udupi rocks

LG GM200

2009-08-28T08:58:00.001+05:30

General    2G Network    GSM 900 / 1800 / 1900
Announced    2009, March
Status    Available. Released 2009, June
Size    Dimensions    106 x 48 x 14.4 mm
Weight    85 g
Display    Type    TFT, 256K colors
Size    176 x 220 pixels, 2.0 inches
Sound    Alert types    Vibration; Downloadable polyphonic, MP3 ringtones
Speakerphone     Yes
     - Dolby Surround Sound Technology
- 3 speakers (two stereo speakers + one woofer)
- 3.5mm Audio jack
Memory    Phonebook    1000 entries , Photocall
Call records    50 dialed, 50 received, 50 missed calls
Internal    14 MB
Card slot    microSD (TransFlash), up to 2GB, buy memory
Data    GPRS    Class 10 (4+1/3+2 slots), 32 - 48 kbps
HSCSD    No
EDGE    Class 10, 236.8 kbps
3G    No
WLAN    No
Bluetooth    Yes, v2.0 with A2DP
Infrared port    No
USB    Yes, v2.0
Camera    Primary    2 MP, 1600x1200 pixels
Video    Yes, QCIF@15fps
Secondary    No
Features    Messaging    SMS, MMS, Email
Browser    WAP 2.0/xHTML
Radio    FM radio with RDS, built-in antenna
Games    Sudoku Puzzle, ZooZooClub
Colors    Black, Silver, Gold (GM200); Black, Red (GM205)
GPS    No
Java    Yes, MIDP 2.0
     - MP4/H.263 player
- MP3/AAC/AAC+/AAC++/WMA/AMR/MIDI player
- Organizer
- Smart Profiling through noise sensor
- T9
Battery         Standard battery, Li-Po 1100 mAh
Stand-by    450 h
Talk time    8 h 24 min

Nokia N86 8MP

2009-08-28T08:50:00.001+05:30

General    2G Network    GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G Network    HSDPA 900 / 2100
     HSDPA 850 / 1900 / 2100 - American version
Announced    2009, February
Status    Available. Released 2009, June
Size    Dimensions    103.4 x 51.4 x 16.5 mm, 69 cc
Weight    149 g
Display    Type    AMOLED, 16M colors
Size    240 x 320 pixels, 2.6 inches
     - Accelerometer sensor for auto-rotate
- Scratch-resistant surface
Sound    Alert types    Vibration; Downloadable polyphonic, MP3 ringtones
Speakerphone     Yes, with stereo speakers
     - 3.5 mm audio jack
- Dedicated music/gallery keys
Memory    Phonebook    Practically unlimited entries and fields, Photocall
Call records    Detailed, max 30 days
Internal    8 GB storage, 128 MB RAM
Card slot    microSD (TransFlash), up to 16GB, buy memory
Data    GPRS    Class 32
HSCSD    Yes
EDGE    Class 32, 296 / 177.6 kbits
3G    HSDPA, 3.6 Mbps
WLAN    Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g, UPnP technology
Bluetooth    Yes, v2.0 with A2DP
Infrared port    No
USB    Yes, v2.0 microUSB
Camera    Primary    8 MP, 3264x2448 pixels, wide 28mm Carl Zeiss lens, autofocus, dual LED flash
Features    Variable apperture, geotagging, ISO 800
Video    Yes, VGA@30fps
Secondary    VGA videocall camera
Features    OS    Symbian OS v9.3, S60 rel. 3.2
CPU    ARM 11 434 MHz processor
Messaging    SMS, MMS, Email
Browser    WAP 2.0/xHTML, HTML
Radio    Stereo FM radio with RDS; FM transmitter
Games    Yes, N-gage + downloadable
Colors    Indigo Black, White
GPS    Yes, with A-GPS support; Ovi Maps 3.0
Java    Yes, MIDP 2.1
     - Dual slide design
- Digital compass
- WMV/RV/MP4/3GP video player
- MP3/WMA/WAV/RA/AAC/M4A music player
- Document viewer (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, PDF)
- Voice memo
- Kickstand
- Flash Lite 3.1
- TV-out
Battery         Standard battery, Li-Ion 1200 mAh (BL-5K)
Stand-by    Up to 312 h (2G) / 264 h (3G)
Talk time    Up to 6 h 18 min (2G) / 3 h 54 min (3G)
Music play    Up to 25 h

Nokia 6700 Classic

2009-08-28T08:44:00.001+05:30

General    2G Network    GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G Network    HSDPA 900 / 1900 / 2100
Announced    2009, January
Status    Available. Released 2009, May
Size    Dimensions    109.8 x 45 x 11.2 mm, 46.5 cc
Weight    116.5 g
Display    Type    TFT, 16M colors
Size    240 x 320 pixels, 2.2 inches
     - Accelerometer sensor
Sound    Alert types    Vibration; Downloadable polyphonic, MP3 ringtones
Speakerphone     Yes
Memory    Phonebook    1000 entries, Photocall
Call records    20 dialed, 20 received, 20 missed calls
Internal    170 MB
Card slot    microSD (TransFlash), up to 16GB, 1GB card included, buy memory
Data    GPRS    Class 32
HSCSD    Yes
EDGE    Class 32
3G    HSDPA, 10 Mbps; HSUPA, 2 Mbps
WLAN    No
Bluetooth    Yes, v2.1
Infrared port    No
USB    Yes, v2.0 microUSB
Camera    Primary    5 MP, 2592x1944 pixels, autofocus, LED flash
Video    Yes, VGA@15fps
Secondary    No
Features    Messaging    SMS, MMS 1.3 (up to 600KB), Email, IM
Browser    WAP 2.0/xHTML, HTML
Radio    Stereo FM radio with RDS
Games    3 + Downloadable
Colors    Silver metallic, Matte metallic, Black metallic
GPS    Yes, with A-GPS support; Nokia Maps
Java    Yes, MIDP 2.1
     - MP3/M4A/AAC/eAAC+/WMA player
- Voice command/dial
- Flash Lite 3
Battery         Standard battery, Li-Ion 960 mAh (BL-6Q)
Stand-by    Up to 300 h
Talk time    Up to 5 h (2G) / 4 h (3G)
Music play    Up to 20 h

Nokia 5530 XpressMusic

2009-08-27T18:23:00.001+05:30

General    2G Network    GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
Announced    2009, June
Status    Available. Released 2009, August
Size    Dimensions    104 x 49 x 13 mm, 68 cc
Weight    107 g
Display    Type    TFT resistive touchscreen, 16M colors
Size    360 x 640 pixels, 2.9 inches
     - Proximity sensor for auto turn-off
- Accelerometer sensor for auto-rotate
- Handwriting recognition
Sound    Alert types    Vibration; Downloadable polyphonic, MP3 ringtones
Speakerphone     Yes, with stereo speakers
     - 3.5 mm audio jack
Memory    Phonebook    Practically unlimited entries and fields, Photocall
Call records    Detailed, max 30 days
Internal    70 MB storage, 128 MB SDRAM
Card slot    microSD (TransFlash), up to 16GB, 4GB included, buy memory
Data    GPRS    Class 32
HSCSD    Yes
EDGE    Class 32
3G    No
WLAN    Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g
Bluetooth    Yes, v2.0 with A2DP
Infrared port    No
USB    Yes, v2.0 microUSB
Camera    Primary    3.15 MP, 2048x1536 pixels, autofocus, LED flash
Video    Yes, VGA@30fps (verified)
Secondary    No
Features    OS    Symbian OS v9.4, Series 60 rel. 5
CPU    ARM 11 434 MHz processor
Messaging    SMS, MMS, Email, Instant Messaging
Browser    WAP 2.0/xHTML, HTML, RSS feeds
Radio    Stereo FM radio with RDS
Games    Yes + Java downloadable
Colors    Red on black, Blue on white, Grey on black, Pink on white, Yellow on white
GPS    No
Java    Yes, MIDP 2.0
     - WMV/RV/MP4/3GP video player
- MP3/WMA/WAV/RA/AAC/M4A music player
- Voice command/dial
- T9
- Photo editor
Battery         Standard battery, Li-Ion 1000 mAh(BL-4U)
Stand-by    Up to 336 h
Talk time    Up to 4 h 54 min
Music play    Up to 27 h

NEEDLE CAN SAVE THE LIFE OF A STROKE PATIENT

2009-08-27T18:12:00.001+05:30

From a Chinese Professor .
Keep a syringe or needle in your home to do this.... It's amazing and an unconventional way of recovering from stroke, read it through it can help somebody one day.

This is amazing. Please keep this very handy. Excellent tips.
Do take a minute to read this. You ' ll never know, ones life may depend on you.

My father was paralyzed and later died from the result of a stroke. I wish I knew about this first aid before.
When stroke strikes, the capillaries in the brain will gradually burst. (Irene Liu)
When a stroke occurs, stay calm.

No matter where the victim is, do not move him/her. Because, if moved, the capillaries will burst.

Help the victim to sit up where he/she is to prevent him/her from falling over again and then the blood letting can begin .

If you have in your home an injection syringe that would be the best.

Otherwise, a sewing needle or a straight pin will do.

1.   Place the needle/pin over fire to sterilize it and then use it to prick the tip of all ......10 fingers.
2.   There are no specific acupuncture points, just prick about an mm from the fingernail.
3.   Prick till blood comes out.
4.   If blood does not start to drip, then squeeze with your fingers.
5.   When all 10 digits is bleeding, wait a few minutes then the victim will regain consciousness.

6. If the victim ' s mouth is crooked , then pull on his ears until they are red.
7. Then prick each earlobe twice until two drops of blood comes from each earlobe.
After a few minutes the victim should regain consciousness.

Wait till the victim regains his normal state without any abnormal symptoms then take him to the hospital.
Otherwise, if he was taken in the ambulance in a hurry to the hospital, the bumpy trip will cause all the capillaries in his brain to burst.

If he could save his life, barely managing to walk, then it is by the grace of his ancestors..
'I learned about letting blood to save life from Chinese traditional doctor, Ha Bu Ting, who lives in Sun Juke.

Furthermore, I had practical experience with it. Therefore, I can say this method is 100% effective.
In 1979, I was teaching in Fung Gaap College in Tai Chung.

One afternoon, I was teaching a class when another teacher came running to my classroom and said in panting,
'Ms Liu, come quick, our supervisor has had a stroke ! ' . I immediately went to the 3rd floor.
When I saw our supervisor, Mr. Chen Fu Tien, his colour was off, his speech was slurred , his mouth was crooked - all the symptoms of a stroke.

I immediately asked one of the practicum students to go to the pharmacy outside the school to buy a syringe , which I used to prick Mr. Chen's 10 fingers tips.

When all 10 fingers were bleeding (each with a pea-sized drop of blood), after a few minutes, Mr. Chen's face regained its colour and his eyes' spirit returned,

But his mouth was still crooked . So I pulled on his ears to fill them with blood . When his ears became red ,
I pricked his right earlobe twice to let out two drops of blood .

When both earlobes had two drops of blood each , a miracle happened .
Within 3-5 minutes the shape of his mouth returned to normal and his speech became clear.

