Bangalore

Capital of Karnataka State, Bangalore is famous as the city of gardens. It is one of the most attractive cities in India with its beautiful parks avenues and impressive buildings.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Altitude : 920 metres.
Temperature (Deg.C.): Summer - Max.: 35, Min.: 20; Winter - Max.: 28, Min.: 14
Rainfall : 86 cms (June and October).
Season : Throughout the year. (Sep. to March is the best time)
STD Code : 080.

HOW TO GET THERE

• Air : Indian Airlines link Bangalore with Calcutta, Delhi, Madras, Bombay, Pune, Ahmedabad, Coimbatore, Goa, Hyderabad, Calicut and Trivandrum. Damania Airlines, East-West, Continental Aviation also operates flights from Bangalore to Bombay.
  Fare: Calcutta-Bangalore Rs.5538 (US$ 203).
• Rail: Bangalore is directly connected by rail with Ahmedabad, Bombay, Calcutta, Cochin, Delhi, Guwahati, Howrah, Hyderabad, Mangalore, Madras, Mysore, Nagpur, Trivandrum, Vasco-da-Gama (Goa) and other cities in India.
  Fare: Calcutta-Bangalore Rs.1425 (AC-2A), Rs.1172 (I), Rs.313 (Sleeper).
• Road: Bangalore is connected by good motorable roads with Bandipur- 220 kms, Belur- 322 kms, Madras- 334 kms, Bombay- 998 kms, Cochin- 526 kms, Dandeli 481 kms, Halebid- 214 kms, Jog Falls- 377 kms, Kodaikanal- 430 kms, Mysore 140 kms, Panaji- 595 kms, Sravanabelagola- 160 kms, Tirupati- 250 kms.
• Bus : Regular bus services connect Bangalore to Belgaum, Bidar, Bijapur, Bombay, Coimbatore, Goa, Hospet, Hyderabad, Madras, Madikere, Madurai, Mangalore, Mysore, Tirupati, Nandi Hills, Chanrajaragar, Jog Falls, Ootacamund (Ooty) Raichur, Ernakulam, Gulbarga, Pondicherry, Calicut, Dharwar etc.
• Local Transport: Coaches of B.T.S., I.T.D.C., K.S.T.D.C. are available. Tourist taxis and city bus services are also available.

CONDUCTED TOURS

KSTDC operates the following tours from Badami House, Opp. to City Corporation Office, N.R.Square, Bangalore, Tel: 215883.

1. Bangalore City Tour Timings Fare
Lalbagh, Bull Temple Tipu's Palace, Ulsoor Lake, Vidhana 0730 to Rs.50
Soudha, Vishveswaraya Industrial & Technological Museum, 1330 hours
Govt.Museum & Venkatappa Art Gallery, Govt.Soap Factory. (daily)

2. Mysore Tour
Srirangapatna, Mysore City Palace, Zoo, 0715 to 2300 hours Rs.190
Art Gallery, Chamundi Hills, Brindavan Gardens. (daily)

3. Belur, Halebid, 0715 to 2200 hours Rs.175 Shravanabelagola (daily)

4. Mantralaya, T.B.Dam, Hampi Friday 2100 hours Rs.400 (3 day tour: Inclusive of accommodation) to Sunday 2200 hours

5. Tirupati, Tirumalai, Kalahasthi, Mangapuram 2230 hours to Rs.280 (2 day tour: Inclusive of Darshan charges) 2100 hours 2nd day

6. Mysore, Ooty, Nanjanagud (3 day tour) 0715 hours to Rs.575 (3 day tour: Inclusive of accommodation) 2230 hours 3rd day [Daily in season (Apr-June) and on Monday,Wednesday & Friday during off season.] There are seasonal trips from October to January as well as summer trips and  weekend trips.

WHAT TO SEE

Aquarium- 5 kms, Bull Temple- 5 kms, Fort & Tippu's Palace- 4 kms, Ulsoor Lake- 2 kms, Lal Bagh- 4 kms, Venkatappa Art Gallery- 1 km, Cubbon Park- 1 km, Vidhana Soudha- 2 kms, Vishveswaraya Industrial & Technological Museum- 1 km, Venkatappa Art Gallery- 1 km.

