Uttara Kannada Tourism

27/04/2023

Bilgi/Bilagi is also known as Svetapura. It's 13 kms from Siddapura taluk, Uttar Kannada district. It was the capital of Bilagi chiefs. They ruled the Place Bilagi From 1400 to 1736 . Bilagi kingdom was spread from Gangavali River in Uttara Kannada district to Gangolli River in Udupi district. It’s a small historical village where you can find the many basdi's and Hindu temples.

Ratnaraya Basadi :

The graceful Ratnatraya Basadi was built by Bilagi chiefs. The earliest inscription in the Basti dated to 1581 A.D. records the construction of the Ratnatraya Basti by Rangapparajodeya and the installation of the images of Neminatha, Parshwanatha and Vardhamana by his son Ghantendra – II at the instance of the Jaina saint Bhattakalanka.

Another inscription dated 1592 A.D. records the addition of the Shantisvara basadi and also refers to the land grants made by Ghantendra-II, this temple was built in 1692 by Basavendra, the last ruler of Bilagi.

There is no worship in this Basadi. It is under the Archeological survey of India.
Location : https://tinyurl.com/2p8eu75j

Gol Bhavi:

You can find Gola Baavi nearby, a huge square-shaped well sprawled on just few meters from Bilagi circle, is a place of immense importance to Heritage lovers. There is an old tunnel which connects to Bhuvanagiri, Golbhavi and Chandragiri.
Location : https://tinyurl.com/mvvt4k4b

Virupaksha Temple:

Virupaksha Temple which situated just interior part of the village. As per the inscription, this temple is dated back to 1570 A.D. built by Queen Virambika. There is an inscription on the slab in the Virupaksha temple which records the construction of the temple along with Shikhara, Prakara, Mantapa, etc.There are images of Ganapati and Mahishmardini on either side of the entrance of the Garbhagriha. Apart from the big Nandimandapa, the Mukhamandapa has many impressive carvings in relief. This is temple is built in Vijayanagara style.
Location : https://tinyurl.com/mrxuuhjr

Shiva Temple:

This temple is also located in Bilagi on the banks of Soma river. This temple is built during Bilagi ruler’s time.
Location: https://tinyurl.com/5hazf4t3

Vadiraja Matha :

On the bank of Soma (Aghanashini) river, the holy Sannidhana existed up prior to Sri Vadiraja. Till the latter part of last century, construction of Matha was totally in deteriorated state where-as idols of Vedavyasa, Hanuma and Garuda and also Vrindavana of Vedangatirtha were being seen. The Padmapeetha of Bhutarajaru was also present. Vishwottamatirtha Swamiji renovated it in an agreeable manner. It is the peculiar holy centre where Sri Vadiraja like Sri Madhva, used to install one copy of all his works underground.
Location : https://tinyurl.com/2p8ve72e

How to reach?
Bilagi is located at a disatance of 13kms from Siddapur on Kumta-Siddapur state highway. One can find government/private buses plying between Siddapur-Kumta & get down at Bilagi.

Distance :
Siddapur- 13kms
Kumta- 62kms
Bangalore- 414kms

Source: Google

17/03/2023

Yana Caves:

The Yana Caves are located in Kumta Taluk of Uttara Kannada district. It lies in the Western Ghats region of Karnataka. Yana is an ideal destination for pilgrims, trekkers, and nature-lovers. Yana is one of the wettest villages in the world. It is the second cleanest village in India, and the cleanest in the state.

Yana is famous for these two massive rock outcrops known as the Bhairaveshwara Shikhara and the Mohini Shikhara ("Shikhara" means "hill"). The huge rocks are composed of solid black, crystalline karst limestone. Bhairaveshwara Shikhara is 120 metres (390 ft) in height, while the Mohini Shikhara, which is smaller, is 90 metres (300 ft) in height.

In the first rock hill, Bhairaveshwara Shikhara, there is 3 metres (9.8 ft) wide opening in the rock face that leads into a cave. Within the cave, there is a bronze statue of 'Chandika', an incarnation of the goddess Durga. The cave has a swayambu ("self-manifested") Shiva Linga ("symbol of Shiva") over which spring water trickles from the roof of the tunnel overhead. Emerging as a small stream, called the Chandihole, it eventually merges with the Aghanashini River at Uppinapattana. Local people interpret this as the emergence of the a river, Gangodbhava (emerging Ganges).There are about 61 limestone rock structures, within a radius of 3 km, of which two are of notable size.