We let him rest for a while and have a cup of hot tea , then we helped him go down the stairs, drove him to Wei Wah Hospital He rested one night and was released the next day to return to school to teach.. Everything worked normally.
There were no ill after effects.
On the other hand, the usual stroke victim usually suffers Irreparable bursting of the brain capillaries on the way to the hospital. As a result, these victims never recover. ' (Irene Liu)Therefore, stroke is the second cause of death. The lucky ones will stay alive but can remain paralysed for life.

It is such a horrible thing to happen in ones life.

If we can all remember this blood letting method and start the life saving process immediately , in a short time, the victim will be revived and regain 100% normality.

Benefits of drinking water

2009-08-27T18:10:00.001+05:30

Medical Benefits of Drinking Water On Empty Stomach.

DRINK WATER ON EMPTY STOMACH:

It is popular in Japan today to drink water immediately
after waking up every morning. Furthermore,
scientific tests have proven its value. We publish
below a description of use of water for our readers.
For old and serious diseases as well as modern illnesses
the water treatment had been found successful
by a Japanese medical society as a 100% cure
for the following diseases:
Headache, body ache, heart system, arthritis, fast heart beat,
epilepsy, excess fatness, bronchitis asthma, TB, meningitis,
kidney and urine diseases, vomiting, gastritis, diarrhea,
piles, diabetes, constipation, all eye diseases, womb,
cancer and menstrual disorders, ear nose and throat diseases.

METHOD OF TREATMENT
1. As you wake up in the morning before brushing teeth,
drink 4 x 160ml glasses of water

2. Brush and clean the mouth but
do not eat or drink anything for 45 minute
3. After 45 minutes you may eat and drink as normal.

4. After 15 minutes of breakfast, lunch and dinner
do not eat or drink anything for 2 hours

5. Those who are old or sick and are unable to drink
4 glasses of water at the beginning
may commence by taking little water
and gradually increase it to 4 glasses per day.
6. The above method of treatment will cure diseases
of the sick and others can enjoy a healthy life.

The following list gives the number of days of treatment
required to cure/control/ reduce main diseases:

1. High Blood Pressure (30 days)
2. Gastric (10 days)
3. Diabetes (30 days)
4. Constipation (10 days)
5. Cancer (180 days)6. TB (90 days)
7. Arthritis patients should follow the above treatment only
for 3 days in the 1st week, and from 2nd week onwards daily.

This treatment method has no side effects,
however at the commencement of treatment
you may have to urinate a few times.

It is better if we continue this and make this procedure
as a routine work in our life. Drink Water
and Stay healthy and Active.

This makes sense..
The Chinese and Japanese drink hot tea with their meals.
not cold water. Maybe it is time we adopt their drinking habit
while eating!!! Nothing to lose, everything to gain.

For those who like to drink cold water,
this article is applicable to you.
It is nice to have a cup of cold drink after a meal.
However, the cold water will solidify the oily stuff
that you have just consumed.. It will slow down the digestion.

Once this 'sludge' reacts with the acid, it will break down
and be absorbed by the intestine faster
than the solid food. It will line the intestine.

Very soon, this will turn into fats and lead to cancer.
It is best to drink hot soup or warm water after a meal.

A serious note about heart attacks:

Women should know that not every heart attack symptom
is going to be the left arm hurting,

Be aware of intense pain in the jaw line.

You may never have the first chest pain
during the course of a heart attack.

Nausea and intense sweating are also common symptoms.

60% of people who have a heart attack while
they are asleep do not wake up.

Pain in the jaw can wake you from a sound sleep.
Let's be careful and be aware. The more we know,
the better chance we could survive...

A cardiologist says if everyone who gets this mail sends it
to everyone they know, you can be sure that
we'll save at least one life.

Mobiles

2009-08-27T17:33:00.001+05:30

Samsung Star

Also known as Samsung Tocco Lite and Samsung S5233 StarGeneral    2G Network    GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
Announced    2009, March
Status    Available. Released 2009, May
Size    Dimensions    104 x 53 x 11.9 mm
Weight    93.5 g
Display    Type    TFT resistive touchscreen, 256K colors
Size    240 x 400 pixels, 3.0 inches
     - Accelerometer sensor
- Handwriting recognition
- Smart unlock
Sound    Alert types    Vibration; Downloadable polyphonic, MP3, WAV ringtones
Speakerphone     Yes
     - DNSe (Digital Natural Sound Engine)
Memory    Phonebook    Yes, Photo Contact
Call records    Yes
Internal    50 MB
Card slot    microSD (TransFlash), up to 16GB (verified), buy memory
Data    GPRS    Class 12 (4+1/3+2/2+3/1+4 slots), 32 - 48 kbps
HSCSD    No
EDGE    Class 12
3G    No
WLAN    No
Bluetooth    Yes, v2.1 with A2DP
Infrared port    No
USB    Yes, v2.0
Camera    Primary    3.15 MP, 2048x1536 pixels
Features    Smile detection
Video    Yes, QVGA@15fps
Secondary    No
Features    Messaging    SMS, MMS, Email
Browser    WAP 2.0/xHTML, HTML
Radio    Stereo FM radio with RDS
Games    Yes + downloadable
Colors    Black
GPS    No
Java    Yes, MIDP 2.0
     - MP3/WMA/AAC player
- H.263/H.264/MP4 player
- Organizer
- Document viewer (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, PDF)
- Shazam Find Music service
Battery         Standard battery, Li-Ion 1000 mAh
Stand-by    Up to 800 h
Talk time    Up to 10 h

Samsung omnia II - HD

General    2G Network    GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G Network    HSDPA 900 / 1900 / 2100
Announced    2009, June
Status    Available. Released 2009, July
Size    Dimensions    118 x 59.6 x 11.9 mm
Weight    117 g
Display    Type    AMOLED resistive touchscreen, 65K colors
Size    480 x 800 pixels, 3.7 inches
     - TouchWiz 2.0 UI
- Accelerometer sensor for auto-rotate
- Handwriting recognition
Sound    Alert types    Vibration; MP3, WAV ringtones
Speakerphone     Yes
     - 3.5 mm audio jack
Memory    Phonebook    Practically unlimited entries and fields, Photocall
Call records    Practically unlimited
Internal    2/8/16 GB storage, 256 MB RAM
Card slot    microSD (TransFlash), up to 32GB, buy memory
Data    GPRS    Class 10 (4+1/3+2 slots), 32 - 48 kbps
HSCSD    Yes
EDGE    Class 10, 236.8 kbps
3G    HSDPA, 7.2 Mbps; HSUPA, 5.76 Mbps
WLAN    Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g
Bluetooth    Yes, v2.0 with A2DP
Infrared port    No
USB    Yes, microUSB v2.0
Camera    Primary    5 MP, 2592 x 1944 pixels, autofocus, Dual Power LED flash
Features    Geo-tagging, face and smile detection, mobile blogging
Video    Yes, 720x480@30fps
Secondary    VGA videocall camera
Features    OS    Microsoft Windows Mobile 6.1 Professional, upgradeable to Windows Mobile 6.5
CPU    Samsung S3C6410 667MHz processor, dedicated graphics accelerator
Messaging    SMS(threaded view), MMS, Email, IM
Browser    HTML, Opera Browser v9.5
Radio    Stereo FM radio with RDS
Games    Yes, 3D interactive games
Colors    Black
GPS    Yes, with A-GPS support
Java    Yes, MIDP 2.0
     - Photo editor, video editor
- DivX / XviD / MP4/ H.263/ H.264/ WMV player
- MP3/ e-AAC+/ WMA / WMDRM / OMA DRM 2.1 player
- Find Music service
- Media Gate 3D
- Pocket Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, PDF viewer)
Battery         Standard battery, Li-Ion 1500 mAh
Stand-by    Up to 430 h (2G) / Up to 430 h (3G)
Talk time    Up to 10 h (2G) / Up to 10 h (3G)

Hero Honda Karizma R

2009-08-27T17:10:00.001+05:30

The Hero Honda Karizma is the flagship motorcycle of Hero Honda.It was launched in May 2003 and was replaced by a cosmetic upgrade Karizma R .The bike has been prominently associated with the reality show MTV Roadies. It currently retails at Rs 86,502 on-road in Mumbai.

Manufacturer    Hero Honda
Production        2007-present
Class                200 cc+
Engine        223 cc air-cooled, four-stroke cycle, single piston, kick start / electric start
Power    17 hp (13 kW) @ 7000 rpm
Torque    18.35 N·m (13.53 lb·ft) @ 6000 rpm
Transmission    5 gear
Suspension Front: Telescopic fork, 135 mm travel
Rear:           Swing arm
Brakes    Front: 276/260 mm (disc)
Rear: 130/230 mm (Drum/Disc)
Wheelbase    1355 mm
Dimensions    L 2125 mm W 755 mm H 1160 mm
Weight     (dry), 150 kg (wet)

2009 Hero Honda Karizma, coming soon…

Hero Honda is planning to update its flagship model, Hero Honda Karizma. Which has remained pretty much unchanged since it was first launched in India.

While the details are sketchy on whether or not it would purely be a cosmetic upgrade or a substantial one with heavy engine upgrades and tweaks (especially considering the launch of the new Pulsar 220 DTSi) and maybe even the introduction of fuel injection to 223cc heart of the ZMA.

Whether it is 2009 Hero Honda Karizma Fi, heavily tweaked carbureted Karizma or one with only a facelift

Health Tips

2009-08-27T09:24:00.001+05:30

Custard Apple - Health Benefits

Custard Apple or Seethaphal is a tropical fruit tree that grows easily. It was first culivated in West Indies. Its botanical name is 'ANNONA SQUAMOSA'. It is very popular in India. The pulp of the fruit is mixed with milk to make custard. As it has the taste of custard it is called 'Custard Apple'. The fruit has a peculiar aroma. Custard Apple is used to make Jams, Jellies and sherbets.

The plant is propogated by grafting as well as through the seeds. Grafted plants produce fruits from the first year itself. The plant usually flowers between March and July. The fruits should be plucked before they are ripe and stored for ripening.

Custard apple promotes digestion and is used as a cure for vomiting, diarrhoea, dysentry and vertigo. The unripe fruit is dried and powdered and is used as a cure for treating lice. The fruit is low in calorie content and contains minerals like iron, phosphorous, calcium and riboflavin.

The plant is a evergreen shrub and reaches a maximum of 6 mts. The plant bears flowers in the mature branches and the fruits develop in the mature branches and are usually round. The flesh is white and creamy with a sugary taste. The seeds are black in colour with a shine. The seeds are not consumed for they are slightly poisonous.

Breathe Deep - Drive Headaches Away

RELAXATION exercises can help to relieve headaches, backaches and insomnia.

One of the simplest relaxation exercises is deep breathing, which will release endorphins (the body's very own painkillers) into our body.

Begin by breathing through your nostrils; inhale for five counts, silently saying the word "in" (concentrate on breathing deeply); fill your lower abdomen with air; count to five, and then exhale slowly, silently saying the word "out" as you let the air escape through your mouth; repeat this exercise for about two minutes; gradually you will be able to build up to ten counts or higher; increase your relaxation by imagining a peaaceful scene or by breathing in fresh air or pleasant smells.

