In the mid-forties the Navodaya movement gave way to Pragathisheela Chalavali. A.N. Krishna Rao was the torch bearer for this. The movement brought writers from their ivory tower to the common man. Though Anakru's short stories are better examples from this genre of writing, than his novels, he is mainly noted for his novels such as 'Sandhya Raaga', Udaya Raaga', 'Nata Sarvabhouma', 'Grihini' and 'Kanneeru'. Basavaraja Kattimani, hailing from North Karnataka, wrote 'Nee Nanna Muttabeda', 'Shivadara Janivara' and 'Nanoo Polisanagidde' portraying the netherworld behind the facade of Kaavi and Khaki. Ta.Ra.Su started as a progressive writer with novels like 'Hamsageethe', 'Masanada Hoovu' and 'Munjavinda Munjavu' found his forte in historical novels woven around his birth place Chitradurga, and 'Durgasthamana' is the finest example of his writing. Niranjana who was an active communist during freedom struggle wrote such down-to-earth novels as 'Doorada Betta' and 'Rangammana Vathara' as well as 'Chirasmarane' based on agrarian movement, but his magnum opus is considered to be 'Mrityunjaya', dealing with Egyptian history.
Chaduranga who inspite of his close relationship with the Mysore Royal family was a rebel and wrote 'Sarvamangala' and 'Uyyale' both dealing with extra-marital love. Interestingly, his 'Vaishaka' writen many decades later also deals with extra-marital relationship in a rural setting.
Among the women writers Triveni, whose novels like 'Bekkina Kannau', 'Sharapanjara' and 'Mucchida Bagilu' were essentially psycho-analytical. Anupama, who drew themes from her rich experience as a medical practitioner in stories like 'Aranyadallondu Aragini', and M.K.Indira whose forte was the protrayal of Malnad life in novels such as 'Phaniyamma' were all offshoots of the progressive movement.
Next to the progressive movement was the Navya movement. This was influenced mostly by the post-war writers like T.S.Eliot, Auden, Ezra Pound, D.H.Lawrence, Sartre and Camus. Gopalakrishna Adiga was the foremost exponent of the Navya movement and his 'Bhoomi Geetha' is said to have been influenced by T.S.Eliot's 'Waste Land'. P. Lankesh's collection of stories 'Kurudu Kanchana' and his absurd play 'Teregalu', Srikrishna Alanahalli's long story 'Kadu', Shanthinatha Desai's 'Vikshepa', Poornachandra Tejaswi's 'Nigoodha Manushyaru', Nisar Ahmed's poem like 'Masthi', 'Ramanu Sattha dina', U.R. Ananthamurthy's stories like 'Prashne' and 'Clip Joint', Yeshwanth Chittala's 'Shikari', Vyasaraya Ballala's 'Bandaya' are some examples of the new writing in Kannada.
Chandrashekara Kambara and A. K. Ramanujam widened the frontiers of Navya poetry. Kambara has a good command on the diction and tunes of the folk poetry, like Bendre, but who used them to embody the tensions of life caught between tradition and a new culture. He has made a mark as a poet, a novelist and a dramatist. His 'Jokumara Swamy' besides other awards, has won the prestigeous Kamaladevei Chattopadyaaya Award. It is a hit play, with liveliness, good song and gaiety. A.K. Ramanujam, a remarkable poet, presented clear, vivid pictures with an apparent casualness. S.L.Byrappa who shot into fame with his 'Vamshavriksha' is one writer who has scrupulously avoided confining himself into any frame. Some of his celebrated works are 'Anveshane', 'Grihabhanga', 'Thabbaliyu Neenade Magane', 'Daatu', 'Sartha', 'Mandra' and 'Thanthu'.
Post-Navya writing is sometimes called as Navyotthara Sahitya or Bandaya Sahitya, or even Dalita Sahitya. The writers belonging to this movement are of the firm view that only Daliths can authentically write about their trials and tribulations, and anything written by others, however, impressive it might be, will still remain second-hand experience. Still, it is interesting to note that Devanuru Mahadeva who does not like to classify himself into this or that group or 'ism' has given some of the finest Dalit literature. His 'Odalala' and 'Kusuma Bale' have won many laurels. Chennanna Valikar and Siddalingaiah are another notable Dalith writers. B.T. Lalitha Nayak, Aravlnda Malagatti and Geetha Nagabhushana are other important writers who are identified with their notable Dalith works. G.Venkataiah of Maddur Taluk had written some books in 1940 itself highlighting the pains and pleasures of Dalith people even before there was any such movement.
The Feminist movement began after the Dalit movement. Women writers started writing independently about their own experiences that had quite a different dimension. They not only questioned the male supremacy in society but also tried to bring about equality with men. The works of R. Kalyanamma, who published 'Sarswathi' a montly for 42 years, Nanjanagudu Tirumalamba who published 'Sathi Hithaishini' and then 'Karnataka Nandini'. Sarawathi Bai Rajawade (Giri Bale) who had new attitude and a vision of modern education for women, Kodagina Gouramma, Belagere Janakamma, Shyamala Devi Belagaumkar and the like, gained prominence in 80's and after, through the feminist writers of this movement. 'Phaniyamma' by M.K. Indira, 'Itigeetike' by Vijaya Dabbe, 'Gandasuru' by Veena Shanteshwar, 'Sahana' by Sara Abubakar, 'Seetha Rama Ravana' by H.V. Savitramma are some such quotable writings. The 'Karnataka Lakhakiyara Sangha' a feminist writers organisation founded in 1978, played an important role in giving a feminist touch to social values and also in mirroring them in the writings of women.
'Streevani Praveshike' edited by B.N. Sumitra Bai and N. Gayathri is noteworthy. Many women writers wrote books on different fields from a womens' points of view. Among them mention may be made for their writings and related activities of Hemalatha Mahishi (Law), H. Girijamma and Leelavathi Devadas (Health), Vijaya and S. Malathi (Theatre), Namichandra (Science and Fiction) and Vaidehi (Fiction). B.N. Sumithra Bai, Vijaya Dabbe and many others are good feminist critics. (The list is not exhaustive.) Feminist poets are large in number. Following this movement, discussions, seminars, workshops and conferences were held on the questions of women and feminism at all levels in the State. 'Women Studies' was introduced as a subject for students of degree level, first in NMKRV College, Bangalore and then in almost all Universities of the State.
