Trip to Chikmagalur, Beluru & Halebidu

2 Days Trip to Chikmagalur,Beluru & Halebidu
Description:Belur - Belur is about 38 kms from Hassan and about 220 km from capital city Bangalore and situated on the banks of the river Yagachi, It was once the capital of the Hoysala Empire. What the Parthenon is to Greece and the Pyramids to egypt, the Hoysala temples at Belur are to the South India .In 1116 king Bittiga repudiated Jainsim and returned the Hoysalas to the Hindu fold renaming himself Vishnuvardhana. In the same year he defeted the mighty chols and, to celebrate this victory, ordered a temple erected at Belur, The main temple Chenna keshava Temple took 103 years to build and is a classic example of Hoyasala style. It rises, like a rococo wedding cake in the stone from a star shaped plinth one of the hallmarks of Hoysala building design and bracket figures or 'Madanikas' representing the masterpieces of craftsmanship, the temple and its. These temples have become rich repositories of ancient Hindu Culture, The pillars of the temple are richly carved and you can spend hours studying the minute carvings on the exterior. The inside of the temple is masterfully carved with figures of deities, animals and sensuous dancers and no space had been left blank.
Halebid - Halebid temples and Palaces were once part of the last Hoysala Kingdom in the 12th and 13th centuries is located 16 Km from belur. On a clear day you can have a glimpse of the giant Gomateshwara statue at Sravanabelgola looming in the distance. . It was also known as Dwarasamudra-gateway to the sea - indicating the numerous water bodies that must have been there at the time. Hoysaleswara Temple, the main attaction here was built in 1152 AD It is dikutachala temple, meaning it has two shrines on the same platfrom, They both are deicated to shiva. The secnd temple in Halebid is Shantaleswra temple The two temples took some 100 build and are still incomplete. the interior of the temple is filled with detailed friezes and sculptures depicting scenes narrated in Mahabharatha and Ramayana. Two massive Monolithic bulls are also carved inside the temple.
Chikmagalur - Carved against a mountainous canvas this beautiful malnad district is full of surprises... lofty peaks,delightful nature,dancing rivers and the bracing mountain air . Climb high above the world where the mountains seem to touch the sky. Marvel at the unspoilt beauty of the snow-white coffee blossoms. To add adventure to enchantment this hilly district has some exciting trekking routes in the Western Ghats

Start Time from Bangalore: 6.00 pm evening.
Take a break @ near Channaraya Pattana for dinner
* It takes 6.00 hrs safe drive to reach Chikmagalur (245 Km from Bangalore)
**Around 12.00 midnight you will reach Chikmagalur. Search for some hotel take rest.

DAY 1 Schedules:
1.Start by 6. 00 am early morning to experience the chillness of Chikmagalur, reach mullain giri, the highest peak in Karnataka (viz., 6,317 feet high from Sea Level) is 12 Kms away from Chikmagalur.
2.Reach by 8.30 am Datta peeta (Baba Budan Giri)
3.Reach Kemmana gundi by 12.oo noon. Enjoy the high speed wind which force u to fly.
If we wind up by 4.00, you can drive back towards Chikmagalur (overnight halt) (1.30hrs journey from kemmana gundi).
* Couple of good hotels & resorts of all range is available (including TAJ).

DAY 2 Schedules:
1.Start by 9. 00 am after break fast reach Halebidu (3hrs) which is just 22 kms from Chikmagalur.
2.For lunch you can find some good hotels @ Belur. After lunch visit Belur temple.
If we wind up by 3.00, you can drive towards Bangalore (6.00hrs journey-220km to Belur via Hasan).

Thanks for planning to visit namma Chikmangalur.