During Shivaratri here, a car festival is held, along with other festivities. The place and its surrounding hillocks are also known for their evergreen scenic forests.

Legend:
The names of the majestic rocks at Yana are linked to an interesting section in Hindu mythology. A demon named Bhasmasura manages to get a unique gift that anything on which he keeps his palm burns into ashes (bhasma). With this unique skill Bhasmasura wrecks havoc and attempts to try his skill on the very person who granted the gift- Lord Shiva. Fearing his life, Lord Shiva seeks help from Lord Vishnu, who takes the shape of a beautiful woman named Mohini and appears in front of Bhasmasura. Trying to win over Mohini, Bhasmasura accepts her challenge to dance with her and perform the same steps as she does. As the dance progresses, Mohini keeps her hand over her head. Bhasmasura performs the same act and burns into ashes. It is believed that the fire that emanated during this act was so intense that the limestone formations in the Yana area were blackened. The two hillocks are also named for this event: the tall peak being Bhairaveshwara Shikhara ("Shiva's hill"), and the smaller peak, a few steps down below, being Mohini Shikhara ("Mohini's hill") where an idol of goddess Parvathi is installed. There are also several other small caves nearby. There is also a Ganesha temple in the vicinity.,

Near by Attraction:
A natural waterfall located at a distance of about 8 km known as Vibhuti Falls also attracts tourists.

How to Reach?
The best approach to Yana is from Kumta or Sirsi. A road deviation between these two towns on the highway is near the village of Kathagala. There is also an alternate route to reach Sirsi from Yana via Devanhalli and Mathighatta via Vaddi Ghat. A single lane road was constructed in the thick forest which reduces the trek-length 0.5 kms (0.31 mi)
The best time to visit Yana is during the months of September to February.

Timings:
8:00 AM to 6:00 PM (All Days)

Distance :
Kumta- 30kms (Nearest Railway station)
Sirsi-40kms
Gokarna- 52kms
Hubli -143 kms (Nearest Airport)
Bangalore- 440 kms

Source: Google

Location:
https://tinyurl.com/ycyas52v

"Keep clean. Save our planet."

24/01/2022

Banavasi is an ancient temple town located near Sirsi in Uttara Kannada. Banavasi was the ancient capital of the Kannada empire Kadamba. They established themselves there in A.D. 345 and ruled South India for at least two centuries. Banavasi is the oldest town in the Karnataka state. Madhukeshwara Temple built in the 5th century and dedicated to Shiva. Varada river flowing around Banavasi on three sides.

Over the years, it was given many different names; Konkanapura, Nandanavana, Vanavasika, etc.

Madhukeshwara Temple
The Madhukeshwara temple gets its name from the honey-hued Shiva Lingam inside the sanctum. The temple dates back to the 9th century and hence is one of Karnataka’s oldest temples. It was commissioned by Mayura Sharma from the Kadamba dynasty. fter the Kadamba reign was the Chalukya era and the Hoysala period. Additions and renovations were made to the temple by rulers from both periods.
An interesting thing to note here is the architecture of the Nandi statue placed in Nritya Manatpa. It is about 7 feet huge and it is positioned in a way that it looks Shiva with the left eye and Parvathi with the right one.
The Sankalpa mandapa and Nritya mantapa have some beautiful carvings that are noteworthy and representative of the Chalukyan and Hoysala architecture styles.

Sirsi, is the nearest town about 23 km away. It is 400 km from Bengaluru

Sightseeing in and Around
Pampavana
A few kilometres away from the Madhukeshwara Temple is a small garden known as Pampavana. The garden has a number of medicinal trees and plants. This is said to be where Kalidasa found inspiration for ‘Meghaduta’. The garden is also where Adikavi Pampa wrote a number of poems about Banavasi and the Madhukeshwara Temple.

