Adventure Opportunities in Western Ghats

View from Ramachi Point

Wikimedia Commons

Western Ghats, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a mountain range in India. It is older than the Himalayas.

This 1,600-kilometer-long treasure house of biodiversity covers an area of around 180,000 square kilometers.

It covers six states, namely Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu. It is a paradise for adventure seekers.

Nagarhole National Park

Nagarhole National Park is a treasure trove of flora and fauna. This nature's masterpiece is home to animals like Indian elephant, Bengal tiger, panther, golden jackal, barking deer and wild boar.

Nagarhole National Park Safari

Jeep Safari is the best way to explore the flora & fauna of Nagarhole National Park, which also has many trekking trails.

We were lucky to see an elephant with huge tusks from about 50 feet.

— Vikas Sharma

Nagarhole National Park Resorts

• https://www.tripadvisor.in/Hotels-g1152766-Nagarhole_National_Park_Kodagu_Coorg_Karnataka-Hotels.htm
  

Mahabaleshwar

Located in Maharashtra, this hill station (1,353 meters) has many trekking trails. Rock climbing, cycling, trekking, archery, horse riding, air crossing and strings balance are some popular adventure activities in Mahabaleshwar.

Mumbai has a number of midnight bicycle rides doing the rounds. I, for one, have been passionate about the hills and have explored this part of the state on my cycle. Firstly, I enjoy the quiet all around and the fact that I am in the lap of nature, breathing fresh air. Secondly, riding the cycle helps me complete distances that I wouldn't have managed to on foot.

— Akshay Shetty, founder of Honey Bee Adventures

Best Time to Visit Mahabaleshwar

Visit between March and June. Temperature starts rising durning March, but it is still pleasant; temperature stays between 15°C and 35°C.

Mullayanagiri

Mullayanagiri is the highest peak (1,950 meters) in Karnataka. It attracts many adventure‐loving people. Mountain biking, trekking and road biking are popular adventure activities here.

Mullayanagiri Trek

The most popular trekking trail in the region begins from Sarpadaari. This 3-km-long moderate level trek is fairly steep; you will take around 1.5 hours to reach the peak.

Rajamalai

Rajamalai, which is located in the Idukki district in Kerala, is part of the Eravikulam National Park. It is around 2,000 meters above sea level. This region is famous for patches of Shola forests which are interspersed with rolling grasslands. It offers you many opportunities to enjoy trekking.

Rajamalai Trekking

Wikimedia Commons

Trek Essentials

Backpack
Camera bag
Dry sack
Trekking pants
Thermal underwear
Pajama
Socks
Hiking shoes
Flip flops
Headlamp
Quick-drying towel
Sleeping bag
Reusable water bottle
Sterilization drops
Sunscreen
Hat
Sunglasses
Moisturizing skin cream
Walking stick
Snacks
Hand sanitizer gel
Toilet paper
Medicines
Earplugs
Batteries
Memory cards

Agumbe

This high-altitude village is surrounded by majestic mountains, stunning valleys, tropical forests and breathtakingly beautiful waterfalls. Known as the Cherrapunji of the South, Agumbe is located in shimoga district in Karnataka. River Sita originates in Agumbe.

White water rafting and trekking are popular adventure activities in the region. Here you will find trekking trails of varying lengths and difficulty levels. The shortest trail is the one-hour-long hike up a gentle incline of green thickets to Onake Abbe Falls. As the foliage suddenly clears, you will find yourself at the top of the fall, looking down as the water pours into a clear pool.

Trekking to the Kudlu Theertha Falls or Nishani Gudda is a once in a lifetime experience.

— Madur

Lonavala

Located in Maharastra, this hill station is surrounded by beautiful green valleys. It is around 622 meters above sea level. Andharban trek is a popular trekking trail in this region. It begins from Pimpri, passses through jungles, valleys and waterfalls, and ends in Bhira. Balloon safari, ATV rides, rocket ejector, cross bow and bungee jumping are other popular adventure activities in Lonavala.

Lonavala Points

Amrutanjan Point
Rajmachi Point
Lion's Point
Shooting Point
Tiger's Point
Duke's Nose Point

Kalsubai

Kalsubai, which is also known as the Everest of Maharashtra, is the highest point (around 1,646 meters) in the state. Located in the Kalsubai Harishchandragad Wild-life Sanctuary, this hill station is well-known for the 2-day Kalsubai Monsoon Trek. Bari Gaon is the base village for this trek.

Coronavirus travel advice by WHO

COVID-19 has made both domestic and international travel a complicated affair. In the interest of you and people who matter to you, follow guidelines issued by authorities.

