FAST FACTS:

State Capital:           Bangalore

Area ('000 sq. km):  192

Principal Language:          Kannada

INTRODUCTION:

A Kannada poem by greatest Kannada poet K.V.Puttappa. (Kuvempu - Pen Name) in the best description ever on Karnataka, The description goes this way

"Hail! the beloved daughter of the Mother India;
Hail ! the Motherland Karnataka!
Hail! the land of beautiful mountains and forests,
Hail! thy abode of gifted saints and poets! "

Karnataka popularly known for Carnatic Music through out the World has given much more to the World than Carnatic Music, a unique form of Classical Music patroned by many across the continents. Karnataka with all its Richness in Culture and Traditional Grandeur is also one of the fastest growing States in terms of Industries and Facilities. Karnataka is also known as the Capital of Agarbathi (Incense Sticks), Arecanut, Silk, Coffee and Sandal Wood. All this is apart from the fact that it has been the Culture Center for hundreds of years and its testimony stands spread across the State pulling millions of Tourists from all parts of the World to Karnataka. Whose richness and hospitality can only be felt and never explained better.

KARNATAKA TOURS

Situated on the western peripheral of the Deccan plateau, Karnataka is the 8th largest state of India both in terms of area and population. Flanked by soaring Western Ghats in the east and the cool blue waters of the Arabian Sea in the west, this state has a 320 km long coastline with unspoilt beaches, magnificent temples, lush green gardens, exquisite palaces, and sparkling waterfalls.

Karnataka is a perfect place for adventure loving people as it provides tremendous opportunities of river rafting, rock climbing, trekking, and paragliding.

Karnataka displays a remarkable contrast with rapid growth of IT industry at one end and vast expanses of rural farming at the other. Apart from being a major producer of coffee, sandalwood, spices and betel nut, Karnataka accounts for 60% of country's silk.

There are a a number of interesting tours in Karnataka. Karnataka has rightly been named as 'Cradle of stone architecture' - it has profusion of monuments, including, the cave temples of Badami and Aihole, domes and minarets of Bijapur, the World Heritage Center at Pattadakal.

PLACES TO VISIT

Tours to Bangalore, Karnataka
The capital of Karnataka, Bangalore is also known as 'City of Gardens'. 'Lal Bagh' with its beautiful fountains, lotus pools, array of old trees is beauty in itself. Also can be seen are the Karnataka state Government Buildings and the Maharaja's Palace. Also known as the 'Silicon Valley of India', Bangalore is home for some of the most prestigious educational and multinational companies. 'Nehru Planetarium' gives lectures and shows on a regular basis.

Tours to Mysore, Karnataka
139 km away from Bangalore in Karnataka is home of richly carved temples, palaces. The 'Palace of the Maharaja' with its magnificent architecture is worth a visit.

Tours to Bijapur's Gol Gumbaj, Karnataka
This tomb of Mohammad Adil Shah, built in 1659, has the second largest dome in the world.

Tours to Nagarhole National Park, Karnataka
Nagarhole or the 'Snake River' derives its name for the winding course the river takes through its forests. This national part is abundant in Asiatic Elephants. Other animals that can be seen are gaur, barking deer, wild dogs, common langur etc.

Tours to Bandipur Wildlife Sanctuary, Karnataka
About 80kms south of Mysore in Karnataka on the Mysore-Ooty highway, this Tiger reserve has open forests and facilities for viewing wildlife from elephant back.

Tours to Brindaban Gardens, Karnataka
19 km from Mysore, these exquisite ornamental gardens at
Krishnarajasagar Dam in Karnataka are a must see for
 the visitors with the main attraction as the 'dancing musical
fountains'.

Tours to Mangalore, Karnataka
Deriving its name from Goddess 'Mangal Devi', Mangalore is a city famous for Jain Temples, Music Gallery, Saib Mosque and various other tourist spots. It is the port city of Karnataka.

Golden Palms Spa
Is a perfect recreational paradise offering aqua therapy, ayurvedic, cosmetic surgery, fitness programs, and other kinds of treatments.

Tours to Jog Falls, Karnataka

Formed by river Sharavati in Karnataka, the grandeur of the 253m high falls is best appreciated during and after monsoon.

Tours to Udupi, Karnataka
Located at 381km from Bangalore, the center of attraction of this town is an open Square surrounded by temples . It is also famous for its delicious cuisine and Udupi restaurants all over the world.

