Chembra Peak Trek Wayanad

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Standing tall at 2100 m above sea level, Chembra is the highest peak in Wayanad District. Undoubtedly, this is one of the most charming and instagrammable locations in the whole of Kerala. The heart-shaped lake which dwells on the way to the top is the major highlight of this enthralling trek. And, this is called “Eros” or “Hridaya Thadakam”, and it is believed that this lake has never gone dry by the locals.

Chembra is located in the Meppadi village, which is 8 km to the south of Kalpetta, Wayanad. For all the nature lovers and trek enthusiasts, this place gotta be in your list, as this place is a blend of adventure and nature in equal proportions

Before you start your trek, take permission from Meppadi Forest Office. Usually, it will cost around Rs 750 for a group of 10  members (irrespective of No. of members below 10). Besides this, forest officers will allot a local guide, who will be trekking along with us throughout the trek.

Chembra Peak Trek

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Initially, you have to hike along a flat muddy road next to aromatic tea plantations for 1.5 km. After this, you should trek for another 2 Kilometers through the dense forest and green meadows to reach the heart-shaped lake. Indeed, the sight of the lake with the backdrop of misty mountains of Nilgris is something that is out of the box.

Chembra summit is just 1.5 Kilometers from the heart-shaped lake, but it is harder than the previous one. Mostly you will be hiking through rugged and uneven surfaces that are steep. But as you are gaining height, the splendid view of the foamy clouds; the valley down below with hues of green; quaint little Wayanad towns; and also offers a panoramic view of Kozhikode & evergreen Nilgiris hills adjoining the Chembra peak is a breath-taking experience altogether. 

There are many small shops at the base of the hills which serve snacks and water bottles. Try carrying some snacks with you to stay energetic during the trek, as the trail is a bit tricky.

If time permits and if you are willing to shell out some extra bucks local guides will be happy to take you around the tribal settlement sites near Chembra Hill.

How To Reach Chembra Hill Base

There are plenty of bus services that operate between Bangalore and Wayanad. You have to get down from the bus in Kalpetta (the headquarters of Wayanad). Once you get down in Kalpetta, you rent a hotel or stay to freshen up near the bus stand. After that, you can either take a local bus or hire an auto-rickshaw or jeep from Kalpetta to Meppadi town which is 8 Km away. From Meppadi town, you can hire another jeep till Chembra Hill Base which is 10 Km away.

Chembra Peak Trek information

Timings:7 Am To 2 Pm

Entry Fee: Rs 750 for a group of 10  members (irrespective of No. of members below 10)

Hridaya Thadakam Trek Distance: 7 Km (To & Fro)

Chembra Peak Trek Distance: 9 To 10 Km (To & Fro)

Difficulty Level: Easy

Trek Duration: 5 To 6 Hours

Camping: Not Allowed

Location: 10 Km from Meppadi town, Wayanad

Distance From Bangalore: 286 Km

Also , read: Best Places To Visit In Munnar

Maravanthe Beach | Home To Virgin Beaches Of Karnataka

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Maravanthe is a small coastal town that houses the long stretch of Virgin beaches on the western coast of Karnataka. It is known for its pristine sandy beaches, blueish waters, serene swaying rivers, palm trees, endless seashores, and Kodachadri hills crowning the scenery. Maravanthe Beach that runs parallel to National Highway 17 at 100 meters and Souparnika river makes it a hot spot among travellers. Especially, among the bikers who get to view the beauty of the Arabian sea on one side and river on the other side while riding. 

The waves are mild and gentle, hence don’t forget to take your beachwear to take a dip in the water. Moreover,  this is the best place to laze around doing nothing and watch sunsets that are absolutely magnificent. In peak monsoon seasons you can even witness the beauty waves crashing the road with a thud sound.

Things To Do In Maravanthe Beach

Scuba Diving / Snorkelling In Maravanthe Beach

If you are an adventure freak then scuba diving and snorkelling gotta be at the top of your to-do list in Maravanthe. This is one of the perfect places in Karnataka to experience and explore rare and beautiful marine life underwater. Climate, water, currents, and environment everything in here is ideal for underwater diving. Not just that even the services offered here are top class, safe, and reliable.

Boating In Backwaters Of Souparnika River

With greenish waters, palm trees lined up on shores, lotus flowers, and tiny scenic islands, boat rides in the backwaters are sure to give a memorable experience. These rides are the best way to witness and get closer to the locals and know their culture. Furthermore, you can take a dip in rivers, visit temples on the shores, try some local cuisines and even spend your whole day in the islands in the river.

Not to mention, this is possibly one of the most beautiful picture-perfect beach destinations in Karnataka. Hence, always carry your cameras to capture the beauty of the land that Maravanthe has in store.