Any survey of Kannada literature would be incomplete without the mention of some writers, who while not specifically representing this or that school were still successful in drawing enormous number of readers towards them. Krishnamurthy Puranika is one such. At one time, his novels like 'Dharmadevathe' which faithfully depicted the middleclass life of old Mysore or Hyderabad Karnataka or Mumbai Karnataka were a rage among women readers. Likewise, N.Narasimhayya who wrote detective stories under the series 'Patthedara Purushotthamana Sahasagalu' was so successful that the series exceeded one hundred. He was never seen in any literary meet, it is doubtful if he ever got invited, nevertheless his books did inculcate the reading habit in school boys. Ma.Ramamurthy of Mandya District continued such type of writing of detective novels.
At the other end of the spectrum, we find the B.G.L.Swamy who blended humour and science writing so effectively that his 'Hasiru Honnu' about the botanical wealth around us, remains a classic many decades after its publication. His 'Kaleju Ranga' and 'Kaleju Tharanga' are master peices of humour, dealing with his experiences as college teacher. 'Thamilu Thalegala Naduve' is a scholarly work which takes in its sweeps subjects like archaeology is veneered with deceptive humour.
In the sphere of drama, Girish Karnad's plays and performances are worth encore. His 'Tugalaq' and 'Nagamandala' with all its dramatic elements and high thoughts, made a big impact. 'Hayavadana' and 'Agni mattu male' are also notable plays. Karnad has given many plays drawing profusely from history, folk lore and epics. Along with the above plays, 'Yayati' also may be cited as an example for this.
Similarly there are writers like C.K.Nagaraja Rao, Ma.Na.Murthy, Devudu Narashimha Shastry and K.V. Iyer who have scholarly novels like 'Pattamahishi Shanthala', 'Shanthala', 'Mahabrahmana' and 'Mahakshatriya', and 'Rupadarshi'.
Travelogues are far too many even to make a brief mention. However Shivaram Karanth's 'Apoorva Paschima', A.N. Murthy Rao's 'Apara Vayaskana America Yathre', Goruru's 'Americadalli Gorur', popular detective story writer T.K.Rama Rao's 'Golada Melondu Suttu', N. Lakshminarayan's 'Nirdeshakana Videsha Yathre', D. Javere Gowda's 'Videshadalli Nalku Vara', Krishnananda Kamat's 'Naanoo Americakke Hogidde', Navarathna Ram's 'Pyarissininda Preyasige', K. Anantharamu's 'Udaya raviya nadinalli', Susheela Koppar's 'Paduvanada Pathramale' may be cited as examples.
Monday, November 16, 2009
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Festivals and Fairs in Karnataka
The Hindus have several religious holy days, occasions of festivals and fasts throughout the year. Some of the important festivals for Hindus are: New Year Day or Ugadi (the first day of Chaitra month); Ramanavami (the birth day of Lord Rama, the ninth day of Chaitra); Basava Jayanthi the birth day of Basaweshwara (Akshayatritiya); Shankara Jayanthi the birth day of Acharya Shankara (Vaishaka Shuddha Panchami); Kara Hunnime (full moon day of Jyestha, a festival for peasants); Ashadha Ekadashi (the eleventh day of the bright half of Ashadha); BheemanaAmavasya (New Moon day of Ashadha); Nagapanchami the festival of Serpent God (on the fifth day of Shravana); Gokulashtami, the birth day of Lord Krishna (the eighth day of the dark fortnight of Shravana); Ganesh Chaturthi (fourth day of the bright half of Bhadrapada when God Ganesh is worshiped); Navarathri or Dasara (first ten days of Ashweeja Masa); Deepavali (thirteenth day of dark half of Ashvija) and the festival of light and day to worship Goddess of Wealth Lakshmi (lasts for five days); Bhogi and Makara Sankranthi (on the 13th and 14th January, respectively); Mahashivarathri 13th or the 14th day of the dark fortnight of Magha, a festival in honour of God Shiva; and Holi or Kamana Habba, marking the death of Kama (God of Love) on the full moon day of Phalguna, marked in places with much noise and gay abandon.
In many places, Navarathri is also celebrated as Nada Habba (State festival) and in Mysore, on Vijayadashmi day (the victorious tenth day), the statue of Goddess Chamundeshvari is taken in a colourful procession to Bannimantapa with all pomp and pageantry, consisting of tableaux of historical episodes, infantry, mounted horses, Bharat Scouts and Girl Guides, NCC., Bharat Seva Dal etc. Rama Navami and Ganesh Chaturthi are marked by public celebrations accompanied by speeches, dance and music recitals. Kodavas have three important festivals like Koil Muhurta, Cauvery Sankramana and Huthri (harvest festival).
The chief Muslim festivals are Id-ul-fitar or breaking the fast, which marks the conclusion of Ramazan; Idul-ul-Zuha or Bakrid which is held on the ninth day of the month called Zil-hajah and the Shab-e-Barat which is celebrated during the evening of the fifteenth day of the month of Shaban. Moharram is celebrated publicly in many places by honouring symbols called tabuts. The Christians observe the New Year day, Good Friday, Ascension day. Feast of St. Joseph, Easter Sunday (the Day of Resurrection), birth day of Mary, Christmas (the birth day of Christ), Thanks Giving Day, Harvest festival and church anniversary.
The Jains celebrate most of the Hindu festivals in their own way and according to their own tradition and they give importance for fasting, praying and hearing the recitation of the religious texts. Some of the important festivals observed by them are Chaitra Pratipad (Ugadi) to commemorate the victorious Digvijaya of Bharata, son of Teerthankara Adinatha (Vrishabhadeva); Mahavira Jayanthi (Chaitra Shukla Trayodashi); Dasara (Vijayadashami) is believed to be the date when Adinatha attained Kevala Jnana or enlightment and the date when his son Bharata secured his disc or Chakraratna); Deepavali (celebrated as the date of Mahanirvana of Mahavira and they worship Lakshmi and Jnana Lakshmi) and Shivaratri (celebrated as Jinaratri as Adinatha is believed to have attained salvation on the dark 14th of Magha).
The Sikhs observe Guru Nanak's birth day of Karteeka Pournima and Gurudwara inauguration day at Nanak Jhira, Bidar with enthusiasm and pomp with 'akhand pathan' of Guru Granth Sahib. Kirtan and Satsang attract a large number of Sikhs from many places.