EXCURSIONS

Bannerghat National Park- 21 kms (Closed on Tuesdays), Nandi Hills-60 kms, White Field (Kadugodi)- 16 kms, Kolar Gold Fields- 98 kms, Ramohalli- 25 kms, Sati Subramanya- 52 kms, Mysore- 140 kms, Kaivara (Temples of Pandavas)- 79 kms.

TOURIST INFORMATION

1) Govt. of India Tourist Office, K.F.C.Building, 48, Church Street, Bangalore- 560 001, Tel: 257-9517.

Belur und Halebid

86 kms away Belur is famous for the Chennakesava Temple built in the Hoysala style. Started in 1116 AD it took 103 years to complete this temple.The temple commemorates the victory of Hoysala over the Cholas in the great battle of Talakad. The temple is intricately carved with sculptures, friezes & pillars.

Altitude : 968 metres.
Temperature (deg C): Summer- Max. 34, Min. 20; Winter- Max. 28, Min. 14.
Rainfall : 86 cms. (June to October).
Season : Throughout the year.

HOW TO GET THERE

• Air : The nearest airport Mangalore (154 kms) is connected by Indian Airlines flights to Bangalore, Bombay, Madras.
• Rail: The nearest railhead Hassan (37 kms) is connected to Mangalore witch in turn connected with .
• Road: Belur is connected by road to Bangalore- 222 km, Halebid- 16 km, Hassan- 37 km, Mangalore- 154 km, Mysore- 155 km, Shravanabelagola- 86 km etc.
• Bus Services : Regular bus services connect Belur to Hassan, Halebid, Arsikere, Bangalore, Belgaum, Chickmagalur, Madikere, Mangalore, Mysore, Shimoga, Sravanabelagola, etc.
• Local Transport : Tourist & Other Taxis, Authorickshaws are available.

CONDUCTED TOURS

Nil. But Belur is covered as part of a daily conducted tour from Bangalore and also from Mysore ( thrice a week ).

PLACES OF INTEREST

Chenakesava Temple, Veernarayan Temple, Kappe Chennigaraya Temple.

EXCURSIONS

Halebid (16 kms), Sravanabelagola (86 kms), Gorur (61 kms).

TOURIST INFORMATION CENTRES

1. Manager, Tourist Cottages, Belur, Tel.9.
2. Tourist Bureau, Dept. of Tourism, Govt. of Karnataka, B.M. Road, Hassan. Tel.8862.

Mysore

ACCESS: Air: The nearest Airport is Bangalore. Road: 140 km from Bangalore.

EXCURSIONS: Somnathpur (40km) has one of the finest 13th century Hoysala temple in the shape of a star with 16 points. Sravanabelgola (99 km) has the 1000 year old colossal statue (57 feet tall) of the hermit Gomateswara.

Halebid (117 km) has the famous Hoysaleswara Temple. That took 80 years to construct.

Badami

Badami, the one time capital of the Chalukyas, is noted for several temples, some structural and others rock-cut,of the sixth-seventh century A.D.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Area : 10.3 sq.km.
Altitude : 176.7 metres.
Temperature (deg C): Summer- Max. 38, Min. 23; Winter- Max. 29, Min. 15.
Rainfall : 50 cms.
Best Season : October to March.

HOW TO GET THERE:

• Air : The nearest airport Belgaum (192 kms) is connected to Bombay by Vayudoot flights.
• Rail: Nearest railhead Badami (4 kms from Badami town) on the Hubli-Sholapur metre-gauge line.
• Road: Badami is connected by road to important places in the south. Some of the places are Ailhole (44 kms), Bangalore (499 kms), Bagalkot (34 kms), Bijapur (163 kms), Gadag (70 kms), Hospet (108 kms), Hubli (128 kms), Panaji (359 kms), Pattadakal (22 kms) etc.
• Bus services: Karnataka State Transport Corporation buses are available from Badami to Aihole, Bangalore, Bagalkot, Belgaum, Bijapur, Gadag, Hospet, Hubli, pattadakal and places around it.
• Local Transport: A few private taxis and vans are available. Also Tongas are available.City Buses from Badami town to Railway Station available.