Here are travel guidelines by World Health Organization (WHO):

https//www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/travel-advice

10 Beautiful Beaches in Karnataka

Sunset at Panambur Beach

Wikimedia Commons

Karnataka, a state in South India, has 300-km-long coastline. Here is a brief overview of some beautiful beaches in Karnataka.

Gokarna

This pilgrimage center enchants you with its blue seas, palm trees and golden sands. Goa International Airport, which is around 140 kilometers, is the nearest airport. Taxis are available from the airport to Gokarna. The town is well-connected by rail and road.

Various beach shacks and restaurants offer you delicious foods that are affordable. There are many opportunities for beach trekking. Some resorts offer massage services. Yoga, water sports and star gazing are other popular activities in the beaches of Gokarna.

Panambur Beach

Located around 13 kilometers from Mangaluru, this beach is famous for International Kite Festival conducted during the last week of April. Buses, cabs and auto rickshaws are available from any part of the city to the beach.

This safe and well-maintained beach (as per NDTV) has something for everyone. Jetski, swimming, boating, parasailing, horse rides, surfing, camel rides, water scooters, ATVs, star gazing and dolphin viewing are some popular activities in the beach.

Panambur Beach is heaven for seafood lovers. Carnivals are organized by the district authorities. The best time to visit this beautiful beach is between October and February, just after the rains and before the commencement of summer.

I have enjoyed early morning walks on this beach, with benign waves massaging my lower legs.

Panambur beach timings: This beach is open 24 hours.

Panambur Beach Resort

• http://www.panamburbeach.com/blubay/
  

Kaup Beach

Located in Kaup, a town in Udupi district, this beach is one among the many serene and pristine beaches in the region. This stunning beach with its white sands, with the Arabian Sea on its one side and the greenery on the other, attracts many tourists from all parts of the world.

Kaup beach is around 12 kilometers from Udupi and around 45 kilometers from Mangaluru. Mangaluru Airport is the nearest airport to the beach. Buses and cabs are available from the airport to the beach. Since it is on the national highway between Mangaluru and Udupi, it is easily accessible by road.

You will find an old 100-ft-tall black and white lighthouse, which was built in 1901, on a sprawling rock on the beach. You can enjoy beautiful views of nature from the top of the lighthouse. There are some ruins of Jain temples and a fort.

The best time to visit this beach is between October and December. If you want to enjoy cool sea breeze, if you want to relax and rejuvenate, this beach is just right for you. The sound of the sea and the sea birds works wonders on you.

Devbagh Beach

Located in Uttara Kannada district near Karnataka-Goa border, this enthralling island beach is well-known for its clear blue sea, cool breeze and golden sand. It is around 8 kilometers from Karwar bus stand. The beach can be reached by the boat jetty near Kali River Bridge.

The beach has the Arabian Sea on one side and the greenery of Western Ghats on the other side. It is a paradise for nature lovers. Fishing, sailing, dolphin viewing, snorkeling, speedboat rides, banana boat rides and kayaking are popular activities here. The best time to visit the beach is between October and March. While here, do not miss fresh sea food.

Malpe Beach

This pristine beach, which is surrounded by rocky islands, is around 6 kilometers from Udupi. It is well-known for its silver sands, swaying palm trees and free Wi-Fi; it is the first beach in India to offer 24×7 Wi-Fi facility.

Malpe beach is a gem of Karnataka. Buses, cabs and auto rickshaws are available from Udupi to the beach.

Malpe beach is heaven for people with spirit of adventure. Parasailing, jet ski, banana rides, speed boat rides, bumpi rides and surfing cater to your adrenaline craving.

The best time to visit this clear, exquisite, unexplored beach is between October and January.

Kurumgad Beach

Also known as Koormagad Island, the Kurumgad Beach is around 1 kilometer from Devbagh Beach.

It is a tortoise shaped island in the Arabian Sea. The sight of this beach is typical of the western coastline with numerous palm trees and a unique greyish sea color.

Snorkeling, beach walk, nature walk, swimming, fishing, bonfires and barbecues, dolphin spotting, boat rides and beach volleyball are popular activities here.

Visited this island with family few years ago. Thoroughly enjoyed our stay - has both beach and cliff, can see dolphins, lovely view of the sea, ships from the resort rooms.

— Pia

Murudeshwar Beach

Located in Uttara Kannada district, this beach is surrounded by hills and greenery. It is well-known for the 37-meter-long Shiva statue and silky sand. Goa International Airport (212 kilometers) is the nearest airport. The beach is well-connected by road.