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Stroll To Turtle Bay Beach To Witness Variety Of Turtles

As the sea waves keep thumping at your feet. you can take a 10 min walk to Turtle bay beach from Maravanthe beach. This beach got its name from a wide range of turtles that inhabit here. In fact, you can spot a lot of turtles during the nesting period from October to December every year.

Padukone Village Near Maravanthe

A small beautiful looking village on the banks of backwaters and it is surrounded by Souparnika river on 3 sides. With lots of greenery around you can laze through the town doing nothing and spend time with locals amidst nature. Nowadays, this place has turned out to be a top-notch picnic spot among the travellers as there isn’t much crowd hoping in. 

People here are very friendly and they mostly speak Tulu language. Besides this, there are some local eateries, where you can try out on authentic Tulu cuisines that are spicy. You can either visit this place by taking a boat ride or through a tiny bridge that connects Maravanthe and Padukone town.

Facts: Padukone village is the birthplace of famous Badminton player Prakash Padukone.

What And Where To Eat In Maravanthe Beach

In spite of being a favourite destination among travellers, you can hardly find any restaurants near Maravanthe beach. You need to stroll through for 1 km to Turtle Bay beach to find some good eateries.  Indeed, you are guaranteed to have some delicious Tulu style cuisines and spicy hot seafood. In particular, never miss out on Neer dose, Chicken ghee roast, Chicken Sukka, Kori roti, Fish or Bangude Pulimunchi, Kappa Roti, and Fish fry.

How To Reach Maravanthe Village

Maravanthe is 2 hour’s drive away from Udupi and just 12 km from prominent Kundapura town. There are plenty of local buses from Udupi that take you to Maravanthe. Also, you can abode a train that drops you in Kundapura and from there you can take an auto-rickshaw. 

Maravanthe Beach Information

Best Time To Visit: September To March.

Places To Visit Near Maravanthe Beach: Kodachadri Hills, Kodi Bengre Beach, and Padukone Village.

Distance From Bangalore: 425 Km.

Also, read:

Kodi Bengre Beach.

Bheemeshwara Waterfalls Trek

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Bheemeshwara waterfall is a lesser-known trail that is tucked in the Sharavathi Valley Wildlife Sanctuary of Western ghats. It is located near a quaint little town Kargal on Bhaktal – Kargal road in Shimoga, Karnataka.  Bheemeshwara waterfalls are one of the most beautiful all season falls that tumble down from 50ft high Valley studded with rocks. This place is also known as the Sarala hole or Sarala falls by the locals. 

Not just that, there is an old cave temple dedicated to Lord Shiva that dates back to Mahabharata times. You need to take the stairway that is right next to falls to reach the cave temple.

You need to hike through a beautiful untrodden pathway for 4 km to reach the Bheemeshwara falls that never dries up. Firstly, a muddy path will lead you into the lush green forest that is mist-filled. Later, you need to hike down the valley and cross few streams over the small bridge to witness this beauty. Besides this, there are agricultural fields and tiny old-fashioned houses where locals reside on the way to falls.

Mahashivaratri Festival In Bheemeshwara  Or Bheemalingeswara Temple

You will hardly find any tourists as the place remains isolated within the forest, except for the Mahashivaratri festival. During Mahashivaratri festival time a special puja is offered to Lord Shiva. Hence, you can witness the whole town coming alive with colorful lights, devotional songs, and thousands of devotees flocking around 

History Behind Bheemeshwara WaterFalls and Cave Temple

Apparently, as per locals, this cave temple dedicated to Shiva was established by Bheema of Pandavas during their exile period. Hence,  this temple is called the Bheemeshwara or Bheemalingeswara, Apart from this, Arjuna one of the brothers of Pandavas used his arrow to get water from rocks for the temple purpose and that formed the falls.

Hoysalas have constructed the temple during their reign and we can see the glimpses of their style.

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Food Near Bheemeshwara Falls

There are no fancy or any kind of restaurants near the falls. You can request the locals staying near the falls to cook food and coffee for a minimum amount and they will be happy to do it. But make sure to inform the locals about the food at least 2 hours prior. Usually, You can expect white rice with sambar or a lemon rice kind of dish.

Monsoons are the best time to visit Bheemeshwara Falls

During Monsoon whole of the forest will turn green and misty, as you walk the drizzles of rain is makes everything around you magical.

Bheemeshwara WaterFalls Trek Information.

Entry Fee: NA.

Trek Difficulty: Easy.

Trek Distance: 4 Km

Best Time To Visit: July To March.

Distance From Bangalore; 418 Km

Also, read:

Unchalli Falls Trek.

 

Kodi Bengre Beach – An Offbeat Paradise

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Sun, sand, seafood, and surfing is on your menu then head to Kodi Bengre Beach on Konkan coastline. A lesser-known beach that sits on the laidback fishing Village Kodi Bengre, Udupi, Karnataka. Tucked away pristine beaches, Calm backwaters, and lots of greenery with dense mangrove trees is the highlight of the place. Outside of this, there is Sangam point, where the river Suvarna merges with the relentless Arabian sea.

