Around Goa - Karnataka
KARNATAKA
Surrounding Goa on its east and south is Karnataka's Uttara Kannada
District, which is covered by one of India's largest natural forests
and is filled with hills, valleys and perennial rivers, This is a
heavy rainfall area, gifted with diversity and richness in its plant
and animal life. It's a scenic place, packed with history.
Many interesting places are within a few hour's drive or an
overnight journey from Goa. These include the former princely
capital Mysore and the nearby Brindavan Gardens and Srirangapattana;
Sharavanabelgola with its 57-foot famous monolithic statue of
Gomateshwara; and Badami, Aihole and Pattadkal known for their
1,300-year-old rock-cut and structural temples.
Perhaps the most popular destination for foreign tourists from Goa
is the World Heritage Centre of Hampi, once home to the ancient
Vijayanagar empire, the remains of which are considered a sort of
open-air museum.
- Hampi
Hampi is a village in northern Karnataka, on the banks of the
Tungabhadra River. It is located within the ruins of Vijayanagara,
the former capital of the Vijayanagara empire. The village of Hampi
contains several other monuments belonging to the old city. It
extends into some of the old ceremonial streets of Vijayanagara. As
the village is at the original centre of Vijayanagara, it is
sometimes confused with this ruined city. Hampi is also called the
'City of Ruins'.
- How to Get There
One recommended route is the train from Margao (Madgaon) to Hospet,
only 25 minutes (13 km) from the ruins at Hampi. From Margao the
train winds its way up the Western Ghats through a beautiful rain
forest and gives you a wonderful view of the Dudhsagar Waterfalls.
The forest then turns into an arid plateau with amazing rock
formations.
- Pattadkal
Pattadkal is another testimony of the Chalukya style of
architecture, and is a World Heritage Centre. Situated on the banks
of the Malaprabha River en route to Hampi from Badami, it has the
epics chiseled on the temple walls. It houses some
intricately-carved temple complexes. It is en route to Hampi from
Badami. Further along Highway 13 (connecting Sholapur to Mangalore)
after Hampi is Pattadkal. Aihole is another 12 km from Pattadkal.
- Jog Falls
Jog Falls is another popular spot off Goa. It lies 265 km from Goa.
One has to proceed to Karwar and Honnavar (take the left diversion
on the road to Shimoga). It's 65 km from Honnavar. August to
December is the best time to visit as it is the season of best flow.
From Jog Falls is about 380 km to Bangalore. Shimoga is connected to
Jog Falls by bus (104 km).
Indo-Saracenic monuments
Nearby Gulbarga, Bidar and Bijapur are renowned for their Indo-Saracenic
monuments (architecture influenced by the Muslims, referred to by
the archaic name of Saracens).
Dakshina Kannada
Just south of Goa, along the coast, are the Dakshina Kannada, Udupi
and Uttara Kannada districts known for their beautiful beaches.
Mangalore and Karwar are ports, and much more, as officials
promoting tourism in Karnataka point out.
Gokarna, Udupi and Dharmashal are pilgrimage centres in Karnataka.
Karwar, Mangalore and the areas nearby also have pleasant beaches.
Dandeli
Dandeli is famous for white water rafting. En route is wildlife
territory, though tour operators caution that animal sighting is not
guaranteed.
- KARNATAKA'S TRAILS
Karnataka boasts of over 200 trails which have been explored and
marked in the Western Ghats for trekking.
Bijapur
Bijapur, known as the Capital of Adil Shahi Dynasty in the history
books, is famous for its giant Gol Gumbaz dome. Interesting
destinations recommended in Karnataka include the world-famous Hampi,
Hassan (after Shimoga), Halebidu (45 km from Hassan), Belur,
Shravanbelagola (75 km from Hassan), Mangalore (380 km), Mysore (600
km), Hassan (roughly 500 km), Madikeri (505 km, via Mangalore),
Bijapur (385 km), Hospet-Hampi (375 km, via Gadag and Hubli, also
accessible via Karwar-Yellapur, an additional 50 km but on abetter road), Belgaum (160 Km), Badami (320 Km) and Bangalore (600 Km).
| Ganesh Chaturthi |
| One of the most important festivals of Goa is Ganesh Chaturthi or
Chovoth. The celebrations are spread over several days and mark the
birth of the elephant-god Ganesha, an important member of the Hindu
pantheon. Idols of Ganesha are worshipped with fanfare and gaiety
all over the state. The immersion of the idols on the day of Anant
Chaturdashi brings an end to one of Goa's most-loved festivals. |
How to Get There
The state-run KSRTC sector buses from Goa to Bangalore and Mysore
are quite comfortable. Others catering to migrant workers from the
region can be cramped. Travelling in one's own vehicle or hiring one
is also another option. Other services connecting nearby
destinations, mainly the bigger cities such as Bangalore and Mysore,
are National Travels .
Day Trips
For holidays outside Goa contact: Day Tripper Tours fc Travel (some
trips not operated in the monsoons) Gaura Vaddo, Near Kamat Complex,
Calangute, Bardez, Goa
Paulo Travels
The privately-run big-player in road transport, Paulo Travels offers
package tours to some destinations in Karnataka, including the Jog
Falls. Paulo has a number of services to different destinations out
of Goa, and is among the big players in the private bus transport
sector. It offers Volvo and 'sleeper' vehicles, which are to the
liking of some passengers, though others find the same unbearable.
Jog Falls trips leave each evening at 8.30pm, reaching Mavangundi at
approximately 1.30am to 2am - depending on road conditions. From
there, arrangement is made for transport to the hotel. Charges-, for
sleepers Rs 2,470, seater Rs 2,240, (return fair and one night hotel
stay). Food costs are not included.
Paulo also links up with Ooty and Kodaikanal (apart from many other
migrant destinations in Kamataka, and tourist destinations like
Mahableshwar in Maharashtra.
G1 Cardozo Bldg, Near Kadamba Bus Stand, Panjim
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