Murudeshwar Beach Activities

Boating and parasailing are popular activities here.

Kodi Bengare Beach

River Suvarna pours itself into the Arabian Sea near this beautiful, clean, serene, pristine beach.

It is in the small sleepy town of Kodi Bengere. It is around 18 kilometers from Manipal University and the town of Udupi.

Tilmati Beach

Tilmati beach, Majali, is a virgin black sand beach at the Karnataka - Goa border.

This secluded beach is set amidst hillocks. It offers stunning sunset views. Abundant flora and fauna near the beach makes it a rare coastal forestland in India.

A hidden treasure that is sparsely explored.

Entering the place would require some efforts as you have to go around some hills.

The black sand is amazing and gives a different sort of experience.

— Archith Revankar

Surathkal Beach

Surathkal beach or NITK beach (as it is near NITK on Mangalore highway) is one of the less crowded and clean beaches.

10 Beach Essentials

Towel
Blanket
Canvas tote
Hat
Hair oil
Day-to-night shoes
SPF moisturizer
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Lip balm

10 Famous Temples in Karnataka

 Karnataka is a state in South India. Tourists and devotees from all parts of the world throng to various temples that are spread across the state.

Here is a brief overview of popular temples in Karnataka.

Kollur Mookambika Temple

Located in Kollur in Udupi district, at the foot of Western Ghats, this ancient Hindu temple is dedicated to Mookambika, the supreme mother. The temple is believed to be created by Parashurama, an avatar of Lord Vishnu.

All the three forms of the goddess are worshipped here. She is worshipped as Maha Kali (goddess of power) in the morning, Maha Lakshmi (goddess of wealth) in the noon and Maha Saraswati (goddess of knowledge) in the evening.

In this temple Mookambika is in the form of Jyotir-Linga, which combines both Shakti and Shiva. The temple is well-known for its beauty and aesthetics. Mangaluru Airport is the nearest airport to the temple. You can reach the temple by cab or KSRTC bus.

Wikimedia Commons

Kollur Mookambika Temple Sevas

Seva	Price (in ₹)
Lalki Uthsava	500
Veerabhadra Alakara Pooja	40
Mookambika Alankara pooja	75

Kollur Mookambika Temple Timings

• Sri Mookambika Temple Kollur | Official Website
  

Bahubali Gomateshwara Temple

Located in Shravanabelagola, this temple is well-known for the 59 ft high Gommateshwara statue made of granite. Gommateshwara (who was also known as Bahubali) was the son of Adinath, the first tirthankara of Jainism.

This statue is a monolith. It was made in 10^th century CE. It is on a hill named Vindhyagiri. Around 620 steps provide access to this temple from the bottom of the hill.

A marble statue of Chandra Natha Theerthankara is placed in an enclosure within the same complex of Gomateswara Temple. It is a pilgrimage centre for Jains.

Mahamastakabhisheka festival is held here once in 12 years. During the festival, the statue is anointed with milk, saffron, ghee, etc.

Shravanabelagola is in Hassan district. Kempegowda International Airport is the nearest international airport. It is well-connected by road. You can reach the town by KSRTC bus or cab.

Wikimedia Commons

Shravanabelagola Mahamastakabhisheka

Vitthala Temple

Located in Hampi, on the southern bank of River Tungabhadra, this temple is an ornate structure.

Itis dedicated to Vittala, a form of Lord Vishnu. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is well-known for its excellent architecture.

The highlights of Vittala Temple are its pillars and the stone chariot. Actually this beautiful temple was never finished or consecrated, yet the temple’s incredible sculptural work remains the pinnacle of Vijayanagar art.

Wikimedia Commons

Sri Srikanteshwaraswamy Temple

Located in Nanjangud, this temple is the largest temple in Karnataka. Located on the banks of River Kapila, this temple covers an area of around 50,000 square feet.

The Shiva Linga in the temple is believed to be installed by the sage Gauthama. Due to the presence of this temple, Nanjangud is known as Dakshina Kashi or Varanasi of South India. It is a popular pilgrimage center for Hindus.

Nanjangud Temple Distance from Bangalore

170 kilometers.

Mahabaleshwar Temple

Located in Gokarna, this temple was built in 4^th century CE. It is on the shores of the Arabian Sea. This granite temple is in Dravidian architecture.

AShiva Linga known as the Atmalinga is worshipped in this Mahabaleshwar temple. This Shaiva pilgrimage centre is as important as Kashi and Rameshwara pilgrimage centers for Hindus.

Mahabaleshwar Temple Images

ISKCON Temple Bangalore

Located in Rajaji Nagar, Bengaluru, this temple is actually a beautiful, well-organized, cultural complex. It houses deities of Radha and Krishna and also has five other shrines.