Note: 1. If you wish you can stay back, couple of good hotels & resorts of all range is available@ chikmagalur .Book your Hotels in advance.
2.If you wish to continue the trip for one more day them you have some more options as mentioned below.
a. Dharmastala – Kukke Subramanya temple (105 km away from Belur). http://www.shridharmasthala.org
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kukke_Subramanya
b. Cover Halebidu & Belur on first day, chikmagalur on second day and stay back .Third day cover Horanadu & Sringeri.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Horanadu , http://www.sringeri.net/

Information sites:
http://chickmagalur.nic.in/
http://www.karnatakatourism.com/hill/Chikmagalur/Chikmagalur.asp
www.karnataka.com/tourism/belur/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Belur
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Halebidu

Blog Note: More information is available about continuation trips please watch corresponding trips.

Trip to Stone cities Hampi ,badami & Pattadakal

2 Days Trip to Stone cities Hampi,badami & Pattadakal
Description:Hampi “The Stone City of India”. Where each stones & rocks speaks history. HAMPI, the seat of the famed VIJAYANAGARA empire was the capital of the largest empire in post-mogul India, covering several states. The empire reigned supreme under Krishnadevaraya. This village continues to be an important religious centre, housing the Virupaksha Temple. Series of Rocks cordially invites you to enjoy and explore the land. The annual Vijayanagar Festival is organized by the Government of Karnataka in November every year. Hampi city is located 13 kms away from Hospet (nearest City connected bay road & rail).and It is 353 km from Bangalore.

Badami - It was the regal capital of the Badami Chalukyas from 540 to 757 AD. It is famous for rock cut and other structural temples. Badami is picturesquely situated at the mouth of a ravine between two rocky hills. Badami is famous for its four cave temples - all hewn out of sand stone on the precipice of a hill.

Pattadakal - There are ten temples including a Jain sanctuary surrounded by numerous small shrines and plinths. These were built by the queens of Vikramaditya II (734-44) in memory of his victorious march against Kanchi, the Pallava capital, and the temples were named by them after themselves as the Lokeshwara (by Lokadevi) and Trailokeshwara (by Trailokadevi), which came to be known as the Virupaksha and the Mallikarjuna respectively.

Start Time from Bangalore: 7.00 pm evening.
Take a break @ near Chitradurga for dinner
* It takes 8.00 hrs safe drive to reach Badami (512 Km from Bangalore)
**Around 4.00 u will reach Badami. Search for some hotel take rest.

DAY 1 Schedules:
1.Start by 8. 00 am after break fast, cover four caves badami till 3.00pm.
2.Reach Pattadakal and cover all ten (4 main) temples .Which is just 22 km from badami.
If we wind up by 7.00, after dinner you can drive towards hampi (overnight halt) (2.30hrs journey which is 106kms from badami).
* at worst case if not possible to cover badami drop Pattadakal and enjoy badami completely.

DAY 2 Schedules:
Start by 8. 00 am after break fast cover Hampi till 7.00pm.
Places to cover @ hampi • Virupaksha Temple
• The temple of Malyavanta Raghunathaswamy
• Vithala Temple Complex
• House of Victory
• Hazara Ramaswami Temple
• The King’s Balance
• Lotus Mahal
• The Elephant Stables
• Mahanavami Dibba
• Daroji Bear Sanctuary
If we wind up by 7.00, you can find some good hotels @ Hospet (13kms from hampi). After Dinner you can drive towards Bangalore (overnight Journey ) (6.00hrs journey-350km to Bangalore).

Thanks for planning to visit namma Hampi.

Note: 1. If you wish you can stay back,couple of good hotels & resorts of all range is available .Book your Hotels in advance.
2. To enjoy & cover completely with comfort, you need Three days.
3. By Rail: Hospet is the nearest railhead, 13 kms away. Hospet is connected by rail to Bangalore, Bijapur, Hubli and Guntakal.
By Road: Situated at 350 kms from Bangalore, Hampi is well connected by regular KSRTC bus services from Hospet.
* Local tourist vehical can be hired; this will be cost effective and bit risk free
4.If you wish to continue the trip for one more day them you have some more options as mentioned below.
a.Aihole (30 km away from pattadakal) . Stay back in Badami and next day Start early morning and cover Pattadakal & Aihole
b.You can visit Stone fort @ Chitradurga. Via Bangalore from hampi.

