Dandeli - An Introduction

Dandeli

Dandeli governed by city municipal council in Uttara Kannada district in the state of Karnataka, India. It is a picturesque city set amidst Large scale Industries and the backdrop of the Western Ghats Known as National integrated city and multicultured, it boasts more cultural values. Dussera is the main attraction as its celebrated here in a very grand way. Dandeli is one of 57 Karnataka cities in the Nirmala Nagara - Municipal eGovernance project.

The city is located along the banks of the Kali River with the Western Ghats as a backdrop. The location is surrounded by dense deciduous forests, which is one of the richest wildlife habitats in the world. It is very famous for Wild sanctuary, Paper Mills, Syntheri Rock and Forest Resorts. Kali river is the main water source. People of this city are coming from different states of the India .They are very good example for "unity in diversity" with their different culture, religion and language. So Dandeli city is Recognized as "MINI INDIA".

Dandelappa temple is one of a oldest famous temple in Dandeli City. The City is situated in the Maland belt and such abounds in thick greeneries adding to the beautiful landscape with hills, valleys and river. Kali river flows on the south of Dandeli town.

Dandeli is the ideal vacation resort for those who are in love with nature. Being a heady mix of nature, adventure and wildlife, this city in Uttar Kannada district of South India is growing in stature as the leading tourist destination.

Dandeli offers you much more than the sundry outings and picnics. The region offers you the best of adventure sports, eco-tourism and pilgrimage. If you want to spend some unforgettable moments in the midst of nature, come to Dandeli.

Those who enjoy adventure sports and the rush of adrenalin, Dandeli is the place to be. Water sports have always been the key attraction of this place. Kali River rafting, white water rafting in Kali river, kayaking and canoeing - such an elaborate arrangement will definitely fuel the passion of adventure sports in you.

Overnight rafting or canoeing trips are available. Treks, cycling and mountain biking are some other adventure sports you just can’t miss. Dandeli has so many attractions up its sleeve that you will find it simply irresistible.

Wildlife enthusiasts will find Dandeli quite appealing and ultimately fall in love with its abundant wildlife diversity. The Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary offers you the rare glimpse of the Black Panther. Other inhabitants of this sanctuary include the sambhar, bison and the Malabar giant squirrel. Don’t be surprised if you see giant iguana, king cobra and tiger in the dense forests surrounding Dandeli.

Every day brings on an exciting new experience. Just take jeep safaris into the Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary to find how nature opens up before you.

Another star attraction of the Dandeli wildlife is the Hornbill. The Great Indian Hornbill and the Malabar Pied Hornbill are an integral part of this resourceful wildlife. Listen to exotic birdsong and feast on glorious sunsets dusk after dusk.You’ll want to stay for ever...

Dandeli is known for its rich greenery and as a Wildlife sanctuary. It had a Rail head built by British known to be the oldest and now it doesn't exist. Tourism is Gaining importance since White water Rafting is done on the river Kali.

Dandeli - Cintheri Rocks

Cintheri Rocks

A rock formation and a small waterfall.

Coorg - Cauvery Nisargadhama

Cauvery Nisargadhama

A great place to cuddle up for the night. This 2.5 sq. km. large island in the middle of the River Cauvery, is some place to romance.

Coorg - Bhagamandala & Talakaveri

Bhagamandala & Telecauvery

At the convergence of the rivers Cauvery, the underground Sujyothi and the Kanike, the Bhangandeshwara temple here has a distinct Kerala touch. Because of the three rivers, it is also called Triveni Sangama. The serene temple has intricate carvings and a copper roof. A dip at the Triveni Sangam nearby is supposed to revive sagging spirits, but take prior permission at the temple.

Every October 17, on Tulasankranama, thousands come here to swim and pray. For this is Telecauvery (meaning Head of the Cauvery), the origin of one of the seven sacred rivers. The source of this long river, which passes through two states, is on the top of the hill called Brahmagiri. It is 1535 metres above sea level. Steps lead up to the Brahmagiri peak, from where a panoramic view of Kodagu meets the visitor.

Coorg - Talakaveri

Talakaveri

River Kaveri which is one of the 7 sacred rivers of Sapta Sindhus of the Hindu scriptures, originated at a place is called Talakaveri in the Brahmagiri hills, at about 4,500 ft above sea level. This place is marked by a kundike from where the river emerges as a small perennial spring, but flows underground again to emerge a short distance away.

There is a shrine near the kundike and a big tank in front of it where devotees baths before offering prayers. There are 2 temples, a Shiva temple and with a rare and ancient Shiva Linga, and another temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha. This temple has a holy Ashwantha tree where, according to legend, the Trimurtis - Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh gave darshan to sage Agastya.

Legends also has it that every year on Tulasankramana day (approximately on 17 October) Goddess Parvati appears in the Kundike as the sacred teerthodbhava. This occasion is marked by the sudden unsurge of water in the kundike and is considered very auspicious

From Talakaveri, steps lead up to the nearby Brahmagri peak, where the 7 great sages called the Sapta Maharishis had performed a special yagna. From the peak, as well as on the drive to Talakaveri, tourists can enjoy a good view of the misty blue Brahmagiri hills.

