Tourism in North Karnataka

North Karnataka has been called the "tourism paradise in India". [cite web
url=http://www.karnatakaholidays.com/heritage.php
title=Karnataka Heritage
publisher=
accessdate=2008-08-07] [cite web
url=http://www.karnatakatourism.org/sites/des_north_hampi.html
title=Destinations, north Karnataka
publisher=
accessdate=2008-08-07] [cite web
url=http://www.deccanherald.com/CONTENT/Jul212008/state2008072080009.asp
title=North Karnataka tourism plans take a beating
publisher=
accessdate=2008-08-07]

Its long sea shore has silvery beaches. The tall Western Ghats have lush green forests. The rivers create many water fallswhich are a feast to the eyes. The Kadambas, Chalukyas, Rashtrakutas, Hoysalas, VijayanagaraRulers, Bahamanis of Gulbarga and Bidar, Adilshahis of Bijapur, Nayaks of Chitradurga and the Keladi rulers have raised wonderful forts, beautiful temples with impressive art in stone and magnificent mosques and mausoleums of Indo-Saracenic style. The Animal and Bird Sanctuaries can provide the tourist the sight of wild animals like elephants, tigers, bisons, deers, blackbucks, peacocks and a variety of animals in their natural habitat. If one isspiritually inclined, there are living seers, whether Hindu, Christian or Muslimwho can provide one with spiritual solace. There are also tombs of great religiousleaders of Hindu, Muslim, Christian, Jaina or Veerashaiva. In the precincts ofthese tombs even today people seek spiritual solace.

North Karnataka Heritage centers

North Karnataka Heritage centers, Monuments related to Western Chalukya, Vijayanagara empire, Rashtrakuta, Kadamba, Deccan Sultanates

Vijayanagara empire

The places include Hampi [cite web
url=http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/241
title=hampi, UNESCO World Heritage Centre
publisher=
accessdate=2008-08-06] , Anegundi.

Deccan Sultanates

The places include Bijapur, Bidar, Gulbarga

Western Chalukya

The places include Gadag, Lakkundi, Badami, Sudi, Mahadeva Temple (Itagi), Haveri, Kuruvatti,
Galaganath, Hangal,

Rashtrakuta

The places include Malkhed in Gulbarga District.

Kadamba

The places include Hangal, Banavasi.

Tourism maps

Following are the Tourism maps related to North Karnataka Places

North-Karnataka Region Tourism map

Hubli-Dharwad Region Tourism map

Uttara Kannada District Tourism map

Gadag Region Tourism Map

Haveri Region Tourism Map

Tourism Circuits of North Karnataka

Badami region Tourism Circuit

The places include Badami, Banashankari, Mahakuta, Aihole, Pattadakal.

Haveri region Tourism Circuit

The places include Haveri, Kaginele, Hangal, Bankapura, Chaudadanpur, Ranebennur, Galaganath,
Kuruvatti, Rattihalli, Balligavi, Mundgod, Attiveri, Harihara, Haralahalli.

Dandeli-Yallapur region Tourism Circuit

The places include Dandeli, Syntheri rocks, Skypoint Ambikanagar, Ulavi, Kavala caves, Sathodi Falls, Lalguli Falls, Yallapur, Jenkal gudda, Kavadi kere, Magod Falls.

avadatti region Tourism Circuit

The places include Savadatti Fort, Parasgad Fort, Yallammagudda, Navilateertha, Hooli, Sogal, Murgod.

Gadag region Tourism Circuit

The places include Gadag, Lakkundi, Annigeri, Mahadeva Temple (Itagi), Dambal, Sudi,
Kuknur and Gajendragad.

Karwar region Tourism Circuit

The places include beaches between Karwar and Ankola, Gokarna, Murdeshwara.

Kudala sangama region Tourism Circuit

The places include Kudalasangama, Alamatti Dam, Alamati Garden.

Kittur region Tourism Circuit

The places include Kittur, Degaon, Halasi, Nandagad.