Best ways to drive out Headaches

Headaches can be caused by a number of different reasons, and diet is only one area that could contribute. The most common causes of headaches are stress with associatd muscle tension, or hormones or medication or medical conditions like high blood pressure or water retention.

Ensure that you drink 6 to 8 glasses of water daily, and limit alcohol consumption to a maximum or abstain completely. Increase water intake if you are having alcohol.

Keep your blood sugars constant by eating regular meals, preferably with snacks in between, and limit intake of very sugary foods (e.g. sugar, jam, cool drinks, sweets, etc.) as these cause a rapid rise and resultant fall in sugar levels.

Eat high fibre foods to help keep blood sugar levels constant. Certain foods can trigger headaches. Dietary triggers are foods which are commonly found to trigger headaches or migraines in certain individuals.

However certain foods will affect different people differently, and you will need to identify which particular foods trigger your headaches. The most common trigger foods are:
Red wine, champagne and beer
Caffeinated beverages especially coffee, smart drinks, tea and carbonated beverges like
Coke
Cheese
chocolate and chocolate drinks
Peanuts and peanut butter
Foods containing Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) like packet or canned soups, sauces, instant pastas and Chinese foods. Foods high in other additives can also trigger headaches. avoid processed foods and learn to read labels on foods.
Salted and cured meats, dried meats, pickled herring and chicken livers may also be a problem.
Certain beans (broad lima, soya, lentils) and citrus fruits; avocados, raspberries and bananas.

In order to identify trigger foods, speak to a dietitian about keeping a food diary and doing exclusion tests.

Juice Therapy

HOW RAW JUICE THERAPY WORKS

A regular intake of fruit and vegetables is essential for maintaining good health and keeping fit.

Fresh juices from fruit and vegetables are pure and vital liquids of great healing power.

Raw juices have none of the dangerous side effects associated with many allopathic drugs and they can eliminate many health problems caused by the fast pace of modern life.

Advantages Of Raw Fresh Fruit Juices
Regular consumption of juice also strengthens the body and prevents degeneration of skin, flesh, glands and organs. Here we shall look at the various types of fruit and vegetable juices and find out how they benefit the human body.
Juices are readily available and easy to digest and are juice therapy is a historically proven method of maintaining good health.

Juices also contain a number of nutrients that make them excellent dietary supplements. Even the ancient Romans used honey, crushed fruit, fruit juices, aromatic plants and scented flowers in their drinks.
The composition of juices is very complex and science has still not fully grasped the full impact of these natural energy boosters. For example, a liter of grape juice contains almost eight hundred calories, which is equivalent to one and a half liters of milk, a dozen eggs, three pounds of potatoes, or one and half pounds of meat.

DETOXIFICATION OF THE SYSTEM

Diseases are caused due to an accumulation of toxins in the human body.

Traditional allopathic medication tends to treat the symptoms caused due to the accumulation of these toxins, but does not treat the basic cause itself. On the other hand, natural forms of healing, such as juice therapy, heal the body by eliminating these toxins. Although the results are slower, the cure is affected completely.

The therapy follows a natural progression. In the first stage, the toxic wastes that have accumulated are loosened and mobilized. These are then re-absorbed by the blood stream so that they can be easily transported for excretion.

Because the blood actually absorbs these toxins in order to transport them, there may be an aggravation of the symptoms during the initial stages of therapy. The manifestation of this aggravation depends on the age and health of the patient. Ultimately, natural therapies aim to cure the body by making it so strong and resilient that germs cannot develop inside it.

Nature in all her glory has provided us with all the weapons that we need to combat disease and ill-health. All we need to do is to recognize them and utilize their resources. Let us take the example of lactating mothers. The composition of breast milk is such that it is ideal for the newborn baby. It gives the suckling infant a natural immunity and protection and is far better than any baby food that is prepared from a can. Refined foods of ten lack the nutrients that are to be found in unprocessed food.

A simple meal made out of rye, barley, and ground oats is far more nourishing than any food that is served at a fancy restaurant. This philosophy is also utilized in juice therapy. Juice therapy seeks to treat the body by providing it with complete and wholesome nourishment straight from Mother Nature’s bosom.

In order to live a healthy and productive life, it is essential that we move away from all manner of processed and refined foods and embrace the natural food sources that are given to us so abundantly. Do bear in that an abrupt change by adopting a holistic diet after years of feasting on junk food may temporarily cause symptoms such as diarrhea while your bloodstream struggles to flush out the accumulated toxins in your system.

RAPID CHANGE IN EATING HABITS

The human race has been blessed with a bounty of natural foods to select from to ensure its continued survival.

However, the advent of processed foods in the last hundred years has greatly weakened our bodies. This perhaps explains why in spite of the rapid advances made in medicine and hygiene made in this period, the life expectancy has not increased proportionately. In its quest for advancement, the human race has abandoned the natural treasures provided by nature, and it will need to rediscover the health benefits associated with eating natural foods, if it wants to remain resistant to sickness and disease.

Good health is only possible when the body is free from toxins and the cells are able to rebuild as fast as they decompose. In order to be able to achieve this synthesis, our bodies must be provided with first class nutrients. Powerful pharmaceutical drugs and denatured foods are not the answer to good health, no matter how effective they may be in producing short term gains.

If we look at the longer picture, we will realize that it is time to embrace nature again and to rediscover the joys of organic food that our forefathers knew.

The mind also plays an essential part in the preservation of good health. Stress, worry, depression, and anxiety wear down the body as rapidly as they do the mind. This mental strife combined with an inadequate diet renders people susceptible to a variety of ailments. In order to remain healthy, you must maintain a positive mental attitude, and ensure that your diet is sufficient to meet your body’s nutritional requirements. Juice therapy is one of the best ways to start in a direction that will lead to a healthier you.

The effectiveness of juice therapy has been demonstrated time and again throughout the annals of history. In the old days, sailors regularly used to utilize lemon juice to prevent the occurrence of scurvy on board ships. There have been many documented instances of prisoners of war who have survived the harsh imprisonment of their captors, solely on the basis of fruit and vegetable juices extracted from wild plants.

Juice therapy makes all the vital food elements available to the body in a manner that is easy to digest. This is why it is so effective even in the treatment of the aged and young children. Juice therapy can also be used by the obese as it helps to curtail the appetite. Juice therapy also ensures that the body receives its required dosage of vitamins without any possibility of an overdose.

Juices for Hair Loss Treatment and Benefits of Juices

It is misleading and potentially dangerous to affect a self-diagnosis unless it is being done for a simple condition such as a minor ache.

The job of diagnosing an ailment must be left in the hands of competent medical professionals who have years of training and experience to aid them. Juice therapy will aid in the curative process and help speed up the therapy. It is usually compatible with most forms of medication but do consult with your local health practitioner before doing so.

Hair loss is often the result of a number of factors including environmental attributes and the absence of appropriate nutrition. There are many causes of hair loss and adopting a healthier diet with the necessary nutrients can help in hair loss treatment that was earlier induced due to malnutrition. Juicing as a remedy for hair loss is one of the many ways of ensuring that your hair gets the right kind of nutrition.One popular remedy is the use of onion juice for women as well as men hair loss. According to researchers, onion juice as a natural hair loss treatment is likely to help people with patchy loss of hair. An application of onion juice on the patchy areas helps in the regeneration of hair. Onion juice is also valuable in treating mild hair infections that are causing the hair loss. In some cases an equal application of aloe vera juice with the same amount of rosemary tea along with olive oil also brings about positive results. Onion juice and honey as hair loss remedies can also bring about beneficial results in reverting hair loss.

For directions to proper usage and therapy: Take any of these mixtures and gently massage it into the scalp at bed time. The head can then be wrapped with a plastic wrap to protect the bedclothes. The hair must be thoroughly rinsed the next day at morning.

A hangover is certainly not a fun experience especially with the feelings of headaches, nausea, dry and chapped skin, muscle aches and fatigue. However there are a number of techniques which include hangover prevention methods as well as hangover remedies to solve the problem. Pineapple and orange juice are some of the juices that can help to alleviate the unpleasant effects of a hangover. One folk remedy used for hangovers are the juice of the prickly pear cactus or its extract. According to medical experts, hangover relief can be achieved by having juices and drinks that are high in electrolytes. Such juices aid in replenishing what the kidneys have eliminated during consumption of drinks. Tomato juice is also an important preventive technique that avoids hangovers. The juice of a lemon added to tomato juice helps in curbing the ill effects of a hangover. One of the best and time tested remedial measures for hangovers is water. Consume at least a liter of water the next morning after the drinking, as it helps to rehydrate the body. Alcohol saps the body of water and dehydrates the system; in order to prevent this water counteracts aids in counteracting the effects of alcohol. Most fresh juices also work just as well as water in neutralizing the effects of alcohol. Some of these juices include cranberry juice, fresh lemon juice, orange juice etc.
Treatment of Ailments through Juice Therapy

It must also be borne in mind that juice therapy is not a substitute for a well balanced diet. You should strive to eat a little from all of the required food elements everyday including whole grains, vegetables and fruit, and dairy products.

Juice therapy will greatly aid the recovery process if your daily diet fulfills your body’s nutritional requirements.

The recommended quantities of juices should be taken everyday. Storing the juice in the refrigerator is an excellent method of preserving their nutritional value. Keep in mind the fact that different juices have a different shelf life, even when refrigerated. As a general rule, avoid storing any juice for more than a week. Fresh juices can easily be prepared at home if you decide to invest in a juicer.

Mangalore Pics

2009-08-20T18:18:00.001+05:30

Light house hill

Kadri Park

2009-08-20T18:11:00.001+05:30

Kadri Park is a garden , 5 km from the city near AIR studios. It is located in Kadri gudde ( meaning hill in Tulu ).

It's the largest park within city limits of Mangalore The park has beautifully laid gardens along with a Snake Park, zoo and a toy train.

Its a nice hangout place/picnic spot for children, couples, young & old.

There's another park called Pilikula Nisargadhama in Vamanjur about 10 km from the city which is bigger in size.

Pilikula Nisargadhama

2009-08-20T17:53:00.001+05:30

Pilikula Nisargadhama is picnic spot / hangout at Vamanjoor near Mangalore in Karnataka.

About Pilikula Lake
Ducks wandering the garden around the lake
Wolves in the theme park

Pilikula literally means Tiger's lake. In olden days, tigers used to come to this lake to drink water. Henceforth, this lake came to be known as Pilikula.

The Mangalore City Corporation has developed this area and it has now become the hot spot for people who are looking for scenic beauty & peace. Pilikula has a huge lake & beautifully laid gardens encircling the entire lake. One can see swans & ducks moving around in the lake & sometimes they even move into the gardens. Boating facilities are available in the lake. One can either use pedaling boats (mostly preferred by couples) or bigger boats carry about 10 to 15 persons.