Tours to Hubli, Karnataka
Situated 420 kms from Bangalore, it is a center of textile industry in Karnataka. It is also a major junction for Mumbai, Bangalore and Goa.

 ECOTOURISM KARNATAKA:

Karnataka might have woken up late to capitalize on its inherent gamut of tourism components when compared to other states in the country, but the seed for development of nature-based tourism that ensured sustainable use of environmental resources was sown almost about 20 years ago. Being one of the first to have realized the exploration of conservation and commercialization of the congenital natural generosity, the state has treaded the path of wilderness with distinction.

Today, the seed has germinated itself into a huge venture, leaving not just the country but the world at awe. In the form of Jungle Lodges & Resorts (JLR), Karnataka tourism has reserved all rights of eco-tourism development to this government corporation, the only state in the country to have done so. In 1999, JLR even received the award for being the best eco-tourism destination in the country from the prime minister.

On the fast track, the state is actively partnering with the private sector for the development of various projects, which has been envisaged to usher in new avenues for eco-tourism. Karnataka had already built a strong brand in the IT sector, and has now totally turned its attention towards tourism as a crucial driver of its economy. In this pursuit the state has gauged international trends and has accordingly ear marked eco-tourism and health tourism as the two most potent and lucrative facets of tourism that need to be developed and showcased to the inbound traffic from both within and out of the country. Several new products and circuits have also been identified with a motive of showcasing the state’s eco-tourism potential.

Eco-Karnataka, A fine balance

Capitalizing on the commercialization of nature has not been arduous for Karnataka. Forests, grasslands, wetlands, rivers, beaches, terrains, fauna, flora, Karnataka has an adroit natural demarcation from the man-made concrete cityscape.

The conditions are right, the atmosphere is right and in Karnataka, the tourism sector’s buzzword is eco-tourism. The state has cleverly ensured not to regard eco-tourism as a passing fad or a gimmick, but rather as one of the trump cards of tourism, for it has realized that the sector is crucial to the problem of developing a balanced, sustainable and responsible tourism domain.

The tourism policy of Karnataka has shown a lot of promising insights into development of eco-tourism, wherein the onus is also on the private participation. Karnataka had embarked on a major initiative to involve the private sector from the planning stage to implementation of various schemes as a partner through a new annual forum called ‘Connect’, last year.

Though there is no budget set aside for eco-tourism as such, the department of tourism has granted about Rs. one crore to Jungle Lodges and Resorts to ensure development of eco-zones. Karnataka got 1.2 crore domestic and 2.7 lakh foreign tourists last year, out of which eco-tourism contributes a big chunk. Domestic customers form almost about 75 per cent of eco-tourists in the state.

Eco-Initiatives

• The Karnataka Forest Department is bringing out an eco-tourism policy with the tourism department. They are also planning to open up more sanctuaries and reserves in the state. This will be done in close co-ordination with the tourism department as the forest department is short of staff and other facilities. Karnataka is one among the few states to bring out an eco-tourism policy.

• The Karnataka forest department is also developing a ‘Bear Sanctuary’ close to Hampi.

• New places have been identified for development of eco-tourism by Jungle Lodges and Resorts, which include Bandipur and Bhadra, where they are planning to come up with new properties.

• The latest offer from JLR for adventure seekers and holiday goers is a three hour river rafting experience on River Cauvery at Coorg this monsoon season. It is for the first time in South India that such a unique activity has been introduced. The only other place that offers organised white-water rafting in Karnataka is at Dandeli on River Kali pioneered by JLR. JLR also has plans to expand the river rafting sport to Sita Nadi, another gorgeous rain- fed and free-flowing river near Hebri in Dakshin Kannada.

• JLR recently partnered with a private company, Discoveri Education to develop their Doddamakali Resort on the banks of River Cauvery into a high-quality experiential education center. The center will run experience and adventure based learning programs for diverse audiences including corporate executive, schools and young adults.

• The department of tourism and JLR are actively roping in private partnerships in their ventures. JLR has initiated outsourcing various activities through private players. They collaborated with rafting experts to transform the Dandeli resort into a rafting destination.

• A Rs 100 crore-night safari project, with a 300-room luxury ‘international resort’ is being planned in the Bannerghatta National Park with the help of the Singapore Zoological Gardens. Funds for the wildlife wing of the forest department is yet to be finalised, but a Rs 25 crore state participation in the project is on.