Top 10 Tourist Attractions of North karnataka

Top 10 Tourist Attractions of North karnataka. [cite web
url=http://www.gazetteer.kar.nic.in/data/gazetteer/postind/Kar_Handbook_2005_Chapter14.Pdf
title=Karnataka, The Tourist Paradise
publisher=
accessdate=2008-08-06] [cite web
url=http://www.bootsnall.com/articles/05-06/of-temples-and-tombs-bijapur-badami-aihole-north-karnataka-india.html
title=Of Temples and Tombs - Bijapur, Badami, Aihole, North Karnataka, India
publisher=
accessdate=2008-08-07] [cite web
url=http://www.hampi.in/tourist-locations-in-southindia.htm
title=Tourist attractions in South India - Karnataka
publisher=
accessdate=2008-08-08]

* Hampi Ancient City of Vijayanagara

Hampi [cite web
url=http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/241
title=Hampi, UNESCO World Heritage Centre
publisher=
accessdate=2008-08-06] - World Heritage Centre

Hampi (Vijayanagara)

Hampi, the seat of the famed Vijayanagar Empire was the capital of the largest empire in post-mogul India, covering several states. The empire reigned supreme under Krishnadevaraya, the Emperor. The Vijayanagara empire stretched over at least three states Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Andhra Pradesh. The destruction of Vijayanagar by marauding Moghul invaders was sudden, shocking and absolute. They reduced the city to ruins amid scenes of savage massacre and horrors beggaring description. Although in ruins today, this capital city once boasted riches known far beyond the shores of India.

The ruins of Hampi of the 14th Century lies scattered in about 26 sq. km area, amidst giant boulders and vegetation. Protected by the tempestuous river Tungabhadra in the north and rocky granite ridges on the other three sides, the ruins silently narrate the story of grandeur splendor and fabulous wealth. The splendid remains of palaces and gateways of the broken city tells a tale of men infinite talent and power of creativity together with his capacity for senseless destruction.

visit "'Malyavanta Raghunathaswamy Temple, Virupaksha Temple, Vithala Temple Complex, House of Victory, Ramaswami temple, King’s balance, Queen’s Bath, Lotus Mahal, Elephant Stables, Pushkarini Tank, Mahanavami Dibba, Sasivikalu Ganesha"' many more.

* Bijapur

Bijapur, The onetime capital of the Adil Shahi Kings (1489-1686), Bijapur is dotted with "'mosques, mausoleums, palaces, fortifications, watch towers and strong gateways"'.

The massive Gol Gumbaz dominates the landscape for miles around. It is the imposing mausoleum of Muhammed Adil Shah and was built in 1659. Housing the world's second largest dome, unsupported by pillars, it is an acoustic and architectural wonder. Its amazing whispering gallery distinctly echoes the faintest whisper eleven times.

The jewel of Adil Shahi architecture is the Jumma Masjid, with its graceful arches, aisles, halls, intricate designs and large crowning onion dome. What makes it even more special is the priceless Koran written in letters of gold that is carefully preserved here.

Malik-e-Maidan is a 55 ton cannon perched on a platform. The head of the cannon is fashioned into the shape of a lion whose jaws are trying to devour an elephant. Legend has it that if you touch the gun and make a wish, it will come true.

Other architectural sites in Bijapur include Mehtar Mahal, Gagan Mahal, Jala Manzil, Bara Kaman, Upli Buruj, Taj Bawdi and Shiva statue.

* "'Badami [cite web
url=http://www.cultureholidays.com/Temples/badami.htm
title=Badami Cave Temples, Karnataka
publisher=
accessdate=2008-08-06] [cite web
url=http://www.pearlsindiatour.com/badami-cave-temple.html
title=Badami Cave Temples
publisher=
accessdate=2008-08-07] , Aihole, Pattadakal"'

Badami Situated in North Karnataka, Badami was the erstwhile capital of the Chalukya Empire. The town is known for its cave temples (all carved out of sandstone hills). Badami have four caves, the cave temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu is the largest and the most picturesque. In front of the cave temple, there is a reservoir called Aghastya teertha dotted with temples on its bank. Among them, two are dedicated to Lord Vishnu, one to Lord Shiva and the fourth is a Jain Temple. Badami Cave temple in
North Karnataka have some spectacular carving displaying the Hindu gods, Narashima and Hari Hara. The temples also have paintings on the ceiling and interesting bracket figures on the piers.

