Malenadu: A Nature Lover's Paradise

A Playful Elephant in Sakrebyle Elephant Camp

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Malenadu means hilly region. It covers the slopes of Western Ghats in Karnataka. This region receives plenty of rainfall (1,000 mm –3,800 mm) every year. Here are some incredibly beautiful tourist attractions in Malenadu.

Agumbe

This high-altitude village, a traveller's delight, is surrounded by mountains of Western Ghats and lush green tropical forests. It stands at a height of 830 meters above sea level and is one of the last surviving lowland rainforests. It is located in Thirthahalli taluk in Shimoga district and covers less than 3 square kilometers.

Agumbe is famous for its biodiversity, serene landscape, trekking trails and natural beauty. It is known as the Cherrapunji of South India because it receives 7,640 mm of mean annual rainfall, the second highest in India. The population of this village is less than 500. You can enjoy a quiet country life here.

This wonder of nature is home to rare species of medicinal plants like Myristica, Listsaea, Garcinia, Diospyros, Eugenia and Ficus, which is why it is also called "Hasiru Honnu" which means green gold.

The beauty of this small hamlet will delight you. Sunset Point, Jogigundi Falls, Kunchikal Falls, Agumbe Rainforest Research Station, Koodlu Theertha Falls, Barkana Falls and Onake Abbi Falls are, as one local said, "famous Agumbe places to visit".

This enchanting village was the setting of Malgudi, the fictional village from R. K. Narayan’s book, ‘Malgudi Days’. The house of the protagonist Swami, which was shown in the TV series based on the book, still stands at Augumbe. People call it Doddamane. It is more than 100 years old and is located in the main street of the village.

Mangaluru Airport (94 kilometers) is the nearest airport and Udupi railway station (55 kilometers) is the nearest railway station. You can reach Agumbe from the airport and the railway station by KSRTC bus or cab.

Agumbe Weather

Agumbe is in a rainforest region. It has warm and humid tropical climate. Under the Köppen system of climate classification Agumbe is an 'Am' climate, which means, a tropical monsoon climate. The best time to visit this wonderful village is between November and January.

Viewpoint in Agumbe

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Jog Falls

This wonder of nature is created by River Sharavathi. It is the second highest (253 meters) plunge waterfall in India. Also known as Gerosoppa Falls and Joga Falls, it is located in Shimoga district.

Here the water comes down in four distinct falls known as Raja, Rani, Rover and Rocket. The four cascades merge to form the breathtakingly beautiful Jog Falls.

Raja pours in one unbroken column. Halfway down it is encountered by the Rover, another fall, which rushes violently downwards to meet Raja. Rocket shoots downwards in a series of jets. Rani is a quiet fall over the mountain side.

Hubli Airport (130 kilometers) is the nearest airport and Talaguppa Railway Station (13 kilometers) is the nearest railway station. You can reach Jog Falls by KSRTC bus or cab. Visit between July and December. Last time when I visited this place, I remember staying in a hotel in Shivamogga.

Jog Falls Video

Kodachadri

This mountain peak (elevation: 1,343 meters), which is located in Shivamogga district, is a natural heritage site. Whether you are an avid trekker or a first-timer, trails in Kodachadri offer amazing trekking experience.

Kodachadri Trek Guide

Kollur (37 kilometers) is the nearest town to Kodachadri. I suggest that you take a jeep from Kollur to Kodachadri. The vehicle will drop you at the Kodachadri peak jeep stand or near the Kodachadri Information Bureau point. From there trek for around 2 Kms to reach Kodachadri sunset point; it may take approximately 40 minutes.

Sunset at Kodachadri

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Sringeri

Sringeri is a hill town in Chikkamagaluru district. Adi Shankara, a great Indian philosopher and theologian, the person who consolidated the doctrine of Advaita Vedanta, established the first maṭha (Sringeri Sharada Peeta) here.

Located on the bank of River Tunga, Sringeri is famous for its temples and natural beauty. Sri Sharadamba Temple, Sri Vidyashankara Temple and Parshwanath Jain Temple are temples that you must visit while you are here.

There are many valleys and waterfalls around this beautiful town. Any time is good time to visit Sringeri, which can be reached by KSRTC bus or cab.

Sringeri Peetham

Mullayanagiri

Mullayanagiri, which is located in the Chandra Dhrona hill ranges, is the tallest mountain (elevation:1,930 meters) in Karnataka. It stands majestically above the rest of the Western Ghats.