Information sites:
http://www.karnatakatourism.com/north/north.asp
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hampi
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Badami
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pattadakal
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aihole
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chitradurga

Blog Note: More information is available about continuation trips please watch corresponding trips.

Trip to Madikeri ( The Scotland of India )

1 Days Trip to Madikeri ( Coorg )

Description: Madikeri “The Scotland of India”.Where you can feel the aroma of fresh coffee,cardamom or black pepper and Coorg honey.It is situated at an elevation of 1525m.Series of mountains cordially invites you to enjoy and explore the land.Misty hills,lush forest,acres and acres of tea and coffee plantation, orange groves, undulating streets and breathtaking views are what make Madikeri an unforgettable holiday destination.Some of the important places to visit around Madikeri are Raja seat-a well maintained garden with a great views of the hills, Abbi-Falls a beautiful waterfall, Bhaga-mandala and finally Tala-Kaveri-the birth place of river Kaveri, is an astoundingly beautiful place which is surrounded by mountains.
Madikeri city is located 120 kms away from Mysore.

Nagarhole National Park.The place derives its name from the winding river-Nagarhole meaning "snake river" -which flows through the park.The 640 sq km of gently undulating terrain at the foothills of the Brahmagiri hills is covered with thick tropical forest, grassy swamps and numerous rivers and streams. The park and animal life is part of the country's first "bio-sphere reserve".The Forest Department conducts tours along well-defined routes for tourists, in the early mornings and evenings. One can be sure of seeing the bison, elephant, spotted deer, sambhar, barking deer, wild boar, mongoose, peakcock, jungle fowl and many other birds and animals. Both trekking and going by private vehicles is allowed, though permission has to be taken first. Huts have been built for those who wish to stay in the wilds.

DAY 1 Schedule:
Start Time from Bangalore: 6.00 am
Take a break @ near Hunsur Bypass for breakfast r good Hotel @ Kushal Nagara
* It takes 2.00 hrs to reach Kushal Nagara (82 Km from Mysore)
**Around 8.30 u will reach Bylakuppe just before Kushal Nagara .Cauvery Nishadharma

1.Tibetan monastery and golden temple, Bylakuppe (30mins) just before Kushalnagar.
2.Cauvery Nishadharma (3 hrs),Kushal Nagara. It is an island in the middle of the river connected by a rope bridge. You can do boating or go for elephant rides as well as visit the elephant training camp run by the Forest Department at Dubare
( 8 kms further ).
3.Talakaveri which is 30 kms from Kushal Nagar. Birth palce of holy river kaveri.(1.00hr)
4.Bhagamandala Temple (30 min) By the time you cover these above places it will be around 2.00 am its time for Lunch .You can find some good hotels in madikeri city.
5.Around 2.00 pm we can leave for Abbey falls (2 hr)
6.In evening reach Raja seat form sun set view (3hrs).
* If we wind up by 7.00 pm we can reach Mysore by 9.30 pm ,After Dinner you can catch the way towards Bangalore ( 2.30hrs journey from Mysore).

Thanks for planning to visit namma Medikeri.

Note:
1.If you wish you can stay back,couple of good hotels & resorts of all range is available .Book your Hotels in advance.
2.Shopping : Coffee,Coorg honey & handicrafts.
3.If you wish to continue the trip for one more day them you have some more options as mentioned below.
a.Nagarahole National('Rajiv Gandhi National Park') (94 km away from Mysore) and 40 kms from Madikeri towards Mysore. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nagarhole_National_Park.
b.Stay back & next day Start early morning and reach Nagarahole by 8.00 am
c.Enjoy your day in exploring wild safari and nature view @ Nagarahole.Both trekking and going by private vehicles is allowed,* permission has to be taken first.
d.If we wind up by 6.00 pm we can reach Mysore by 8.00 pm ,After Dinner you can catch the way towards Bangalore ( 2.30hrs journey from Mysore).
e.If you wish you can stay in Nagarahole.Jungle Huts have been built for those who wish to stay in the wilds also comfort jungle resorts are available,which should be booked well in advance.