This temple is an excellent example of Hindu temple architecture or to be more precise neo - classical style of architecture. The 56-ft-tall gold-plated dhwaja-stambha and the 28-ft-tall gold plated kalash shikara are among the main features of the temple.

The temple is embellished with the most exquisite style of stone carvings. The Rajagopuram has splendid archways . Fountains welcome you into the temple as you enter. I cherish my visits to this temple.

The temple is around 33 kilometers from Kempegowda International Airport. It is well-connected to the rest of the city through various modes of transport, including buses, cabs, auto rickshaws and metro.

ISKCON Temple Metro

It will take less than 10 minutes to walk from Mahalakshmi metro station to the temple.

Dodda Ganeshana Gudi

This Ganesha temple is located in Bengaluru. Dodda is a Kannada word which means big. The Ganesha idol in the sanctum sanctorum is 5.5 meters tall and 4.9 meters wide. This temple was built by Kempe Gowda I, the founder of Bengaluru.

It was a boulder like many others found in this locality. It was shaped like a Ganesha. So people started worshipping it.

— Venugopal, priest

Varapada Sree Venkateshwara Temple

Located on a hillock known as Devagiri in Bengaluru, this clean temple is dedicated to Lord Balaji.

The image of the diety at this magnificent temple is similar to the one at Tirumala.

The presiding deity is accompanied by Lord Ganesh to his right and Goddess Padmavathi to his left.

There are separate shrines for Navagrahas and Lord Hanuman in the temple complex.

Devagiri Temple Timing

Opening	Closing
6.00 am	12.00 pm
5.30 pm	8.30 pm

Manjunatheshwara Temple

Manjunatheshwara, the chief deity of this temple, has taken the form of a shivalinga. It is located in Dharmasthala, the land of righteousness and piety.

The temple houses the shrine of Shiva, Manjunatha, Ammanavaru, Chandranath and the Dharma Daivas (guardian spirits of Dharma) — Kalarahu, Kalarkayi, Kumaraswamy and Kanyakumari.

The temple is considered unique because it belongs to the Shaiva sect of Hinduism; the priests are Madhwa Brahmins, who are Vaishnava; and the administration is run by a Jain Bunt family known as the Pergades.

Kedareshvara Temple

Located in Balligavi, this temple is an excellent example of a trikuta temple in transitional Western Chalukya - Hoysala architecture.

The temple is protected as a monument of national importance by the Archaeological Survey of India.

Etiquette

• Respect local culture and tradition.
• Never wear shorts.
• Take your shoes off before entering the temple.
• Ask permission before taking pictures.
• Fold your hands in a respectful Namaste while entering the inner sanctum.
• Accept Prasad with your right hand.

10 Popular Hindu Temples in Tamil Nadu

 Gopuram of Meenakshi Temple in Madurai

Source

There are around 330 million gods and goddesses in Hinduism. Hindus worship these gods and goddesses in various temples.

You will find many temples all over Tamil Nadu. Some of them are architectural beauties.

Here are some temples that attract tourists and pilgrims from all parts of the world. They are the wonders of Tamilnadu.

Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple

Located in Srirangam, this wonderful temple is dedicated to Sri Ranganatha, the reclining form of Lord Vishnu.

It is the foremost among the eight self - manifested shrines of Vishnu. It is an excellent example of Dravidian architecture.

The 73-meter-gopuram of the temple is the second tallest gopuram in India.

Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple has seen rampaging attacks from the Islamic armies and European conquerors and it had to be rebuilt in the 14th century.

Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple Timings

Viswaroopa Seva	6.00 am to 7.15 am
Pooja time (no Darshan)	7.15 am to 9.00 am
General Darshan Timings	9.00 am to 12.00 pm
Pooja time (no Darshan)	12.00 pm to 13.15 pm
Darshan timings	13.15 pm to 18.00 pm
Pooja time (no Darshan)	18.00 pm to 18.45 pm
Darshan timings	18.45 pm to 21.00 pm

Brihadeeswarar Temple

Located in Thanjavur, this huge Hindu temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. This 66-meter-high temple is more than 1000 years old. This Chola dynasty temple is built in Dravidian architecture.

The Linga is 8.7 m high, occupying two storeys of the sanctum. It is one of the largest monolithic linga sculptures in India.

The temple entered the UNESCO World Heritage Site list in 1987. It is a part of "Great Living Chola Temples" along with the Brihadisvara Temple at Gangaikondacholapuram and the Airavatesvara Temple at Darasuram.