Botanical Garden, Zoo & Theme park

On the other side of the road, there is a huge botanical garden comprised of a variety of trees & a zoo featuring several wild animals. The speciality of this zoo is that the wild animals are not kept in cages. They are in the open. However, there are partitions like wide trenches or wire mesh, in order to avoid direct contact with visitors.

There is also a variety of snakes & birds in the zoo

Manasa Water Park

Adjacent to this, there is a Manasa Water Park which is similar to the Water Kingdom in Mumbai.

Manasa Amusement & Water Park is an ideal picnic spot, place rather a heaven on earth, nestled in the scintillating and amusing with cool, calm, serene and lush green is just 12Kms from Mangalore city and also just 12Kms from Mangalore International Airport, situated within 450 acres Tourism project of Dakshina Kannada administration “Pilikula Nisarga Dhama”, Eco-Educational Tourist Park with Zoo, Botanical Garden, Heritage Village, Science Centre, Lake, Garden, Boating, Golf course.

Rides - Landing Pool

Manasa Amusement & Water Park has a spacious Landing pool where adults and teenagers can enjoy their maximum. There are many slides set around the Landing Pool. 108" River ride, 27" Crazy Cruise Wave and Body Slide are some of the slides to name a few.

Typhoon Tunnel (54" black hole) also called Tubular Slide swirls you in a black enclosed tunnel from a height of 30 feet with twists and turns. Take a ride down the black hole on a single of double tube as you try and hold black screams of excitement through every mysterious twist and turn. Here people can experience the maximum thrill.

River Ride Slide at Manasa Amusement & Water Park is the most popular slide in the park where the entire family can slide together in a single float.

Open Slide (72" yellow coloured slide) makes you sit on a twin or single raft down gushing water for a giggling experience.

Crazy Cruise (27" red coloured slides) comes at an unimaginable speed an unimaginable height straight into the pool with splashing water all over.

In each of these slides, people will be coming from a height of 35 feet and 65 feet and will be landing in the landing pool in 1 minute time with a splash in the pool.

Rides - Family Pool

Manasa Amusement & Water Park is an exotic vibrant and fun loving destination for the young and not so young alike. To complete family entertainment section of the Manasa Amusement & Water Park, is unique in its style and design. The family pool has many other water rides attached to the pool for an endless fun and entertainment for the family visiting Manasa Amusement & Water Park. This pool is the right place for adults to shed their inhibitions and feel young again.

Here your little ones will have the rides and slides on the Play Pan.

Open Kids Slide, a red coloured slide at Family pool gives sheer thrill and excitement as body sweeps from a height down to a fun pool for kids.

Kids Closed Slide, a red coloured body slide at this pool gives thrill to your kids.

Mushroom Waterfall is there for kids and women. Here you can just relax under the mushroom and let showers enhance your enthusiasm for more fun.

Family Slide, a yellow coloured slide at this pool promises lots of fun and laughter. Here kids can take ride down in groups with each other… or their parents can share in fun.

Rides - Multi Play System

Manasa Amusement & Water Park’s star attraction is the Multi play system zone, an exciting arrangement, where you can have endless possibilities in recreation. Designed to give you a ‘surprise experience’, the multi play system is a large fun-zone, where the type of thrill you experience is entirely dependent on your movement in the designated area. Here children experience all types of thrill that adults can have on other slides, at this complex play stem within 4 mall slides give fun with water splash.

You’ll never know what strikes you next; it can be a cool sprinkle or a tight splash that would send you reeling for cover. All in the name of fun and in absolute safety.

Don’t miss this play zone…….

Rides - Dry Landing

White and Blue Multilane Slide slides hurling down head on rubber mats with an action oriented thrilling ride for adults and children for above 10 years. This is the prestigious ride in Manasa Amusement & Water Park and is slide the longest slide in South India. This is a unique slide in which the entire family can feel the excitement of racing down the incline.

Ride the high thrills of the Harakiri – a water slide- while sitting in a raft. Skim across a thin sheet of water and exit safely… easily… on to a dry surface without getting wet.

Rides – Amusements

Take a relaxing ride on the Giant Wheel (Ferris wheel) for spectacular birds-eye view of Manasa Amusement & Water Park. This wheel contains 18 gondolas and can accommodate upto 48 people at a time. So take your entire family and have a great view of Manasa Amusement & Water Park.

Dhoom Bike Ride is an absolutely joy ride for kids. It is a 6 seater game for children aged between 5 -10 years. It is a kind if merry-go-round.

Brahmavar

2009-08-20T17:35:00.001+05:30

Brahmavar or Brahmavara is a main road town on NH 17, located 13 km north of the Udupi in Udupi district in Karnataka state of India. It has been mentioned as Brahmaputr, Brahmavuar and Brahmara in the inscription, which means 'a settlement of Brahmins'. It is an ancient cultural centre of the region being adjacent to Barkur, which was the capital town of Tulunadu.

Places of worship

(1) Mahalinga temple

(2) Gopinatha temple

(3) Janardhana shrine in the Agrahara

(4) Holy Family Church[4] established on April 01, 1934[4]

(5) Saint Mary's Syrian Church

Educational institutions in and around Brahmavar
Nirmala Higher Primary School
Nirmala High School
Govt Highschool
SMS College
St. Mary's Syrian Cathedral
Little Rock Indian School - in Chantar, about 4 km from Brahmavar

Other places of Interest in and around Brahmavar
All India Radio station
Agriculture Research Institute
Sugar factory
Srikrishna Dairy - 4 km from Brahmavar towards Udupi
Hangyo Ice Cream factory - in Srikrishna Dairy Campus
Mahishamardini temple in Beelavara
Garadi mane in Varambally village
Barkur town

History

It is believed that the Mahalinga temple was constructed in the 9th century AD. The wall of the temple is built on the laterite stones. There is an image of Gaja-Gowri, which has been kept in Navaranga, which perhaps belongs to the Hoysala period. It is holding Ankusha and Pasha in the upper hand and Padma (lotus) in right lower, and the left lower hand in the abhaya pose. Handadi near Brahmavar was the settlement of the Hande family. Gopinatha temple is mentioned in an inscription that it is the third temple. The image of the presiding deity is of Hoysala workmanship.

Distance from Brahmavara
Udupi - 13 km
Manipal - 11 km
Kundapura - 28 km
Mangalore - 76 km
Bangalore - 360 km
Mumbai - 980 km

Rivers

The town of Brahmavar is sandwiched between the Sita and Suvarna rivers which originate from the Western ghats. They join the Arabian Sea a few kilometers from Brahmavar. The rivers form beautiful backwaters around Brahmavar. Tourists can cruise the backwaters on local country boats.

Transportation

Brahmavar situated on NH 17 is directly connected by bus service from Udupi on the Udupi-Kundapur line. Bus service is also available to most places within Udupi district and to Bangalore, Mumbai, Mangalore, Shimoga and other nearby districts. Local means of transport is autos and taxis. The nearest railway station for local trains is in Barkur and for long distance trains is in Udupi.

Barkur

2009-08-20T17:21:00.001+05:30

Image via Wikipedia

Barkur is a village in Udupi district of the Karnataka state in South India.

History

Barkur was the ancient capital of the Tulu kingdom or Tulunadu.The people of Barkur spoke the Tulu language. But the present day people of Barkur speak Kannada.

Even today at Barkur one can find ruins of forts used by ancient kings. Some inscriptions in hale kannada languages are found in and around Barkur.

It is said that Barkur had 365 temples, ruins of few can be seen even today.

Its a beautiful, quite place with green evergreen trees. It was also the center of Jainism, with well preserved basadi (temple) which can be seen today.

It is close to Bennakudru, which has a famous Mogaveera temple considered sacred by all the fishermen of the state.

New Bikes on the block

2009-08-12T09:36:00.001+05:30

Suzuki GS 150 R Review

Suzuki Motorcycle India Private Ltd announced its entry into the 150 cc bikes market, with the launch of its brand new product - GS 150 R. The company unveiled the bike in mid February 2009. Impressive looks, powerful performance and newly designed engine, these are some of the highlights of this bike. Priced at Rs. 59,000 (Ex Showroom Delhi), Suzuki GS 150 R is available in four vibrant colors.
Performance
The newly designed 4-stroke, air-cooled, SOHC engine of Suzuki GS 150 R pumps out a maximum power of 13.8 bhp @ 8500 rpm and a peak torque of 13.4Nm @ 6000 rpm. The bike promises to provide good fuel efficiency, with its mileage touted to be around 50-55 km/l. Its engine has been coupled with 6-speed transmission. The cutting-edge Engine Balancer technology of GS 150 R aims at providing a comfortable and smooth ride to its occupants, especially when it comes to city driving.

Suzuki GS 150 R is both attractive and powerful. It sports aerodynamic LED tail light and integrated rear turn signals. The imposing fuel tank adds to the dynamic appearance of the bike. The stylish headlight, with in-built positioning light, of GS 150 R gives it a distinct look, seen in the international super bike, GSX-R, manufactured by Suzuki.
Features & Color
The rear suspension of Suzuki GS 150 R features a separate oil reservoir, which facilitates the process of oil cooling in an effective manner. The bike sports digital speedometer, with dual modes. It also comes with eco-mode-equipped engine rpm indicator, which provides information about the optimum up-shift timing. Suzuki GS 150 R is available in four vibrant colors, including Candy Max Orange, Pearl Nebular Black Grey, Metallic Flint Grey and Candy Dark Greenish Blue.

Technical Specifications
Overview
Make    Suzuki
Model    GS 150 R
Fuel Tank Capacity    15.5 Liters
Dimensions
Length    2095 mm
Width    775 mm
Height    1120 mm
Wheelbase    1340 mm
Ground Clearance    160 mm
Seat Height    790 mm
Curb Mass    149 kg
Engine
Type    4-stroke, Air-cooled, SOHC
Displacement    149.5 cc
Transmission    6-speed (1-down, 5-up)
Starting    Electric, Kick
Max. Power     13.8 bhp @ 8500 rpm
Max. Torque    13.4 Nm @ 6000 rpm
Suspension
Front Suspension    Telescopic, Coil Spring, Oil Damped
Rear Suspension    Swingarm Type Coil Spring, Oil and Damped
Brakes
Front    Hydraulic single disc
Rear    Drum
Tyre Size    2.75-18 42P - front
100/90-18 M/C 56P – rear

Yamaha Fazer

Overview

Macho & Muscular are the sort of adjectives that come into your mind and this is exactly what Yamaha had in mind when they were styling this one. The bike gets its looks from the global Fazer series known for awesome looks and tremendous power.

Yamaha India has attacked the 150cc bike segment once again with the launch of another variant of FZ16 after the success of FZ-S.

This time the company has come up with a half fairing version of the Yamaha FZ16, which has been christened Yamaha Fazer.

Design & Styling

The front now comes with a color co-ordinated aerodynamic cowl to keep the wind blast at bay while the riding position has been tweaked for long hour, long distance travel and comes with special anti-skid seat skin.

My favourite are the all new t win headlamps which do the lightening duties upfront to keep the vision clear and also bring it in line with global Yamaha Fazer DNA.

