Karnataka - Page 12 of 14 - Trans India Travels

Kudremukh National Park, Karnataka

“Huge expanse of unperturbed greenery moves through valleys and meadows and peaks; in particular the one resembling horse’s cheek”

Spread across the hills of Western Ghats, Kudremukh National Park is essentially a “forest on the peaks.” A peculiar peak here, the Kudremukh peak is shaped like a horse’s face and lends the forest its name. The peaks here seem to merge with the clouds while the deep valleys affectionately accommodate the forests and all the amazing biodiversity in their laps. It is the second largest protected region in the Western Ghats. The scenic beauty of this place paints a serene picture that will leave you stunned! Lying in the Chikmaglur district of Karnataka, the forest houses three main rivers: Bhadra River, Nethravati River and Tunga River, beautiful waterfalls and four ranges. All of this and much more contained within 600 sq km and 1894 m above sea level. Because of the hilly terrain, trekking activities are popular in this area. You require prior permission and a licensed guide.

[Also Check: List of Best Wildlife Sanctuaries in India]

“With temples, villages, farms & fun-filled centres within its residence, it’s a tiny hassle-free world far away from the World”

Bannerghatta National Park is bound along the periphery by the mighty ranges of Anekal placing it atop, at a varying elevation of 1245 m – 1634 m above the sea level and approximately 22 km from the city of Bangalore. This mesmerising piece of land is spread across a huge area of 25,000 acres and encompasses six villages (alongwith cattle & sheep farms), ancient sacred temples and well; yes a biological park offering tons of recreational activities!

The National Park is a famous trekking destination while the Biological Park provides a wide range of activities from safaris, to visiting the pet corner, snake house, aquarium, a butterfly enclosure and so much more! It’s all right there, in the same place! The national park is also home to an amazing variety of lions, panther, tigers, leopards and avi-fauna. A trip to Bannerghatta National Park will prove to be a joyful and educational experience for your kids and yourself!

[Also Checkout: Wildlife Sanctuaries in India]

Situated in Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka and encompassing an area of 834 sq km, Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary is the place to be for nature lovers, wildlife enthusiasts, adventure freaks and for those looking to spend their vacations away from the daily hustle bustle.

Dandeli wildlife sanctuary along with Anshi National Park has been declared the Dandeli national park under Project Tiger and it is now regarded as the second largest wildlife sanctuary in Karnataka. Dandeli along with its lush green deciduous forests and the waters of River Kali flowing through it, offers a wide range of exciting activities ranging from Jungle safari, Bird watch, white river rafting, river crossing, canoeing, crocodile spotting, camping, eco-tourism, pilgrimage and so much more!

[Also See: Top 100 Wildlife Sanctuaries and National Parks of India]

Originally set up as a private hunting ground for the King of Mysore, this park eventually acquired the status of National Park and came under the umbrella of Project Tiger. Today, the Bandipur National Park is known as one of the most beautiful and well-maintained national parks of India. The Bandipur National Park alongwith other parks such as Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary in Kerala, Nagarhole National Park in the north and Mudumalai wildlife sanctuary in Tamil Nadu is also part of India’s biggest biosphere reserve known as the ‘Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve.’ Situated at a picturesque location surrounded by the hills of Western Ghats in Karnataka (also check: national parks in Karnataka), the Bandipur National Park offers a spiritual retreat. A walk along the woods amidst the mighty hills is an experience that shall soothe your soul.

The third largest city in India, Bangalore is often described as the silicon valley of India due to its rapidly growing information technology (IT) sector. The city is located 914, meters above sea level and is known for its perennially pleasant climate. The region that comprises the metropolitan town has known to be inhabited since 4000 BCE and came under the subsequent rule of several south Indian kingdoms such as the Western Ganga Dynasty, Chalukyas, Rashtrakutas, later Cholas, Hoysalas, Vijayanagara Empire, Mughals, Mysore kingdom and finally the British. Bangalore became a major trade town under the British and developed as a metropolitan giving rise to several technological advancements in India. Today despite of being a well frequented tourist location, Bangalore is not without the ills of a metropolis life. The pollution and the traffic laden streets and roads make it essential for the people of Bangalore to find refuge. Here’s the list of some of the most popular hill stations near Bangalore.