Pattadakal [cite web
url=http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/239
title=Pattadakal, UNESCO World Heritage Centre
publisher=
accessdate=2008-08-06] - World Heritage Centre

Pattadkal, perhaps one of the greatest ever experiments in the history of Indian Temple Architecture, is an art historian's delight. It is basically a collection of nine temples, four of which are in the south Indian Dravidian style, four in the Nagara style of north India and the last one, the Papanatha temple represents a coming together of the two styles. Pattadkal was the second capital of the Chalukyas and it is where the kings were crowned. All the temples date to between the 7th and 8th centuries AD and are located on the banks of the scenic Malaprabha river.

Aihole [cite web
url=http://ellakavi.wordpress.com/2007/07/14/aihole-is-located-near-badami/
title=Aihole is located near Badami
publisher=
accessdate=2008-08-06]

Aihole (6th to 11th centuries) temples belonging to early Chalukya, Rashtrakuta and later Chalukya dynasties. There are around 140 temples in this once prominent trading city of the Chalukyas. It has one Jain cave temple and one Buddhist cave temple. All the other Jain and Buddhist temples are built with stone and resemble Hindu temples. Another interesting fact is that these temples were built during the Middle Ages before any style was established and hence there is a mixture of styles.

* Murdeshwara [cite web
url=
title=Some essential aspects of Temple Structure
publisher=
accessdate=2008-08-08]

World’s tallest Gopura and Shiva statue.

* Lakkundi

Famous Jain temples, Kalyani.

Also visit - Gadag, Dambal, Mahadeva Temple (Itagi), Annigeri.

* Gokak

Gokak Falls and Temple.

* Karwar

Beaches of Karwar nad Ankola.

* Bidar [cite web
url=http://www.hindu.com/2008/08/06/stories/2008080653730300.htm
title=Bidar has 30 tombs of former kings
publisher=
accessdate=2008-08-08]

Bidar has 30 tombs of former kings, The tombs of the rulers of the Bahamani and Barid Shahi dynasties are among the tourist attractions in Bidar district, which has many places of architectural, historical and religious importance.

The prominent tombs are the Chaukhandi of Hazrat Khalil-Ullah Shah and the tomb of Sultan Ahmed Shah Al Wali Bahamani, among others, from the Bahamani dynasty.

BIDAR BIDRIWARE [cite web
url=http://kstdc.net/html/Shoppings.htm
title=BIDAR BIDRIWARE
publisher=
accessdate=2008-08-07] [cite web
url=http://www.hindu.com/2008/08/06/stories/2008080653310200.htm
title=Come up with innovative designs
publisher=
accessdate=2008-08-08]

Bidar in North Karnataka is a famous centre for Bidriware, a well-developed craft that involves the use of "'metal plate on an alloy made of zinc, copper, tin, and lead"'. Finely crafted hookahs, goblets, paan boxes, bowls, plates, pen holders, letter openers, and bangles exquisitely embellished with interwoven vines and floral patterns are a treat to the eye.

The effect of the delicate silver filigree against the metallic ebony background is striking.

Monuments related to Deccan Sultanates. Sikh temple.

* Basavakalyana [cite web
url=http://news.webindia123.com/news/Articles/India/20080614/974456.html
title=New tourist spot to be developed
publisher=
accessdate=2008-08-08]

Basava Kalyana, the taluk headquarters in Bidar District. It was the capital of the Later Chalukyas, It has an old fort renovated bythe Bahamanis and inside it is an Archaeological Museum. Not much ancientremains of the Chalukya or the Kalachuri times remain here except thedilapidated Narayanapur temple of the Chalukyas in the outskirts of the town.There is a modern Basaveshwara temple, Prabhudevara Gadduge,celebratedJurist of the Kalyana Chalukya period. "'Vijnaneshwara’s Cave, MadivalaMachiah’s Pond, Akka Nagamma’s Cave, fully renovated Siddheshwara templeand a new structure called Anubhava Mantapa"'. The Qaji’s mosque is animpresive structure. There is also Raja Bagh Sawar Dargah.

Chalukya Monuments, Fort.