Each and every part of Fazer has been designed with a lot of detailed attention and careful thought. This ultimate degree of perfection means even the slightest feature has not been overlooked. Only Yamaha ensures this kind of craftsmanship.

Everything about this bike is big, the wide tyres, the huge tank, the beefy forks. Viewed side on it looks like a well built athelete on the start line flexing its muscles, waiting to smash all the records. Fazer is an urban-cool motorcycle built for great performance and easy-living functionality, because that’s the whole idea of a bike like this.

The meters on the Fazer are also the same - A Full Liquid Crystal Display (LCD). The speedometer, tachometer, trip meter, fuel gauge and other indicators are set in optimum position to keep the field of vision clear. Also, the engine starting signal is an example of the spirit of innovation.

The Fazer, gets its DNA from the global Fazer series known for their sports touring, awesome looks. It has a “Look-at-me” appeal with the triple macho design concept giving it a concentrated form with excellent ergonomics.

With its comfortable riding position and seat the rider can enjoy a week end getaway or head off on a touring holiday. Just like FZ16 and FZ-S, Fazer carries the Monocross suspension to ensure agile running performance and handling. Other than the front fairing and wider tyre New Fazer looks exactly the same like the FZ16 & FZ-S.

Engine

Power output from the refined 153cc motor is more or less the same. The 153cc, air cooled, 4 stroke, SOHC engine which generates maximum power of 14 Bhp at 7500 rpm with maximum torque of 14 Nm at 6000 rpm.

The 153cc engine of this bike is designed for the urban commute. The broad tyres, low center of gravity and high torque at low rpm makes it a breeze to drive in city traffic.

The placement of this model’s ‘MidShip Muffler’ toward the center of the machine gives it a good concentration of mass, exhaust efficiency and handling. Fazer has the “140/60-17” size rear radial tyre with a 60% aspect ratio contributes to better grip and handling stability.

But auto enthusiasts like me wanted something more - bigger engine!! At least they must have plonked a 180cc or 200cc engine to compete with the likes of Pulsar 180 and recently launched Apache RTR 180.

Price & Shades

New Yamaha Fazer has been priced at Rs. 72000.00 (Ex-Showroom New Delhi). At this price point, it is a bit on the higher side for a 150cc bike but overall design is very smart, quality levels are up to the mark, comes with full digital console and it is a YAMAHA!!

Though one can buy the recently launched New Pulsar 220 for 70000 bucks but in comparison to Fazer, the Pulsar now looks dated with last generation styling. New Fazer is on any day a better deal than the Pulsar, Apache 180, GS150R & Karizma.

New Fazer has been launched in four shades:

- Electric Blue
- Midnight Black
- Lava Red
- Flaming Orange

Yamaha India is certainly on a roll - With the launch of Fazer thay have added another winner in their portfolio which consists of Crux, Alba, Gladiator, FZ, FZ-S, R15, R1 & MT-01.

VEHICLE SUMMARY
Name:    Fazer
Type:    Sports
Top Speed:    132kph
Fuel Consumption:
City    40.00
Fuel Consumption:
Highway    49.00

ENGINE SPECIFICATIONS
Displacement:    153cc
Engine:    4-stroke, SOHC, Single Cylinder
Maximum Power:    14 Bhp @ 7500 rpm
Maximum Torque:    14 Nm @ 6000 rpm
Gears:    5 Manual
Clutch:    Constant Wet Multi Plate
Bore:    58
Stroke:    57.9
No. of Cylinders:    1
Valve Per Cylinder:    4
Chassis Type:    Diamond
Cooling Type:    Air Cooling

DIMENSIONS
Length:    1975.00 mm
Width:    770.00 mm
Height:    1045.00 mm

OTHER SPECIFICATIONS
Weight:    141.00 kg
Ground Clearance:    160.00 mm
Fuel Tank:    12.00 ltrs
Wheelbase:    1335.00 mm
Headlamp:    12V35W / 35W＋35W
Wheel Type:    5 Spoke 17" Alloys
Wheel Size:    100/60 - 140/60 mm
Tubeless:
Colors:    Electric Blue, Midnight Black, Lava Red, and Flaming Orange

Yamaha FZ 16

The Yamaha FZ 16 motorcycle boasts of a 153 cc air-cooled, four-stroke, single-cylinder high torque engine, single-axis balancer and mono-cross suspension. Other feaures that come with bike that sports street-fighter looks include 5-spoke die-cast alloy wheels, brakes of 267mm single cross-drilled ventilated rotor with 2-pot calipers and 130 mm drum and a fuel tank with a 13-litres capacity.

According to company top brass, FZ 16 has all in it to provide Indian bike enthusiasts with both a rough and brutish expression as well as a certain subtlety. Expected to be a bike that could be picked up by all bike enthusiasts who love the thrills of biking, the FZ 16 is being offered by the company in in three hues, Lava Red, Midnight Black and Flaming Orange.

As far as macho looks go, the Yamaha FZ 16 motorcycle beats all other motorcycles hands down. The design is that muscular, in some ways the polar opposite of that other handsome motorcycle from Yamaha, the YZF R15.

You get fat 100/80-17 / 140/60-R17 (front/ rear) tyres, a monoscross suspension that looks really well integrated into the frame, and a weight of 137 kilos, that make the FZ16 a very manageable motorcycle on the road.

The petrol tank, silensor, the yellow-gold plated rear shock absorber and fat tyres give enough clues to the true strength of the Yamaha FZ 16 motorcycle – torque that is a bit higher than the 160 Apache RTR and tuned for acceleration and mid-range than outright top speed. Unlike the YZF R15, the Yamaha FZ16 motorcycle is more a city bike, tuned for aggressive city riding than for pure top speed.

The bike is expected to shake the entire two-wheeler segment market in the country by luring all youngsters to the showrooms.

Yamaha FZ16 technical specifications
Yamaha FZ16 Engine

Engine type: Air-cooled, 4-stroke, SOHC, 2-valve
Displacement: 153.0cm3
Bore & Stroke: 58.0 × 57.9mm
Compression ratio: 9.5:1
Maximum output: 14PS / 7500 rpm
Maximum torque: 14 N.m / 6000 rpm
Starting method: Electric starter
Lubrication type: Wet sump
Carburetor type: BS26
Clutch type: Constant mesh wet multiplate
Ignition type: CDI
Primary/secondary reduction ratio: 3.409 / 2.857
Transmission type: Return type 5-speed
Yamaha FZ16 Chassis

Frame type: Diamond
Suspension (front/rear): Telescopic / Monocross
Brake type(front/rear): Hydraulic single disc / drum
Tire size (front/rear): 100/80-17 / 140/60-R17
Yamaha FZ16 Dimensions

Overall Length × Width × Height: 1,975mm × 770mm × 1,045mm
Seat height: 790mm
Wheelbase: 1,335mm
Minimum ground clearance: 160mm
Dry weight/Curb weight: 126 kg / 137 kg
Fuel tank volume: 12 liters
Engine oil volume: 1.2 liters

Bajaj Pulsar 220

Bajaj India has come up with another facelift, this time it is their flagship bike - Pulsar 220. The new Bajaj Pulsar 220 is reported to the fastest Indian bike ever built.

Bajaj team has successfully reached the top speed of 144 kmph and thus made the bike as the fastest bike in the country . New Pulsar 220cc's gear ratio is optimized to achieve the top speed.

VEHICLE SUMMARY
Name:    Pulsar 220
Model:    DTS-Fi
Type:    Sports
Top Speed:    135kph

ENGINE SPECIFICATIONS
Displacement:    220cc
Engine:    Air Cooled
Maximum Power:    20.06ps@8500rpm
Maximum Torque:    19.12nm@6000rpm
Gears:    5 Speed
Clutch:    177
Bore:    67
Stroke:    62.4
Cylinder Configuration:    NA
Engine Block Material:    NA
Chassis Type:    NA
Carburetor:    NA
0 to 60:    4.84 sec.

DIMENSIONS
Length:    2035.00 mm
Width:    750.00 mm
Height:    1140.00 mm

OTHER SPECIFICATIONS
Weight:    136.00 kg
Ground Clearance:    177.00 mm
Fuel Tank:    15.00 ltrs
Wheelbase:    1350.00 mm
Electrical System:    NA
Headlamp:    NA
Horn:    NA
Wheel Size:    90/90-17 tubeless, 120/80-17 tubeless mm
Tubeless:
Colors:    NA

ACTIVE AND PASSIVE SAFETY
Suspension(Front):    37 mm telescopic hydraulic type 130 mm (5.1 in) travel
Suspension(Rear):    Ellipitical section swingarm with twin hydraulic gas-charged shock absorbers; 101 mm (4 in) travel
Brakes:    260mm disc
Brakes(Rear):    230mm dia Disc
Stand Alarm:

COMFORT AND CONVENIENCE
Fuel Guage:    Digital
Self Start:
Tacho Meter:    Analogue
Trip Meter:    Digital-1
Alloys:
Warranty:    NA
Speedometer:    Digital
Passenger Footrest:
Passenger Backrest:
Step-up Seat:
Pass-light:
Low Fuel Indicator:
Low Oil Indicator:
Low Battery Indicator:
High Oil Temp. Indicator:
Choked Air Filter Indicator:

Swine Flu (Swine Influenza A (H1N1) Virus)

2009-08-12T09:23:00.001+05:30

What is the swine flu?

The swine influenza A (H1N1) virus that has infected humans in the U.S. and Mexico is a novel influenza A virus that has not previously been identified in North America. This virus is resistant to the antiviral medications amantadine (Symmetrel) and rimantadine (Flumadine), but is sensitive to oseltamivir (Tamiflu) and zanamivir (Relenza). Investigations of these cases suggest that on-going human-to-human swine influenza A (H1N1) virus is occurring.

What are the symptoms of swine flu?

Although uncomplicated influenza-like illness (fever, cough or sore throat) has been reported in many cases, mild respiratory illness (nasal congestion, rhinorrhea) without fever and occasional severe disease also has been reported. Other symptoms reported with swine influenza A virus infection include vomiting, diarrhea, myalgia, headache, chills, fatigue, and dyspnea. Conjunctivitis is rare, but has been reported. Severe disease (pneumonia, respiratory failure) and fatal outcomes have been reported with swine influenza A virus infection. The potential for exacerbation of underlying chronic medical conditions or invasive bacterial infection with swine influenza A virus infection should be considered.

Complications Of Swine Influenza

Those at higher risk of catching influenza in general include those with the following:

* Age of 65 years or older
* Chronic health problems (such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease)
* Pregnant women
* Young children

But the past epidemics and pandemics of flu have shown that during pandemics most people who succumb are healthy young adults.
Complications of Swine Flu can include:

* Pneumonia
* Bronchitis
* Sinus infections
* Ear infections
* Death
Transmission of Swine Flu (How does Swine Flu spread?)

As with other flu like illnesses, Swine influenza is spread as follows:
Coughing
Sneezing
Kissing
Touching infected objects
Touching nose, mouth and/or eyes with infected hands
Swine flu does not spread by eating pork.