[Also Checkout: Weekend Getaway Places Near Bangalore]

Known for being laid back and unspoiled natural surroundings and its pristine unpopulated beaches, Gokarna is one of the major tourist destinations in Karnataka, India. It is a major pilgrim center and is considered among the 7 major pilgrim spots in the Hindu scriptures. The name is derived from the Hindi word for a cow’s ear and is located at the confluence of the two rivers Gangavali and Aghanashini which is shaped like the ear of the cow. It was a bustling temple town during the sangam era and a part of the Tamil Kingdoms. Here’s the list of the best places to visit in Gokarna.

Recently renamed to Kalburgi, which means the stone city, Gulbarga is a popular historical town in Karnataka. The region came under conflict between the Rashtrakutas and the Chalukyas, of whom the latter took control of the area and ruled it between the 6th and the 12th centuries. Gulbarga as we know it today was founded by the Bahmani Sultans in the 14th century and was later ruled by the Nizams of Hyderabad through the 18th to the 20th century. The town is known for its various temples and tourist attractions. Here’s the list of the best places you need to visit in Gulbarga.

The capital of the Badami Chalukyas from 540 AD to 757 AD, Badami was known by the mythological name Vatapi. After the establishment of the Chalukya Empire in 500 AD, the Chalukya King Pulakeshi built a fort at Vatapi and made it the kingdom’s prized capital. The city is famous for its several archeological monuments that the Badami Chalukyas built. Most buildings exemplify the distinctive Dravidian architectural styles. The city came under the reign of the various kingdoms and dynasties like the Vijaynagar Empire, Adil Shahi Dynasty, Mughals, Marathas, Mysore Kingdom and the British. Here’s the list of the best places you can visit in Badami.

Despite of being physically separate, the cities, Hubli and Dharwad are often referred to as ‘twin cities’ and is a part of a single municipal corporation in Karnataka. The two cities are separated by 20 kilometers and while Dharwad serves as the administrative center, the city of Hubli serves as a commercial hub. Hubli is not just the business hub of the municipal corporation Hubli-Dharwad but also the major trading center and industrial town in Karnataka. The city flourished in trade of cotton and iron during the reign of the Vijaynagar Kings and is still known for its handloom textiles. The city Dharwad has been an important learning center for arts and literature since the 12th Century AD. The region that contains the city of Dharwad has been ruled by the Chalukyas, the Bahmani Sultanate, Vijaynagar Empire, Mughals, Marathas, Mysore kingdom and eventually the British. The city due to this displays a wide plethora of culture. Here’s the list of the best places you can visit in the twin cities of Hubli-Dharwad.

The city of Bijapur was known as Vijaypura or the city of victory in ancient times and was founded by the Chalukyas between the 10th and the 11th centuries. The name underwent the current state during the reign of the Adil Shah dynasty in the 14th century during which the city’s most important monuments were built. The city is a cultural hub due to the influences from the various dynasties that has ruled this region. Bijapur ranks among one of the popular places to visit in Karnataka. Here’s the list of the best places you can visit in the ancient and historical city of Bijapur.

Kudremukh National Park, Karnataka

Bannerghatta National Park, Karnataka

Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary, Karnataka

Bandipur National Park, Karnataka

15 Revitalizing Hill Stations Near Bangalore

Top 5 Places to Visit in Gokarna

Top 4 Places To Visit In Gulbarga (Kalburgi)

Top 5 Places To Visit In Badami

Top 7 Places To Visit In Hubli-Dharwad

Top 6 Places To Visit In Bijapur