In many places, Navarathri is also celebrated as Nada Habba (State festival) and in Mysore, on Vijayadashmi day (the victorious tenth day), the statue of Goddess Chamundeshvari is taken in a colourful procession to Bannimantapa with all pomp and pageantry, consisting of tableaux of historical episodes, infantry, mounted horses, Bharat Scouts and Girl Guides, NCC., Bharat Seva Dal etc. Rama Navami and Ganesh Chaturthi are marked by public celebrations accompanied by speeches, dance and music recitals. Kodavas have three important festivals like Koil Muhurta, Cauvery Sankramana and Huthri (harvest festival).
The chief Muslim festivals are Id-ul-fitar or breaking the fast, which marks the conclusion of Ramazan; Idul-ul-Zuha or Bakrid which is held on the ninth day of the month called Zil-hajah and the Shab-e-Barat which is celebrated during the evening of the fifteenth day of the month of Shaban. Moharram is celebrated publicly in many places by honouring symbols called tabuts. The Christians observe the New Year day, Good Friday, Ascension day. Feast of St. Joseph, Easter Sunday (the Day of Resurrection), birth day of Mary, Christmas (the birth day of Christ), Thanks Giving Day, Harvest festival and church anniversary.
The Jains celebrate most of the Hindu festivals in their own way and according to their own tradition and they give importance for fasting, praying and hearing the recitation of the religious texts. Some of the important festivals observed by them are Chaitra Pratipad (Ugadi) to commemorate the victorious Digvijaya of Bharata, son of Teerthankara Adinatha (Vrishabhadeva); Mahavira Jayanthi (Chaitra Shukla Trayodashi); Dasara (Vijayadashami) is believed to be the date when Adinatha attained Kevala Jnana or enlightment and the date when his son Bharata secured his disc or Chakraratna); Deepavali (celebrated as the date of Mahanirvana of Mahavira and they worship Lakshmi and Jnana Lakshmi) and Shivaratri (celebrated as Jinaratri as Adinatha is believed to have attained salvation on the dark 14th of Magha).
The Sikhs observe Guru Nanak's birth day of Karteeka Pournima and Gurudwara inauguration day at Nanak Jhira, Bidar with enthusiasm and pomp with 'akhand pathan' of Guru Granth Sahib. Kirtan and Satsang attract a large number of Sikhs from many places.
Details on Tourism of Karnataka
Among the Vaishnava Centres, Udupi and Melkote are the foremost, the former connected with the Dwaita school and the latter Vishishtadvaita. Lord Krishna at Udupi was installed by Acharya Madhwa (1200 - 1280 AD) in the beginning of 13th C.A.D. and he founded eight Mathas to help conduct services of the Lord at Udupi. The Madhwa Vaishnavas have their own holy places like Sonda in Uttara Kannada, where Vadiraja Swamy's 'Brindavan' is seen. The pioneering Uttaradi Matha of the sect is at Hospet. The Navabrindavana or the 'Brindavanas' of nine great seers of the sect is at Anegundi to the north of Hampi in an island amidst the Tungabhadra. Mulabagal in Kolar dt. has the Brindavana of Sripadaraja. Nanjangud, Sosale Bhimanakatte, Mahishi, Manur, Santebidanur (Andhra Pradesh), Mantralaya (Andhra Pradesh) and Savanur are holy places to the Madhwas, the last named having the Brindavan of Satyabodha Teertha of Uttaradhi Matha, a Contemporary of Haider who paid him honours. The great Vaishnava saint, Kanakadasa's samadhi is at Kaginele in Haveri dt. where recently a Matha has been founded with the name Kanaka Guru Peetha. Kanakadasa one of the exponents of Haridasa Literature visited Udupi Krishna temple and the God is said to have turned backwards and given him darshan through the 'Kanakana kindi'. Places like Mannur, Malkhed, Honnali, Kudli, Sosale and Yaragola are also noteworthy Madhwa centres in the State.
Srivaishnavism was preached by Ramanujacharya during the 12th century and he stayed at Saligrama (Mysore dt. where there is the Bhashyakara Temple in his memory). Tonnur and Melukote in Mandya dt. At the last place he is believed to have renovated the Cheluvanarayana Swamy temple and conducted the pious for long. These are holy places to Srivaishnavas and also to others. There is the Parakala Matha at Mysore and Jeeyar Yatiraja Matha at Bangalore (Malleshwaram). Apart from the above places which are holy to Srivaishnavas, temples of Vishnu and his incarnation are found all over the state. Reference is already made to Udupi, Melkote, Biligiri Rangana Betta and Himavad Gopalaswamy Betta. Narasimha is worshipped in notable places like Raibag, Surpali, Halasi, Banawasi, Nagamangala and Maddur in Mandya dt. Zarani Narasimha near Bidar. Devarayanadurga and Sibi in Tumkur dt., Toravi near Bijapur and at T. Narasipur in Mysore dt. Ranganatha has two famous centres of worship in islands in the Cauvery at Srirangapattana and Shivasamudra. Both are visited by hosts of devotees. Equally famous Ranganatha temple is seen at Anegondi in Koppal dt. The Chennakeshava at Belur. Keerti Narayana at Talakad, Veeranarayana at Gadag, Soumya Keshava at Nagamangala are famous Vaishnava pilgrimage centres. Vishnu in Bhuvarahavatara form found at Halasi (Belgaum dt.) Varahanatha Kallahalli (Mandya dt.) and Mysore are unique and note worthy. Chunchanakatte in Mysore District and Hiremagalur near Chikmagalur and K.R.Nagar have very old Rama temples. Hanuman as a popular Vaishnava deity has his temples in Hampi, Bannur (Mysore), Banaswasdi near Bangalore, Karanji Anjaneya in Bangalore, Yalagur in Bagalkot dt., Mulbagal in Kolar dt. Kadaramandalagi in Haveri dt. and Kengal Anjaneya near Channapatna and a host of other places. Muttatti on the banks of Cauvery in Mandya dt. also has a famous Hanuman Temple called Muttatiraya.
Subrahmanya, son of Shiva has his worshipping centres at Sandur in Bellary district (picturesque hill resort), Ghati Subrahmanya in Bangalore (R) district and Kukke Subrahmanya in Dakshina Kannada, In certain areas, Kartikeya is identified with serpent worship and elaborate ritual called Nagamandala is performed in a huge arena decorated with coloured powders and flowers. Around this, special dance rituals are performed by trained priests. Witnessing Nagamandala or a Yakshagana in coastal Karnataka, will be a unique privilege to the visitor. So is seeing Bhuta worship rituals which are colourful and captivating. Other folk arts like Veeragase, intended to please God Veerabhadra hold one spell bound. Dollinakunita to please Biredevaru is a mighty performance. Curious and funny is Somanakunita which entertain the onlookers by the huge mask wearing artists. The Kamsale dance by the Devaraguddas (devotees) of Mahadeshwara and Pathada kunitha of old Mysore region are fascinating. The pageant of folk arts of Karnataka like Yakshagana, Bayalata etc., will captivate the audience for a long period.Janapada Loka near Ramanagara (Mysore-Bangalore Road) and the Regional Resources Centre at the M.G.M. College, Udupi, provide audio-visual tapes, and there is a huge folk museum in the Mysore University.