Information sites:
http://www.madikeri.com/
http://www.karnatakatourism.com
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Madikeri
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nagarhole_National_Park
http://www.junglelodges.com/destination_overview.asp?resort=Nagarahole+National+Park
http://www.coorgtourisminfo.com/hotels.asp
http://www.travelcoorg.com/html/places_to_see.html
http://www.gocoorg.com/hotels-resorts.html

Blog Note: More information is available about continuation trips please watch corresponding trips.

Wild trip to Bandipur National Park

1 Days wild trip to Bandipur National Park (forest)
Description:
Nanjangud is also called as "Dakshina Kashi" , It is a temple town and is on the banks of the river Kapila .It is at a distance of 23 km from the city of Mysore.
It is believed that sage Gauthama stayed here for some time and installed a Lingam, the idol form of Shiva. The temple was originally built by the Ganga rulers in the 9th century. Later temple was renovated by Great Tippu Sultan who had faith in the God. It is said and inscribed in the temple history that his favorite and beloved elephant was bestowed with eyesight by the Lord, after Tippu Sultan's vow with the local deity. The Sultan then had a Lingam made of jade along with an emerald necklace and donated it to the temple.
Bandipur National Park is one of India's best known sanctuaries, and is an important Project Tiger reserve. It is home to around hundreds of tigers and over three thousand Asian elephants along with leopards, dholes, gaur, sloth bears and other wild specious.
Himavad Gopalaswamy Betta – accessible by a small road through the village of Hangala north of the national park. Located inside the forest is a popular trekking spot. There is also a motorable road to the summit of the hill. The area is also frequented by herds of wild elephants. Nobody is allowed to stay beyond 5:30 PM.

1 DAY Schedule:
Start Time from Mysore: 6.00 am

*It takes 30 min to reach Nanjanagudu (23 Km from Mysore)

1.Nanjundeshwara Swamy temple (30 min) – Take a break for breakfast (30min), you can find hotels near Bus stand or Main circle Junction.
2.Now we travel towards Bandipur National park, which is 60 kms from Nanjangudu. Around 9.00 am u will reach Park.
3.If we wind up by 6.00 pm, we can reach Mysore City by 8.30 pm (80 Km from Bandipur).After Dinner you can catch the way towards Bangalore (2.30hrs journey).

Thanks for planning to visit namma Bandipura National Park.

Note:
1.Drive very carefully near Bandipur forest region.Wild animals may come across.
2.If you wish to continue the trip for one more day them you have some more options as mentioned below.
Bandipura – Ooty, 75 km away from Bandipura (need one day extra to cover)
a.Continue your journey towards Ooty from BNP,you can reach destination by 9.00 pm.
b.One full day sight seeing of Ooty and at the end one long night journey to Bangalore via Mysore.(157+143=300 kms).
3.Many Jungle resorts are available near bandipur,if you wish to stay you can.
book your hotels in advance,b'cos only limited rooms available.

Information sites:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mysore
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bandipur_National_Park
www.karnatakatourism.com

Namma Royal Mysore

Two days weekend trip to Royal Mysore ,
Crafted to covers maximum places and experience the Royal culture of Mysore.

Description: Cultural capital of Karnataka,Mysore is a majestic,mysterious and royal city.It has inherited all Indian traditions with modernity. Mysore has a number of historical and heritage buildings.The Royal City of Mysore, a beautiful city ideal for people who wish to live a peaceful life. Mysore is a place well renowned for Dasara festival and is a favored tourism destination throughout India.Also known as the City of Palaces. Mysore was the capital of the Wodeyar dynasty,feudatories of the Vijayanagar Empire, who declared their independence in the 16th century and ruled in Mysore until independence, also between 1750-1798 Hyder Ali and his son Tipu Sultan ruled Mysore. Tipu Sultan who invented & implemented missiles during Mysore war against East Indian Company. Which also motivated our lovable all time favorite President Bharat Ratna APJ Abdul Kalam to design & develop many missiles of India including Agni and Prithvi.
Mysore city is located 140 kms away from Bangalore.
Travel Services & Information: The city of Mysore is easily accessible to all parts of the country by rail as well as road. The best way to reach Mysore is from Bangalore (a distance of 139 km) by train or bus. Bangalore is connected to all the major cites of the country by air. Bangalore is well connected to Delhi,Mumbai, Calcutta, Kochi, Hyderabad, Chennai and Mangalore by Express trains.