* Kudalasangama

- Kudalasangama, Alamatti Dam.

Famous Temples of North Karnataka

Following are some of the famous Temples of North Karnataka [cite web
url=http://www.templenet.com/Karnataka/kalyani_chalukya.html
title=Kalyani Chalukyan temples
publisher=
accessdate=2008-08-07] [cite web
url=
publisher=
accessdate=2008-08-08]

* Trikuteshwara Temple complex

* Chandramouleshwara temple Unkal (Hubli-Dharwad)

* Mahadeva Temple (Itagi)

* Amtriteshwara temple Annigeri

* Hangal Temples

* Shambulinga Temple Kundgol

* Hooli Panchalingeshwara Temple

* Devala Ganagapura

Devala Ganagapura in Afzalpur taluk Gulbarga District. It is to be reached from Ganagapur railway station. Sri Narasimha Saraswati who had stayed here for long and was granted a jahgir by the Bahmani Sultan. The Saint had cured the Sultan of a serious (incurable) boil. The saint is treated as an incarnation of Dattatreya and devotees from Maharashtra andKarnataka throng the place daily.

Jaina Basatis

Jainism in North Karnataka

Jainism had been a very old religion of Karnataka. Belgaum District hasthe beautiful Kamala basadi in Chalukyan style in the "Belgaum Fort"'. Theancient centre Tavanidi near Nippani and newly created centre at Shedbal,where 24 Tirthankaras in white marble have been installed in a cluster, arequite imposing. Lakkundi in Gadag District has a huge "'Brahma Jinalaya ofChalukyan style"', built by a noble lady, Attimabbe.

Buddhists temples

The Buddhists had their Tara Bhagavati temples at Belgami (Balligave) nearShiralkoppa, Koliwada and Dambal, (both in Gadag dt). Remains of the razed Stupas and a large number of Buddhist plaques ofSatavahana period are unearthed recently at Sannatti and Kanaganahalli nearbyin Gulbarga District. Buddha Vihara at Aihole and Buddhist remains at Badami(between cave two and three) of Badami Chalukya period are noteworthy. The Tibetan Settlements at Mundgod in Uttara Kannada look like mini-Tibet with their multi-coloured beautiful stupas and artistically painted prayer halls. The two New BaudhaViharas at Gulbarga are worth mentioning.

hiva temples

Gokarn is a great all-India centre where the Atmalinga(Mahabaleshwara) of Shiva, brought by Ravana is believed to have beeninstalled. Nearby is Murdeshwar where a huge modern Shiva temple inDravidian Style has been raised, renovating an ancient shrine. Both the placesare on the sea-shore in Uttara Kannada. At Hampi is the famous "'VirupakshaTemple"', venerated by generations of poets, scholars, kings and commoners.

The Shiva temple at Kudalasangama in Bagalkote District is famous for itsassociation with Saint Basaveshwara. Equally remarkable pieces of art are theVirupaksha and the Mallikarjuna at Pattadakal in Bagalkote dt.

The Veerashaivas have many venerated places, either associated withBasaveshwara or his contemporaries. Basavana Bagewadi was his place ofbirth and Kudala Sangama the place of his spiritual practices, are in Bijapurand Bagalkot dts. The latter is at the confluence of the river Krishna and theMalaprabha. Basava Kalyana, the ancient Chalukyah capital in Bidar Districtwas the place where he conducted his socio-religious movement. Ulavi in [UttaraKannada [, a quiet place amidst forests, has the samadhi of Chennabasavanna,Basaveshwara’s nephew. Belgami (Balligavi), the famous Chalukyan art centrein Shimoga dt. is identified as the birth place of Allama Prabhu and Uduthadinear it, is the native place of Akka Mahadevi.Later Veerashaiva saints are associated with many places. Kodekal (Gulbargadt.) Basavanna temple, "'Kadakola Madivallajja Matha, Sharana Basaveshwaratemple and Dasoha Math"' at Gulbarga are few more places of worship.