This apex of Karnataka is in Chikmagalur district. The 4-km-trek-trail here attracts many adventure tourists. The starting point of this trek is known as Sarpadari. The trail winds through ridges, hills and grasslands.

Mullayanagiri got its name from a temple at the summit, which is dedicated to an ascetic named Mullappa swamy, who is supposed to have meditated at a cave near the summit.

The mountain is around 20 kilometers from Chikmagalur. You can reach here by bus or cab. Me and my family enjoyed our drive to this wonder of nature. Visit between September and February.

Mullayanagiri Trek

• Mullayanagiri Trek, Chikmagalur.

Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary

Located in Chickmagaluru district (around 38 km northwest of Chikmagalur), this wildlife sanctuary is a protected area and a Project Tiger, tiger reserve. Spread over 492.46 square kilometers, it is famous for its various flora and fauna.

The sanctuary is encompassed by the hill ranges of Mullayanagiri, Hebbegiri, Gangegiri and Babaudangiri. More than 120 species of trees grow here. Visit between October and February.

Tiger at Bhadra wildlife Sanctuary

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Sakrebyle Elephant Camp

This wonderful forest camp for captive elephants is located in Shivamogga district. This popular ecotourism center offers you an opportunity to look at huge tuskers from close quarters.

You may visit Sakrebyle Elephant Camp on any day during the year between 8.30 am and 11.00 am. It is around 14 kilometers from Shivamogga, which is well-connected by rail and road.

Mandagadde Bird Sanctuary

Mandagadde Bird Sanctuary is an island (formed by River Tunga) in Shivamogga district. It houses more than 5,000 birds, including darters, median egrets, cormorants, maiden egret, pied kingfisher, wooly neck stalk, night herons and open-billed storks.

Migratory birds travel from all parts of the world to this beautiful bird sanctuary during the month of May for breeding purposes. Birdwatching, trekking and boat riding are popular activities here. Visit between July and October.

Tyavarekoppa Lion and Tiger Safari

Opened in 1988, this safari covers an area of around 620 acres. It is around 10 kilometers north-west of Shivamogga, in Shivamogga-Sagar Road. It is actually a rehabilitation center for tigers and lions rescued from circuses.

Any time is good time to visit this safari, which houses tigers, lions, leopards, Indian jackal, crocodile, python, deer, sloth bear and various migratory birds. It is open between 10.00 am and 1.00 pm; and 2.15 pm and 5.00 pm. It is closed on Tuesdays and national holidays.

7 Famous Krishna Temples in the World

Krishna Temple in Udupi

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Krishna, the eighth avatar of Vishnu, is a major deity for people following Hinduism. For his devotees, Krishna is a name of the original, unique Supreme Person, the source of all that exists.

This widely revered divinity is the focus of many devotional cults. Mahabharata and Bhagavata are the basic sources of Lord Krishna's mythology.

Many temples are built worldwide to honor and worship Krishna. Here is a brief overview of some of them.

Sri Krishna Janma Bhoomi

This sacred temple, which is located in Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, India, is built around the prison cell where Krishna was born. It is the most revered temple of Lord Krishna. I have felt the holiness of this temple during my visit sometime back.

The temple was first built by Krishna's grandson Vajranabha. Since then it has been destroyed and rebuilt at least 17 times. The temple that you see today was built in the 20th century.

Pieces of history recovered from the temple complex are displayed in a museum located nearby.

A

krishna janma bhoomi temple:

Mathura - Deeg Marg, Near Deeg Gate Chouraha, Janam Bhumi, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh 281001, India

get directions

Krishna Janam Bhumi Mathura Timings

The temple is open between 7.00 am and 8.00 pm daily.

Krishna Janam Bhumi Photo

Udupi Sri Krishna Matha

Located in Udupi, Karnataka, India, this temple is in Dravidian architecture. The temple resembles a living ashram, fostering daily life and devotion. Udupi, which is known as the Mathura of South India, is the birthplace of Sri Madhwacharya, founder of Dwaita philosophy. I experienced serenity and joy during my last visit to this temple.

The Krishna idol in the temple, which is is carved out of Shaalagrama Shila, was installed in 13th century CE. The unique feature of this temple is that here Krishna is worshipped through a window with nine holes, which are known as Navagraha Kitiki. The temple opens at 5.00 am and closes at 9.00 pm.