Kodi Bengre distances itself away from the rest of the world, making it a hotspot among solo Travellers and Photographers. Also known as the Delta beach, this place is just 9 km from Udupi town and 70 km from Mangalore.

There are several small ports of fisheries and fishing is the soul business in this place.

Things To Do In Kodi Bengre or Delta Beach

Visit Fisherman Village

Try visiting Fishman’s village as you stroll through the beach and have a peek at their daily life. In the meantime, if you happened to make friends here, then get ready for delicious fish meals.

 Surfing In Delta Beach

Surfing is one of the main adventure sports on this beach. You can spot a lot of surfers from all over India paying a visit. Delta beach is well suited for amateurs as well as pros. Not just that, there is a surfing club named “Shaka Surf Club” that teaches surfing for every individual. 

Boat Tour Into The Mangroves

 You can take a boat ride in the backwaters which is stuffed with Mangroves on both sides. If you are a photographer then you will love the place as there are so many hidden gems to capture.

Catch the views of the sun rising above and going down the horizon, which is absolutely spectacular from this beach.

Last but not least,  try doing nothing by observing the waves crashing the sand and listen to rhythmic music it creates.

Tips: Avoid swimming going deep into the sea as this beach has sinking sand and it is very risky.

Restaurants and  Foods In Kodi Bengre

 There are plenty of shacks and toddy shops that sell refreshments and beverages. Kinara is one of the best restaurants in town that serves chilled beer and local seafood delicacies. You can try authentic foods like prawn ghee roast, fish fry, fish thali and neer dosa. Moreover, restaurants here will never burn a hole in your pocket.

You can have freshly brewed super cold coconut palm toddy that is popular among the locals. Every toddy gulp you take has the power to make the world around you go at a slow pace and will make you forget all your worries.

How to reach Kodi Bengre Or Delta Beach

Kodi Bengre is just 9 km from Udupi main town and hence you will find city buses making frequent trips.if not bus then you can take auto rickshaws or even stroll through the streets to reach this place.

Furthermore, there are frequent bus services from Bangalore to Udupi and from there you can take city bus.

Kodi Bengre Beach Information

Udupi To Kodi: 9 Km

Bus Ticket Cost From Udupi: Rs 20/ head.

Auto-rickshaw Cost From Udupi: RS 150 / side.

Distance from Bangalore:412 km.

Conclusion

The Top-notch about the place is its pristine environments and solitude, as only a handful of people walk in. Hence, if you are looking for a place that would help you in soul searching, relaxing, and rejuvenating yourself with a pinch of adventure, then head to Kodi Bengre.

If you have any great memories related to this place, please add them in the comment section below. We will be very happy to know your stories.

Also, read: 

Kaup Beach – A lesser Known Paradise.

Aihole – cradle of Indian temple architecture

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Aihole is an untroubled village that sits amidst red sandstone hills. on the banks of Malaprabha River. Located in Bagalkot, this place is home to over 125 beautiful temples that majorly belong to the Chalukyan and others. You can find Hindu, Jains, and Buddhist.temples, and most of them date back to 6th to 8th AD. No doubt, monuments here have all the power to take you back in time through its pristine beauty.

Besides this, Aihole was the capital of the mighty Chalukyas Empire before they shifted it to Badami. Earlier, this place was known as  “Ayyahole” or Aryapura” and played a major significance in Indian Mythology. Also, known as the “ cradle of Indian temple architecture” because first experiments with temple architecture styles began here in the 6th century. 

Indeed, there are inscriptions that tell about the cultural richness and strength of empires that ruled in this period. Above all, structures here speak for themselves and telling us this town was certainly flooded with highly skilled architectures.

Even though Aihole was ruled by many rulers after Chaluyans, it still retains the label of Chalukyan Kingdom due to their great contribution.

You can either stroll on your foot or take a bicycle to get around the town, as places are not far away.

Durga temple 

This is possibly one of the famous temples in Aihole that is built-in authentic Dravidian style.  Although this temple is called the Durga temple, it is dedicated to Lord Shiva and Vishnu. In fact, this is named after the “Durg fort” nearby and not the Deity “Durga Goddess”.

It is a horseshoe-shaped temple that resembles a Buddhist chaitya and has carvings of Ramayana on its walls. However, most of the temples are in ruins.as of now. You can also witness figures of Lord Shiva, Vishnu, Narasimha, and Mahishasuramardini on the temple walls.

Lad Khan Temple

One of the oldest temples in Aihole and it was built by Chalukyas in 5th century AD. There are 2 shrines called Gaudhargudi and Chikkigudi dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is built in Panchayat hall style with 2 sanctums that resemble the royal assembly hall or marriage hall. There are two storeys to this sanctum and the upper one can be reached by a stone ladder. Roofs are decorated with Lord Surya, Vishnu, and Shiva carvings. As you walk in you can notice goddess Ganga and Yamuna at the entrance of the temple.