Wikimedia Commons | Source

Brihadeeswarar Temple Facts

• https://www.speakingtree.in/allslides/brihadeshwara-temple-history
  

Brihadeeswarar Temple Timings

Opening	Closing
6.00 am	12.30 pm
4.00 pm	8.30 pm

Meenakshi Amman Temple

Located in Madurai, this historic shrine is dedicated to goddess Parvati. Spread over an area of 45 acres, this temple is famous for its 12 gopurams (towers). These towers are beautifully sculpted and painted.

Legend has it that the sacred Suyambulingam discovered by the king of Gods indira at Kadambavanam, was later enshrined by him in Madurai.

Thefact that the Lord is seen on the vehicle of Indira in this temple is said to be proof for this

Meenakshi Temple Information

• Culture And Heritage - Monuments - Meenakshi Temple Madurai - Know India: National Portal of India
  

Sculptures On One Of the Temple Towers

Wikimedia Commons | Source

Meenakshi Amman Temple Timings

All days of the week:

5.00 am - 12.30 pm

4.00 pm - 10.00 pm

Ramanathaswamy Temple

Ramanathaswamy Temple is located in Rameswaram. This Jyotirlinga temple, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva, is in Dravidian architecture. It is one among the Char Dham pilgrimages mandated by Adi Shankracharya.

According to the Shaiva mythology, it is commonly believed that in this place Lord Rama prayed to Lord Shiva, to absolve all the sins which he might have committed during the battle against the demon king Ravana.

Temple Corridor

Wikimedia Commons | 

Ramanathaswamy Temple Images

Kanchi Kailasanathar Temple

Located in Kanchipuram, this Dravidian style Hindu temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, the supreme ascetic and god of the Hindu pantheon. This temple is on the banks of the Vedavathi River.

The temple has retained the Pallava architecture in its original stylized form with influence of the later styles developed by the Chola Dynasty and Vijayanagara Emperors.

Kanchi Kailasanathar Temple Sculptures

Ramaswamy Temple

Ramaswamy Temple is dedicated to Lord Rama. This 500-year-old Hindu temple is located in Kumbakonam.

It was built by Achutha Nayaka of Thanjavur. Sculptures in the Maha Mandapam depict stories from Hindu mythology.

The sixty four pillars in the hall near the gopuram are sculpted with exquisite finesse depicting various episodes of the epic Ramayana.

Ramaswamy Temple

Amritaghateswarar-Abirami Temple

Dedicated to god Shiva and goddesses Parvati, this temple is located in Thirukkadaiyur. It is one of the Asta Veeratta Sthalams.

LordShiva is believed to have saved his devotee Markandeya from Yama, the god of death, in this location.

The temple, in line with the temple architecture of the Chola dynasty, occupies a vast area of 45,000 square meters, with five courtyards, many temple towers, and large and spacious mandapas.

A

Amritaghateswarar-Abirami Temple: 

Thirukadaiyur, Tamil Nadu 609311, India

get directions

Sri Abirami Temple, Thirukadaiyur, Tamil Nadu

Mahabalipuram Cave Temples

Tamilnadu is famous for its cave temples and these are strewn across its length and breadth. We can safely say that Tamilnadu has the largest concentration of such temples among all states of India.

The Varaha Cave Temple, Krishna Cave Temple, Panchapandava Cave Temple, and the Mahishasuramardini Mandapa are among famous cave temples in Mahabalipuram. These temples are located on the Bay of Bengal coast.

A

Cave Temples of Mahabalipuram: 

East Raja Street, Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu 603104, India

get directions

Mahabalipuram Temple Images

Annamalaiyar Temple

Located in Thiruvannamalai, this Shiva temple is also known as Arunachalesvara Temple. It is in Dravidian architecture.

This temple is well-known for its stately towers, high rampart walls, broad quadrangles, spacious gateways, large mantapams and fine tanks.

Tiruvannamalai Temple Seva Tickets

• Only Official Website Of Arulmigu Arunachaleswarar Temple, Thiruvannamalai.
  

Thillai Nataraja Temple

Also known as Chidambaram Nataraja temple, this temple has a Dravidian architecture. The complex has nine gopurams.

The temple was constructed during the 10th Century when Chidambaram used to be the capital of the Chola dynasty. The Cholas considered Lord Shiva as Nataraj as their family deity.

Chidambaram Temple Photos

Keep in Mind

• Dress appropriately.
• Enter the temple barefoot.
• Accept Prasad with your right hand.
• Fold your hand in Namaste posture in front of the idol.
• Donate if you feel like doing so.