Mangaluru Airport (59 kilometers) is the nearest airport to Udupi, which is well-connected by rail and road. You can reach the temple from the airport by bus or cab.

Sri Krishna Temple Udupi Timings

Puja	Timings
Nirmalya Visarjana Puja	5.30 am
Ushakala Puja	6.00 am
Akshya Patra Gopuja	6.15 am
Vishwaroopa Darshana	6.20 am
Panchamritabhisheka	6.30 am
Udvartana Puja	7.00 am
Kalasha Puja	7.30 am
Teertha Puja	7.40 am
Alankara Puja	8.30 am
Avasara Sanakadi Puja	10.30 am
Mahapuja	11.00 am
Chamara Seva	7.00 pm
Ratripuja	7.30 pm
Rangapuja	7.40 pm
Utsava	8.00 pm
Thottilu Puja	8.30 pm
Kolalu Seva	8.40 pm
Ekanta Seva	8.50 pm

Krishna Temple in Nepal

Krishna temple is the most important temple in Patan Durbar Square, Lalitpur, Nepal. It was built in the local variety of Shikhara style known as Granthakuta.

ISKCON Temple Bengaluru

Built and managed by ISKCON in 1997, this huge cultural complex is in North Bengaluru. It houses the deities of Radha and Krishna. ISKCON (International Society of Krishna Consciousness) is dedicated to propagating Krishna Consciousness worldwide. This temple is an excellent example of Hindu temple architecture.

ISKCON Temple Metro

The nearest metro station to ISKCON Temple is Sandal Soap Factory station (Green Line).

ISKCON Temple Bangalore Timing

Weekdays	7.15 am to 1.00 pm; 4.00 pm to 8.20 pm
Weekends	7.15 am to 8.30 pm

Sri Krishna Balaram Temple

Located in Sunnyvale, CA, this temple is an initiative of India Heritage Foundation. It was built to create a place where religion, knowledge, arts, music and culture meet.

A decent temple in bay area.

— Sharath Ramachandra

Arulmighu Parthasarathyswamy Temple

This temple is in Triplicane, Chennai. This 8th-century-temple is the oldest temple in Chennai. It is sacred for Vaishnavites. In fact it is the 61st Divya Desam in 108 Vaishnava Divya Desams.

Krishna Mandir

Located in Patan, Nepal, this temple is built in the shikhara style, imported from India. Beneath its 21 golden pinnacles are three floors. The first floor enshrines Krishna, the second Shiva, and the third Lokeshwor.

10 Places You Must Visit in Tiruchirappalli

Tiruchirappalli is a busy city in Tamil Nadu, a state in South India. More than 900,000 people live in this Indian city, which covers an area of around 167.23 square kilometers.

Tiruchirappalli is located on the plains between the Shevaroy Hills to the north and the Palni Hills. It has a tropical savanna climate. Average temperature is 28.9 °C.

How to Reach Tiruchirappalli

Tiruchirappalli is well-connected by air, rail and road. The city has an ISO 9001:2008 quality certified international airport, the Tiruchirappalli International Airport. The Tiruchirappalli Junction railway station is located in Rockins Road. Chatram Bus Stand and the Central Bus Stand are the two major bus stations in the city.

Hotels in Tiruchirappalli

4-Star Hotels	3-Star Hotels	2-Star Hotels	1-Star Hotels
Lakshmi Hotel	Sangam Hotel	Hotel Shri Swarna's Palace	Hotel High Point
	Breeze Residency	Alam Residency	Hotel Raks
	Grand Gardenia	Hotel Sona's

Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple

This temple is located in Srirangam, an island that is part of Tiruchirapalli. It is also known as Thiruvarangam. It is dedicated to Sri Ranganathaswamy, the reclining form of Lord Vishnu.

Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple is the foremost of the eight self-manifested shrines (Swayam Vyakta Kshetras) of Lord Vishnu. The Rajagopuram is 73 meters high. Built in the Dravidian style of architecture, the Temple Complex is massive in scale and covers around 156 acres.

Timings:

The temple is open daily.

6.00 am - 7.15 am (Viswaroopa Seva)
9.00 am - 12.00 pm
1.15 pm - 6.00 pm
6.45 pm - 9.00 pm

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Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple History

• History of Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple
  History of Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, as told in various Puranas and other Vedic writings, traces back to the beginning of creation. Pleased by the penance of Brahma (the first created being), Lord Visnu (the...

