Karnataka Overview - IV
Last Updated on Monday, 18 January 2010 14:23 Written by Manjunath H Sunday, 10 January 2010 18:52
NANJANGUD: 
An important pilgrim centre on the banks of the Kapila river, famous for the massive Nanjundeshwara Temple. Built in the Dravidian style, this temple is one of the biggest of its kind in Karnataka. The town takes its name from the temple.
MELKOTE: 
Melkote is an important religious centre. The Cheluvarayaswami Temple, built in the 12th century, enjoyed the patronage of the Mysore Maharajas as well as Tipu Sultan. The temple gopuram
TALAKAD: 
Situated on the banks of the river Cauvery, the Kritti Narayana Temple, also known as the Vaideshwara Temple is completely buried beneath sand dunes. The temple comes to life when it is excavated once every 12 years during the Panchalinga Darshan.
FESTIVE KARNATAKA: 
The fascinating fairs and festivals of Karnataka are a celebration of life in all its infinite variety. Most of them are exclusive to the state and reverberate with colour and gaiety. Every hamlet and village, every town and city has its own calendar of events to be celebrated.
DASARA (NAADA HABBA): 
Treat yourself to the pomp and pageantry of the Dussehra festival in Mysore. This festival commemorates the victory of the Goddess Chamundi over the demon Mahishasura. Pageants, parades, and music create a kaliedoscope of colour and gaiety. Crowds jostle to catch a glimpse of the glittering palace.
Hampi Festival (VIJAYA UTSAVA):
The ruins of Hampi come alive with the strains of music and sounds of dance when the State Government holds the Vijaya Utsav to recreate the grandeur of the erstwhile Vijayanagar Empire and a bygone era. Similar festivals are held at Halebid, Pattadakal, Karavalli, and Lakkundi. Other district festivals are held in consultation with the District Commissioners of different Districts.
Month: November
TULA SANKRAMANA: 
Come October, the people of Kodagu look forward to this annual festival. It is believed that Goddess Cauvery appears in the form of a sudden upsurge of water in a small tank to give darshan to the innumerable devotees gathered here. This event is known as theerthodbhava, which is celebrated with much festivity in Kodagu.
VAIRAMUDI FESTIVAL: 
The sleepy town of Melkote comes alive during the annual Vairamudi festival when the deity of the hill shrine dedicated to Lord Vishnu is adorned with the legendary diamond-studded crown brought from the Mysore Palace. This nightlong event, part of the
10-day Brahmotsavam, is witnessed by thousands of devotees.
Month: March
KUMBALA (BUFFELLO RACE): 
When the fields are flush with water, buffaloes race down a slushy track, egged on by a strong-muscled farmer who surfs his way down the track behind the beasts while balancing precariously on a trailing wooden plank.A riot of colour, frenzied cheers, and shining torsos slick with sweat mark this annual sporting event where the prize goes to the swiftest.
KARAGA: 
Discover the 9-day Karaga, a tradition started and sustained by a Tamil-speaking community of gardeners called Thigalars. The Karaga festival is held at the Dharmaraya Swamy Temple in Bangalore. Just after dusk on the Karaga day between March and April, a priest dressed in female attire leads a spectacular procession to the accompaniment of dazzling swordplay by a number of dhoti-clad, bare-chested Thigalars. Month: April
MAHA MASTAKAABHISHEKHA: 
Once in 12 years the well known Jain pilgrim centre, Shravanabelagola in Karnataka gets transformed into a throbbing city, when millions of devotees converge to participate in the spectacular ceremonies for the Maha Mastakabhisheka (sacred head anointing ceremony) of the magnificent 18 metre high statue of Bahubali..
ROMANTIC KARNATAKA: 
Karnataka has its share of several lesser known hill stations. Each has its own unique charm; take your pick from sandalwood forests, coffee plantations, trekking trails, waterfalls, and wildlife. Nestled in the Western Ghats, these hill stations present spectacular views of dense forests, deep valleys, and magnificent sunsets.
KODAGU (COORG): 
Madikeri is the picturesque capital of Kodagu (also called Coorg,) the land of coffee, cardamom, colonels, and the Cauvery.
AGUMBE: 
If you enjoy spectacular sunsets, sparkling streams, verdant village vistas, and an unspoilt rustic ambience, Agumbe is the place for you. Situated at an elevation of 826m in Shimoga district
KEMMANAGUNDI: 
The picturesque hill station of Kemmangundi is located at a height of 1434m above sea level. This was the summer retreat of Krishna raja Wodeyar IV.
KUNDADRI: 
Located on Theerthahalli-Agumbe road, about 12km from Theerthahalli, Kundadri Hill is a gigantic monolithic rock formation. Surrounded by dense evergreen forests, it is a lovely place for trekking.
KODACHADRI: 
Situated 100km from Shimoga and 36km from Hosanagara is this enchanting mountain which overlooks the vast Western Ghats. Kodachadri is famed for its glorious sunrises and sunsets.
BILI GIRI RANGANA BETTA: 
Lose yourself in these ancient hills, which take their name from the Ranganatha Swamy Temple that sits at the edge of a granite precipice with a drop of more than 1000ft. into a dense forest.
NANDI BETTA (HILLS): 
This popular weekend getaway is just 60km from Bangalore. The bracing air and serene environs of Nandi Hills, perched at a height of 1455m above sea level, provided Tipu Sultan and the British with an idyllic summer retreat.is rose-coloured and has lions' heads facing north, south, east and west.
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