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Yana |
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Saturday, 24 May 2008 |
The gigantic rock formations of Yana stand proud and tall among the evergreen forests of the Western Ghats in Uttara Kannada district. Located 25km from the coastal town of Kumta and 40km from Sirsi near the Chandrika river, Yana is an ideal destination for pilgrims, trekkers, and nature-lovers alike.
A 16km trek through the cool and breezy hills brings you to the foot of the mountain where the rock formations begin. At the top, a stunning sight awaits you: The awesome Bhairaveshwara and Jaganmohini shikharas, or peaks. A cave temple dedicated to Lord Shiva lies below these shikharas. The vagaries of
time have caused these limestone structures to turn blackish brown; a profusion of beehives dots the rock surface.
A popular legend associated with Yana holds that Bhasmasura, an evil demon, performed penance to Lord Shiva and obtained the power of reducing to ashes anybody on whose head he placed his hand. An ungrateful Bhasmasura, however, soon decided to test the boon on his benefactor. Devotees believe that when Bhasmasura pursued Shiva with the intention of destroying him, Shiva took abode in the Bhairaweshwara peak at Yana. Legend has it that the other peak is called Jaganmohini in honour of Vishnu, who took the form of Mohini and saved Lord Shiva's life. |
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Gokarna beach |
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Saturday, 24 May 2008 |
With its narrow streets, traditional houses and temples, the nondescript town of Gokarna has become the favourite haunt of Hindu pilgrims, Sanskrit scholars and beach buffs. Locals believe that Gokarna derives its name from a legend in which Lord Shiva emerged from the ear of a cow. Literally meaning 'cow's ear,' this village is formed by the ear-shaped confluence of two rivers. Adventurous travellers must be prepared for a bit of cliff-scrambling in this coastal town. Om beach, one of Gokarna's five famed beaches, takes the shape of an 'Om,' a spiritual symbol. The other beaches, wedged between gigantic cliffs that protrude like delicate fingers into the sea, are Gokarna, Kudle, Half Moon, and Paradise.
The drive up the winding path that leads to Gokarna is a scenic delight with rocky mountains and the Western Ghats on one side and the Arabian Sea on the other. Here, you can experience the famed Karnataka hospitality in friendly guesthouses run by local families.
District: Uttara Kannada
Karwar - 60km
Bangalore - 470km
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B R Hills Sanctuary |
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Saturday, 24 May 2008 |
A unique blend of hill resort and wildlife sanctuary. The hills take their name from the ancient Ranganatha Swamy Temple that sits at the edge of a granite precipice with a drop of more than 1000 ft. into a dense forest. Find inner peace at the foot of the great champak tree (Dodda Sampige,) believed to be more than 2000 years old and worshipped by the Soligas, the tribals of that area. Don't miss the coffee estates, the tribal hamlets and the Vivekananda Girijana Kalyana Kendra which displays preserved tribal information and the biodiversity of the region. There are many trekking trails here, including one that leads up to Honnamati, the highest point of the range.
Mysore - 110km
Bangalore - 250km
Flora and Fauna:
The vegetation ranges from dry scrub jungle to evergreen forests and high-altitude shoal grassland habitat.
Mammals:
They include the elephant, tiger, leopard, wild dog, jungle cat, sloth bear, civet, mongoose, Malabar giant squirrel, porcupine, common langur, bonnet macaque, wild pig, gaur, sambar, spotted deer, and the four-horned antelope.
Birds:
The Malabar whistling thrush, yellow throated bulbul, paradise flycatcher, racquet tailed drongo, and the crested hawk eagle are some of the birds found here. There is also an amazing variety of exotic butterflies. |
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Bandipur national park |
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Saturday, 24 May 2008 |
PTread the path of the erstwhile Maharaja of Mysore with a visit to Bandipur, about 80km south of Mysore on the Mysore-Ooty Road. The reserve is a playground for wildlife, with elephants taking the lead role. Be prepared for an unforgettable experience - you might see a tiger prowling amidst the mix of deciduous, evergreen forest and scrubland vegetation. Set against the picturesque backdrop of the enchanting Niligiri mountains with its mist-covered peaks, Bandipur was once the Mysore Maharaja's private hunting ground. It was brought under Project Tiger in 1973. This is one of the best game sanctuaries in India to observe and photograph wildlife in close proximity. A temple perched atop Himad Gopalaswamy Hill, the highest peak in the Bandipur range, is worth a visit.
Mysore - 80km
Ooty - 80km
Bangalore - 220km
Flora and Fauna:
Deciduous, evergreen and scrubland vegetation.
Mammals:
They include the tiger, leopard, elephant, gaur, sloth bear, Asiatic wild dog, striped hyena, sambar, spotted deer, barking deer, mouse deer, mongoose and the slender loris.
Reptiles:
The common rat snake, Russell's viper, common krait, Indian python, flying snake and the cobra can be seen.
Birds:
Over 230 species of birds have been identified. Some of the most notable ones are the heron, stork, egret, kite, eagle, falcon, peafowl, lapwing, sandpiper, woodpecker, drongo and the warbler. |
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