WHAT TO SEE
(Distances given are from Badami Town)

Badami Caves (0.5 km), Badami Fort (2 km).

MUSEUMS & ART GALLERIES

A Sculpture Gallery is maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India on the Bhutanatha Temple Road. Entrance is free. Timings: 0900 to 1700 hrs. Closed on Fridays.

EXCURSIONS

Aihole (44 km), Banashankari Temple (50 km), Guledgud (24 km), Lakkundi (82 km), Mahakuta (14 km), Naganath Temple ( 10 km), Pattadakal (22 km), Kada Siddeswara Temple, Jambulinga Temple, Galaganatha Temple, Sanghameswara Temple, Mallikarjuna Temple, Virupaksha Temple, Papanatha Temple, Jaina Temple, Shivayoga, Mandira (11 km).

Museums & Art Galleries

There is a sculpture gallery maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India within the Pattadakal temples complex. It is open from 1000 to 1700 hrs. on all working days. Entrance is free.

Pattadakal

A tiny village only 22 km away from Badami known for its ancient structural temples built by Chalukyas. Connected with Badami by regular bus services.

The important temples are as follows:-
Khada Siddheshwara Temple, Jambulinga Temple, Galaganatha Temple, Sangmeshwara Temple, Mallikarjuna Temple, Virupakesha Temple, Papanatha Temple, Jain temples & ASI Museums.

TOURIST INFORMATION CENTRE

Manager, Hotel Mayura Chalukya, Ramdurg Road, Badami. Tel:46. Or Conservation Assistant Archaeological Survey of India,South Western Sub-Circle, Badami, Tel:47, may be contacted for tourist information.

Aihole

It is historically famous as the cradle of the Hindu temple architecture. There are almost 125 temples divided into 22 groups scattered all over the village. It is connected with Badami via Pattadakkal by regular buses.

The most important ones are as follows :-
Durga Temple, Ladhkhan Temple, Gowda Temple, Suryanarayana Temple, Konti group of temples, Hucchimalli Temple, Meguti Temple, Ravanphadi Temple and ASI Museum.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Area 4 sq. km.
Altitude 593 metres.
Temperature  Summer Mean Max 41 deg. Mean Min 28 deg. Winter Mean Max 31 deg. Mean Min 20 deg.
Rainfall 58.4 cms.
Season October to March

TRANSPORT AND COMMUNICATION

• Air : The nearest airport is Belgaum (189 km) which is connected to Bombay by Vayudoot flights.
• Rail The nearest railhead is Bagalkot (34 km) on the Hubli-Sholapur metre gauge line.
• Road Aihole has convenient road connections to important places around it. Badami (44 km.), Aminagad (10 km.), Bagalkot (34 km.), Bangalore (510 km.), Bijapur (135 km.), Pattadakal (22 km.)
• Bus services are available from Aihole to Aminagad, Badami, Bagalkot, Ilkal and Pattadakal.

WHAT TO SEE

Durga Temple, Ladh Khan Temple, Gowda Temple, Suryanarayan Temple Konti Group of Temples, Hucchimalli Temple, Meguti Temple, Ravanphadi Cave.

NOTE

Only some of the main temples could be covered here. There are a number of other temples of interest in Aihole bearin witness to the prolific temple building activities of the Chalukyas.

MUSEEUMS & ART GALLERIES

A Sculpture Gallery is being maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India in the Durga Temple Complex. It is open on all working days from 1000 to 1700 hrs. Entrance is free.

EXCURSIONS

Badami (44 km), Koodalasangama (45 km), Pattadakal (22 km).

TOURIST INFORMATION CENTRE

Manager, Tourist Home, Dept. of Tourism, Aihole, Tel.41. Or Archaeological Survey of India Office, near Tourist Home may be contacted for information.