28/07/2020

VC: Goutam Nayak

Pls Note: Currently this place is temporarily closed due to ongoing Pandemic

14/04/2020

BHEEMANA GUDDA:

Bheemana Gudda /Bheemanavare Gudda/Bheemana Eri Gudda is located in Siddapur taluk, Uttara Kannada . This place is around 2km from Nilkunda Village ( It is the wettest place in Uttara Kannada district, receiving highest rainfall in the district) and 636m from above sea level. One can witness beautiful valley of Aghanashini river once you reach the viewpoint. It is a must visit place to witness sunrise & sunset.

How to reach:
This place is located in Nilkund, a small village in between Sirsi and Kumta.

On Sirsi Kumta Road, after travelling around 14km from Sirsi take left into Amminahalli-Heggarani Road at Amminahalli. Travel for 12.5 kms & turn right into Bheemanagudda view point road. From here view point is around 1.5km. You can park your vehicles nearby & walk towards viewpoint

Distance:
Sirsi-30 kms
Siddapur-40 kms
Kumta- 55 kms

Nearby attractions:
Unchalli Falls- 12kms

Location: https://tinyurl.com/up89awc

(Source:Google)

13/04/2020

SAHASRALINGA:

Sahasralinga is a religious place, situated around 14 km from Sirsi Taluk in Uttara Kannada District. It is located in river Shalmala and is popular for being where around thousand lingas are cut on rocks in the stream and on its banks.

History :

The Shiva Lingas were worked under the support of Sadashivarayavarma, King of Sirsi realm (1678-1718). It is also possible to see numerous Basava (bulls) which are carved in front of the Shivalingas.

Religious significance :

Linga is an symbol of worship of the Hindu God, Shiva. On the auspicious day of Mahashivaratri a huge number of travelers visit Sahasralinga to offer prayers to Shiva. Unfortunately, many have been submerged or destroyed due to the lack of restoration. Recently, a bridge has been built across the river Shalmala which gives good view of these sculptures.

How to reach :

Sahasralinga is located around 14 km from Sirsi. One can travel by personal vehicles as there is ample parking space at Sahasralinga and is very well maintained.

You can also take public bus travelling from Sirsi to Yellapura and get down at Hulgol. You can take an auto rickshaw or walk down to Sahasralinga which is 1.5 km from the bus stop

Best time to visit:

The best time to visit Sahasralinga is between Winter to Early summer.

Location:

https://tinyurl.com/tybx5zu

09/01/2020

24/06/2019

Netgod Waterfalls:

Netgod falls is a beautiful and hidden waterfall near Siddapur of Uttara Kannada District, Karnataka. It is a two-step waterfall which is located at a distance of 35 km from Siddapur in Siddapur - Kumta road.

How to Reach?
After travelling 28km from Siddapur towards Kumta you will reach a village called Birlamakki.
In Birlamakki take the left road that leads to Kodigadde-Honnavar for 3 km to reach belevanthe bus stand, from there take mud road on right.
After 3 km you will reach a village called Netgod/Bilegod,
where you can park your vehicles & walk around 300metres through vegetations and thick forest to reach the falls. It is difficult to reach the bottom of the falls during monsoon. Best time to visit falls is July- November.

Distance:
Siddapur- 35 km
Kumta-47 km
Honnavar-37 km
Talguppa- 48 km (Nearest Railway Station)
Bangalore-427 km

Location: https://bit.ly/2FtSZTF

02/05/2019

Dabbe waterfall is situated near Hosagadde village of Sagar taluk bordering Uttara Kannada District of Karnataka. Height of the falls is 110 metres.

How to Reach?
On the road from Sagar to Bhatkal (Kogar Ghat), Hosagadde village lies about 25km from Kargal town (Near Jogfalls). From Hosagadde take right deviation & travel in mud road which goes towards Dabbe Mane which is 6km (approx) then trek for 1.5 km, to reach Dabbe Falls.

Transport:
There is no bus till Dabbe falls. KSRTC buses have stops at the main road near Hosagadde which is 8 km. Four wheelers can reach 4 more kilometres inside and bike can go up-to 6km. Then you have to trek for 1.5 km to reach till Dabbe falls.