Tiruchirapalli Rock Fort

Built on a 83-metre-high rock, this fort houses two Hindu temples: the Ucchi Pillayar Temple and the Thayumanaswami Temple.

Trichy Rockfort Images

Ucchi Pillayar Temple

Located on top of Rockfort, this 7th-century Hindu temple is dedicated to Lord Ganapathi. Views are superb from the top of the massive outcrop (273 feet high); with eagles wheeling beneath and Trichy sprawling all around.

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Ucchi Pillayar Temple Timings

Opening	Closing
6.00 am	8.00 pm

Kallanai Dam

Located around 15 kilometers from Tiruchirapalli, this ancient dam was built across River Kaveri with uneven stones. It was built in the second century by Chola King Karikalan.

The purpose of constructing this composite dam and reservoir was to divert the waters of River Kaveri to Thanjavur for irrigation. Kallanai Dam is a classic example of engineering marvel of ancient India.

Kallanai Dam is 329 meters long and 20 meters wide. It is in excellent condition and used as a major irrigation dam. It is also known as Grand Anicut Dam.

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Kallanai Dam Timings

10.00 am to 6.00 pm.

Sri Ayyappan Temple

Located in Lawsons Road, this temple is famous for the 50-ft-tall statue of Lord Ayyappan.

Cleanliness and silence in the temple premises will delight you. This wonderful place of worship welcomes all human beings, irrespective of their religion, color, race, sex, language, status, property and birth.

Ayyappa Temple Timings

Opening	Closing
5.00 am	11.00 am
5.00 pm	8.30 pm

Puliyancholai Falls

Located around 76 kilometers from Tiruchirappalli, the Puliancholai falls is a terrace waterfall.

It is on the foothills of Kolli Hills. It is surrounded by lush green forest. The stillness is livened by the groups of people jumping in the stream for occasional dips. This region a trekker's paradise. It also houses many medicinal plants. People from far and near come and take a bath to get rid of their diseases.

Mukkombu

Mukkombu , which is also known as Upper Anaicut, is a 685-meter-long dam built on River Kaveri. Located around 18 kilometers from Trichirappalli, this beautiful picnic spot is well-known for its verdant green landscape. It has an amusement park, science park, boating, children’s garden, sports facilities, toy train, fishing facilities and more.

The pleasant breeze and nice atmosphere makes this an ideal picnic spot.

— Sharmila Thangapandi

Jambukeswarar Temple

This Shiva temple is located in Sannathi Street, Thiruvanaikoil, Srirangam. This 1,800 year old temple was built by Chola king Kocengannan. It is a good example of Dravidian architecture. The temple is open from 5.30 am. to 1.00 pm; and from 3.00 pm. to 8.30 pm.

Heartfulness Meditation Center

Located in K. K. Nagar, this meditation center enables you to experience the spiritual side of Tiruchirappalli. Here you can learn techniques to relax, rejuvenate and evolve. I liked the hospitality of the people here.

Samayapuram Mariamman Temple

This temple is located in Maruthur Road. It is dedicated to Samayapurathal, a form of Aadi Shakti. Since the diety is made of sand and clay there are no abhishekams on it.

7 Major Tourist Attractions in Konark

Intricate Stone Wheel Carving at the Sun Temple in Konark

Source

Konark is a town in Puri district in Odisha, a state in East India. It is located on the coast of the Bay of Bengal.

There is something about Konark that sets it apart from the rest. It takes you on a journey of ambrosial food and transports you to the land of divine. Its culture echoes the past but resonates with the current generation at the same time. Around 17,000 people live in Konark.

How to Reach Konark?

Biju Patnaik International Airport is the nearest airport to Konark; it is around 61 kilometers from Konark. It is linked with cities like Kolkata, Delhi, Hyderabad, Chennai, Bangalore and Nagpur.

Puri Railway Station is the nearest railway station; it is around 31 kilometers from Konark. Konark is well-connected by road to various cities and towns in the region.

Hotels in Konark

Surya Inn
Labanya Lodge
Sun Temple Hotel
Yatrinivas

Sun Temple

This beautiful 13^th-century temple is built in Kalinga architecture. It was built by king Narasimhadeva I of Eastern Ganga Dynasty. This colossal temple is dedicated to Sun God.

