Murudeshwara Temple In Bhatkal

Normally, Shiva is imagined to be meditating in the hills of Himalayas. The icy form of the Linga gives darshan to pilgrims in the cave like temples of Kashi and Kailash.. far above the human reach and many books also make a mention, but here, the case is different.

Here, Shiva is seen on the shores of two beaches on either sides. The glimpse is unimaginably beautiful and that is why he is known here as Murudeshwara. The Gopuram of this temple is beautiful and a must see. The Hotel and Accommodation is good here.

Murudeshwara is in the Bhatkal Taluk of Uttara Kannada district (Karnataka). The idol gives you a beautiful picture of the handsome deity with big eyes and a long moustache. He is facing the water and attracts all the pilgrims from the temple door till the Garba Gruha (the heart or core of the temple).

Travellers play in the beaches or soak selves in the salty water apart from the pilgrim visit. The Idlis and Dosas are quite popular in the restaurant close to the temple. The RN Shettys have provided restaurant and accommodation facilities to help the devotees have a pleasant visit.

The temple is surrounded by a beautiful park with the Bhagavath Gita scene and Shiva Ganga scenes well etched in stones.

After dawn, the temple glows like gold in the yellow lights and soothing Shiva stotrams.

Murudeshwara is a popular choice for children during Summer holidays, excursions and picnics. There are also many art and craft shops that sell sea shell lanterns, key chains and handmade jewellery.

From there, you can also visit many more beaches and Gokarna. From Bangalore, there are tourist buses directly to Murudeshwara. Buses like KSTDC, Sugama and Durgamba operate on daily basis. An overnight bus can be booked in advance for the journey.

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The Beaches Of Gokarna

Because of its scenic and serene beaches, Gokarna has off late turned into a Hippie spot. The local tourists often complain that the Hippie crowd have almost settled in the temple town and are to be held responsible for maligning the sanctity of the place.

For Hindus, it is the place of Lord Shiva's Atma Linga wherein the story dates back to Ramayan. When the demon Raavan tries to take away the Atma Linga from Shiva, Lord Ganesh stops him at Gokarna to avoid the destruction of mankind.

The holy place is also a popular beach destination. The famous "Om" beach is calm and that is why has become a dwelling place for Hippie couples. They are always found wearing skimpy outfits despite being aware that it is a spiritual spot.

Because of their social unconscious behaviour, the conservative Indian families avoid visiting the temple town with Children even though it marks a great importance to them.

Om beach is different when compared to the other beaches in India. Travellers can view the naturally carved rocks amidst the Sea which makes it more beautiful.

Gokarna is famous for good quality Rudraksh, a wooden bead consisting of cosmic effects. You can also shop for Spatika beads as it calms body and balances stress levels.

Since it is close to Karwar, you can take a flight to Karwar from Bangaluru and hire a taxi to Gokarna. 

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Top 3 River Rafting Adventures In Karnataka

Apart from Fishing camps, Karnataka is also famous for river rafting adventures. Rafting is thrilling, refreshing and a prominent group adventure activity. We have specified 3 popular spots out of many others because of its safety facilities and upgraded equipments for thrilling rapids.

Rivers like Kali And Kaveri have blessed the State with immense scenic beauty and adventure attractions with natural gradients. Today, I shall share our team's experience with River Rafting in Karnataka. Take a look for more information.

Top 3 River Rafting Spots In Karnataka:

1. Dandeli - One of the most popular rafting spot in the north Karnataka. The roaring Kali river makes one feel that it is not just fresh water rafting but RIP water rafting. There are about 3-4 rapids and the final one being most thrilling. It is quite a challenging and recreational activity. Travellers plan their stay in the Jungle resorts and enjoy the adventure with the other activities such as Safari, Boating and Bird watch.

How To Reach: Dandeli is about 480 kms from Bangalore. You can take a Flight or Train to Belgaum or rent a car from the capital city.

2. Barapole - One of the best White water rafting spots in Southern India. The Coorg adventure can also be called fresh water rafting as the river takes birth in the same region. At Barapole, you have well trained North East Indian experts who train you rightly in the short time available and help you enjoy the adventure. The sport is managed by the estate owners of the region.

After a 4 rapid adventure, you are offered a cup of hot tea and campfire that makes you feel so good that you simply have to experience.

At Barapole, you can experience a home away from home feel.

3. Dubare - The Elephant camp is also a popular fishing camp. There are lot of activities to do in Dubare. The first part would be rafting followed by Elephant rides and much more. The rafting is supposed to be the longest and reasonably priced compared to other Rafting spots. Although it is crowded, the place is a nice getaway on weekends and also as a picnic point.

How To Reach: Both Barapole And Dubare are in Coorg which is about 260 kms from Bangalore.