The Sikhs have their famous Nanak Zhara in Bidar, a place supposed to have been visited by Guru Nanak. Gurudvar Nanak Math in Gulbarga of modern times is noteworthy. There is a modern Gurudwara at Ulsoor in Bangalore, built in white marble. The Parsees have their fire temple in Bangalore.
The State has many National Parks and Wild Life Sanctuaries. Of the National Parks one at Bannerghatta near Bangalore is about 100 sq.km. in area and there is a Tiger Safari. Bandipur in Mysore and Chamarajnagar dt. is more than 800 sq.km. in area and famous for its wild elephants .The Kudremukh National Park, 600 sq km in area is on the ranges of the Western Ghats and is known for all kinds offlora and fauna. The Kudremukh Iron Co. at Malleswara is amidst the park and has maintained a township and a guest house. The Nagarahole National Park spread over 640 sq km includes areas both in Kodagu and Mysore districts, has forest lodges to accommodate visitors and this park is famous for its tiger population. The Brahmagiri Wild Life Sanctuary is in Kodagu where nature in all its wild growth and animals in all their wild movements can be seen. This is at more than 2000 to 3000 ft above mean sea level. Ranebennur Wild Life Sanctuary in Haveri district is more than 100 sq km in area and is known for its agile blackbucks population. Adichunchanagiri has the Peacock Sanctuary. It is a hilly place where there is a Bhairava Temple and a Matha of the Vokkaligas and peacocks can be seen in gay abandon in the mornings. Dandeli Wild Life Sanctuary in Uttara Kannada District is famous for bisons, deers and variety of other wildfauna.
Ranganatittu near Srirangapattana is a small island in the cauvery where there is Bird Sanctuary and emigrant birds of all types like pelican, storks and large number of other varieties are found perching on the trees and bushes, feeding or busy flying to feed their young ones. Gudvi Bird Sanctuary in Sorab taluk and Mandagadde Bird Sanctuary in Tirthahalli taluk are famous, and they are in Shimoga district. An equally famous Bird Sanctuary is at Kokrebellur near Maddur in Mandya district. 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), B.R. Hills (Chamaraj Nagar), Kabbal durga (Bangalore dt.) Basavanabetta in Mandya dt. Mahadeshwara Betta in Chamarajanagar dt. Madhugiri, Siddara Betta and Shivaganga (Tumkur dt.) , Nandi and Kolar hills in Kolar district etc., are noteworthy. Herein you come across tanks, rivulets and water falls to help cool your heels. The chirping sound of birds and of wild insects provide you with fine natural music.
Karnataka has many cool and pleasant hill resorts of which Kudremukh is one, mentioned above. Kemmannagundi in Chikmagalur district (in the Western Ghats) is another hill resort surrounded by a park with good accommodation facilities arranged by the Horticulture department (housed at Lalbag, Bangalore). Biligiri Ranganabetta in Chamarajnagar dt. is famous for its ancient Srinivasa temple atop a hill and around the temple, there exists a Wild Life Sanctuary. Wild elephants are seen around the place. The place is inhabited by Soliga tribes. Himavathgopalabetta (Gopalaswamy Betta) is another resort where there is a Venugopala temple atop of hill. Rest house and food facilities are provided in the small hamlet that has grown around the temple.
Devarayanadurga in Tumkur district has temples of Lakshmi Narasimha and Yoga Narasihma atop the hill which is a cool resort and the whole hill is surrounded by picturesque fortification. Nandidurga in Kolar dt. is an ancient place with the Yoganandiswara Temple of Chola times atop it and fortifications around it, built by Haider and Tipu. The place is provided with lodging facilities, and the Horticulture Department has raised an attractive park above the hill. Mahatma Gandhi had stayed here more than once when he was in poor health. Agumbe known as the Chirapunji of Karnataka in Shimoga district, though not a hill resort, is a hill track from where the sunset can be observed and it is an heavenly experience. There are hill resorts at Ramdurga in Bellary district, Biligiri Rangana Betta in Mysore district, Siddara Betta in Tumkur district , Tadiyanda Mol in Kodagu district and also at Jogimatti in Chitradurga district.
The rivers of Karnataka have several reservoirs of tourist importance. Reservoirs like KRS (Mandya dt), Narayanapur and Almatti (Bijapur dt.), Chandrampalli (Gulbarga dt.) Navil Thirtha (Belgaum dt.), Shimsha (Mandya dt.) Munirabad (Koppal dt.) Lakkavalli (Chikmagalur dt.), Gorur (Hassan dt.), Bichanahalli (Mysore dt.), Harangi (Kodagu dt.) Marikanive (Chitradurga dt.), Gajanur (Shimoga dt.), Hidkal (Belgaum dt.), Karanja (Bidar dt.), Varahi (Udupi district ), Supa dam (Uttara Kannada) etc. can serve as interesting picinic and tourist spots.
If you want to bask in the sunshine of the sea shore or get beaten by the oceanic waves, there are fine beaches. At Bengre which is almost an island and at Ullal both near Mangalore are notable beaches. Ullal has provision for cottages and food facilities. Not far away from Mangalore is the beach at Thanneerubhavi near Suratkal where there is the Regional Engineering College. Malpe near Udupi (both places were associated with great Vaishnava saint Madhwacharya) has a long magnificent beach and also an island near it.
Marvanthe in the Kundapur taluk of coastal Karnataka has a fine beach on one side and river Sauparnika on the other, running parallel to the coast for a considerable distance before its confluence with the sea and the Highway runs in between Sea and the river provides the tourists an enchanting travel experience and the sunset here is a magnificent divine spectacle. Kapu beach near Kundapur is also an enchanting serene tourist spot. Gokarna, the holy town in Uttara Kannada, has a very long beach which has also become a second resort to many people who visit Goa. Karwar has a number of beaches like Blue Lagoon Beach, Ladies Beach around it and Poet Rabindranath Tagore had unforgettable experiences at Karwar beach to which he has given expression to in poetic prose. Om beach, Murudeshwar and Kasarkod are other beautiful serene 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 you a chance to taste sea food available there.