• Recently there has been a lot of stress given on the “Southern Circuit” connectivity, wherein there is a close quarter interaction between the southern states to develop each other’s states. Eco-tourism has been identified as the most crucial segment.

The Eco Treasure Trove

Nagarhole National Park: Established as a sanctuary in 1955 and as a national park in 1975, Nagarhole National Park is spread across 247 square mile and has an astonishing abundance of wildlife including Tiger, Leopard, Wild Elephants, Indian Wild Dog, and Gaur. It also hosts a variety of animal species along with approximately 250 species of birds. Nagarhole National Park derives its name from the combination of two Kannada words. ‘Nagar’ meaning snake and ‘hole’ meaning streams. True to its name, quite a few serpentine streams fork through the rich tropical forests of the park. The park has been recently renamed as Rajiv Gandhi National Park after the late prime minister of India.

Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary:
 

 Jungle Lodges has a resort here by the Kali river. Thirty five kms. from Dandeli National Park is Syntheri rocks, awesome monolithic granite structure amidst thick forest, with the perennial river Cauvery flowing by its side. There are innumerable trekking trails and fishing spots at Dandeli.

Ranganthittu Bird Sanctuary: Ranganthittu is a visual delight because of the exotic birds that flock here in hoards. Birds come all the way from Siberia, Australia and even North America. Some species of birds that are known to have made Ranganthittu their breeding abode are spoon Bills, Open Bill Storks, Darters, White Ibis, little Cormorants, Egret, Heron, Partridge, River Tern, Stone Plougher, Snake Bird, and other exotic bird species. The sanctuary is an important tourist destination from Mysore and is situated on the banks of Cauvery River. It includes of a group of six islets as well where the abundance of aquatic insects during the monsoon make Ranganthittu a favourite abode for birds. Ranganthittu attained the status of a bird sanctuary in 1940, courtesy of the noted ornithologist Dr Salim Ali. The best time to visit this place is June- October.

Bilgiri Rangaswamy Temple Sanctuary: Also known as B R Hills Wildlife Sanctuary, it is situated at a height of 5,091 feet, and is a unique blend of resort and wildlife sanctuary. The sanctuary is spread over an area of 540 sq. kms. covered in deciduous forest. The BR Hills Sanctuary is an important link between the eastern and the Western Ghats. It is home to many species of wild animals- Gaurs, Chitals, Sambars, Bears, Elephants, Panthers and Tigers. Birds also abound with over 200 species of birds, chief among which are the racket-tailed drongo and the crested eagle. There is enough scope for adventure activities like professional angling, amateur fishing, coracle boat rides, bird watching, river rafting, trekking, outdoor camping, etc. The best time to visit is between September and May.

Bandipur National Park: Established as a sanctuary in 1931, a national park in 1941 and as a tiger reserve in1973, Bandipur National Park is a beautiful forest reserve which occupies a special place in India’s efforts towards natural conservation. Bandipur National Park was expanded in 1941 to adjoin the Nagarhole National Park, which lay towards its northern edge, and Wayanad and Madumulai Sanctuaries, which lay towards its southern edge in the states of Kerala and TamilNadu, respectively. Bandipur National Park is well endowed in terms of vegetation and flora that ranges from deciduous and evergreen forest covers to open grassy woodlands. The lifeline of the forest is the Moyar River, which irrigates the area along with two minor rivulets.

Kabini National Park: Nestled amidst the Karapur forest, Kabini is a scenic delight that was once a hunting lodge of the erstwhile Mysore maharajas. The steep valleys with rich forest and spectacular rapids, is home to Elephants, Leopards, Antelopes and Tigers. Jungle Lodges has a resort here which has been rated among the top five wildlife resorts in the world, by Tatlers, a British magazine.

Bannerghatta National Park: Situated in the southern outskirts of Bangalore city is Bannerghatta National Park. The 25,000-acre park is home to panthers, lions, tigers and a large variety of birds. It also has a zoological garden and a snake park.

Bhimeshwari National Park: Cuddled by Cauvery, this park lies between the awe-inspiring cascades of Mekedatu, Barachukki and Gaganachukki. Bhimeshwari is renowned because it is the natural habitat for the Mahseer fish and a variety of exciting animals. Jungle Lodges and Resorts has a fishing camp here called ‘Cauvery Fishing Camp’. The best time to visit is between December and March.

Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary: Thirty eight kms. from Chikmagalur, this sanctuary is a must for wildlife enthusiasts. Gaur, Chital, Sambar, Elephants and Tigers are some of the wildlife found. Jungle Lodges is coming up with a property here. The best time to visit is between November and March.

The major National parks and Sanctuaries of the area:

Bandipur National Park

Part of the lushly-forested Deccan Plateau, Bandipur, in Karnataka, offers a rich and varied wildlife habitat. It is a part of a larger national park, which also includes the neighbouring wildlife sanctuaries, of Mudumalai in Tamil Nadu and Wynad in Kerala. This sanctuary is one of the 15 sanctuaries selected across India for Project Tiger, a scheme launched in 1973, by the World Wildlife Fund for Nature, to save the tiger and its habitat. Located on the highway connecting Mysore and Ooty, at the foothills of the Western Ghats, Bandipur is truly a common man's getaway.

In 1931, Bandipur was a sanctuary spanning an area of only 90 sq kms. In 1941, it was stretched to about 800 sq kms and named the Venugopal Wildlife Park after the royal deity, Venugopala, worshipped by the Maharajas of Mysore. Today, Bandipur National Park, together with the Mudumalai Sanctuary in the south, the Nagarhole National Park in the north-west and the Wynad Sanctuary of Kerala in the south-west, forms the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve.

Covered with a mix of deciduous forests, evergreen forests and scrub, and well - irrigated by the Moyar river, Bandipur has a fairly open forest area, making it easy for visitors to spot wildlife. This sanctuary sprawls over an area of 880 sq. kilometres. The prominent fauna of this reserve include the Asian elephant, gaur, sambar, chital, spotted deer, barking deer, mouse deer, four horned antelope, wild boar, black naped hare, Indian porcupine and the elusive tiger. According to a 1993 census, there are 66 tigers and more than 1900 elephants. Bandipur is also inhabited by a variety of birds.

The river Moyar, one of the three rivers flowing through the Park, acts as a boundary between the Park and the Mudumalai Sanctuary. The Moyar gorge is 260 metres deep and provides a fabulous view of the surroundings

Nagarhole National Park

Nagarhole National Park lies to the north of the Kabini river (the Bandipur national park lies to the south of it), spreading over 643.39 sq. kms. A dam on the Kabini river and its scenic reservoir demarcate the two parks. At Nagarhole, too, there are fine facilities for some good wildlife-watching and sizeable groups of gaur, elephants, sambar, chital and even an occasional tiger or leopard can be spotted. The other inhabitants of the Park are the muntjac, the tiny mouse deer, giant squirrel, slender loris, wild boar, langurs and macaques.The Park boasts around 250 species of birds, which include the Malabar trogan, the Malabar pied hornbill, the great black woodpecker, the Indian pitta and the green imperial pigeon. The jungle cat, leopard cat and the rusty spotted cat are the residents of the Park.

Bannerghata National Park

Established in 1971, the Bannerghata National Park, in Karnataka, lies twenty two kms from Bangalore. Teeming with exotic species of wildlife, the park boasts an astonishing variety of trees like sandal, jalari, chujjullu, neem, tamarind, zizyphus amongst others. The park spans 104 sq. kms which includes ten reserve forests of Anekal Range of the Bangalore Forest Division. It is surrounded by scenic hills, with many ancient temples perched on them. 

The principal inhabitants of the national park are elephants, which migrate from Kollegal and nearby Tamil Nadu territory, for the major part of the year. The abundant bamboo growth provides fodder for these magnificent animals. Some of the other inhabitants of the park include wild pigs, panthers, bears, sambar, spotted deer, and the black buck. Huge monitor lizards as well as cobras, pythons, kraits and Russell vipers roam the park. The avian population comprises pelicans, cormorants, painted storks, white ibis and spoonbills among others.

The Bannerghata National Park project comprises the National Park, the Safari Park with a Herbivore Safari and a Lion Safari, Picnic Corner, Crocodile Farm, Serpentarium, Pets Corner, and a Museum besides a Park of pre-historic animals. 

The beautiful Suvarnamukhi stream running through the park, originates in the Suvarnamukhi hills. These hills spread out to a huge rock, about a kilometre long. At the foot of the rock is the famous Champaka Dhama Swamy temple, built in the Dravidian style of architecture, belonging to the Hoysala age. The temple enshrines an image of Vishnu with his consorts Sridevi and Bhudevi. The Suvarnamukhi hill also houses a small shrine dedicated to Narasimha, and two kms away is the Suvarnamukhi pond the waters of which are believed to have curative powers. 