Athani has the samadhi of the famous Veerashaiva Saint Shivayogi. Some of the outstanding Veerashaiva Mathas are seen at Naganur near Bailhongal and Kalmatha inBelgaum, Durudundeshwara Matha at Arabhavi and Mahantaswamy Mathaat Murgod are in Belgaum dt. Murugha Matha (Dharwad), AnnadaneshwaraMatha (Mundargi), Tontadarya Matha at Gadag and Dambal, Moorusavira Mathaat Hubli, Murugha Matha and Hukkeri Matha (Haveri), Taralabalu Matha atSirigere, Murugharajendra Matha at Chitradurga, Banthanala Shivajogi Mathaat Chadachan and Mahantaswamy Matha (Ilkal) are equally notable. Thesamadhi of Sharanabasappa Appa at Gulbarga.

hakti Stal

Of the Shakti centres to be noted are Chandralamba at Sannati (Gulbarga), Bagavanti at Ghattaraki, Mayavva at Chinchli, Yellamma at Saundatti,
Banashankari near Badami (Bagalkote dt.),Bhuvaneshwari at Hampi, Marikamba at Sirsi (Uttara Kannada).These places are visited by devotees of Goddess Shakti.

Forts in North Karnataka

North Karnataka has a long history that chiefly constitutes of the Sultans and their endeavor towards strengthening their roots in Karnataka. No tourist survey is complete without mentioning about Karnataka's historical forts. The whole range of ancient capitals of Bidar, Gulbarga, Bijapur, Vijayanagara, Badami, Basava Kalyan, Chitradurga etc. had their forts. The forts and monuments of Karnataka can be traced back to pre-historic times where many dynasties and empires ruled over this region reflected time and again through the ruins of these monuments.

In addition, forts were built at strategic centres. There are hill forts at the Uchangi in Davanagere dt., Bellary and Sandur,in Bellary dt., Yadgiri, Waghangeri, Jaladurga,
Vanadurga, Shahapur and Surapur in Gulbarga dt., Nargund fort built byShivaji in Gadag dt. and Parasgad and Hargapur forts in Belgaum dt., alsoraised by Shivaji. Aymangala in Chitradurga dt. have fortificationsaround some part of the towns even now. Old forts have huge granite stones used without plastering materials. Raichur, Mudugal, Koppal forts too are noteworthy.

The coastal island forts like Bahadurgad, Basavaraja Durga, Devagadand Kurmagad. Old forts exist in hundreds in Karnataka.

Some of the famous forts are as mentioned below

Basavakalyan Fort

Bidar Fort

The imposing fort of Bidar is a magnificent fort, the main gateway of which was originally built by Bahamani Sultan Ahmad Shah Wali in 1429 AD. Further improvements to the citadel were carried out by the Barid Shahi Sultans. Ahmad Shah Wali (1422 - 35) the ninth Bahamani Sultan decided to shift his capital from Gulbarga to Bidar for reasons of health.

Gulbarga Fort

Gulbarga fort, originally built by Raja Gulchand was later strengthened by Ala-ud-din Bahmani. The fort contained 15 towers and 26 guns of which one was 8 metres long. Within the ramparts of the fort, there is an imposing mosque, which resembles the great mosque of Cordova in Spain.

Savadatti Fort

Savadatti or Saundatti fort a wonderful hill fort which was expanded by Chatrapathi Shivaji.

Bellary Fort

Sandur Fort (Bellary District)

Gajendragad Fort

Gajendragad Fort A wonderful hill fort which was Built and renovated by Chatrapathi Shivaji.

Nargund fort built by Shivaji (Dharwad District)

Ucchangi near Davanagere (Bellary District)

Wild Life Sanctuary

Ranebennur Wild Life Sanctuary in Haveri district is more than 100 sqkm in area and is known for its agile blackbucks population.

Dandeli Wild Life Sanctuary in Uttara Kannada District is famousfor bisons, deers and variety of other wildfauna.

Lovers of wild life who love serenity of the forest and trekking at the hill tracks can visit these places and enjoy the natural bounty of the land of Karnataka. Karnataka has some outstanding Trekking spots. Places like Yana and Kavale caves in Uttara Kannada District. Gottamgotta (Gulbarga dt), Herein you come across tanks, rivuletsand water falls to help cool your heels. The chirping sound of birds and of wildinsects provide you with fine natural music.