Hampi

Hampi was once the glorious capital of mighty Vijayanagara Empire (1336-1565), from the Deccan Plateau to the tip of the Peninsula. Founded in the middle of the 14th century by two local princes, Hukka & Bukka, the Vijayanagara empire came to be celebrated for its might and wealth and as a showpiece of imperial magnificence. The emperors of this dynasty were great patrons of art and architecture which can still be seen in the vast ruins of Hampi. In an effort to resurrect this abandoned capital, the government has been involved in the restoration, excavation and protection of the ruins which spread over an area of 26 sq. kms. The terrain is dominated by rocky hills and the mighty Tungabhadra river which flows through this rugged landscape.

Temperature (Deg C): Summer- Max. 41, Min. 37; Winter- Max. 27, Min. 24.
Best Season : October to March.

HOW TO GET THERE

• Air : The nearest airport is Bellary (77 kms) which is connected by Vayudoot flights to Bangalore. Belgaum (259 kms) is connected by Indian Airlines flights to Bombay. Bangalore (353 kms) is linked to most parts of India by Indian Airlines and Vayudoot flights.
• Rail: The nearest railhead is hospet (13 kms) which is connected to Bangalore, Hubli and guntakal.
• Road: Hampi is connected by road to Aihole 156 km (via Hospet,Hungund); Badami 189 km (via Hospet, Hungund); Bangalore 353 km (via Hospet,Chitradurga); Bellary 77 kms, Bidar 379 kms (via Gulbarga, Homnabad); Bijapur 254 kms (via Hospet); Hungund Gadag 91 kms, Gulbarga 264 kms (via Sindhnur); Guntakal 133 kms (via Bellary); Hassan 335 kms (via Hospet, Chitradurga, Hosdurga, Arsikere); Hospet 13 kms, Hubli 154 kms (via Gadag); Hyderabad 416 kms (via Raichur, Mahaboobnagar); Mysoer 366 kms (via Chitradurga, Tiptur, Chennarayapatna); Raichur 194 kms (via Gangawati, Sinnur); Tungabhadra Dam 17 kms.
• Bus : Hampi is connected by frequent bus services to Hospet which is connected with Anegondi, Badami, Bagalkot, Bangalore, Belgaum, Bijapur, Hyderabad, Guntakal, Kamalapur, Mantralaya, Munirabad, Mysore, Mangalore etc.
• Local Transport: Nil. However tourist taxis may be hired from Hospet an Bicycles can be hired from Kamalapur.

PLACES OF INTEREST

Virupaksha Temple, Monolithic Ganeshas, Krishna Temple, Monolithic Narasimha, Hazara Rama Temple, Elephant Stables, Zenana Enclosures, Royal Performance Zone, Royal Residences, Quieen's Bath, Vittala Temple, Achyuta Raya Temple, Kodandarama Temple.

Museums & Art Galleries

There is an Archaeological Survey of India Museum in Kamalapur which has a collection of sculptures found in the region. Entrance free. Timings: 1030-1800 hrs. Friday Closed.

CONDUCTED TOUR

Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation conducts daily sight-seeing tours of Hampi and Tungabhadra Dam from Hospet. The tour starts from the Tourist Office, Taluk Office Circle, Hospet at 0900 hrs. Fare Rs.20/- per head. For reservations contact: Tourist Office, Taluk Office Circle, Hospet, Tel:8537

EXCURSIONS

TUNGABHADRA DAM (17 Km)
15 km from Hospet is the site of the dam built across the Tungabhadra river. The high masonry dam is about 590 metres long and 49 metres high. The reservoir has a storage ca[acity of 1,32,559 million cu.ft. of water spread over an area of 379 sq. kms.Regular bus services are available from Hospet.

TOURIST INFORMATION CENTRES

Tourist Information Counter, Government of Karnataka, Hampi Bazaar, Hampi or Tourist Bureau, Govt. of Karnataka, old Fire station Building,

Taluk office Compound, Hospet, Tel. 8537 or Archaeological Survey of Indian, Kamalapur, Tel. 8744/8737.