A trip to Bannerghata National Park promises to be a memorable experience, for nature, history, botany and wildlife buffs.

 Adventure & Wildlife

Karnataka's forest and wildlife are her priceless natural heritage. The state boasts of some of the largest jungle tracks, south of the Vindhyas from the majestic evergreen forests of the Western Ghats to the scrub jungles of the planes, a wide variety of habitats teem with diverse flora an fauna, some of them endemic to the region. Some of these jungles were the private preserves of the former rulers. But some of the lesser known ones are sanctuaries protected by the local populace.

Kali River Wilderness & Adventure Camp

This camp represents the ultimate paradise for nature lovers. Kali is a river of two faces! Those who really want to feel the fury of its cascading waters and experience the thrill of white water rafting; this is the place for it. Battle the swift currents in a rubber dinghy, and as you pull through the swirling waters with vigorous action of the oars, you will get a fascinating experience that will remain with you forever.

Situated at a distance of 25km from the base camp at Dandeli, the ancient Kavala cave is a "must see" destination for all visitors. Trek up a thousand steps through dense virgin evergreen forests to reach the caves. Said to be inhabited by humans since prehistoric times, these limestone caves are today revered as the Lord Siva - the Hindu god of Destruction- explore these caves and as you trek back from the caves, enjoy a breathtaking view of the river kali winding through valley below.

Situated at a point amidst dense bamboo thickets where the River Kali passes between steep slopes and rock formations, Molangi makes a perfect hideout for campers. Spend an entire day backpacking across dense jungles watching spiders spin there and saddle fungus on tree barks. You can see wildlife too…. Spotted deer, the Malabar giant squirrel, and if lucky… maybe even a black panther!

Cauvery Fishing and Nature Camp

Meandering through the woody landscape amidst the forests of Karnataka is the Cauvery- the most majestic and scared river of South India. The river offers both adventure and opportunity for nature lovers. A far from the milling crowds yet close enough for one to reach, this is the exact place which offers a slice of nature that is entirely unique, a one in which you can totally feel free!!

Coorg

A little district in South India, has managed to retain a distinctive culture in spite of successive rulers like the Kadambas, Gangas, Cholas, Hoysalas, the Vijayanagara Kings and the British. You will discover legends garnished by the arrival of coffee taking you way back to the 17th century. In 1670, Baba Budan, a Muslim pilgrim, smuggled seven coffee seeds out of Mecca and planted them in the Chimagular region near Coorg in Karnataka, thus introducing coffee to India. Today, Karnataka yields 140000 tones of coffee a year, making it the largest producer of coffee in India.

Now, Coorg is famous with its deep green coffee-laden hills. Forget the deafening world and enjoy the silence by taking an unforgettable coffee break from the deep green coffee hills. 

Bandipur

 80 km to the south of Mysore on the Mysore-Ooty road is a spanning area of 865km in the high ranges of Karnataka, Bandipur. This reserve is a playground for wildlife, with elephants taking the lead role. One of the best game sanctuaries in India to observe and photograph wildlife in close proximity, chances are there for a special appearance by tiger prowling admits the mix of deciduous, evergreen forest and scrubland vegetation.

 ADVENTURE SPORTS:

Rock Climbing
Ramnagaram, 50 km from Bangalore on the Bangalore-Mysore highway, is considered as the Mecca of rock climbing. The place abounds in rock formations, that are a climber's delight. Even those who have no exposure to rock climbing, can learn it on the artificial wall set up at the State Youth Centre in Bangalore, and then set off on trekking expeditions under expert care and guidance.

Water Sports
Tucked away amidst the lush greenery of the Western Ghats, along the Sharavathy backwaters, is Honnemardu - a haven for aqua adventure enthusiasts. Lovers of water sports throng this idyllic spot for coracle rafting, canoeing and windsurfing. Numerous islands dotting the backwaters make it an ideal island camping site, too.

Trekking

If trekking is your cup of tea, over 200 trails have been explored and marked in the Western Ghats, for trekking and nature trails.

River Rafting and Angling
The azure waters of the river Cauvery are ideal for river rafting. 82 km from Mysore is the Cauvery Fishing Camp, at Bhimeshwari. It is a paradise for anglers, with mahseers found in abundance. This place is also accessible from Bangalore (100 km).