Last but not the least, this temple is named after an Islam prince who stayed in the temple before British archaeologists took over.

Ravana Phadi Cave Temple

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These are rock-cut cave temples that are older than that of Badami caves which were built in 6th century AD. There are 3 entrances to this temple and even this one is dedicated to Lord Shiva. You can see carvings of dancing Shiva(Nataraja) along with Ganesha, Sapta Kanimars, and Mahishasuramardini on walls.

Hucchimalli Temple

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Located to the north of the village, Hucchimalli temple was built-in 7th century AD. This temple dedicated to creator destroyer and preserver i.e. Lord Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva respectively. Sculpture of Lord Vishnu sitting on top of a cobra is popular among all others. Not just that, there is a stepwell with is filled with water and has carvings of Lord Subramanya and his attendants. You can also spot carvings of Surya, Garuda, Ganga, and the Yamuna in here.

Huchappayyagudi Temple

You can find this temple on your way to Malaprabha River. Interestingly, the whole temple is carved out of a monolithic rock and it shows us the skills of Chalukyas. Even this temple is desiccated to Shiva and intricacies of Nataraja ( dancing Shiva) can be seen on the ceilings.

Konti Group of Temples

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Konti temples can be found in the middle of the bazaar in the village. It is a group of 4 temples and each date back to different dates. Of course, two temples here belong to Ratrakutas dynasties. This temple has an open hall with slopping roofs and carving of Shiva, Brahma, and reverted Vishnu can be noted on ceilings.

Suryanarayana Temple

Suryanarayan temple is built during the 7th century and has 4 pillared inner sanctums. You can see 2 feet long statue of Lord Surya along with his consorts Usha and Sandhya.

Archeological Museum

The museum is under the maintenance of the Indian Archeological department and it was established in 1987. In fact, this place is right behind the famous Durga temple of Aihole. You can see stone sculptures,  inscriptions, statues, and antiques that belong to the Chalukyan and era after that.

 How To Reach Aihole?

This town is well connected with roads and hence you can get a lot of buses from Bangalore and Bagalkot. 

Aihole information:

Distance From Bangalore: 450 Km.

Duration To Visit All Places: 6  to 8 hours.

Entry Fee: Rs 10/ head (Not applicable to all places)

Places To Visit Near Aihole: Badami 35 Km and Pattadakalu 10 Km.

Also, read: Badami Caves

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Mesmerizing Magod Falls In Uttara Kannada

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Magod is a group of falls set amidst the dense jungles of Western ghats, near Yellapur, Uttara Kannada. It is a 2 tier waterfall, formed by the rivers Bedti and Shalmala. You can see the water gushing down the rocky paths from a height of 200m (650 ft) with a loud roar. Later, the falls are split into 2 segments before joining a narrow stream at the bottom of the valley.

The path leading to these falls is beautifully set up with narrow roads and deciduous trees lined up all along the way providing shades. Typical bikers would love the ride as most of the journey would seem like off-roading on muddy patches.

How To reach Magod Falls?

Only sources to reach the spot would be through an auto-rickshaw or your own vehicles from Yellapur. As the place dwells deep inside the forest, you may not find public transports services here.

After reaching the spot, you need to take a small walkway, which will lead you down to viewpoints. The walkway offers a great view across the valley and has a railing protecting us from steep falls. There are two points from where we can observe Magod Falls and both offer a different stunning view. 

You can take a  narrow pathway downwards from viewpoint-2 to reach the bottom of falls. If you like adventures and taking risks is your norm, then take a  narrow pathway downwards from viewpoint-2 to reach the bottom of falls. Be cautious as the pathway leading to the foot of Magod is full of rocky boulders and extremely slippery during monsoon.

Best Time To Visit Magod Falls

Monsoons are the best time to visit as the river gets wild, waterfalls turn loud, and the thunderous with the whole region covered with mist. Never miss out on a hot cup of chai served by local vendors in cool breezy weather.

Also, visit Jenukallu Gudda and Kavadi Kere (60 acres lake) which is 5 to 10 odd km from Magod Falls.

Magod waterfalls Information

Entry Fee: NA

Duration: 1 to 2 hours

Best Time To Visit: July To Jan

Distance From Yellapur: 17 Km

Distance From Bangalore: 440 Km

Also, read:

Jog Falls- The Highest Waterfall In Karnataka.

Best Waterfalls In Karnataka That You Must Not Miss

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Undoubtedly, Karnataka is one of the most alluring landscapes in India, where you can enjoy nature to the fullest. Karnataka has got it all, from beaches to plains to mountains, hills, waterfalls, rivers, rocky terrains, etc. As monsoon arrives, the whole state becomes alive with wild and free-flowing streams that make way for some mesmerizing falls. Some of these falls are perennial, whereas the others are only restricted to a few seasons.Here is a list of Best waterfalls in Karnataka that you can’t afford to miss out this coming monsoon.

Best Waterfalls In Karnataka To Lose Yourself

Sathodi Falls

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Sathodi falls the lesser-known beauty formed after multiple unknown streams unite together near Kallaramane ghat. It is a 50 ft waterfall that appears rectangular in shape and flows throughout the year amidst the dense forest near Yellapur of Uttara Kannada District.

You need to hike for about 500 m within the lush green forest, cross over a lot steep slippery rocks and hop from one log to another to witness the clear silky white water falling from great heights. The waterfall forms a natural pool like structure, where you can take a dip. If you are a biker then it is one of the best places to go for off-road trail and getting your bike dirtied with mud.

Dudhsagar Falls

Dudhsagar waterfalls are located on the Karnataka-Goa border, it is divided into a four-tiered waterfall on the Mandovi river and has different pathways to reach each level. The name ‘Dudhsagar’ literally translates to ‘sea of milk’ due to its appearance which seems like milk is overflowing from the mighty mountain peaks of the Western Ghats.

This waterfall is one of the tallest waterfalls of India, at a height of around 1017 ft. Mostly people like hiking on railway tracks & through railway tunnels present amidst captivating natural surroundings, to reach the falls. No matter which way you choose, the noise of water crashing on the rocks, the cool breeze, water drizzling as you get closer to falls, and an endless flow of clear white water from greater heights is sure to make any person go down on their knees & fall in love with nature.

Gokak Falls

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Gracefully flowing Ghataprabha river, after winding through a long route gushes down from 171 ft(52 metres) over sandstone cliff and rocky boulders to form beautiful looking Gokak falls. Besides this, the humongous waterfall has a flood width of 170 metres and its resemblance in many ways are similar to that of Niagara falls in the USA. Hence, It is also popularly known as “ Mini Niagara” by the locals. Gokak got its name from the Goki river that runs in this region.

There is a hanging rope suspension bridge which is 200 metres(659 ft) long and lies just 14 metres above the river bedrock of the falls. Hiking on the rope bridge during the rainy season as the river below is running violently causing chaos is sure to thrill the adventure junkies.

Best time to visit this place is when the rivers are running wild and free during the rainy season i.e. in the months of June to September

Vibhooti Falls

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Just about 8 km from Yana caves lies this small perennial Vibhooti waterfalls surrounded by gigantic rocks and limestone deposits, in Sahyadri mountains ranges of western ghats. You need to trek for about 1.5 km to reach this 70 ft multi-tiered waterfall. The journey towards falls in itself is a great experience as you will be hiking through green shades of the forest; slippery rock, and small streams running with endless clear water. Not to mention the sight of mist-filled mighty mountains and deep valley next to you is mind-blowing.

Like many other waterfalls, even this is not visible, until you reach the endpoint. But what awaits you at the end, as the clear white water gushes down the rocks forming a pool & sound of free-flowing as it enters the forest area is pure bliss. There is a popular belief that the water that flows from the Yana caves region is the sacred ash (vibhooti), and hence the name Vibhooti Falls.

Magod Falls

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Magod is a group of waterfalls sitting amidst the dense jungles of Western ghats, near Yellapur, Uttara Kannada. The rivers Bedti and Shalmala form this 2 tier waterfall. You can see the water gushing down the rocky paths from a height of 200m (650 ft) with a loud roar. Later, the falls are split into 2 segments before joining a narrow stream at the bottom of the valley.

The path leading to these falls is beautifully set up with narrow roads and deciduous trees lined up all along the way providing shades. Typical bikers would love the ride as most of the journey would seem like off-roading on muddy patches.

After reaching the spot, you need to take a small walkway, which will lead you down to viewpoints. The walkway offers a great view across the valley and has a railing protecting us from steep falls. There are two points from where we can observe Magod Falls and both offer a different stunning view. 

Jog Falls

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Jog is a majestic Waterfall standing tall amidst varying hues of lush green forests of Western ghats in Sagara, Shimoga. Sharavathi river cascades down from a height of 253 meters (830 ft) to form the famous Jog Falls. Indeed, this is the 2nd highest waterfall in India after the Nokalikal falls in Meghalaya that plunges from 335 meters. These falls are also known as Gerosappa or Joga falls or Jogada Gundi by the localities. There are 4 distinctive falls namely Raja, Rani, Roarer, and Rocket that form the Jog falls.

With misty forests regions; water gushing down rapidly; the sound of water crashing on rocks; vaporous spray from the rock; birds chirping around; and rainbows everywhere will leave you mesmerized during the peak Monsoon season. However, water dries up a little bit during summer seasons making it look a bit empty.

Unchalli Falls

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Unchalli falls is a hidden gem that is nestled in the Sahyadri forest range of Western ghats near Siddapura, Uttara Kannada. Water tumbles down from a height of 116 meters and spreads along rocks forming a triangle before reaching the ground. Untouched river Aghanashini that originates in Sirsi town. gives rise to Unchalli waterfalls.

Above all, these places are popular for their frequent rainbow spottings, mist-filled forests, and an uphill trek.  In fact, this waterfall was discovered in 1845 by JD Lushington, the former collector of the Colonial British Government. Hence, Unchalli is also known as Lushington falls.

All along the way, you can spot blooming flowers, lofty trees, green creepers, and tiny wild animals. You will love every bit of journey as nature playfully blows gentle winds at you all day long. There are multiple paths to this trek, hence you can ask locals to know the easy and safe route.

There are 2 different platforms from where you can observe the scenic beauty of the falls. As you walk in right by the entrance you can spot the falls from the top angle. Besides this, if you want to have a closer view, then hike down a muddy path to Platform 2.

Conclusion 

Do you feel like taking a dip and get lost in the serenity of some of the best waterfalls in Karnataka? So, what are you waiting for? just pack your backpack, put on your boots, and bid adieu to your normal life by staying in the wild.

Banavasi – The Oldest Town Of Karnataka

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Banavasi is the oldest town of Karnataka and the first capital of native Kannada empire  Kadambas. This is a laid back temple town near Sirsi in the Malenadu region of Uttara Kannada. The place is set amidst thick forest, ancient village and river Varada flowing around it on three sides. Earlier the Banavasi was known with many names like “Konkanapura”, Vaijayanthipura”, “Jayanthipura”, “Vanavasika”, etc.

Blessed with pristine nature, ancient temples, paddy fields, wild rivers, and tumbling waterfalls this is Sureshot heaven for travellers.

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History of Banavasi

First native rulers of Karnataka, who happened to rule the entire state. Kadambas ruled from 345 AD for about 2 centuries and made Banavasi as their capital. They were the ones to make Kannada as the official language of the state. Recently, a 5th-century copper coin belonging to Krishna Verma with the inscription of Kannada scripts was discovered. This is one of the oldest coins and it’s used during Kadambas for trade purpose.

After Kadambas, the kingdom fell into hands of a lot of other dynasties like Ratrakutas, Chalukyas, the Hoysalas, Sonda, Vijayanagar, and Yadavas who played their part in developing the town.

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This is possibly one of the oldest towns in Karnataka. The mere existence of the town can be dated back to 4000 BC. as.it finds a mention in Hindu Mythology Mahabharat. It was referred to as “ Vanavasika” in  Mahabharat.

Besides this, Banavasi has found a mention in books of ancient travellers and philosophers from other countries. Claudius Ptolemy, a Roman geographer has mentioned about the beauty of the town in one of his work during 2nd century AD,

Huen Tsang, a Chinese traveller, had visited Banavasi during (630 – 644AD) and has mentioned about it in Chinese script. Also, traces can be found in works of the Persian scholar Alberuni.

In Fact, Banavasi was the home to great Kannada poet Adikavi Pampa. And it is believed that he wrote many of his epics sitting on the banks of river Varada. 

Pampa has mentioned about this place in one of his works telling-

It is pure bliss to be born in Banavasi as a human being. If not as a human being, then at least one should be born as a bee or a cuckoo in the garden of Banavasi.- Pampa

 Madhukeshwara Temple explanation

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Madhukeshwara temple dedicated to Lord Shiva was built by Mayura Sharma of Kadamba dynasty in the 9th century The Shivalinga here is in honey colour and “Madhu” in Kannada literally means honey,  hence the name Madhukeshwara, Unlike most of the temples which follow a specific style, this temple does not deflect any particular architecture. As the temple has undergone many changes with the change of rule.

In Addition to this, we can also notice temples of Parvati, Narasimha, Veerabadra,  and Basavalinga.

Not just that, there are mandapas like Sankalpa, Nritya, and Triloka Mantapa which beautifies the temple. Sankalpa Mantapa or meeting hall was built by Chalukyas and Nritya  Mantapa was built during the Hoyalas period. Triloka Mantapa that depicts the 3 worlds can be seen in carvings.

Nagadevatha sculptures that are carved with an inscription of Brahmi and Prakrit can also be seen. You can also witness a cot made out of stone within the temple.

Chandragutti fort, Gundapura lake, Unchalli falls, Yana caves, and Pampavana are some of the places you can pay a visit when you are here.

Banavasi- one of the main centres arts and Culture In Karnataka

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Banavasi has been a prominent place for arts and cultural activities right from the days of Kadamba dynasty. Hence, to continue the legacy,” Kadambamahatsava” a cultural festival is organised for 3 days every year. You can witness dancers, musicians, folk artists, Yakshagana troupes, drama artists etc, performing to showcase the rich history of the town.

Food To Eat

Undoubtedly, this town produces one of the juiciest pineapples in the whole of Karnataka. As a result, you would see pineapples being used in most of their dishes. Other than this, people here are fond of having rice, Jowar or cornbread with lots of veggies, pickles, and chutneys. If you have a sweet-tooth then never missout on “Obattu with ghee” the local favourite. 

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In conclusion, if you are looking for a bag full of nature along with history and picture-perfect landscapes, then head to Banavasi.so, if you have any fond memories of spending your time in this quaint little temple town, please do share your stories in the comment section below.

Also Read:

Bylakuppe – The Tibetian Home In South India.

Bylakuppe – The Tibetian Home In South India

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If you thought beautiful Buddhist monasteries were only on top of the misty mountains of India, think again. You will be surprised to hear about the ones that are present in the Coorg – Mysore border in Karnataka. We think many of you would have guessed the place by now. Yes, we are talking about the Monasteries in Bylakuppe.

Brimming with the coffee aroma all along the way, Bylakuppe is a quaint Tibetian settlement town near Kushalnagar, Coorg. This town is formed by the amalgamation of twenty-odd villages.

As you walk into the town,  you will feel as if you have set your foot in a different country. The scenery changes for every 100 m and tranquillity fills the atmosphere in abundance as you make your way. Long rows of multi-colored prayer flags dancing in the air, colorful monasteries, distinctive houses with tiled roofs, signboards with Tibetian scripts along with Kannada and English, and ever-smiling faces of nuns adds to the charm of Bylakuppe.

Story Behind the  Tibetian settlement In Bylakuppe

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As China invaded Tibet,  a lot of Tibetian left their country and came to India to seek refuge. The Indian government helped them by allotting lands in different parts of India and Bylakuppe is one of the places.

You can witness two Tibetian refugee settlements here. And these were set up in the years 1961 and 1969 by  Lugsum Samdupling and Dickyi Larson respectively. Indeed, this is the 2nd largest Tibetian settlement after Dharmshala in India. Even though the place only started with hundreds of refugees but now it is home to 70,000 odd Tibetans.

To know more about Tibetian culture and lifestyle, you can interact with the locals and they will be ready to help you with a big smile on their faces.

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Places To Visit In Bylakuppe

You can explore towns that are structured similar to that of Tibet, also visit 12 monasteries and 13  Tibetian settlements areas. Among these monasteries Namdroling, Sera Jay, Sera Mey, and Tashi Lhunpo are popular once.

Namdroling Monastery( Golden Temple)

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Namdroling Monastery is located in camp 4 of settlement and is renowned for its Golden temple. There are 3 golden statues that are 60 ft tall and they represent 3 forms of Buddha. Temples here are vibrant, peaceful, and colorful with exotic paintings, huge halls to meditate, and tall statues. You can witness mass prayers of monks, gaze around the monasteries, and watch hundreds of monks in conversation with one other. But if you are looking for a peaceful environment certainly this is not the place. Because, this place is flooded with 100’s of tourists every day.

Namdroling Monastery Timings: 7 Am To 8 Pm

Sena Jay And Sera Mey Monastery

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Just 2 km from Golden temple, you can call this place a hidden gem. This is situated in camp 1 and you can go through towns that are structured similar to that of Lhasa Tibet. Exotic paintings on walls and peaceful atmosphere is what makes this place a hit among travelers. You can hardly find any tourists here and it is the best place to meditate. You can witness religious debates and discussions happening here. In addition, you can even strike a conversation with locals and try to know more about their lifestyle and practices.

Where and What To Eat In Bylakuppe

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This is one of the best places in south India to eat authentic Tibetian cuisines. Never missout on a steamy bowl of Thukpa ( noodles) and momos with spicy chutneys. Also, try out Phing, Shabhalay, Thendunk, Shapta, lemon tea, and butter tea. Local restaurants and cafes around Golden temple and some bakeries near Sera Jay monasteries are the best places to munch on Tibetian food.

Locals referred Malaya restaurant inside the shopping complex as the best in the locality.

Shopping In Bylakuppe

If you like shopping and stuffing your house unique things then there is so much waiting for you.  Head to the shopping complex opposite Golden temple to lay your hands on antiques, handicrafts, jewels, apparels, and little buddha or monk statues.  

Best Time To visit Bylakuppe

You can visit this place any time of the year as its doors are always open to travelers. But if you intend to be part of their culture then go during the Tibetian newyear Losar. It is a 2-week festival that happens in the month of Feb or March. During the festival whole town comes alive with people donning lively masks, wearing traditional costumes, swaying to the traditional music, and munching on yummy Tibetian delicacies.