DAY 1 Schedule:
Start Time from Bangalore: 6.00 am
Take a break @ Maduru for breakfast r @ Amaravathi Hotel near Mandya. (20 min)

* It takes 2.30 hrs to reach Srirangapattana (130 Km from Bangalore)
**Around 8.30 u will reach Srirangapattana

1.Sriranganatha Swamy temple (30 min) – Tippu Jail (20 min)– Tippu death Place (10 min) ( all this comes in right side of Srirangapattana)
2.Tippu Summer palace & Museums ( 1 hr) - Tippu Gumbaz ( 30 min) – Sangama (30 min) ( all this comes in left side of Srirangapattana)
By the time you cover these above places it will be around 12.30 pm its time for Lunch, you can find hotels near Srirangapattana Bus stand
3.Ranganathittu (Birds sanctuary) located just 5 kms from Srirangapattana via Mysore.
4.Around 3.30 pm we can leave for Krishna Raja Sagar KRS (10 kms from Ranganathittu) and u can spend maximum time here.
* Please be there before 4.00pm so that you can cover all places in KRS- Dame built across river Kaveri, musical fountain, garden etc.
5.Reach Mysore City around 9.00 pm (15 Km from KRS) take rest for the day.

DAY 2 Schedules:

* leave Mysore by 7.00 am after break fast to Chamundi Hill (12 kms from City)

6.Chamundi Hill ( 2.00hrs) .You can cover Chamundeshwari temple- Mahisasura statue –Nandhi (25 feet single stone Bull) – Mysore City Arial view.
7.Reach Mysore Place around 10.00 am ,you can experience the Royal touch of Mysore, tourists are allowed inside the place ( 2.00 hrs)
8.Around 12.30 after lunch visit to Mysore Zoo (3.00hrs)
9.Around 5.30 am Philomena’s church 5 kms from Zoo ( 30 min)
10.Last but the Best of Mysore,Mysore palace lighting.Please be there around 6.30 pm (parking is available @ north & south gates >> for tourist bus south gate only).To experience the magic of lights,get inside before they switch on the lightings. Lighting timings 7.00 pm -8.00 pm only on sunday and national holidays.

After Dinner you can travel catch the way towards Bangalore ( 2.30hrs journey).

Thanks for planning to visit namma Royal Mysore.

Note:
1.Book your Hotels in advance, difficult to find during Dasara festival ( Navarathri) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Navratri#Karnataka
2.Shopping : Mysore silks , Sandal wood crafts & oil
For Crafts - The government run "Kaveri Emporium" located on Sayyaji rao Road,Mysore 100 % quality
* Many shops are available in K.R Circle, Mysore
** Shopping streets – Devaraja Urs Road & Sayyaji Rao Road are best
3.Prefer Saturday & Sunday so that you don’t miss Mysore place lighting.
4.If you wish to continue the trip for one more day them you have some more options as mentioned below.
i.Nanjangudu & wild trip Bandipur National Park (forest )for Bird watching, Tiger safari, Elephant ride, Nature walk(80 km away from Mysore)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bandipur_National_Park
ii.Nagarhole National('Rajiv Gandhi National Park') (94 km away from Mysore)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nagarhole_National_Park
iii.Kushalnagar & Madikeri ( 120 kms away from Mysore) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Madikeri
iv.Shivana samudra (Gaganachukki & Bharachukki Falls )- Talakadu - Somanathpura -(50 km from Mysore)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sivasamudram_Falls
v.Bandipura – Ooty nead ,154 km away from mysore (need two day extra to cover both )

Information sites:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mysore
http://mysore.nic.in
http://www.karnatakatourism.com
www.mysorezoo.in
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tippu_Sultan

Blog Note: More information is available about continuation trips please watch corresponding trips.