Nagarhole National Park

The name Nagarhole is derived from the Kannada `Naga' meaning `snake' and `Hole' meaning `streams'. A number of streams snake through the rich tropical forests of Nagarhole which is situated in picturesque districts of Kodagu and Mysore in Southern Karnataka.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Area : 572.90 sq.km.
Altitude : 800-850 metres.
Temperature : Max. 33 Deg.C.Min. 14 Deg.C.
Rainfall : 1300 - 1800 mm. (June to September)
Season : September to May

TRANSPORT AND COMMUNICATION

• Air : The nearest airport is Mysore (96 km) which is linked to Bombay by Goaway flights. Bangalore (236 km) is another airport which is linked to most parts of the country by Indian Airlines flights, also other private airlines like East west Airlines, Damania airways & Continental aviation operates flights from Bangalore to Bombay.
• Rail : The nearest railway station is Mysore (96 km) which is connected to Bangalore.
• Road : Motorable roads connect Nagarhole to places around it. Bangalore (236 km.), Madikere (93 km.), Mysore (96 km.).
• Bus Services: There are bus services to Nagarhole from Hunsur, Madikere and Mysore.
• LOCAL TRANSPORT : Nil. But the Forest Department arranges for wildlife viewing in their jeeps and vans.

CONDUCTED TOURS

The Forest Department arranges for wildlife viewing around the park by mini bus, vans and jeeps. All tours are accompanied by trained forest guides. Charges : Rs.10/- per head for 2 hours or Rs.5/- per km.Timings : 0600 to 0900 hrs. and 1600 to 1830 hrs. Visitors' vehicles are permitted to the park only when accompanied by trained guides on payment of prescribed fees.

Reservations : Range Forest Officers, Nagarhole National Park, Kutta, Tel.21 (Kutta).

PLACES OF INTEREST

Forest Types
(a) Southern tropical semi-evergreen forests.
(b) Southern tropical dry deciduous forests.
(c) Southern tropical moist mixed deciduous forests.
(d) Scrub forests.
(e) Lush, green, grassy swamps.

Fauna
Animals Four horned antelopa, sloth bear, civet cat, barking deer, mouse deer, spotted deer, wild dog, elephant, jackal, common langur, slender loris, bonnet macaque, common mangoose, small Indian mangoose, striped-necked mangoose, Otter, Pangoline, panther, wild pig, porcupine, sambhar, giant squirrel, flying squirrel, malakar squirrel, threestriped palm squirrel tiger. Birds Pea fowl, common babbler, scinaitar babbler, bea eater, red whiskered bulbul, red vented bulbul, little brown dove, ring dove, spotted dove, crested hawk eagle, crested serpent eagle, tawny eagle, malabar pied hornbill, malabar grey hornbill, loriekeet, minivet, biyth's myna, Alexandrine parakeet, blue winged parakeet, blossom-headed and rose ringed parakeets, southern treepie, green imperial pigeon, adjutant stork, balabar trogon, great Indian Warbler, reed warbler, wood-peckers.Reptiles Common cobra, marsh crocodile (in Kabini river) Krait, Monitor Lizard, rock python, Indian python, bamboo viper, pit viper, Russell's viper, several species of gecko, skink and agamid lizaards, etc.

EXCURSIONS (Only name & km)

Bandipur National Park (100 km), Madikeri (93 km), Mysore (96 km).

TOURIST INFORMATION CENTRE

Range Forest Officer, Nagarhole National Park, Kutta. Tel.21 (Kutta).OR Assistant Conservator of Forests, Wildlife Sub-division, Vani Vilas Road, Mysore- 570 002. Tel. 21159.

Bandipur Nationalpark

The Moyer River forms a natural boundary between the Mudumalain Wildlife Sanctuary in Tamilnadu and the Bandipur National Park in Karnataka. Nestling at the foothills of the Nilgiris, the Bandipur National Park was formed by   extending the Venugopal Wildlife Park which was set up in 1931 by the Mysore Maharajas.
A popular game resort of the rulers of Mysore, the flora in the forest comprises of teak, rosewood, honne, mathi, bamboo, sandal trees. The important animals in the park are the tiger, elephant, gaur, leopard, chital, samber, etc. Birds like the pea fowl, partrige, quail, hornbill, Ibis, etc., are alsofound here.
The Bandipur National Park is one of the fifteen Tiger Reserves in the  country, launched under the Project Tiger scheme during 1973. The scheme is committed to the preservation of the fast dwindling tiger population in India.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Area : 874 sq.km.
Altitude : 780 to 1454.5 metres.
Temperature : Maximum 29 Deg. Minimum 17 Deg.
Rainfall : 1000 mm
Season : May to June & September to November