The sea coast has some captivating islands too and of these the St. Mary^s Island or Tonseparu near Malpe has peculiar pillar-like natural rock formations. The Nethrani Island near Murdeshwar is another captivating Island. Basavaraja Durga near Honavar is an island fort raised by the Keladi Rulers during 16th and 17th Centuries. It is surrounded by a strong fortification raised by gigantic laterite blocks and the hill has a flat top. Devagad and Kurmagad are two islands near Karwar. Visiting these places will be a wonderful experience.
Srivaishnavism was preached by Ramanujacharya during the 12th century and he stayed at Saligrama (Mysore dt. where there is the Bhashyakara Temple in his memory). Tonnur and Melukote in Mandya dt. At the last place he is believed to have renovated the Cheluvanarayana Swamy temple and conducted the pious for long. These are holy places to Srivaishnavas and also to others. There is the Parakala Matha at Mysore and Jeeyar Yatiraja Matha at Bangalore (Malleshwaram). Apart from the above places which are holy to Srivaishnavas, temples of Vishnu and his incarnation are found all over the state. Reference is already made to Udupi, Melkote, Biligiri Rangana Betta and Himavad Gopalaswamy Betta. Narasimha is worshipped in notable places like Raibag, Surpali, Halasi, Banawasi, Nagamangala and Maddur in Mandya dt. Zarani Narasimha near Bidar. Devarayanadurga and Sibi in Tumkur dt., Toravi near Bijapur and at T. Narasipur in Mysore dt. Ranganatha has two famous centres of worship in islands in the Cauvery at Srirangapattana and Shivasamudra. Both are visited by hosts of devotees. Equally famous Ranganatha temple is seen at Anegondi in Koppal dt. The Chennakeshava at Belur. Keerti Narayana at Talakad, Veeranarayana at Gadag, Soumya Keshava at Nagamangala are famous Vaishnava pilgrimage centres. Vishnu in Bhuvarahavatara form found at Halasi (Belgaum dt.) Varahanatha Kallahalli (Mandya dt.) and Mysore are unique and note worthy. Chunchanakatte in Mysore District and Hiremagalur near Chikmagalur and K.R.Nagar have very old Rama temples. Hanuman as a popular Vaishnava deity has his temples in Hampi, Bannur (Mysore), Banaswasdi near Bangalore, Karanji Anjaneya in Bangalore, Yalagur in Bagalkot dt., Mulbagal in Kolar dt. Kadaramandalagi in Haveri dt. and Kengal Anjaneya near Channapatna and a host of other places. Muttatti on the banks of Cauvery in Mandya dt. also has a famous Hanuman Temple called Muttatiraya.
Subrahmanya, son of Shiva has his worshipping centres at Sandur in Bellary district (picturesque hill resort), Ghati Subrahmanya in Bangalore (R) district and Kukke Subrahmanya in Dakshina Kannada, In certain areas, Kartikeya is identified with serpent worship and elaborate ritual called Nagamandala is performed in a huge arena decorated with coloured powders and flowers. Around this, special dance rituals are performed by trained priests. Witnessing Nagamandala or a Yakshagana in coastal Karnataka, will be a unique privilege to the visitor. So is seeing Bhuta worship rituals which are colourful and captivating. Other folk arts like Veeragase, intended to please God Veerabhadra hold one spell bound. Dollinakunita to please Biredevaru is a mighty performance. Curious and funny is Somanakunita which entertain the onlookers by the huge mask wearing artists. The Kamsale dance by the Devaraguddas (devotees) of Mahadeshwara and Pathada kunitha of old Mysore region are fascinating. The pageant of folk arts of Karnataka like Yakshagana, Bayalata etc., will captivate the audience for a long period.Janapada Loka near Ramanagara (Mysore-Bangalore Road) and the Regional Resources Centre at the M.G.M. College, Udupi, provide audio-visual tapes, and there is a huge folk museum in the Mysore University.
The Sikhs have their famous Nanak Zhara in Bidar, a place supposed to have been visited by Guru Nanak. Gurudvar Nanak Math in Gulbarga of modern times is noteworthy. There is a modern Gurudwara at Ulsoor in Bangalore, built in white marble. The Parsees have their fire temple in Bangalore.
The State has many National Parks and Wild Life Sanctuaries. Of the National Parks one at Bannerghatta near Bangalore is about 100 sq.km. in area and there is a Tiger Safari. Bandipur in Mysore and Chamarajnagar dt. is more than 800 sq.km. in area and famous for its wild elephants .The Kudremukh National Park, 600 sq km in area is on the ranges of the Western Ghats and is known for all kinds offlora and fauna. The Kudremukh Iron Co. at Malleswara is amidst the park and has maintained a township and a guest house. The Nagarahole National Park spread over 640 sq km includes areas both in Kodagu and Mysore districts, has forest lodges to accommodate visitors and this park is famous for its tiger population. The Brahmagiri Wild Life Sanctuary is in Kodagu where nature in all its wild growth and animals in all their wild movements can be seen. This is at more than 2000 to 3000 ft above mean sea level. Ranebennur Wild Life Sanctuary in Haveri district is more than 100 sq km in area and is known for its agile blackbucks population. Adichunchanagiri has the Peacock Sanctuary. It is a hilly place where there is a Bhairava Temple and a Matha of the Vokkaligas and peacocks can be seen in gay abandon in the mornings. Dandeli Wild Life Sanctuary in Uttara Kannada District is famous for bisons, deers and variety of other wildfauna.
Ranganatittu near Srirangapattana is a small island in the cauvery where there is Bird Sanctuary and emigrant birds of all types like pelican, storks and large number of other varieties are found perching on the trees and bushes, feeding or busy flying to feed their young ones. Gudvi Bird Sanctuary in Sorab taluk and Mandagadde Bird Sanctuary in Tirthahalli taluk are famous, and they are in Shimoga district. An equally famous Bird Sanctuary is at Kokrebellur near Maddur in Mandya district. 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), B.R. Hills (Chamaraj Nagar), Kabbal durga (Bangalore dt.) Basavanabetta in Mandya dt. Mahadeshwara Betta in Chamarajanagar dt. Madhugiri, Siddara Betta and Shivaganga (Tumkur dt.) , Nandi and Kolar hills in Kolar district etc., are noteworthy. Herein you come across tanks, rivulets and water falls to help cool your heels. The chirping sound of birds and of wild insects provide you with fine natural music.