This masterpiece was designed in the form of a chariot mounted on 24 wheels and drawn by seven horses; it is a chariot for the Sun God. The diameter of each wheel is around 10 feet.

The Sun Temple is directly associated with the idea and belief of the personification of the Sun God, which is adumbrated in the Vedas and classical texts.

You will find exquisite stone carvings in this magnificent Hindu temple, which has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1984. It is a stunning monument of religious significance. It is also known as Konark temple.

Konark Sun Temple Facts

• 10 Interesting facts About the Sun Temple in Konark
  Interesting facts about the Sun Temple.

Konark Temple Story

• The Story behind the Legendary Konark Temple
  The world famous Konark temple of India is much more than its architectural brilliance. Every facet of the temple is rich in history, science, and culture!

Konark Temple Mystery

The cause of the destruction of the Konark temple is unclear and remains a source of controversy.

Theories range from natural damage to deliberate destruction of the temple in the course of being sacked several times by Muslim armies between the 15th and 17th centuries.

Speciality of Konark Temple

As per legend, the son of Lord Krishna, Samba, got the Konark Sun Temple constructed to honor Surya the Sun God, as the God had cured his leprosy.

Navagraha Temple

This temple is located just outside the Sun Temple compound. Inside this holy temple you will find a large chlorite slab. This slab is six meters long, 1.2 meters high and two metres deep. It contains richly ornamented idols of nine planets, which are known as Nava Graha in Sanskrit. Surya, Chandra, Mangala, Budha, Guru, Shukra, Shani, Rahu and Kethu are the Nava Grahas. These beautiful idols are made with black chlorite stone. People having Rahu dosha come here during Rahu Kalam and perform Abishekas.

Chandrabhaga Beach

Located around three kilometers from the Sun Temple, this beach is one of the finest beaches in the east coast of India. Many cultural activities are held in this beach.

In June 2018, this beach became Asia’s first beach to get the Blue Flag certification — a tag given to environment-friendly clean beaches, equipped with amenities of international standards for tourists.

To achieve the Blue Flag standards, a beach has to strictly comply with 33 environment and tourism-related conditions. The standards were established by the Copenhagen-based Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) in 1985.

— Arvind Nautiyal, project head of the Society for Integrated Coastal Management (SICOM)

Chandrabhaga Beach Images

Chandrabhaga Beach Hotel

• Hotels Near Chandrabhaga Beach

Balukhand-Konark Wildlife Sanctuary

This wildlife sanctuary, which is in between Puri and Konark, covers an area of around 72 square kilometers. It extends from Banki Muhan near Puri to Keluni Muhan near Daluakani. Black buck is the star attraction in this sanctuary, which also houses other animals like spotted dear, stripped hyena, jungle cat and Olive Ridley sea turtles. Undulating sand dunes, lonely beaches, cashew plantations and casuarina groves in this area make it a memorable tourist destination.

Crabs at the Balukhand Reserve Forest beach

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Ramchandi Beach

Ramchandi Beach is named after Goddess Ramchandi. This virgin beach is around seven kilometers from Konark sun temple. It is located on the convergence of the river Kusabhadra and the Bay of Bengal. This beautiful beach is well-known for its serene atmosphere and silvery sands.

Wonderful treat to the eyes, the river meets the sea, just about here! The temple is not far away, a visit to the shire and learning the history makes for a great experience.

— Raja M

Ramchandi Beach Distance from Bhubaneswar

82 kilometers

Konarak ASI museum

Located just outside the Sun Temple, this museum houses 250 different kinds of antiques.

Kuruma Buddhist Monastery.

Known for proffering a great insight to the Buddhism culture of Odisha, this monastery is located 8.6 kms to the south-east of the Sun Temple.

Konark Dance Festival

This 5-day annual dance festival is held in December, usually between 1 and 5, in the backdrop of the Sun temple.

Started in the year 1986 at Konark Natya Mandap by Padmashree Guru Gangadhar Pradhan, this festival is the harbinger of the contemporary festivals of Orissa.

International Sand Art Festival

International Sand Art Festival is an annual cultural event organized by the Orissa Tourism Department. It is held on the Chandrabhaga beach.

Safety Tips

Follow rules. For instance if you are asked not to swim in a particular beach, do not swim. Avoid poorly lit streets, deserted areas and narrow alleys after sunset. Do not get into unnecessary arguments with strangers, especially on sensitive topics like culture, religion, language, etc.