Tourists can hire a taxi or rent a car to these rafting spots. 

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6 Breathtaking Waterfalls In Karnataka

Western Ghats has been a boon to Karnataka and the irregularity in land has led to the birth of several rivers and natural tourist spots.

For 9-6 and 24/7 professionals, nature travel is the easiest ways to de-stress and take a break from hectic lifestyles. Even doctors and therapists suggest the same as taking a view of the green beauty relaxes eyes and calms mind.

The younger generation, off late, complain of premature aging and stereotype living which slowly is resulting in 'unnatural' mindset and publicised namesake relationships.

Nature can heal all your problems much easily than any human as it is a secret conflict within you and no one will ever be aware of anything. It teaches you to be patient, helps you to think twice before act and always makes you realise the importance of life.

Parents often seem complaining of unable to understand their children and for that our suggestion is travel. Travel adds colour to life and creates beautiful moments that can stengthen bond and save breaking families.

Coming to the point, I shall wish to tell you about the 6 breathtaking and must see waterfall in Karnataka. Take a brief.

1. Jog - If you haven't seen Jog Falls then you haven't seen Karnataka at all. The highest waterfall in Karnataka is also the major power house that generates electricity to many districts. The combined Raja, Rani, Roarer and Rocket (4 separate) Waterfalls result the massive Jog. Do not forget to take a glimpse of the Shimoga's Sharavathi.

2. Barachukki  - The largest waterfall in Karnataka is just a few kilometres away from Bangalore and Mysore. Its gigantic, huge and worth a watch. Kaveri forces herself from the mighty mountains and drops down with a roar which is audible several kilometres in the vicinity.

3. Abbe - This is probably the first waterfall of Kaveri as she takes birth in the same land, the land of Marshals, the land of Madikeri. Abbe is amidst the Coffee estates and is a popular Green attraction.

4. Iruppu - Another Madikeri waterfall that is not very popular as Abbe. Iruppu demands some adventure as the tourists have to trek a little to view the long waterfall. The water is cold as it is said to be from the caves of Munikal.

5. Attihalli - Hassan and Chikmagalur districts are also famous for scenic attractions in Karnataka. Attihalli is a popular waterfall in Saklespur that flows secretly between valleys. One needs to risk a lot to view her. A walk in the wild flora is spooky as it is a habitat of various Creeps and Crawls.

6. Balamuri - This is one of the most uncommon Waterfall in Karnataka as it is wider and calmer than all the others. Boating is possible in Balamuri and is highly popular Picnic spot for Kannadigas.

My humble request to all travellers to join hands with Karnataka tourism in taking care of natural resources and not get lethargic in terms of cleanliness. Let your fun time not affect or disturb the grace of Almighty.

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6 Best Homestays Of Karnataka

If you have to know the real culture and food of Karnataka, you should be at the Homestays. Nowadays, Homestays make much more money than hotels in Karnataka as they are calm, sophisticated and private.

Since the estate owners take care of Homestays, it is secure, food is always homemade and gives one a resort feel.

Ask the Bangaloreans, specially, the software lot as their weekend getaways to Shimoga, Chikmagalur and Sakleshpur ghats will be with the homestay bookings.

The Kannada families of these homestays are very hospitable, educated and quite well to do. Today, I shall rate the best homestays of Karnataka to help travellers worldwide have a pleasant experience down South of India.

Why Homestays?

• Because they are always amidst the greenery of valleys and very scenic.
• The house members never disturb you like the Hotel staff
• Rooms are simple, clean and are many in number.
• Food is authentic and healthy or most of the time cooked as per traveller's choice.
• Very reasonable in terms of pricing.

6 Best Homestays According To Travelendura:

Swasta - Taken care by a family of Doctors, this place became our favourite in Sakleshpur. The couple were friendly and the food, needless to say, was best of the best. We were served Bisi Bele Bath and Poori, spicy for the freezing Sakleshpur climate. Kokkum juice served before meals was very rejuvenating. This place reminded us of Mungaru Male. 

Biligali - Chikmagalur is best for trekkers and mountaineers, Biligali in Chikmagalur is one of the coolest homestays of Karnataka. I call it coolest because the owner couple are very friendly and entertaining. They have many pet dogs, from Beagle to Boxer, all welcome you as a family. I cannot forget their evening snacks (Bondas and Bajjis), very tasty, very spicy. They also make good Akki Roti (Rice Pancakes) and Bamboo pickles.

Kolavara - Shimoga is also famous for Homestays and Kolavara is one such close to many wildlife sanctuaries, waterfalls etc. The homestay is beautiful and antique. Food is also worth a mention as they prepare many authentic Shimoga food. They can accommodate upto 10 members. 

