has all the makings of a perfect holiday, gentle waves, palm-laced beaches, silver sand, and calm, peaceful alleys.

Kukkarahalli Lake Located in the peaceful and serene vicinity of the Mysore University, the Kukkarahalli Lake was built by Dewan Poornaiah in 1864 AD. The lake extensive over 120 acres has more than 180 types of birds including the aquatic kind.

Kurumgad Island Kurumgad -a tortoise-shaped island is located at a distance of 4 km from the mainland. The beach is famous for the hilltop Narasimha Temple where thousands of devotees throng the temple during the annual jatra held on Pushya Purnima every year in early January.

Magod Falls The mesmerising Magod Falls are situated 80 kms. from Karwar. Here, the Bedthi river takes two separate leaps to hurtle from a tallness of 650ft. into a rocky ravine.

Malpe Beach This beach is 66 km north of Mangalore and 6 km from Udupi.Malpe with its sheltered harbour makes a quiet beach retreat, just six kilometres away from Udupi, the temple town, renowned for a fascinating idol of Lord Krishna.

Mangalore Beach Mangalore is located near the back waters formed by the convergence of the rivers Netravathi and Gurupur and derives its name from the presiding deity Mangladevi, the Godess of fortune.

Maravanthe Beach Maravanthe Beach is 50 km from Udupi. The endless stretch of golden sand, swaying palm trees, clear blue sky and the flow of the sea attracts a large number of tourists to this spot.

Murudeshwar Beach We came to the beach of the temple-town of Murudeshwar in the evening when dusk gilded the promontory dominated by its Shiva temple, with a heroic statue of the Mahayogi enthroned on the ridge.

Shivasamudram Waterfalls Discover nature's handiwork in the form of this tiny island-town 65 kms. east of Mysore. Forested hills and lush green valleys cradle a small hamlet and two fine temples.

The Om Beach and the Kutle Beach The Om Beach and the Kutle Beach nearby to Gokarna ( Literally meaning the cow's ear, this town is formed by the ear-shaped confluence of two riversbelief is also that the place derives its name due to Shiva emerging from the ears of the cow., are worth a visit.)

The Unchalli Waterfalls Unchalli Falls Heggarne, a dreamy hamlet in Uttara Kannada region, is just 35 kms. from Siddapur. A further 5 kms. trek from Heggarne through thick forests brings you to the striking Unchalli Falls.

Ullal Beach Situated 5 km away from mangalore,this is one of the best beaches of Karnataka. It faces to the Arabian sea and hence offer the visitor an incomparable view.

Ulsoor Lake The famous Ulsoor Lake is centrally situated sprawling over an area of 1.5 sq. kms. Originally known as "Halsur" or "Alsur", the lake then extended over an area of 125 acres.

SPITITUALS

Atmalinga Temple Gokarna is well-known for the Atmalinga in the ancient temple situated here. The six feet tall Shivalingam is enclosed inside the 'peetham', and it can be seen just once in 40 years, when the 'Ashta Bandana Kumbhabhishekam' is performed.

Bull Temple The Bull Temple situated in Bangalore , houses the 4.57 m high and 6.10 m long image of Nandi, Lord Shiva's bull. The temple was built by Kempe Gowda in the 16th century. The image has been carved out of single granite rock.

Chamundi Temple It is situated on the heights of Chamundi Hills. The Temple is having large silver gates and golden idols. It is considered to be a very religious temple, where the blessings of the goddess help devotees to fulfill their need.

Chennakeshava Temple The Channekeshava Temple at Belur was constructed in the year 1116 to celebrate the victory of the Hoysala's over the Cholas at Talakad. Intricate carvings can be found on the interiors of the temple.

Durga Temple Situated on the banks of River Nandini, amidst beautiful surroundings, is the spiritual energy center of South Kanara district.

Gokarnatheshwara Temple About 2 Kms from the city centre, this temple is the house of Lord Gokarnatha. This temple has a very short past, founded by the Billawa Community of Mangalore this temple belongs to era of modern architecture.