Reservoirs of tourist importance

The rivers of Karnataka have several reservoirs of tourist importance.

Narayanapur and

Almatti (Bijapur District),

Chandrampalli (Gulbarga District),

Navil Thirtha (Belgaum District),

Munirabad (Koppal District)' Hidkal (Belgaum District), Karanja (Bidar District),

Supa dam (Uttara Kannada) etc. can serve as interesting picinic and tourist spots.

Beaches

If you want to bask in the sunshine of the sea shore or get beaten by theoceanic waves, there are fine beaches. Gokarna, the holytown in Uttara Kannada, has a very long beach which has also become a secondresort to many people who visit Goa. Karwar has a number of beaches likeBlue Lagoon Beach, Ladies Beach around it and Poet "'Rabindranath Tagorehad unforgettable experiences at Karwar beach"' to which he has given expressionto in poetic prose. Om beach, Murudeshwar are other beautifulserene beaches of Uttara Kannada Dist. These are only a few among the many.The beaches not only provide you an encounter with the sea, but also give youa chance to taste sea food available there.The Nethrani Island near Murdeshwar is another captivating Island. "'BasavarajaDurga"' near Honavar is an island fort raised by the Keladi Rulers during 16thand 17th Centuries. It is surrounded by a strong fortification raised by giganticlaterite blocks and the hill has a flat top. Devagad and Kurmagad are twoislands near Karwar. Visiting these places will be a wonderful experience.

Waterfalls

North Karnataka is blessed with many waterfalls, Uttara Kannada is famous for its Unchalli (Lushington) also called Keppa Joga Falls, about 450 feet in height and theAghanashini river creates this water cascade at a place which can be reachedfrom Yellapur (19 km away) and also from Siddapur (12 km) via, Kolsirsi,Heggarne and Unchalli. From Unchalli one has to walk five km from throughthe thick forest to reach the witnessing spot of this falls. The Magod Falls(situated at a distance of eight km from Yellapur) of the Bedti River can bereached from Siddapura (35 km) as well as Yellapur in Uttara Kannada. TheChaya Bhagavathi falls, (5 km away from Narayanapur) in Surpur tq, theYattipota falls near Chincholi, the Gurmitkal falls (four km from Gurmitkal)in Yadgiri Tq. the Kotikal falls near Badami and the Kabbargi Falls in Koppal District are noteworthy. Belgaum District has the famous Gokak Falls, whichis eight km away from the Gokak Town and Gokak Road Railway Station. The170 feet tall cascade here is called Mini Niagara for its spread and shape.Hydro Electric Power was harnessed here to mechanically run the cotton millas early as in 1887. There are many beautiful old temples at Gokak fallsbeginning from Badami Chalukyas till Later Chalukyan times and Vijayanagaraperiods and also a suspension bridge across the river Ghataprabha. The artificialbut, attractive waterfalls at Sogala (Baihongal Tq.) needs special mention. TheMahadayi river creates the Vajrapoha Falls in the thick Jamboti forest in
Khanapur taluk. While the river travels towards Goa, it is called Mandovi. Asecond falls of it at the lower valley from a height of 50 mtrs. althoughinaccessible, can be reached from Asoge, which is six km from thisfalls. Gokak Falls must be visited in July-August whenit will be in full bloom.

Temple Tanks

* Agastya Teertha Badami

* Mahakuta group of temples tank near Badami

* Banashankari Temple tank near Badami

* Lakkundi Temple Tank near Gadag

* Temple tank at Hampi

Early Western Chalukya Cave Temples

Early Western Chalukya Cave Temples [cite web
url=http://www.umich.edu/~hartspc/acsaa/LLabelPdf/46LL.pdf
title=EARLY WESTERN CHALUKYA CAVE-TEMPLES
publisher=
accessdate=2008-08-11]

The cave temples at Badami and Aihole, Alampur, Pattadakal, Mahakuta, etc.

References

* North Karnataka
* Tourism in Karnataka
* Gadag
* Sudi
* Annigeri
* Haveri
* Hubli
* Belgaum District
* Lakkundi
* Koppal District
* Kalghatgi
* Hangal
* Dambal
* Hooli