HOW TO GET THERE

• Air : The nearest airport is Mysore (80 km) connected by Goa Way flight to Bombay.
  Fare : Bombay - Mysore : Rs. 2200/-
• Rail : The nearest railhead is Mysore (80 km)
  Fare : Bombay - Mysore ( via Bangalore ) Ist Class : Rs 732/-, IInd Class : 234/-
• Road : Motorable roads connect Bandipur to Bangalore 220 km via Mysore. Coimbatore 168 km via Udhagamandalam Mudumalai Wild Life Sanctuary 19 km Mysore 80 km. Udhagmandalam ( Ooty) 79 km via Mudumalai.
• Local Transport : Nil. Forest Department jeeps and vans are available for sightseeing. Elephants can also be hired.

CONDUCTED TOURS

The Forest Department arranges for Wild Life viewing by jeep or van. Charges Rs.5/- per km. Elephants can be hired for rides around the Park. Charges Rs.30/- per trip for a maximum of 4 persons. Timings for wildlife viewing & elephant rides 0600 to 0900 hrs. and 1630 to 1830 hrs. Forest guides accompany visitors on all trips.

Reservation Assistant Director, Bandipur National Park, Bandipur,Tel:22/22.Visitors vehicles are also permitted into the Park only when accompanied by trained guides on payment of prescribed fees.

ENTRANCE FEES :
Park Entrance Fee Indians Re 1/-
Foreigners Rs.3/-
Visitors Vehicle Light vehicles Rs.10/- per vehicle
Heavy vehicles Rs.15/- per vehicle
Photography Fee Box cameras Re 1/-
Adjustable Cameras Rs.3/-
Movie Cameras Rs.10/- (8 mm)
Rs. 15/- (16 mm) Rs.150/- (35 mm)
Video Cameras Rs.150/- Permission is required from Chief Wild Life Warden, Bangalore for use of video camera.

Rates of Conducted Tours and Entrance Fees subject to change.

WHAT TO SEE

Forest Types
(1) Southern Tropical Moist-mixed deciduous forests.
(2) Southern Tropical Dry Deciduous Forests.
(3) Scrub Forests.Flora Forests consists predominantly of teak (tectona grandis) with its main associate species like rosewood (dalbergia latifolia), Honne (Pterocarpus Marsupium), nandi (lagerstroemia lanceolata), mathi (terminalia tomentosa) hunal (terminalia paniculata) dindal or dindiga (anogeissus latifolia), bamboo ( bambusa arundianasia and dendrocalamus strictus), bende (kydia calycina), sandal (santalum album), mavu (mangifera indica), muthuga (butea/frondosa ) also occur in these forests.

Fauna
a. Animals Tiger, elephant, gaur, leopard, chital, sambar, sloth bear, barking deer, wild boar, wild dog, jackal,mouse-deer, four-horned antelope, common langur,porcupine, otler, pangolin, malabar squirrel, civer cat,leopard, hares, jungle cat, bonnet macaque, etc.

b. Birds Pea fowl, grey jungle fowl, partridge, quail, paradise fly catcher, hornbill, wood pecker, ibis, stork,sun bird, flower pecket, thrush, crested hawk eagle, serpent eagle, drango, cuckoo, oriole, minivet, wagtail, myna, blue jay, king fisher, etc.

c. Reptiles Land monitor, crocodile, tortoise, python, cobra, krait, viper, rat, snake, flying lizard.

EXCURSIONS

Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary (19 km), Mysore (80 km), Udhagamandalam (Ootacamund) (79 km), Gopalaswamy Hills (20 km).

TOURIST INFORMATION CENTRES

Information Centre, Bandipur National Park, Bandipur 571318. Tel:21/22 Or The Field

Director, Project Tiger, Vanasree, Govt.Sandalkoti premises, Asokapuram,Mysore-570008

Tel: 20901/24980. Cable:PROTIGER.