MORE : "There's more for those who seek better"

1. GETHANAA - General Thimayya National Academy of Adventure State Youth Centre, Nrupathunga Road, Bangalore - 560 001. Karnataka, India. Tel: 080-2210454

2. SPARK - Society for Propagation & Activation of Rock Climbing, Corporation Station Complex, III Block, Jayanagar, Bangalore - 560 011. Karnataka, India.

3. KMA - Karnataka Mountaineering Association. Sharada Movies, # 307, V Main Cross, Gandhi Nagar, Bangalore -560 009. Karnataka, India.

HILL STATIONS:

Nandi Hills

Place:  Nandi Hills - 60 Kms. From Bangalore

At an altitude of 1468 m above sea level, is the Nandi Hills resort. What used to be the favorite summer getaway of Tipu Sultan, is now a popular picnic spot with its awesome fort, sprawling lawns and two ancient temples. A fantastic, awe-inspiring cliff fall of almost 2000 feet is known as Tipu's Drop, the views from which are simply stupendous. The stone fortress on the hill is of special interest to students of history.

 Kemman Gundi

Place: Kemman Gundi - 257 Kms. From Bangalore

Kemman Gundi is one of the exceptionally beautiful Hill stations, and one of the best Trekking spots amidst lush Green Forests.

Madikeri

Place: Mercara - 263 Kms. from Bangalore/ 114 Kms from Mysore

Mercara is set in the heart of exotic coffee growing country. This little hill township, is the capital of the Coorg district, in Karnataka. Is very close to the birth place of River Cauvery "Talacauvery".

Biligirirangana Hills

Place  : Biligirirangana Hills - 247 Kms. From Bangalore / 114 Kms from Mysore

Biligirirangana hills hosts a wildlife camp here, run by the forest department. Right on top of the hill, at an altitude of 5,091 feet above sea level, stands the Biligiriranganaswamy Temple, from which the resort takes its name.

Kudremukh

 Place: Kudremukh - 316 Kms. From Bangalore / 114 Kms from Mysore

Kudremukh is the secluded hill station, is rich in Iron ore deposits. This is one of the perfect Trekker's trails. Kudremekh is also well linked by road to Chikmagalur, Mangalore and Sringeri.

BEACHES:

 Karnataka has a 320 km long coastline, dotted with numerous beaches that beckon invitingly to those craving for some respite, from the maddening grind of urban life. The serenity and unspoilt charm of the area, coupled with the spontaneity of the coastal folk, and their delectable cuisine is just overwhelming.

Karwar

Place: Karwar - 525 Kms. From Bangalore / 100 Kms. from Goa

Karwar makes a good starting point, for the voyage of discovering the thrills of the sea, sand and sun. Karwar's idyllic beauty inspired the great Indian poet Rabindranath Tagore, to pen down his first play. Other attractions of Karwar, include the Sadashivgad Hill fort with a Durga temple, the unique Octagonal Church, and the 300 year old Venkataramana Temple, that houses some fine ochre paintings. For wildlife lovers, the Dandeli Game Park is just 157 km away.

Marwanthe

Place: Maravanthe - 525 Kms. From Bangalore / 110 Kms. from Mangalore

Marwanthe is a unique seaside town, where the West Coast Highway cruises along with the Arabian Sea on one side, and the river Sauparnika rushes against a verdant mountainous backdrop on the other. Sunset casts a breathtaking glow on the surrounding waterscape. Water sports and beach resorts promise an enjoyable holiday here.

Malpe

Place  : Malpe - 392 Kms. From Bangalore / 66 Kms. from Mangalore

Malpe with its sheltered harbour makes a quiet beach retreat, just six kilometers away from Udupi. Right across is St.Mary's Isles, more serene and ideal for picnics can be reached by boat from here.

Murudeshwar

Place              : Murdeshwara - 386 Kms. from Bangalore/ 151 Kms. from Karwar

Located amidst idyllic surroundings, Murudeshwar offers, a breath taking view of the sea from the hill by the shore. The beautiful and the clean beach is largely undiscovered and thankfully unspoilt. Atop the hill lies the famous temple enshrining the linga which attracts a lot of devotees and tourists.

Mangalore

Place  : Mangalore - 357 Kms. from Bangalore.

Mangalore is the seaport town has Ullal, yet another beach resort, the silvery beaches of which command breathtaking views of the sunset, especially, when viewed through the casuarina groves.