Karnataka has many cool and pleasant hill resorts of which Kudremukh is one, mentioned above. Kemmannagundi in Chikmagalur district (in the Western Ghats) is another hill resort surrounded by a park with good accommodation facilities arranged by the Horticulture department (housed at Lalbag, Bangalore). Biligiri Ranganabetta in Chamarajnagar dt. is famous for its ancient Srinivasa temple atop a hill and around the temple, there exists a Wild Life Sanctuary. Wild elephants are seen around the place. The place is inhabited by Soliga tribes. Himavathgopalabetta (Gopalaswamy Betta) is another resort where there is a Venugopala temple atop of hill. Rest house and food facilities are provided in the small hamlet that has grown around the temple.
Devarayanadurga in Tumkur district has temples of Lakshmi Narasimha and Yoga Narasihma atop the hill which is a cool resort and the whole hill is surrounded by picturesque fortification. Nandidurga in Kolar dt. is an ancient place with the Yoganandiswara Temple of Chola times atop it and fortifications around it, built by Haider and Tipu. The place is provided with lodging facilities, and the Horticulture Department has raised an attractive park above the hill. Mahatma Gandhi had stayed here more than once when he was in poor health. Agumbe known as the Chirapunji of Karnataka in Shimoga district, though not a hill resort, is a hill track from where the sunset can be observed and it is an heavenly experience. There are hill resorts at Ramdurga in Bellary district, Biligiri Rangana Betta in Mysore district, Siddara Betta in Tumkur district , Tadiyanda Mol in Kodagu district and also at Jogimatti in Chitradurga district.
The rivers of Karnataka have several reservoirs of tourist importance. Reservoirs like KRS (Mandya dt), Narayanapur and Almatti (Bijapur dt.), Chandrampalli (Gulbarga dt.) Navil Thirtha (Belgaum dt.), Shimsha (Mandya dt.) Munirabad (Koppal dt.) Lakkavalli (Chikmagalur dt.), Gorur (Hassan dt.), Bichanahalli (Mysore dt.), Harangi (Kodagu dt.) Marikanive (Chitradurga dt.), Gajanur (Shimoga dt.), Hidkal (Belgaum dt.), Karanja (Bidar dt.), Varahi (Udupi district ), Supa dam (Uttara Kannada) etc. can serve as interesting picinic and tourist spots.
If you want to bask in the sunshine of the sea shore or get beaten by the oceanic waves, there are fine beaches. At Bengre which is almost an island and at Ullal both near Mangalore are notable beaches. Ullal has provision for cottages and food facilities. Not far away from Mangalore is the beach at Thanneerubhavi near Suratkal where there is the Regional Engineering College. Malpe near Udupi (both places were associated with great Vaishnava saint Madhwacharya) has a long magnificent beach and also an island near it.
Marvanthe in the Kundapur taluk of coastal Karnataka has a fine beach on one side and river Sauparnika on the other, running parallel to the coast for a considerable distance before its confluence with the sea and the Highway runs in between Sea and the river provides the tourists an enchanting travel experience and the sunset here is a magnificent divine spectacle. Kapu beach near Kundapur is also an enchanting serene tourist spot. Gokarna, the holy town in Uttara Kannada, has a very long beach which has also become a second resort to many people who visit Goa. Karwar has a number of beaches like Blue Lagoon Beach, Ladies Beach around it and Poet Rabindranath Tagore had unforgettable experiences at Karwar beach to which he has given expression to in poetic prose. Om beach, Murudeshwar and Kasarkod are other beautiful serene 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 you a chance to taste sea food available there.
The sea coast has some captivating islands too and of these the St. Mary^s Island or Tonseparu near Malpe has peculiar pillar-like natural rock formations. The Nethrani Island near Murdeshwar is another captivating Island. Basavaraja Durga near Honavar is an island fort raised by the Keladi Rulers during 16th and 17th Centuries. It is surrounded by a strong fortification raised by gigantic laterite blocks and the hill has a flat top. Devagad and Kurmagad are two islands near Karwar. Visiting these places will be a wonderful experience.
Karnataka Tourism
Karnataka is blessed with many waterfalls and the tallest water fall in India is at Jog (Shimoga District) where the river Sharavati jumps from a height of 293 mts. into four cascades of everlasting beauty. Presently the falls will be active with full zoom only during one month following the rainy season (July-October).The Cauvery at Shivasamudra falls (in Mandya district) has twin jumps, Gaganachukki and Bharachukki, one km away from each other and their water has been harnessed for production of Hydel power from 1902. Mandya district has also a fall of the Shimsha, 14 km from Bluff, the power station of Shivasamudra. The river Shimsha is a tributary of the Cauvery and its falls is in Malavalli taluk, Mandya district. Kodagu district with its headquarters at Madikeri, a perennial hill-station, has the Abbi Falls, five km away from it. The Irpu falls of the river Lakshmana Tirtha, in Kodagu District, is 48 km from Virajpet, has also an old Rameshwara temple near it. Chikmagalur district has many water falls. The hill station at Kemmannugundi has the Hebbe Falls and it is created by a stream later joining the Bhadra river, and the water jumps down from a height of about 500 feet. Manikyadhara is yet another water falls near the famous pilgrim centre Baba Budangiri Dattatreya Peetha and here water spills down like small balls and visitors can enjoy a memorable shower bath.
The Kallatti Falls at Kallattipura in Tarikere tq is 10 km from Kemmannugundi; water leaps down here from a height of 400 feet and there is an old Veerabhadra temple very near the Falls. Mysore district has the picturesque Chunchanakatte Falls at the place of the same name, besides which there is a Rama temple. Uttara Kannada is famous for its Unchalli (Lushington) also called 'Keppa Joga' Falls, about 450 feet in height and the Aghanashini river creates this water cascade at a place which can be reached from Yellapur (19 km away) and also from Siddapur (12 km) via, Kolsirsi, Heggarne and Unchalli. From Unchalli one has to walk five km from through the 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 be reached from Siddapura (35 kms) as well as Yellapur in Uttara Kannada. The Chaya Bhagavathi falls, (five kms away from Narayanapur) in Surpur tq, the Yattipota falls near Chincholi, the Gurmitkal falls (four kms 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, which is eight km away from the Gokak Town and Gokak Road Railway Station. The 170 feet tall cascade here is called 'Mini Niagara' for its spread and shape. Hydro Electric Power was harnessed here to mechanically run the cotton mill as early as in 1887. There are many beautiful old temples at Gokak falls beginning from Badami Chalukyas till Later Chalukyan times and Vijayanagara periods and also a suspension bridge across the river Ghataprabha. The artificial but, attractive waterfalls at Sogala (Baihongal Tq.) needs special mention. The Mahadayi river creates the Vajrapoha Falls in the thick Jamboti forest in Khanapur taluk. While the river travels towards Goa, it is called Mandovi. A second falls of it at the lower valley from a height of 50 mtrs. although inaccessible, can be reached from Asoge, which is six kms. away from this falls. Near Bangalore is Muthyalamaduvu falls not far away from Anekal, and 40 kms from Bangalore. The proper season to visit these water falls is between September and January and Gokak Falls must be visited in July-August when it will be in full bloom.
To the religious-minded and the devotees of every denomination, there are places worthy of a visit. To the Muslim, one of the oldest mosques of Karnataka is in the Gulbarga Fort, built in 1367. by the Bahmani King Muhammad Shah I. It is the biggest mosque in Karnataka, and when compared in plan and design, the mosque resembles the mosque at Cardova in Spain. The Jamiya masjid in Ferozabad of Gulbarga Tq is of Bahamani period. Hirabibi masjid at Hirapur (Gulbarga), masjids at Gogi, Sagar etc. are noteworthy. The Jamiya mosque in Bijapur is another wonderful huge monument built by All Adilshah (16th century). It has a proportionate dome and its mihrab is gorgeously painted.
The Malika Jahan mosque in black stone is another notable mosque in Bijapur. Bidar has the famous Solha-kamb mosque with 16 cylindrical pillars was raised in 1423. The Andu masjid, (Bijapur), the Mahal masjid of Afzalpur and the Khali masjid of Aland built during Adilshahi period are some beautiful examples of Islamic architecture. Raichur has Ekminar mosque and Lakshmeshwar (Gadag dt) has artistically raised mosque in the style of a Hindu temple of Adilshahi times. Belgaum has the fine Safa mosque of Adilshahi times in the fort built by Asad Khan Lahiri. Another mosque in the fort is Jamia Masjid raised by Sher Khan of Bijapur in 1586-87. Bhatkal has magnificent Chinnada Palli and the mosque at Mangalore port is known for its fine wood work. The Jamiya Mosque at Srirangapattana with its two tall minarets is the creation of Tipu. Sira has a mosque of Mughul times. The Mosque in the City Market, Bangalore, is a large modern structure in marble with a series of windows crowned by arched canopies and rows of minaret-like pillasters.
The Dargas of Muslim Saints and Kings are equally famous. The Bande Nawaz Darga at Gulbarga is in a vast sprawling complex where a Mughul mosque is also seen. The Mausoleum of Ahmed Shah Wali, at Ashtur near Bidar is a tall structure with paintings in it. The prince is venerated as a saint by both the Hindus and Muslims. Bijapur has two princely Mausoleums. Ibrahim Rauza, a twin structure is standing on arched platform. One end of the platform has a tomb and another end a mosque, both domed structures with the domes emerging from lotus petals and having metallic pinnacles on them. Gol Gumbaz is the most famous mausoleum of another prince. The Yakub Kadri darga at Yadagiri, Sarmast darga at Sagar, Ladle Mashak darga at Aland, Amin Sab darga at Ijeri (Jevargi tq), Chanda Husaini darga at Gogi, Sayad Abib Sha Wali darga at Hirapur near Gulbarga. Haji Khudanma Husaini darga at Chincholi, Chita Sha Wali darga at Chitapur, Khaji Shahabuddin darga at Karjagi (Afzalpur tq) are some of the Important dargas situated in Gulbarga District. The Panje Sab Darga at Talikote. Hajisab and Badakalsab darga at Tikota (Bijapur tq) and Hasan Dongri dargah at Bilgi are noteworthy. Darga of Malik Rihan is the most notable with its Polygonal layout, a Mughul Structure at Sira. The Gumbaz where rest Haider and Tipu's mortal remains is a tall structure with a huge dome at Shrirangapattana. Its doors have fine inlay work. Syed Madani Darga at Ullala near Mangalore is a modern structure. At the Asar Mahal palace of Bijapur, Hazrat Bal, a hair of the Prophet is believed to be preserved in a casket. Wherever there is Muslim population they also raise dargas ("chillas") of Mehboob Subani (famous Saint from Baghdad) and Chamansha Wali. Uruses are also held at these places. Many of the uruses are very large gatherings, attended by Hindus also as at the Raja Bagh Sawar urns at Yamanur near Navalgund or the one of Ahmadshah Wali at Ashtur near Bidar, which is also considered as the jatra of Veerashaiva Saint Allamaprabhu. A Veerashaiva priest officiates at it, beginning the rituals by doning green robes.
For those interested in seeing churches, the best are at Bangalore, Mysore and Mangalore. Though Christianity was propagated by the efforts of the Portuguese in Kanara {coastal area) far earlier than on the plateau, many of the churches they raised on the coast during the 16th to 18th Century were razed to the ground by the Mysore ruler in 1790s. Mangalore has the magnificent St. Rozario Cathedral church with its tall frontal towers. The original building was of 1526, rebuilt in 1910. Milagres Church with beautiful tall facade accommodating many artistic images on its parapet, reminds one of St. Peter's Basilica in Rome. Equally notable is Our Lady of Sorrow church at Kodialbail built in 1857. It has a frontal tall wall facade divided into four rectangles of equal size with a pediment atop them. Mangalore has the Shanti Cathedral of the Basel Mission (now C.S.I.) raised in 1862 which is a beautiful simple structure with its complex well-planned layout.Virajpeth in Kodagu has a Catholic Church in Gothic style. It celebrated its bicentenary in 1993. The small Anglican Church in Madikeri, now houses the Government Museum managed by the State Archaeology Department has some rare antiquities and beautiful glass paintings.
Coorg is the best place to visit in karnataka state and india. this is one of the beautiful hillstation in india. Coorg Tourism day by day having improvements.