Treatment of Swine Flu / H1N1 Influenza
Swine Flu Vaccination / Swine Flu Shot

The protective ability of influenza vaccines depends primarily on the closeness of the match between the vaccine virus and the epidemic virus, so the presence of non reactive H3N2 SIV variants suggests that current commercial vaccines might not effectively protect pigs from infection with a majority of H3N2 viruses. The current vaccine against the seasonal influenza strain H1N1 is thought unlikely to provide protection. The director of CDC's National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases said that the United States' cases were found to be made up of genetic elements from four different flu viruses—North American swine influenza, North American avian influenza, human influenza A virus subtype H1N1, and swine influenza virus typically found in Asia and Europe.

What You Can Do to Prevent H1N1 Influenza / Swine Flu?

There are everyday actions people can take to stay healthy.

* Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
* Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective.
* Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.
* Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
* Influenza is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of infected people.
* If you get sick, CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.

Above all. Don't get stressed by the fear of getting the swine flu. Stress can undermine your immune system. The flu doesn't kill everyone and in most cases may prove benign. Mild exercise, meditation or yoga and healthy nutritious diet can help keep your immune system in good condition and able to ward of any infections. Not every 'infection' becomes a full blown 'disease'. Most infections are taken care of by your body even before you know that you were infected. Most infections affect gravely those people who are vitally deranged. So instead of panicking about the flu, stay calm and focus on becoming a healthy 'you'.

Homeopathy Remedies for Swine Flu / H1N1 Influenza

Why Homeopathy?

Homeopathy was very successful in dealing with the 1918-19 flu pandemic. Here is a quote from the famous historian Julian Winston:

Perhaps the most recent use of homeopathy in a major epidemic was during the Influenza Pandemic of 1918. The Journal of the American Institute for Homeopathy, May, 1921, had a long article about the use of homeopathy in the flu epidemic. Dr. T A McCann, from Dayton, Ohio, reported that 24,000 cases of flu treated allopathically had a mortality rate of 28.2% while 26,000 cases of flu treated homeopathically had a mortality rate of 1.05%. This last figure was supported by Dean W.A. Pearson of Philadelphia (Hahnemann College) who collected 26,795 cases of flu treated with homeopathy with the above result.

The most common remedy used was Gelsemium, with occasional cases needing Bryonia and Eupatorium reported. Dr. Herbert A. Roberts from Derby, CT, said that 30 physicians in Connecticut responded to his request for data. They reported 6,602 cases with 55 deaths, which is less than 1%. Dr. Roberts was working as a physician on a troop ship during WWI. He had 81 cases of flu on the way over to Europe. He reported, "All recovered and were landed. Every man received homeopathic treatment. One ship lost 31 on the way."

http://www.hpathy.com/papersnew/winston-homeopathy-epidemics.asp

Homeopathic Remedies

Considering that the Swine Flu virus produces symptoms similar to the human influenza virus, the following homeopathy medicines may prove useful in cases of swine influenza:

#Gelsemium. [Gels]
This remedy corresponds to the commencement of the trouble, when the patient is weak, tired and aches throughout the body. It removes speedily the intense aching and muscular soreness. There is constant chilliness and the patient hugs the fire; the fever is less acute than that of Aconite, and the cough is hard and painful. There are paroxysms of sneezing with excoriating discharge, and great torpor and apathy. Extensive experience with this remedy in the great Epidemic of 1918 proved its usefulness. Simple cases were speedily cured. Aconite will sometimes prove the better remedy for children, but the drug will never be a prominent one in influenza. Still it may be prescribed when indicated; it will, perhaps, soothe and moderate the subsequent attack, but its action is not quick here as in simple fevers, as we have to deal with a blood affection.

#Baptisia.
Influenza with marked gastro-intestinal symptoms may need this remedy, especially when there are putrid diarrhoea stools. Clarke considers this remedy the nearest specific for the disease; he prefers the 30th potency. Hughes also praises it, but uses it in the 1x and 2x dilutions, which seem to have more extensive testimony as to their efficacy.

#Eupatorium perfoliatum.
This remedy has much soreness and aching of the entire body; hoarseness and cough, with great soreness of the larynx and upper respiratory tract. Coryza with thirst. Drinking causes vomiting. The cough is a very shattering one, hurts the head and chest, and as in Drosera, the patient holds the chest with the hands. The breakbone pains are characteristic of the remedy. Add to these symptoms acute bilious derangements, and it is all the more indicated. Many physicians rely on this remedy in influenza / flu almost exclusively in the early stages.

#Sabadilla. [Sabad]
Sneezing is the great keynote of this remedy. Sneezing and lachrymation on going into the open air. The throat is swollen and the pain is worse on empty swallowing; the sneezing is excessive, shaking the whole body. Shudderings, with gooseflesh chills creeping upwards, are also prominent symptoms. Frontal headache, dryness of mouth, without thirst and cough, worse on lying down, are additional symptoms. It suits well many cases of the catarrhal form of flu; other remedies having sneezing are Cyclamen and Euphorbia.

#Arsenicum. [Ars]
This remedy covers more phases of flu than perhaps any other remedy. Hughes believes that it will cut short an attack, especially when there is a copious flow, prostration and paroxysmal coryza. Its periodicity makes it suitable to epidemics, and it suits the early symptoms when the affection is in the upper portion of the respiratory tract. The burning dryness and copious watery excoriating secretion and the involvement of the conjunctiva are unmistakable indications. Langour and prostration are prominent symptoms.

#Arsenicum iodide.
Chills, flushes of heat and severe fluent coryza, discharge irritating and corrosive, sneezing and prostration. It corresponds to true influenza and is highly recommended by Hale. Sanguinaria nitrate is especially valuable when the trachea and larynx are affected. Phytolacca is specific when the throat is inflamed and spotty, with great hardness and tenderness of the glands.

#Dulcamara. [Dulc]
This is one of our best remedies in the acute form; the eyes are suffused, the throat is sore and the cough hurts because of the muscular soreness. If brought on by damp, cold changes in the weather, so much the surer is Dulcamara indicated.

#Bryonia.
The trouble here is largely bronchial and going downward. When a person is very grumpy and feels miserable with the flu, wanting only to lie still and be left alone, this remedy is likely to be useful. Headache, muscle aches, and cough or stomach pain may be the major symptoms. Everything feels worse from even the slightest motion. The person’s mouth usually is dry, with a thirst for large cold drinks.

#Phosphorus may be indicated, especially when the trouble moves towards the chest. It is a very useful remedy for the debility following la grippe, as it is usually of the pure nervous type. It is the great post-influenza "tonic."

#Rhus toxicodendron. [Rhus-t]
Influenza, with severe aching in all the bones, sneezing and coughing. The cough is worse evenings and is caused by a tickling behind the upper part of the sternum. Especially is it useful in cases brought on by exposure to dampness. There is much prostration and depression, and the patient may have some symptoms which are suspicious as pointing towards typhoid fever, such as burning tongue, stupor and delirium. Aching pains and nightly restlessness are keynotes symptoms. Causticum, like both Rhus and Eupatorium, has a tired, sore, bruised sensation all over the body and soreness in the chest when coughing, but it has in addition involuntary urination when coughing.

#Allium cepa. [All-c]
Profuse catarrhal coryza; the nose runs freely, there is sneezing, irritability cough, the face is swollen and looks inflamed. Camphora. This remedy is often sufficient at the outset to cut short an attack, or at least modify the severity.

#Sticta. [Stict]
Nasal catarrh; headache, thirst, nightly expectoration, great watering of eyes, running at nose, hoarseness of voice, frontal headache and depression of whole system. Tuberculous subjects attacked by influenza. "There is no better remedy," says Dr. Fornias,"for the incessant wearing, racking cough of this class of patients." Tuberculinum is an excellent prevention of recurring attacks of influenza / flu in those who have annual attacks.

#Ipecac
Adapted to cases where the gastric symptoms predominate; tongue clean or slightly coated. Nausea: with profuse saliva; vomiting of white, glairy mucus in large quantities, without relief; sleepy afterwards; worse from stooping. Low thirst. Cough: dry spasmodic, constricted, asthmatic. Difficult breathing from least exercise; violent dyspnoea, with wheezing and anxiety about the stomach. Cough, with rattling of mucus in bronchi when inspiring; threatened suffocation from mucus. Pains as if bones were all torn to pieces.

#Veratrum album
Adapted to diseases with rapid sinking of the vital forces; complete prostration; collapse. Cold perspiration on the forehead (over entire body, Tab. ) with nearly all complaints. Thirst: intense, unquenchable, for large quantities of very cold water and acid drinks; wants everything cold. Diarrhoea: frequent, greenish, watery, gushing: mixed with flakes: cutting colic, with cramps commencing in hands and feet and spreading all over; prostrating, after fright; < least movement; with vomiting, cold sweat on forehead during and prostration after. Vomiting: excessive with nausea and great prostration: < by drinking ( Ars. ); by least motion ( Tab. ); great weakness after.

Udupi cuisine

2009-08-11T18:33:00.001+05:30

Udupi cuisine is a world renowned cuisine of the southern India. Udupi cuisine comprises dishes made primarily from grains, beans, vegetables, and fruits. The variety and range of dishes is wide, and a hallmark of the cuisine involves the use of locally available ingredients.
The very famous masala dosa has its origins in Udupi and a whole school of South Indian vegetarian cuisine takes its name from this town. This is ‘pure’ vegetarian food and ofcourse adhering to strict vedic tradition the use of onions and garlic is discouraged.
Pumpkins and gourds are the main ingredients, while sambar is prepared with ground coconut and coconut oil as its base. Rasam, a spicy pepper water, is an essential part of the menu and so are jackfruit, colocasia leaves, raw green bananas, mango pickle, red chillies and salt. Adyes (dumplings), ajadinas (dry curries), and chutneys, including one made of the skin of the ridge gourd, are specialities.

idli sambar

Udupi thali

Curd rice

Neer dose

masala dose

rava dose

pathrode

bonda

uppittu

malpuri

vada

mosaru vada

cabbage vada

payasa

goli baje

Fish curry

Sivanasamudra falls

2009-08-11T09:07:00.001+05:30

Shivanasamudra ((Kannada: ಶಿವನಸಮುದ್ರ) is a small town in the Mandya District of the state of Karnataka, India. It is situated on the banks of the river Kaveri and is the location of the first Hydro-electric Power station in Asia, which was set up in the year 1902.

Waterfalls

The Shivanasamudra Falls is on the Kaveri River after the river has wound its way through the rocks and ravines of the Deccan Plateau and drops off to form waterfalls. The island town of Shivanasamudra divides the river into twin waterfalls. This creates the fourth largest island in the rivers course. A group of ancient temples are located here and there likely was a village.

This is a segmented waterfall. Segmented waterfalls occur where the water flow is broken into two or more channels before dropping over a cliff, resulting in multiple side by side waterfalls. It has an average width of 849 meters, a height of 90 m, and an average volume of 934 cubic meters / sec. The maximum recorded volume is 18,887 cubic meters / sec. It is a perennial waterfall. The time of best flow are the monsoon season of July to October.

A common misconception about these waterfalls are that the left segment is called Gaganachukki and the right segment is called Bharachukki. In reality the Bharachukki falls are a few kilomoters to the south-west of the Gaganachukki falls. This is due to the Kaveri river itself splitting a few kilometers to the south into western and eastern branches . The western branch results in the twin waterfalls of Gaganachukki, whereas the eastern branch results in the Bharachukki falls. The Gaganachukki waterfalls are best viewed from the Shivanasamudra watch tower . Most of the pictures showing the twin waterfalls are taken from that location. There is another approach to the Gaganachukki falls from the Darga Hazrath Mardane Gaib . Despite warnings being posted, people climb down the rocks and attempt to view the waterfalls from behind/top, resulting in many fatal accidents. It is 139km from the city of Bangalore.

Adi Chunchanagiri

2009-08-10T16:46:00.001+05:30

Adi Chunchanagiri in Karnataka serves the double purpose of a historical site and summer retreat for interested travelers. This place in the district of Mandya is blessed with hills and picturesque landscape. The small town is popular for Bhairava worship. Religion is deeply embedded in its history. As a result tourists need to check out the Adichunchanagiri Mutt. Adi Chunchanagiri`s main attraction is the gangadeshwara temple.

The two major attractions of Adi Chunchanagiri in Bangalore are the Adichunchanagiri Math and the Peacock Sanctuary. Located on the Adichunchanagiri hills, Nagamangala taluk of Mandya district this Math is a popular tourist destination. The striking feature of Adi Chunchanagiri is its beauty. The place is a perfect spot for nature lovers. Its agreeable climate and impressive landscape attracts tourists from all over the world. Adi Chunchanagiri is the seat of Swami of Vokkaliga community.

Lord Kalabhairaveshwara is worshipped at Adichunchanagiri Math. If one is looking for beautiful sights then checking out the small hill, the dome of Gangadhareshwara and the pond in Mayravana is needed. It was due to the dedicated gurus that the math was so successfully established. These spiritual teachers have also served mankind. Over the years devotees from all walks of life have been attracted to the math because of its devotion. Besides this there are temples that are scattered throughout the city.

Adi Chunchanagiri is a unique tourist attraction in Karnataka. Apart from being a historic site it will also grab the attention of animal lovers. The Adichunchanagiri Peacock Sanctuary is worth visiting. The altitude of the sanctuary may vary from 770 to 1000 meters. If one is touring the Adichunchanagiri sanctuary during monsoon then the sight of the dancing peacock is sure to captivate him. The main idea behind this national park is to preserve animals. Bonnet macaque, fruit bat, jungle cat, hare and common mongoose have chosen Adichunchanagiri as their dwelling place. The sheer diversity of the birds will definitely woo your hearts. The conservation of the peacock will remain the first and foremost issue with the authorities.

Shravanabelagola

2009-08-10T16:40:00.001+05:30

Shravanabelagola (Kannada: ಶ್ರವಣಬೆಳಗೊಳ) is a city located in the Hassan district in the Indian state of Karnataka and is 158 km from Bangalore. It is one of the most important Jain pilgrim centers. It reached a peak in architectural and sculptural activity under the patronage of Gangas of Talakad.

In Kannada language, "Bel" means white while "kola", the pond, is an allusion to the beautiful pond in the middle of the town.

Gomateswara.jpg‎

There are two hills, Chandragiri (Chikkabetta) and Vindyagiri. The last shruta-kevali, Bhadrabahu Swami, and his pupil, Chandragupta Maurya (formerly the King), meditated there. Chandragupta Basadi, which was dedicated to Emperor Chandragupta Maurya, was originally built there by Emperor Ashoka in the third century BC. Chandragiri also has memorials to numerous monks and shravakas, who have meditated there since the fifth century AD, including the last King of the Rashtrakuta dynasty of Manyakheta. Chandragiri also has a famous temple built by Chamundaraya, who was a disciple of Acharya Nemichandra Siddhanta-chakravarti.

The 57 feet monolithic statue of the Bhagavan Gomateshwara Bahubali is located on the Vindyagiri. It is considered to be the world's largest monolithic stone statue and was erected by Chamundaraya, a general of King Gangaraya. The base of the statue has an inscriptions in Kannada and Tamil, as well as the oldest evidence of written Marathi, dating from 981 AD. The inscription praises the Ganga king who funded the effort, and his general Chamundaraya, who erected the statue for his mother. Every twelve years, thousands of devotees congregate here to perform the Mahamastakabhisheka, a spectacular ceremony in which the statue is covered with milk, curds, ghee, saffron and gold coins. The next Mahamastakabhisheka will be held in 2018.

Inscriptions

More than 800 inscriptions have been found at Shravanabelagola, dating to various times from 600 to 1830. A large number of these are found in the Chandragiri and the rest can be seen in the Indragiri and the town. Most of the inscriptions at the Chandragiri date back before the 10th century. These inscriptions include texts in the Kannada, Sanskrit, Tamil, Marathi, Marwari and Mahajani languages. The second volume of Epigraphia Carnatica, written by Benjamin L. Rice, is dedicated to the inscriptions found here.

The inscriptions are written in various Halagannada (Old Kannada) and Purvahalagannada (Pre-Old Kannada) characters. Some of these inscriptions mention the rise and growth in power of Gangas, Rashtrakutas, Hoysalas, the Vijayanagar empire and Mysore Wodeyars. These inscriptions have helped modern scholars to understand the nature and development of the Kannada language and its literature.

On August 5, 2007, the statue of Shravanbelagola was voted by the readers of Times of India (an English Daily) as the first of Seven Wonders of India. 49% votes went in favor of this 1000-plus year old statue.

Halebidu

2009-08-10T16:27:00.001+05:30

Halebidu (Kannada ಹಳೆಬೀಡು) is located in Hassan District, Karnataka, India. Halebidu (which was previously called Dorasamudra or Dwarasamudra) was the regal capital of the Hoysala Empire in the 12th century. It is home to one of the best examples of Hoysala architecture in the ornate Hoysaleswara and Kedareswara temples.

The decorated outer wall of the main temple

Transportation
Hoysaleshvara Temple, Halebidu
Profile of Kedareshwara Temple, Halebidu

Halebidu is just 16 km away from the one more historical place Belur. It is well connected by road and rail to Bangalore, Mysore and Mangalore. There are regular buses to Hassan. The distance is 149 km to Mysore and 31 km to Hassan.

History

Halebidu was the 12th century capital of the Hoysalas. The Hoysaleswara temple was built during this time by Ketamala and attributed to Vishnuvardhana,the Hoysala ruler. It enshrines Hoysaleswara and Shantaleswara, named after the temple builder Vishnuvardhana Hoysala and his wife, Queen Shantala.

Then it was sacked by the armies of Malik Kafur in the early 14th century, after which it fell into a state of disrepair and neglect.

Currently Halebidu is facing serious problems in decaying infrastructure, including a lack of basic amenities like toilets and drinking water. The temples are said to be in a dilapidated state.

Hoysaleshvara Temple, Halebidu

Kedareshwara Temple, Halebidu

The temple complex comprises two Hindu temples, the Hoysaleshawara and Kedareshwara temples and two Jain basadi. In front of these temples there is a big lake. The town gets its name the from the lake, Dhwara samudhra which means entrance from ocean. The two nandi bull statues which are on the side of the Hoysaleshwara temple are monolithic. soap stone or Chloritic Schist was used for the construction of these temples. However a number of sculptures in the temple are destructed by invaders. So the temple is incomplete. Halebid means ruined city. There is an archeological museum in the temple complex.

The Hoysaleswara temple, dating back to the 1121 C.E., is astounding for its wealth of sculptural details. The walls of the temple are covered with an endless variety of depictions from Hindu mythology, animals, birds and Shilabalikas or dancing figures. Yet no two sculptures of the temple are the same. This magnificent temple guarded by a Nandi Bull was never completed, despite 86 years of labour. The Jain basadi nearby are equally rich in sculptural detail. Belur and Halebid are 222 and 216 km from Bangalore, respectively. This temple is now being proposed as UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Belur

2009-08-10T16:16:00.001+05:30

Belur (Kannada: ಬೇಲೂರು, bēlũru, or Beluru) is a Town Municipal Council in Hassan district in the state of Karnataka, India.

Chennakeshava temple at Belur

History

Belur was the early capital of the Hoysala Empire. With Halebidu which is only 16 km away, this is one of the major tourist destinations in Karnataka, India. Belur is located in Hassan district. According to inscriptions discovered here, it was also referred to as Velapuri.
See also: Chennakesava Temple

The main attraction in Belur is the Chennakesava temple complex which contains the Chennakesava Temple ( dedicated to Chennakeshava , meaning handsome Vishnu) as the centre piece, surrounded by the Kappe Chennigraya temple built by Shantaladevi, queen of king Vishnuvardhana.

There are two more shrines here that are still in use by devotees and there is a Pushkarni or stepped well to the right side of the main entrance. The Dravida style rayagopuram at the entrance which was a later addition by the Vijayanagar kings, who considered this deity as one of their Kuladevata or family god.

The temple is one of the finest examples of Hoysala architecture. It was built by king Vishnuvardhana in commemoration of his victory over the Cholas at Talakad in 1117 CE. Legend has it that it took 103 years to complete and Vishnuvardhana's grandson Veera Ballala II completed the task. The facade of the temple is filled with intricate sculptures and friezes with no portion left blank. The intricate workmanship includes elephants, lions, horses, episodes from the Indian mythological epics, and sensuous dancers (Shilabalikas). Inside the temple are a number of ornate pillars. Darpana Sundari ( Lady with the mirror ) carved on walls of Belur Temple is one of major attraction in complex.

This temple along with Hoysaleswara temple in Halebidu and the Jaina monuments at Shravanabelagola are being proposed as UNESCO world heritage sites.

Udupi Hotels

2009-08-10T09:14:00.001+05:30

Karavali Hotels Pvt.Ltd.

Udupi, Karnataka
India
Rooms: 68
Rs 1950 - 3500 -
karavali@hotelskarnataka.com

Hotel Durga International.

Udupi, Karnataka
India

Rs 250 - 1000 -
durga@hotelskarnataka.com

Kediyoor Hotels.

Udupi, Karnataka
India

Rs 275 - 1300 -
kediyoor@hotelskarnataka.com

Hotel Rukmini Residency.

Udupi, Karnataka
India
Rooms: 42
Rs 300 - 1500 -
rukmini@hotelskarnataka.com

Mother Palace.

Udupi, Karnataka
India

Rs 145- 1000 -
motherpalace@hotelskarnataka.com

Hotel Sharada International.

Udupi, Karnataka
India
Rooms: 43
Rs 250 - 1000 -
sharada@hotelskarnataka.com

Hotel Swadesh Heritage.

Udupi, Karnataka
India

Rs 235 - 1000 -
swadesh@hotelskarnataka.com

Hotel Sriram Residency.

Udupi, Karnataka
India

Rs 1200 - 1400 -
sriram@hotelskarnataka.com

Beach Resort.
Address: Maravanthe Beach, Post Trasi, Kundapura Taluk,
Udupi - 576 235, India
Provide beach resort services in udupi.
Kalpana Residency.
Address: Upendra Baug, Udupi - 576 101, India

1/2 km. from Bus Stand. 65 kms from Airport. 3 kms. from Railway Station.

