Karnataka
has its share of several lesser known hill stations;
take your pick from sandalwood forests, coffee plantations,
trekking trails, waterfalls and wildlife. Nestled in
theWestern Ghats, these hill stations present a spectacular
view of dense forests, deep valleys, and magnificent
sunsets.
Just
260km from Bangalore, is the picturesque capital of
Coorg (also called Kodagu), Madikeri. The town is
located in a beautiful hilly setting surrounded by
the densely forested slopes of the Western Ghats.
With its picture-postcard scenery of clusters of red
tiled-roof houses, bustling bazaar and old-world charm,
Madikeri is one of Karnataka's most popular getaways.
Attractions in Madiketi include the 19th Century Madikeri
Fort, the Omkareshwara Temple. built in 1820 and Raja's
Seat, situated on a hilltop, where the kings of yore
spent their evenings watching the golden sunset. Near
the town, there are several majestic cascades, including
the Abbey Falls and lruppu Falls. Other breathtaking
destinations in Coorg are:
Nisargadhama
- a breathtakingly beautiful island just 2km from
Kushalnagar. Talacauvery - the source of Cauvery River.
Bhagamandala . the confluence of three tivers: Cauvery,
Kanika, and Sujyothi. Virajpet - a small town, reputed
to be the largest producer of honey in Asia. Bylekuppe
- one of the largest Tibetan settlements in South
India and renowned for its monasteries and handicrafts.
Dubare
Reserve Forest - famed for its amazing variety of
avian fauna, an elephant training camp, and angling
on the river Cauvery. Tadiyendamol - the tallest peak
in Coorg from the summit of which you can see the
distant Arabian Sea.
The
Kudremukh (Horse Face) Range 95km south-west of Chikmagalur
town and 350 km from Bangalore, overlooks the Arabian
Sea. As yet 'undiscovered' by tourists, Kudremukh is
a trekker's paradise with verdant forests, rivers, grassy
slopes, waterfalls, rare flora, caves and ancient ruins.
The best time to visit is just afrer the monsoon rains.
Around
Kudremukh, Ganga Moola is a scenic place located in
the Bhagawathi Forest where the three rivers Tunga,
Bhadra, and Netravati originate. A shrine to Godess
Bhagawathi and a 1.8m high varaha image inside a cave
are the chief attractions here. Situated at an elevation
of 826m in Shimoga District, Agumbe has spectacular
sunsets, sparkling streams, verdant vistas and an unspoilt
rustic ambience. Forested trails lead from here to a
jungle pond called Emkal Kere, a hillock called Nishani
Gudda and to Barkana Falls. There is also a 14th Century
temple with Hoysala- style sculptures. Agumbe is 365
km from Bangalore.
The Baba Budangiri Range rings the
erstwhile summer retreat of the Mysore maharajas, Kemmangundi.
Located 245km from Bangalore at a height of 1434m above
sea level, it is beautifully laid-out with ornamental
gardens and enchanting mountains and valleys views.
The spectacular sunset view from the Raj Bhavan is a
photographic delight. For adventure seekers, there are
peaks to scale and intricate jungle paths to explore.
Around
Kemmangundi, Kalhatti Falls start at the Chandra Drona
Hill and fall from a height of 45m to flow before the
Veerabhadreshwara Temple. A short trek away is the Hebbe
Falls. The 1895m Baba Budangiri Peak near here is named
after a Muslim saint, who lived here in the 17th Century.
The Inam Dattatreya Peetha here is venerated by Hindus
and Muslims with the annual jatra or urns being the
biggest event here.
Kundadri Hill
Located
about 12km from Theerthahalli, Kundadri Hill is a gigantic
monolithic rock formation. Surrounded by dense evergreen
forests, it is a lovely place for trekking. Camping
in the open at Kundadri Hills under a full moon is an
exhilarating experience.
Kodachadri Range
Situated
100km from Shimoga and 36km from Hosanagara is the
Kodachadri Range. On the western side, the hill descends
steeply for about 1220m, meeting the forests ofUdupi
district. Kollur, a nearby town, is the ideal base
to explore these hills. Mookambika
Nature Camp is 4km south of Kollur
BR Hills
The BR Hills
take their name from the Ranganatha Swamy Temple that sits
at the edge of a granite precipice more than 100Ofr. above
dense forest. A Champak tree believed to be more than 2000
years old is worshipped by the Soligas tribe of the area.
Besides many trekking trails, the area also has several coffee
estates, tribal hamlets and the Vivekananda Girijana Kalyana
Kendra.
An idyllic
retreat of the British and Tipu Sultan before them, Nandi
Hills is today the most popular weekend getaway for the residents
of Bangalore. Activities available here range from leisurely
strolls to paragliding. Two ancient temples dedicated to Lord
Shiva are found on the hill, one at the foot and the other
at the peak.
Amrita Sarovar is the main source of water supply to the hill
resort. Magazine is a rock where arms and ammunitions were
kept during Tipu's reign. Tipu's Drop is a sheer drop, once
used to execute prisoners.