Hazara Temple The Hazara Rama Temple built within rectangular complex lies at the heart of The royal centre. Dating from the early 15th century, the hall of the Hazara Rama holy place has finely carved basalt pillars depicting the incarnations of Vishnu.

Hidimbeshwar Temple Oldest Temple on The Hill Unique Feature: Cave Temple The Hidimbeshwara temple is the oldest holy place the hill. The other temples in the hill fortress are those of Ekanathamma

Holy Trinity Church St. Mark's Cathedral was the only Government Church in Bangalore City which catered to the spiritual needs of English speaking Congregation.

Hoysaleswara Temple This temple is one of the most extraordinary examples of Hoysala art. The interior and the exterior walls of the temple are covered with intricate sculptures depicting the various Hindu gods, sages, stylized animals and birds, and friezes portraying the life of the Hoysala rulers.

Infant Jesus The newly reconstructed Infant Jesus Church, a popular pilgrimage centre at Viveknagar in Bangalore was inaugurated recently by Archbishop Bernard Moras of Bangalore Archdiocese.

Iskcon Temple The ISKCON Temple was built in recent times by the global civilization for Krishan Consciousness. As you climb the granite steps you will meet three small shrines before the major temple. The three idols of Lord Krishna in the main shrine are made of brass.

Kadri Temple Buddhist monks who came from northern India made Kadri as their place of Vihara and settled here. In those days it was called as Kadarika Vihara. Subsequently, followers of Natha pantha were also came and settled here.

Khwaza Bande Nawaz Dargah The most significant monument in Gulbarga is perhaps the Khwaza Bande Nawaz Dargah. The tomb of the great Sufi saint, Khwaza Syed Mohammad Gesu Daraz, popularly known as Khwaza Bande Nawaz.

Krishna Temple The Krishna Temple is situated in Hampi, to the north of the image of Narasimha. It has an inscription of Krishnadeva Raya, dated AD 1513 recording that an image of Bala-Krishna, which he had brought from a temple in Udayagire, was enshrined in a mandapa in this temple.

Lad Khan Temple The oldest holy place in Aihole is perhaps, the Lad Khan temple dating back to the 5th Century. Originally a royal assembly hall and marriage mandapa, a Muslim official converted it into his residence. On the top of the main temple is another shrine-like vimana.

Mangaladevi Temple This temple has a history of how Mangalore got its name. It is about 3 Kms from the city center.

Manjunatha Temple The temple of Manjunatheshwara on the hills of Kadri is a very beautiful and popular temple in Mangalore, visited by every believer who comes to Mangalore.

Masjid Zeenath Baksh The Masjid Zeenath Baksh, which is known to be Jumma Masjid, Mangalore is a historical mosque constructed in seventh century by Muslim Arab Traders.

Jumma Masjid Located in the busy market area of Bangalore, K.R.Market, this is the city's oldest mosque with tall ornamental granite pillars built by a Mughal Killedar. The mosque in the city is an imposing one.

Nanak Jheera Nanak Jhera, located near Ali Barid's Tomb in Bidar where a road dips down the plateau towards the north is a magnificent Gurudwara built by the Sikhs.

Omkareshwara Temple of Coorg In 1820 a significant building built by Lingarajendra was Omkareshwara temple. This has both Islamic and Gothic style of architecture. There is a tank in front of the temple. There is a footpath leading to a small "Mantap". The surrounding place is abode with peace.

Shree Gavi Gangadeshwara Temple Sri Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple close to Bangalore, is a natural monolith carved cave temple devoted to Lord Shiva. On the 14 / 15 January every year a ray of light passes precisely through the horns of the Nandi bull and illuminates the deity inside.

Shree Vishnumurthy Temple in Kulai (Mangalore) Shree Vishnumurthy Temple is situated in the town of Kulai about 15 Kilomeres north of Mangalore along the West coast High way facing the eastern plain of paddy fields. It is one of the ancient Vishnu Shrines in this part of Karnataka.