Bikaner - Haveli

Haveli

Haveli is the term used for a private residence in Pakistan and North India. The word haveli is of Persian origin, meaning "an enclosed place". The havelis of Pakistan and north India follow the Islamic style of architecture and usually contain a courtyard often with a fountain in the center. The old cities of Lahore and Delhi have many fines examples of Mughal-style havelis.

The term HAVELI is used by the Vaishnava sect to refer to their temples in Gujarat. The word has a sanskrit origin and refers to vaishnav temples , /a temple built for Lord Krishna. Typically in the northern part of India temples for Lord Krishna are prevelant with huge mansion like constructions. Thoughout north india such exclusive temples for Lord krishna are called havelis. The havelis are noted for their frescoes depicting mythological themes. The frescoes frequently include images of gods, goddesses, animals, scenes from the British colonization, and the life stories of Lords Rama and Krishna.

Later on these temple architectures and frescos was followed while building huge individual mansions and now the word is popularly recognised with the mansions themselves Between 1830 and 1930, Marwaris erected buildings in their homeland, Shekhawati and Marwar. These buildings were called havelis. The Marwaris commissioned artists to paint those buildings. The havelis were status symbols for the Marwaris as well as homes for their extended families, providing security and comfort in seclusion from the outside world.

The havelis were to be closed from all sides with one large main gate. The typical havelis in Shekhawati consisted of two courtyards - an outer one for the men which serves as an extended threshold, and the inner one, the domain of the women. The largest havelis could have up to three or four courtyards and were two to three stories high. Most of the havelis are empty nowadays or are maintained by a watchman (typically an old man). These havelis are major attraction for tourists in Rajasthan. The towns and villages of Shekhawati are famous for the embllished frescoes on the walls of their grandiose havelis.

Such is the magnificience and artistry of these frescoes, that they attract tourists from all over the world. In this context, the Patwa havelis of Jaisalmer deserve special mention. Tourists from all over the world come down to Jaisalmer to glimpse the Patwa havelis' intricate stone-carved jharokhas (balconies). Though there are five havelis standing in a row, none the first one are maintained at all. This can be attributed to the executive apathy. The first one survived because of entreprenureial nature of the owner. He has converted the haveli in to a museum show casing the lifestyle of the erstwhile Patwas. This has added to the charm of the haveli and consequently a small amount is charged as entry fee.

Famous Havelis

1. Khetan Haveli in Jhunhjunu (now demolished and school built on that place)
2. Muraraka Haveli
3. Hem Raj Kulwal Haveli
4. Bhagton ki choti Haveli
5. Chhauchharia Haveli
6. Hira Lal Sarowgi Haveli
7. Mantri Haveli in Churu

Coorg - An Introduction

Coorg

A friendly warning to all concerned: One trip to Coorg (Kodagu) and it’ll haunt you for the rest of your life. You might leave Coorg, but Coorg will never leave you. Don’t blame us if you keep returning to it time and again.

That’s Coorg for you- incomparable scenic beauty, lush green valleys, coffee plantations, teak wood forests & majestic mountain ranges. Add to that a strong, brave martial race of Coorgs (Kodavas) that reveres tradition, has a distinct culture and lives life to its fullest.

Coorg is situated on the Western Ghats of Karnataka in South India. Its name is probably a corruption of the Kannada kodagu (“steepness”). For the adventurous at heart, it is an absolute treat. There are trekking, golfing and angling. Religious trips abound on Hindu and Buddhist circuits. Family getaways can be easily arranged. You can also relax your body and mind with special Ayurvedic massages. Coorg is also as trendy and happening as its close neighbour Bangalore.

But the predominant entity here is nature at its best. Coorg is like the dreamland of the philosopher. If you’re the type who likes to mingle with nature, romance in the mountains, feel the tingle of the cool and gentle breeze, watch leaves flutter in dance-like movements and hear sounds of birds fill the air, and then Coorg is just the place for you!

Coorg was an independent kingdom from the 9th century. A Hindu dynasty ruled almost continuously from the late 16th century until overthrown by the British in 1834. The region became a province (a state after 1950) of British India and because of its ruggedness was sometimes referred to as the “Wales of India.” Administered by the chief commissioner of Mysore from 1881 to 1947, Coorg was absorbed into Mysore in 1953.

The Puranas refer to this land as Krodadesa or the land (desa) of the people blest by mother Goddess, River Cauvery (kod, meaning bless, and avva for mother Cauvery). The Puranic name for Coorg was also Matsyadesa (matsya, meaning fish) as is recorded in the Kaveri Purana. Down the ages, it came to be known as Kodagu and the people, Kodavas. This has further changed to Coorg. According to some sources, the word Kodagu is derived from the word “Kudu”, which means “Hilly place”.