How To reach Bylakuppe

There are plenty of buses to Kushalnagar from Bangalore and Mysore. Kushalnagar is just 6 km from Bylakuppe, either you can take an autorickshaw or local buses that are available frequently, However, if you want to get cozy with nature, then walk and enjoy the surprises throws at you by nature.

Additional Information

Distance from Kushalnagar: 6 km

Bus ticket cost: Rs. 20 / person one way.

Autorickshaw Cost: RS 100 / ride one way.

Monastery timings: 7 Am to 8 Pm.

Distance from Bangalore: 220 km.

In Conclusion, if you want to experience the Tibetian culture and rejuvenate yourself in a calm and peaceful environment, then head to Bylakuppe. This town is sure to bring in a lot of positive energy and a refreshing change in you. So, what are you waiting for? Just pack your bags and leave

Do you have any interesting or memorable stories relating to Bylakuppe? Please do share it in the comment section below.

Also Read: 
Things To Do And Places To Visit  In Dandeli.

Dandeli- Things To Do And Places To Visit

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Dandeli is a splendid town situated on the banks of the river Kali in the Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka. Popularly known as” Adventure Capital Of Karnataka “ sits at 1551 ft above sea level amid the greenery-filled Western Ghats. With striking streams, diversified wildlife, exquisite nature, numerous trekking trails, and daring water activities make this a dream destination for nature-lovers and adventure freaks.

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Things To Do And Places To Visit In Dandeli

Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary

Steep slopes, deep valleys, and thick forest covering 834.16 sq km make the Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary. This is also the 2nd largest sanctuary in Karnataka. A wide variety of flora and fauna found in this place makes this a hotspot among wildlife photographers.

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This sanctuary is home to some of the rarest species like Black panthers, Giant Malabar Squirrels, and Barking Deers. In addition to it, there are tigers, leopards, bison, pangolins, wild dogs, gaur, sloth bears, elephants, langur, and jackals,

This is possibly one of the best places to spot birds and it is home to 200 plus bird spices. You can spot birds like Malabar pied Hornbill, kingfishers, Malabar parakeets, peregrine falcons, woodpeckers, Blue-throated barbets, and Indian lorikeets.

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You can see thousands of photographers hopping in every year to capture the unparalleled beauty of these creatures.

River Rafting In Dandeli

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Indeed, you can tell rafting experience in the river Kali is one of the best in the whole of South India. Rafting circuit stretches for over 12kms with grade 2 and 3 rapids that are ideal for both professionals as well as amateurs.

 Some of the famous rafting rapids in Dandeli are Snuggler\’s Trove, Adi’s beard, Stanley’s squeeze, and the stitch circuit.

Apart from this, Dandeli is also known for adventure sports like kayaking, angling, jungle safaris, rappelling,  trekking, nature walks, and night camping that is sure to thrill any individual.

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This is a popular viewpoint in Dandeli and it is named after a British engineer “Sykes” who discovered it. Sykes point offers the best view of silently flowing river Kali, deep valley, and hillocks with lush green forest. Above all, birds flocking their way towards home as the Sun hides behind the mountains is a great sight to watch.

Kavala Caves

Kavala is a limestone cave that is formed by volcanic activities that happened millions of years ago. These caves with winding tunnels can be reached by climbing 375 steps. Inside the cave, there is a huge Stalagmite in the shape of Shivling that attracts thousands of devotees every year. Be careful as you crawl through the cave entrance that is pitch dark. Also, be beware of snakes and bats that live here,

Syntheri Rocks

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Deep inside the Dandeli sanctuary, near the river Kali, there is a monolithic gigantic limestone rock called Syntheri rocks. These rocky structures are formed due to the volcanic activities that took place millions of years ago. There are about 400 steps to reach the top of the structure and it offers the best panoramic view of the whole Dandeli valley.

Shiroli Peak

Shiroli peak in Western ghats is the highest point in Dandeli and it can only be reached through a trek. This trek has multiple routes that lead you to the top. Trekking is a little harder and dangerous as you need to hike through the Dandeli wildlife sanctuary. But it is totally worth climbing as the view of Western ghats and Dandeli town is simply superb.

 Supa Dam

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Supa is an earthen dam built across river Kali in Joida taluk of Uttara Kannada. This dam is 101 meters in height and  332 meters in length. It has a catchment area of 1000 sq acres with a storage capacity of 145 ( thousand million cubic feet). Renowned for its hydroelectricity plant as the powerhouse at the foot of the dam generates 100 MW. And the electricity generated is supplied to different parts of Karnataka. Apart from this, the banks of the Supa dam also acts as a perfect picnic spot for travelers.

So, what are you waiting for? Just decide the dates, pack your backpacks, and take your friends on an adventurous journey to Dandeli. Get ready to roll.

Do you have any unforgettable experiences? Then share your memorable stories in the comment section below.

 

Also Read:

Best Things To Do In St Mary\’s Islands.

 

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