Shri Sharavu Mahaganapathy Temple Located on the centre of the city Hampankatta, it is one of the well-known antique temples of South Kanara District. The beginning and importance of the temple is narrated in skanda purana.

Solah Khamba Masjid Solah Masjid or the Zenani Masjid, the sixteen-columned prayer hall was built in 1423 AD by Prince Muhammad even prior to the shifting of the capital to Bidar by the Bahamanis.

Somnathpur Temple As one arrives at Somnathpur, a tiny village on the banks of the Kaveri, 140 kms, south-west of Bangalore, one feels an everlasting stillness and freshness in the air as if the place is if saying eternity grows here.

Ugra Narasimha Temple The gigantic 8/9 metres high image of Ugra Narasimha is situated in the south of the Hemakuta collection of temples that includes the Virupaksha Temple. The Narasimha is a four-armed figure seated under the canopy of a seven-hooded snake.

Virupaksha Temple The Virupaksha Temple, situated in Hampi is one of the few temples amidst ruins, still in worship. This temple is dedicated to Shiva, known here as Virupaksha or Pampapati. His consort Pampa is often associated with the Tungabhadra River.

Vithala Temple The Vithala Temple is located on the southern bank of the Tungabhadra River. The most magnificent of the religious edifices at Hampi, it can be reached from the west by walking on from Hampi Bazaar along the riverbank, or from the east through the Talarigattu Gateway.

St. Mary's Church (Bangalore)  Established by a French Missionary, Abbe Dubois in 1811, this is the only church to be elevated to the status of a minor Basilica. In September, every year, the feast of Virgin Mary is celebrated and attracts people of all faiths.

St. Philomena's Church Located about 3 kms from the city bus stand is a well-known landmark of Mysore. It houses the relic of 3rd century saint, Philomena, in the beautifully arranged catacomb, below the main altar.

Venkataramana Temple (Mangalore) It is one of the very mature temples of Mangalore situated on the Carstreet where Lord Srinivasa is the presiding deity popularly known as Venkatarama.

WILDLIFE AND SANCTUARIES

Bandipur National Park Asian Elephants and Gaurs Bandipur Sanctuary Far from the din of the city, lies a calm, peaceful land all by itself. Nestling some very rare animals and birds.

Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary The sanctuary takes its name from the eponymous river, its lifeline. Popularly known as Muthodi Wildlife Sanctuary, after the village on its periphery

Bheemeshwari Wildlife Sanctuary The sparkling blue waters of Cauvery wind through rocks and ravines and fall off the Deccan Plateau to form the twin falls of Barachukki and Gaganachukki.

Br Hills Wildlife Sanctuary A unique blend of hill resort and wildlife sanctuary. The hills take their name from the ancient Ranganatha Swamy Temple that sits at the edge of a granite precipice with a drop of more than 1000 ft.

Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary The river Cauvery forms the border of a main part of the sanctuary. The terrain is undulating with a number of low altitude hills, rocky knobs and outcrops along the length of the sanctuary

Dandeli Kali Wildlife Sanctuary Dandeli wildlife sanctuary is contiguous with the Mahaveer sanctuary in Goa. The River Kali and its tributaries, Kaneri and Nagajhari, meander through the moist deciduous and semi-evergreen forests.

Kabini River Lodge The supreme attraction in Kabini is the convergence of spectacular wildlife and birdlife on the banks of River Kabini in summer. A team of naturalists will enlighten you on wildlife and take a personal interest in every guest.

Mysore Zoo Mysore Zoo or Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens as it is widely known as was established in the year 1892 in Mysore , by the then Maharaja Chamaraja Wodeyar.

Nagahole National Park In Karnataka, the two attractive wildlife parks of Nagarhole and Bandipur, though separate entities, are part of a larger contiguous wildlife reserve that includes the Mudumalai Sanctuary in Tamil Nadu and the Waynad Reserve in Kerala.

Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary At Ranganthittu you will enjoy your holiday with some glorious sights. The sanctuary is a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts.