Karnataka has many well known hill stations . Each one is famous for its own unique charm, some for sandalwood forests, some for coffee plantations and others for trekking trails, waterfalls and wildlife. Located in the Western Ghats, these hill stations present outstanding views. Dense forests, deep valleys and magnificent sunsets, you name it and you’ve got it. This is perfect place for holidays
About Karnataka :
Sitting imperiously on the southern side of Indian mainland, Karnataka borders with rest of the three states of South India. The state possesses one of the most gifted hill stations with ravishing beaches to cloud covering mountains and the most glorious history in Southern India. With rich heritage and diverse culture, Karnataka offers you, what others just boast of. Karnataka has its share of several lesser-known hill stations. Each has its own unique charm, like views from vantage points, sandalwood forest, coffee and spice plantations, trekking trails, waterfalls, and wildlife. Nestled in the Western Ghats, they present spectacular views of dense forests, deep valleys and magnificent sunsets.
Attractions of Karnataka :
- Nandi Hills : Located 60 kms north of Bangalore is the summer resort of Karnataka called Nandi Hills. It is also known as Nandidurga, it was once one of the summer retreats of Tipu Sultan. Nandi Hills was also a favorite of British, who built bungalows and laid out gardens here. Today, its a popular weekend destination among Bangaloreans. The 1478-m high Nandi Hills is the originating point of many rivers.
- Kermana Gundi : Located in the Tarikere Taluk of Chikmaglur district is a picture perfect hamlet – Kemmanugundi, also called K.R.Hills named after the Wodeyar king Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV, who made it his favourite summer destination. Situated on the Baba- Budan range at a height of 1,434 m, Kemmanugundi is the perfect get away destination from the hustle and bustle of the cities.
- Madikeri : An enchanting town situated at an elevation of over 5,000 ft (1,525 m) above sea level is Madikeri hill station. Breathtaking views ignite your senses and cool wind blowing lets you unwind yourself. Beautiful people smile at you and the fragrance of coffee fills the atmosphere.
- Biligiri Hills : Situated 120 kms from Mysore and 247 kms from Bangalore, the Biligirirangana range of hills is beautifully situated between the Cauvery and the Tungabhadra rivers. At a height of 5,091 ft above sea level, this hill station stretches from north to south for about 16 kms. Bordered by deciduous trees, the forests are swarming with wildlife.
- Kudremukh : Situated 95 kms south-west of Chikmaglur town is the Kudremukh (Horse Face) range, named after the unique shape of the Kudremukh Peak. It overlooks the Arabian Sea and the broad hills are bound to one another with deep valleys and steep precipices. Discovered by tourists, Kudremukh is a secluded hill station, which retains its serenity and natural beauty. The hill is covered by Sylvan green forests, beautified by mighty rivers, grassy slopes, exuberant cascades and rare orchids, providing a wonderful setting for trekking. Situated 1,894.3 meters above sea level, Kudremukh is rich in iron ore deposits.
- Chikmagalur : Chikmagalur is situated in a lush valley south of the Babu-Budan range. It derives its name from the headquarters town of Chikmagalur which literally means younger daughter’s town. It is believed that it was given as a dowry to the younger daughter of Rukmangada, the legendary chief of Sakrepatna. Hiremagalur, another part of the town, was given to the elder daughter. Certain ancient inscriptions reveal that these two places were originally known as Kiriya-magalu and Piriya-magalu. This hill station has several interesting attractions like, the Kondadarama Temple, the Jamia Mosque and the new St. Joseph’s Cathedral.
- Gangamoola : Located in the Samse Taluk of Chikmagalur district, the Gangamoola hill is surrounded by thick forests. It is the origin of three mighty rivers, the Tunga, Bhadra and Nethravathi. The highlights of the region are a Goddess Bhagavathi shrine and a Varaha image, 1.8 metres high, within a cave, which become inaccessible during the monsoons.
- Coorg : This is one of the most illustrious names in the list of Karnataka hill stations. The area of Coorg highlights small picturesque villages with various natural attractions, as its main draw. The hill station boasts of Tadevendamol, the highest peak in the region, ideal for trekking. Coorg also has a few temple attractions like the 200 hundred years old Omkareshwara Temple, dedicated to lord Shiva.
- Kodachadri : At a distance of 400 kms from Bangalore, Kodachadri is one of the most popular hill station in Karnataka. Besides, the panoramic sunrises and sunsets, the hill station also has a beautiful temple. Another important attraction here is the Mookambika Nature Reserve and the Linganakki dam.Kodachadri lies in the largest forest zone of Karnataka and exploring the area through trekking is an experience one should not miss.
- 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.
- Muddenahalli : The home town of Sri M.Visveswaraya, the architect of modern Karnataka. Muddenahalli is just a few Kilometers from Nandi Hills. The house of this genius is now a museum.
- Cubbon Park :In the heart of the Bangalore city is located Cubbon Park, in front of Vidhana Soudha, stretching over an area of about 300 acres.
Karnataka Climate:
The weather in Karnataka is generally warm and dry across different regions. The summer season from March to May is hot, very dry and generally uncomfortable. With the onset of monsoon in June, the humidity level rises and the weather becomes slightly bearable due to reduced day temperatures. The brief winter season lasts from January to February and there is no substantial drop in temperatures. The weather becomes a pleasant one from October to March, covering the post-monsoon and winter seasons. Intermittent spells of rain associated with north-east monsoon affects the south-eastern parts of the state during October to December.
Geography:
As the eighth largest state in India, Karnataka sits on the western edge of the Deccan Plateau. With Goa and Maharashtra to its north, Andhra Pradesh to its east, and Tamil Nadu and Kerala to its south, Karnataka lies on the Arabian Sea and controls 6% of India’s water resources, including the Krishna, Cauvery, Godavari, and Palar Rivers. The state is typically divided into four regions: the Northern Karnataka Plateau, the Central Karnataka, Plateau, the Southern Karnataka Plateau, and the Karnataka Coastal Region. Across the state as a whole, one can find mountain ranges, valleys, rolling hills, and flat lands.
Location :
Located in south India, Karnataka is bounded north by Maharashtra, east by Andhra Pradesh, south by Tamil Nadu and Kerala, west by the Arabian Sea
Facts About Karnataka :
- Besides being Karnataka’s capital, Bangalore features numerous gardens and parks, earning it the nickname “The Garden City”. As a result of being an information technology center, the city has also earned another nickname: “The Silicon Valley of India”.
- In the Kolar district, the village of Shivarapattana demonstrates the zeal for arts and crafts in Karnataka. One out of every four houses is a sculptor’s studio.
- The Mysore District has made a name for itself through its silk work. The creation of “Mysore silk” greatly pushed the progress of the Indian silk industry and aided the country in overtaking China and Japan in the production of mulberry silk.
Travel Information :
By Air : The major airport is Bangalore International Airport where regular flights connect it with all the major metropolis of India
By Rail : Bangalore railway station is the most important railway terminal .
By Road : Excellent road network with all the major cities and tourist hotspots connected to Bangalore.There are number of state highways linking different parts of Karnataka.
Capital : Bangalore
Principal Languages : Kannada
