KARNATAKA

• Belur

  

  At a distance of 25 km from Chikmagalur, 40 km from Hassan, 165 km from Mangalore, 154 km from Mysore and 217 km from Bangalore, Belur is very famous temple town situated in Hassan District of Karnataka State. It is renowned for the grand Hoysala Temple dedicated to Lord Chennakesava, an incarnation of Vishnu. It is the best of three Hoysala temples nominated for UNESCO World Heritage Sites (other two being the temples at Halebid & Somnathpur). The Hoysala temples are known for minute & intricate carvings and sculptures with metal like polishing. It is one of the best heritage sites in Karnataka, situated on Bangalore to Chikmagalur route.

• Bangalore

  

  At a distance of 139 km from Mysore, 261 km from Tirupati, 347 km from Chennai, 348 km from Mangalore, 573 km from Hyderabad, 514 km from Kochi and 595 km from Goa, Bangalore (also known as Bengaluru) is the capital city of the Indian state of Karnataka. Bangalore is third most populous city and 5th largest City in India. It is also known as the Garden City of India. Bangalore is often referred as Silicon Valley of India due to large number of technology companies established in the city. Bengaluru derives its name from the Kannada words 'Benda Kalluru', which means the land of boiled beans.

• Bandipur National Park

  

  At a distance of 80 Kms from Mysore, 70 Kms from Ooty & 215 Kms from Bangalore, Bandipur National Park is one of the well preserved National Parks in India. It is located in Chamarajanagar district on the border of Karnataka - Tamil Nadu between Mysore & Ooty. Spread across 874 Sq.Kms, the altitude of the park varies between 780-1455 meters. It is part of the famous Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve along with Nagarhole National Park, Mudumalai National Park (12 Kms towards Ooty) and Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary. Bandipur forests used to be the private game reserve of the Maharajas of Mysore. This Sanctuary is one of the 15 sanctuaries belonging to the Project Tiger Scheme.

• Chikmagalur

  

  At a distance of 40 km from Kadur, 62 km from Hassan, 148 km from Mangalore, 178 km from Mysore and 240 km from Bangalore, Chikmagalur (also known as Chikkamagaluru) is a hill town located in the Chikmagalur district of Karnataka. It lies at an altitude of 3,400 feet at the foothills of Mulliyangiri range in the south-western part of Karnataka. It is one of the top hill stations in Karnataka state. Situated in the Deccan plateau, Chikmagalur city belongs to the Malnad region of Karnataka. The Western Ghats start from this area. The Yagachi River is originated from the surrounding hills. Chikmagalur is famous for its serene environment, lush green forests.

• Coorg (madikeri)

  

  At a distance of 265 km from Bangalore, 117 km from Mysore, 132 km from Mangalore, 322 km from Coimbatore & 362 km from Kochi, Coorg or Kodagu is a district in Karnataka and Madikeri is the district headquarters. At an altitude of 1525 meters on Western Ghats, it is also known as the Scotland of India. Coorg is the most famous hill station in Karnataka. According to Puranas, Kodava is the redefined name of Krodhadesa meaning Land of Anger, said to have been inhabited by the Kodava tribe. Some historians believe that it is named after the River Cauvery. Coorg was under the Gangas rule during 9th and 10th centuries and Cholas in the 11th century followed by Hoysalas.

• Dandeli

  

  Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka. Dandeli is one the one popular tourist destinations in Karnataka. It is quite famous for its gorgeous natural backdrop, wildlife and adventure activities. Dandeli has a dense forest cover and is one of the best natural habitats in the world. Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary is the second largest wildlife sanctuary in Karnataka. The sanctuary is crisscrossed by River Kaneri and River Nagajhari, tributaries of River Kali.

• Gokarna

  

  At a distance of 58 km from Karwar, 75 km from Murudeshwar, 21 km from Ankola, 165 km from Hubli, 163 km from Panjim and 514 km from Bangalore, Gokarna is a small town in the Uttara Kannada District of Karnataka. It is a famous pilgrimage center and also a tourist spot because of its beautiful beaches.

• Mysore

  

  At a distance of 139 km from Bangalore, 476 km from Chennai, 247 km from Mangalore, 203 km from Coimbatore & 128 km from Ooty, Mysore is the 2nd biggest City in Karnataka. It is the erstwhile capital of the Mysore Maharajas, who ruled the Mysore State between 1399 & 1947. Mysore still retains its old world charm with its palaces, heritage buildings, traditions and temples. At an altitude of 763 meters surrounded by hill ranges from north to south, it is known as the City of Palaces.

• Jog Falls

  

  At a distance of 400 km from Bangalore, 105 km from Shimoga, 161 km from Hubli, 87 km from Murudeswar, 150 km from Karwar, 31 km from Sagar, 60 km from Sirsi & 21 km from Siddapur, Jog falls is the one of the highest plunge waterfall in India situated in Shimoga district of Karnataka State. It is located on the Shimoga and Uttara Kannada district border. These segmented falls are a major tourist attraction. The waterfall is locally known as Geruoppe Falls, Gersoppa Falls and Jogada Gundi.

• Pattadakal

  

  At a distance of 439 Kms from Bangalore, 122 Kms from Hubli, 45 Kms from Bagalkot, 21 Kms from Badami & 13.5 Kms from Aihole, Pattadakal is a famous heritage site in Bagalkot District of Karnataka situated on the banks of Malaprabha River. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site along with Badami & Aihole known as Chalukyan Group of Monuments. Pattadakal is the place where coronation of Chalukyan kings took place.