Trek:
The last one kilometre of the trek is especially challenging as the trail is a descent that is inclined to almost 80 degrees at some places and there are no proper steps or stairs to place the foot on while negotiating the risky path. The rope, branches and roots of trees and the rocks are the only help available in that part of the trek.

Visitors wishing to trek to the waterfall need to take the permission of the Forest Department from Kargal ACF office or DFO in Shimoga.

Before starting the trek we can see some vegetable farms with a small house nearby. Visitors need to put down their names and details in a record book that is kept with the owner of the house. The record book is provided by the forest department.
There is no food facility nearby Dabbe falls, so carry water bottles & food.

Best time to visit Dabbe Waterfalls is post-monsoon (October to March). Trekking during the rainy season is not advisable.

Nearby Tourist Places:
Kanoor Fort- 22km
Bheemeshwara Temple & Water Falls- 20km
Jog Falls-25km

Distance:
Bangalore-421 km
Shimoga- 120 km
Sagara- 50km
Talguppa- 30km( Nearest Railway Station)

Location: http://bit.ly/2IVsh9V

09/04/2019

Honnemaradu is a tourist place situated on the backwaters of River Sharavathi. It is 30 km from Sagara taluk on the way to Jog Falls bordering Uttara Kannada District.

Honnemardu is a small village located on the hills that overlook the Linganamakki Reservoir. In the middle of this water body, there is a small island that attracts campers. In addition to the adventure activities, Honnemardu is popular with birdwatchers & is known for its views of the sunrise and sunset.

Honnemardu camp is managed by a team of nature enthusiasts called 'Adventurers'. Some of the water sports activities here include boating and kayaking, but it is only permitted with a guide. Swimming is not allowed.

For Camping, you can contact below address
The Adventurers
142, 69th Cross, 5th Block, Rajajinagar,
Bangalore
Phone: 91-80-23305508 or 91-80-23409712
Email: [email protected]

Nearest place of interest:
Jog Falls-36 km
Dabbe Falls-36 km
Ikkeri-30km

Distance:
Bangalore-399 km
Shimoga- 98 km
Sagar-30 km
Talaguppa-12 km (Nearest Railway Station)

Location: https://bit.ly/2uSGcVa

19/03/2019

Jain Temples of Gerusoppa/Gerusoppe

Gerusoppa is a small town located about from 35 km from Honnavar & 30 km from Jog falls. It was also called by the names Kshemapura/ KshemapuraTirtha/ Kshemavenapura /Ballatakipura in history. History says that a queen called Chennabhairavi Devi of Saluva Dynasty ruled these lands from 1554-1603 A.D. She was famously called "The Pepper Queen" and constructed this temple at Gerusoppa.
Situated on the bank of river Sharavati the old town of Gerusoppa also called NAGAR BASTIKERI is rich with historical monuments

Historical references state that there existed 108 Jain temples at Gerusoppa spread over a vast area of around 700 acres. However, to its dismay, Gerusoppe is in its ruins now to find only five Jain temples namely -

1.Chaturmukha basadi
2.Sri Parshwanath basadi
3.Sri Parshwanath temple
4.Sri Mahavir temple &
5.Sri Neminath temple

Chaturmukha Basadi that exists even now is one of the best temples that stand as a testimony to the art & architecture of ancient times. It is made of granite rock & has the statues of four Jain `Tirthankaras' which are Vrushabanath, Ajitnath, Sambhavanath & Abhinandananath. All four entrances to the temple look alike & are identically the same as the idol inside the temple.

Sri Parshwanath temple that houses the Goddess Jwalamalini, the chief Goddess of Narasimharajapur is the only temple where regular pooja is performed.
Owing to its vast unexplored heritage & ruins, Gerusoppe is sometimes called as ‘Harappa of the Jains’.

How to reach?

There are two main routes to reach the place one is through Gerusoppa town, by crossing the river using a small boat and reach the temple by walking 1.5-2Kms, the other way is to take a turn 1km before the Gerusoppa town and take a 4km kuccha road. You can witness Sharavati tailrace en route to the temple complex.

Location: https://goo.gl/15kAry

Distance:
Bangalore-440 km
Honnavar- 34 km
Jog Falls-36 km
Talaguppa-45 km (Nearest Railway Station)