Navilgallu - Very hot Vegetable Biriyani and Rasams. Navilgallu is beautiful as it is surrounded by lush greenery of Paddy fields. It is close to Kuppali, our famous Kuvempu's birth place.

Iruppu - One of the reasonably priced homestays of Karnataka. The Coorg estate is very close to Iruppu waterfalls and best in the budget. Iruppu estate is a Coffee estate.

Gabadi - The Dum Aloo Biriyani is my reminder of Gabadi. The couple took a good care of our group and prepared delicious food. We loved the house and surroundings situated at the Sharavati backwaters. A must see place for photographers and nature lovers. 

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Pattadakal And Aihole: Ancient Rock Temples

Karnataka is definitely the land of many worlds. If Bangalore is the pub city of the state then just a few kilometres away we have Mysore which is known for peace, royalty and passing further we find many scenic locales (Shimoga and Coorg) and wildlife sanctuaries.

Towards Chitradurga and Tumkur, historical monuments like Mt. Shivagange and Fort of Madakari. Hospet for Hampi and Hassan for Belur Halebid. Mangalore and Chikmagalur for temples, treks and beaches.

On the other side, Hubli, Belgaum and Bijapur are special for cave architectures, beautiful carvings and Mosques. Pattadakal is one of the popular spots close to Hubli and Bijapur.

History of Pattadakal:

Patta in Kannada means Coronation and this place was sacred for the Chalukyan kings to organise a ceremony in the presence of their deity, Shiva.

There are many temples of Shiva in Pattadakal or rather it is a temple quarters that speaks the faith of the Chalukyan rulers. Shiva is seen in many forms and the temple architecture is marvelous.

We find beautiful carvings of women during those times. Some carvings make us realise that fashion and styling was present during those times too. There are women carved with shorter hair, short dresses, they hold hand bags and are also seen bathing in pools.

What Shouldn't Be Missed?

The Chalukyan ruler, according to the guide, was married to twin sisters and that is why there are twin temples. This is a major attraction in Pattadakal. It is too hard to build an architectural marvel for another time and its nowhere in the world. The royal architect should have been a divine soul to recreate exactly like the previous one.

Every piece of temple matches with its sister temple. From measure to carvings to material, everything is equal. Ain't it a masterpiece? Well, India has much more any traveller could imagine.

The beauty of Pattadakal is not easy to put in words as it is that beautiful. From Bagalkot, you can rent a car to Pattadakal and Aihole.

Aihole is also another marvel of the Chalukya dynasty. The carvings of Ravana Phadi (550 AD), Durg Temple, Mallikarjuna Temple Complex, Jain Basadis are worth a mention. The ancient kannada inscriptions suggest that they are the oldest rock architectures. The Lok Sabha of India was built on the basis of the Aihole temple.

Aihole, Pattadakal and Badami caves are UNESCO World Heritage sites.

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Melukote And Cheluvanarayana Temple

Melukote is one of Karnataka’s sacred spots. It is located in the Mandya district and is about 130kms from Bangalore, perfectly fitting my bill, for a day trip on a bike. The roads leading to Melukote are very good, with many rest stops & coffee shops in-between for breaks, hence we recommend bikers to give this route a shot.

Like Belur & Halebid, Melukote also has some exquisite architecture, but unfortunately, only some ruins remain. It is well known for ‘Cheluvanarayana Swamy’ & ‘Yoga Narasimha swamy’ temples dedicated to these avatars of Vishnu. These temples, of course are still well maintained.. Melukote also has an academy of Sanskrit Research, a college & a library dedicated to this ancient language. It is said that in the 12^th century, Saint Sri Ramanujacharya from Tamil Nadu , stayed in Melukote for more an a decade, and in whom the Hoysala King Vishnuvardana found a teacher in. hence we can see the unmistakable Hoysala workmanship here as well.

The languages spoken here are predominantly Kannada & Tamil, though you will find boards & directions in English, as in any other tourist spot.  Other spots to visit within Melukote are

• Dhanushkoti: A small spring. It is said that that Prince Rama (of Ramayana) struck a bow to the ground to find water for Sita, and that the water he found still remains.
• Melukote temple wildlife sanctuary: A vast forest area is located nearby, which was started to preserve endangered species like wolves & Black bucks which gambol about freely inside this reserve.
• Kalyani/Pushkarni: The temple has a small water tank with elaborately built steps & mantaps.



Rayagopura

• Akka thangi Kola: ‘Akka’ meaning big sister & ‘thangi’ meaning little sister, in Kannada. These are water tanks with steps adjacent to each other, which you will find on the way to Dhanushkoti.

The view of the temple & the town is excellent from Dhanushkoti. Make sure you pick the right time in the day to visit the ruins. Here are some pictures from my travel to Melukote.

View of  Melukote town

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