The Kallatti Falls at Kallattipura in Tarikere tq is 10 km from Kemmannugundi; water leaps down here from a height of 400 feet and there is an old Veerabhadra temple very near the Falls. Mysore district has the picturesque Chunchanakatte Falls at the place of the same name, besides which there is a Rama temple. Uttara Kannada is famous for its Unchalli (Lushington) also called 'Keppa Joga' Falls, about 450 feet in height and the Aghanashini river creates this water cascade at a place which can be reached from Yellapur (19 km away) and also from Siddapur (12 km) via, Kolsirsi, Heggarne and Unchalli. From Unchalli one has to walk five km from through the 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 be reached from Siddapura (35 kms) as well as Yellapur in Uttara Kannada. The Chaya Bhagavathi falls, (five kms away from Narayanapur) in Surpur tq, the Yattipota falls near Chincholi, the Gurmitkal falls (four kms 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, which is eight km away from the Gokak Town and Gokak Road Railway Station. The 170 feet tall cascade here is called 'Mini Niagara' for its spread and shape. Hydro Electric Power was harnessed here to mechanically run the cotton mill as early as in 1887. There are many beautiful old temples at Gokak falls beginning from Badami Chalukyas till Later Chalukyan times and Vijayanagara periods and also a suspension bridge across the river Ghataprabha. The artificial but, attractive waterfalls at Sogala (Baihongal Tq.) needs special mention. The Mahadayi river creates the Vajrapoha Falls in the thick Jamboti forest in Khanapur taluk. While the river travels towards Goa, it is called Mandovi. A second falls of it at the lower valley from a height of 50 mtrs. although inaccessible, can be reached from Asoge, which is six kms. away from this falls. Near Bangalore is Muthyalamaduvu falls not far away from Anekal, and 40 kms from Bangalore. The proper season to visit these water falls is between September and January and Gokak Falls must be visited in July-August when it will be in full bloom.
To the religious-minded and the devotees of every denomination, there are places worthy of a visit. To the Muslim, one of the oldest mosques of Karnataka is in the Gulbarga Fort, built in 1367. by the Bahmani King Muhammad Shah I. It is the biggest mosque in Karnataka, and when compared in plan and design, the mosque resembles the mosque at Cardova in Spain. The Jamiya masjid in Ferozabad of Gulbarga Tq is of Bahamani period. Hirabibi masjid at Hirapur (Gulbarga), masjids at Gogi, Sagar etc. are noteworthy. The Jamiya mosque in Bijapur is another wonderful huge monument built by All Adilshah (16th century). It has a proportionate dome and its mihrab is gorgeously painted.
The Malika Jahan mosque in black stone is another notable mosque in Bijapur. Bidar has the famous Solha-kamb mosque with 16 cylindrical pillars was raised in 1423. The Andu masjid, (Bijapur), the Mahal masjid of Afzalpur and the Khali masjid of Aland built during Adilshahi period are some beautiful examples of Islamic architecture. Raichur has Ekminar mosque and Lakshmeshwar (Gadag dt) has artistically raised mosque in the style of a Hindu temple of Adilshahi times. Belgaum has the fine Safa mosque of Adilshahi times in the fort built by Asad Khan Lahiri. Another mosque in the fort is Jamia Masjid raised by Sher Khan of Bijapur in 1586-87. Bhatkal has magnificent Chinnada Palli and the mosque at Mangalore port is known for its fine wood work. The Jamiya Mosque at Srirangapattana with its two tall minarets is the creation of Tipu. Sira has a mosque of Mughul times. The Mosque in the City Market, Bangalore, is a large modern structure in marble with a series of windows crowned by arched canopies and rows of minaret-like pillasters.
The Dargas of Muslim Saints and Kings are equally famous. The Bande Nawaz Darga at Gulbarga is in a vast sprawling complex where a Mughul mosque is also seen. The Mausoleum of Ahmed Shah Wali, at Ashtur near Bidar is a tall structure with paintings in it. The prince is venerated as a saint by both the Hindus and Muslims. Bijapur has two princely Mausoleums. Ibrahim Rauza, a twin structure is standing on arched platform. One end of the platform has a tomb and another end a mosque, both domed structures with the domes emerging from lotus petals and having metallic pinnacles on them. Gol Gumbaz is the most famous mausoleum of another prince. The Yakub Kadri darga at Yadagiri, Sarmast darga at Sagar, Ladle Mashak darga at Aland, Amin Sab darga at Ijeri (Jevargi tq), Chanda Husaini darga at Gogi, Sayad Abib Sha Wali darga at Hirapur near Gulbarga. Haji Khudanma Husaini darga at Chincholi, Chita Sha Wali darga at Chitapur, Khaji Shahabuddin darga at Karjagi (Afzalpur tq) are some of the Important dargas situated in Gulbarga District. The Panje Sab Darga at Talikote. Hajisab and Badakalsab darga at Tikota (Bijapur tq) and Hasan Dongri dargah at Bilgi are noteworthy. Darga of Malik Rihan is the most notable with its Polygonal layout, a Mughul Structure at Sira. The Gumbaz where rest Haider and Tipu's mortal remains is a tall structure with a huge dome at Shrirangapattana. Its doors have fine inlay work. Syed Madani Darga at Ullala near Mangalore is a modern structure. At the Asar Mahal palace of Bijapur, Hazrat Bal, a hair of the Prophet is believed to be preserved in a casket. Wherever there is Muslim population they also raise dargas ("chillas") of Mehboob Subani (famous Saint from Baghdad) and Chamansha Wali. Uruses are also held at these places. Many of the uruses are very large gatherings, attended by Hindus also as at the Raja Bagh Sawar urns at Yamanur near Navalgund or the one of Ahmadshah Wali at Ashtur near Bidar, which is also considered as the jatra of Veerashaiva Saint Allamaprabhu. A Veerashaiva priest officiates at it, beginning the rituals by doning green robes.
For those interested in seeing churches, the best are at Bangalore, Mysore and Mangalore. Though Christianity was propagated by the efforts of the Portuguese in Kanara {coastal area) far earlier than on the plateau, many of the churches they raised on the coast during the 16th to 18th Century were razed to the ground by the Mysore ruler in 1790s. Mangalore has the magnificent St. Rozario Cathedral church with its tall frontal towers. The original building was of 1526, rebuilt in 1910. Milagres Church with beautiful tall facade accommodating many artistic images on its parapet, reminds one of St. Peter's Basilica in Rome. Equally notable is Our Lady of Sorrow church at Kodialbail built in 1857. It has a frontal tall wall facade divided into four rectangles of equal size with a pediment atop them. Mangalore has the Shanti Cathedral of the Basel Mission (now C.S.I.) raised in 1862 which is a beautiful simple structure with its complex well-planned layout.Virajpeth in Kodagu has a Catholic Church in Gothic style. It celebrated its bicentenary in 1993. The small Anglican Church in Madikeri, now houses the Government Museum managed by the State Archaeology Department has some rare antiquities and beautiful glass paintings.
Coorg is the best place to visit in karnataka state and india. this is one of the beautiful hillstation in india. Coorg Tourism day by day having improvements.
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