Partially Air-conditioned. Room Service, H/C running water, Telephone, Fax, T.V., Safe Deposit. Doctor on Call, Laundry, Safe Deposit.
Hotel Janardhan.
Address: Near Service Bus Stand, Udupi
Hotel Mallika.
Address: K.M. Marg Udupi.
Hotel Pancharatna Paradise.
Address: Udupi

Hotel Thamboolam

Near Diana Circle Udupi

Hotel Udupi Residency

Behind tourist hotel,udupi

Yana

2009-08-09T18:09:00.001+05:30

Yana
Location: India>Karnataka>Karwar

Nearest Towns: Sirsi, Kumta.

Distances:
From Bangalore: 400+ km
From Sirsi: 40 km
From Kumta: 25 km

Route: From Bangalore you come to Sirsi though Haveri where the major distance of the drive would be on NH4 else from Shimoga route, which is the Bangalore–Honnavar highway.
Route I: Take a bus from Sirsi which goes to mattighatta,devanalli via hegadekatta.Get down at a stop called "vaddi cross" and walk 6+kms from there.
Route II: Take a bus either from sirsi or kumta get down at a place called Anegundi near Kathagaal. This place is after the Devimane ghats if you are coming from Sirsi. From here it is around 16kms walk. Jeep is the best mode of transportation anywhere in North Kanara. You can hire a jeep either in sirsi or anywhere your base camp is and take convenient drives.
Camping Sites:

Trek Length:

Difficulty Level:

Best Time To Visit:
Worst Time To Visit:

Summary: This place in thickets of the Sahyadri hills of the Western Ghats is around 45 km from Sirsi and about 25 km from Kumta. Two huge rocks are the center of attraction here. There are two temples, temple of Shiva inside a cave and a Ganesha temple nearby. The other places of interest are a small waterfall and the forest itself.
On Haveri route to Sirsi, one would arrived at the place called Vaddi cross. Earlier all the motor able roads would end here and the trek to Yana from here would be 17 km. Now we have roads, which take very close to Yana. The road ends 3 km from Yana. One can start the trek from Vaddi cross. There is well-defined path from here to the Yana used by devotees and trekkers here. After walking 3 km, two gigantic peaks towering around all the forests and mountains will appear, the Bhairaveshwara Shikhara and the Mohini Shikhara. These two shikharas are the ones, which have made Yana distinct from other regions in the Sahyadri and have captured the imagination of generations of people. These two peaks are one of the mysteries of the Mother Nature yet to unraveled as two how there are here in the midst of forest terrain. The taller one, Bhairaveshwara Shikhara stands 120 meters and the slightly smaller one, Mohini Shikhara is 90 meters from its base. They are solid composition of black, crystalline limestone. At the base of the Bhairaveshwara shikhara is a cave temple, a natural formation where resides the Lord Shiva . Water drips from the projecting rocks over the linga, and devotees call it Gangodbhava. The cave also has a bronze icon of Chandika, an incarnation of mother Goddess Durga. Trickled from the rocks form a small river, 'Chandihole' which joins the Aghanashini river at Uppinapattana. There is a grand jatra held every year during Shivaratri for 10 days and is attended by around 10,000 people. Devotees are allowed inside the cave only on these days .These peaks have a myth associated with them as to be the place where Lord Vishnu as Mohini killed the Bhasmasura, a rakshasa. One can camp at the temple. Mind you this place is very sacred and the priests have to be notified about using the premises. Infact you are not allowed to walk with the footwear on the whole the Bhairaveshwara shikhara itself is revered and looked upon as Lord Shiva abode. Out of the temple starts out the steps, which lead to the Mohini Shikhara. There is a descent of around 30 to 40 feet. At the foot of the shikhara is Goddess Parvati’s udbhava murti. Here one can find many pitch dark caves and can hear the noise of bats. The rock formations are terrific. A guide is recommended as it is very easy to get lost in this area if we miss a turn. You may take a deviation into the forests and explore. The variety of flora is amazing. You can go around the shikhara and this place is a very good spot for Rock climbing. Many caves are present amongst these rocks and are a very good place for camping. The terrain makes it very difficult to walk in the darkness even with torches as it is very dicey with all the slopes covered by trees and shrubbery. One can camp near the temple and good thing about this place is that it has all the facilities for toilet and water. Next morning, you can go to see the Bhairaveshwara Shikhara, the place that beckons the people to Yana. There is a well charted route to take a pradakskina of the peak which on its own is the pradakshina of the temple as the lord Shiva is sanctified within the peak
After climb for some distance, you come across a huge cave with a opening at the top just enough to allow the light. From the mouth of the cave, you get a panoramic view of Yana forests and is a superb view. We climbed high up the peak as far as possible wherever the effort needed was less. These peaks are swarming with bees. After the peaks, you can pack lunch and go to the Vibhuti Falls. You need to trek back the 3 km to our van and take a ride to the falls. This road is very narrow and winding as it descends down the valley and ends 2 km from the falls. A jungle trail used by people goes to the falls and we took this track and trekked to the falls. This trail is very enchanting as there are agricultural field on the right and the jungle on the left. There is a big water falls of about 20 to 25 ft and a small one of 3 ft. This site is very good for camping and offers some mesmerizing sceneries down the valleys. This river streams forms many such waterfalls on its way down the valley.

Kumta

2009-08-09T17:58:00.001+05:30

Kumta is a town and a taluka place in Uttara Kannada district in the Indian state of Karnataka. It is a costal town and is about 60 km south of the city of Karwar and 20 km north of Honavar.

Geography

Kumta is located at 14.42°N 74.4°E[1]. It has an average elevation of 3 metres (9 feet).

There are many tourist places nearby Kumta. Gokarna, famous for the its beach (originally famous for the temple), is just 20 km. Yana is just 20 km from Kumta. Kumta town is more famous for the temples. The taluk has 4 Beaches in it. Dhareshwar beach is very beautiful and is located 5 km away from kumta.

Bhatkal

2009-08-09T17:55:00.001+05:30

Bhatkal is an old port town located in Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka. It is situated 130 km from Karwar and 145 km from Mangalore, in the midst of the Western Ghats, sharing its boundary with Arabian Sea. It was the main port during the Vijayanagar kingdom in the 16th century and is famous for Jain Chandranath Basadi and a temple dating back to the Vijaynagar kingdom. The temple is worth a visit due to the intricate classical carvings in Vijayanagar style. A holiday experience here includes serene blue sea, white sand beaches, medieval monuments and archeological treasures.

Udupi pics

2009-08-08T19:06:00.001+05:30

Newly constructed bannanje road.

The other side of malpe

Swagatha Gopura

Newly constructed Kinnimulky double road.

Madikeri

2009-08-08T18:50:00.001+05:30

Madikeri (Kannada: ಮಡಿಕೇರಿ) is a town in Karnataka state, India. Also known as Mercara, it is the headquarters of Kodagu district.

Madikeri was formerly known as Muddu raja keri[1]. Muddurajakeri which means Mudduraja's town, was named after the prominent Haleri king, Mudduraja who ruled Kodagu from 1633-1687.

The form of the name often used in English, Mercara, is derived from Madikeri by a standard transformation of the retroflex 'd' to an 'r' consonant.

History

The history of Madikeri is related to the history of Kodagu. From the 2nd to 6th century AD, the northern part of Kodagu was ruled by Kadambas. The southern part of Kodagu was ruled by Gangas from 4th to 11th century. After defeating the Gangas in the 11th century, Cholas became the rulers of Kodagu. In the 12th century, Cholas lost Kodagu to the Hoysalas. Kodagu fell to the Vijayanagar kings in the 14th century. After their fall, the local chieftains (Palegars) started ruling their areas directly. These were defeated by the Haleri kings who ruled Kodagu from 1600-1834 A.D. Haleri kings made the place Haleri, near Madikeri as their capital. Mudduraja, the third king among the Haleri kings started leveling the land around Madikeri and built a fort in the year 1681. Kodagu became the part of British India after 1834 A.D.

Culture

Madikeri is the land of the Kodavas. The names of Kodava people are characteristic and include a clan name. The clan is central to Kodava culture and families trace their lineage through clans. They have distinctive dresses, the men wearing wraparound robes called the Kupya (now only seen at ceremonial occasions), and the women with a distinctive style of wearing the sari. The Kodava woman wears a sari with the pleats at the back. They have many distinctive practices such as carrying ceremonial knives, and martial war dances. The culture also includes communal gatherings where drink, dance and special meat dishes seasoned with Garcinia are central attractions.

The main local language of Madikeri is Kodava Takk though most of the people here are bilingual in Kannada.

By Road

Madikeri lies on the Karnataka State Highway 88 that runs from Mysore to Mangalore. It is 120 km from Mysore and 136 km from Mangalore. From Bangalore, the state capital of Karnataka, one can take the State Highway 17 (Bangalore - Mysore Highway) and take a deviation just after the town of Srirangapatna to join State Highway 88 towards Madikeri. From Bangalore, Madikeri is at a distance of 252 km. Nearby towns are Hassan (115 km) in Karnataka state and Cannanore and Tellicherry in the Kerala state (each around 114 km away).

Abbey Falls

Raja Seat: This is a small square mantapa in brick and mortar of four pillars bridged by arches, enhanced by beautiful surroundings. This lovely spot was a favourite place of recreation for the Rajas and hence was permanently associated with them. It is built on a high level ground with a commanding view of the cliffs and valleys to the west. Early in the morning as the sun is just rising in the east, the mist shrouded valley below offers a rare sight. The golden light of the setting sun is a splendor to watch. There is also a attraction of the Toy Train for children.
Madikeri Fort: This fort was first built by Mudduraja in the last quarter of the 17th century. He also built a palace inside the fort. It was eventually rebuilt in granite by Tipu Sultan who named the site as Jaffarabad. In 1790, Doddavira Rajendra took control of the fort. The British who added to the fort in 1834. The palace was renovated by Lingarajendra Wodeyar II in 1812-1814. In the north-east corner at the entrance are two life size masonry elephants and a church is present in the south-east corner.

Baba Budangiri

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Range / Baba Budan Giri Range of the Western Ghats of India. Located in the Chikkamagaluru District of Karnataka, Dattagiri/ Baba Budangiri is known for its shrine which is a place of pilgrimage for both Hindus and Muslims.

Peaks in the Dattagiri / Baba Budan Giri Range are the Mullayanagiri and Dattagiri/Baba Budangiri (height 1895 m).

Mullayanagiri also spelt Mullayangiri or Mullainagiri is the highest peak in the Baba Budan Giri Range. With a height of 1930 m (6317 ft.), it is the highest peak between the Himalayas and the Nilgiris.

Location

Dattagiri is located 25 km north of Chikmagalur town and 250+ km away from Bangalore[1]. Mullayangiri can be reached around 15+ km distance from the Chikmagalur town on the way to Baba Budan Giri.

Dattagiri/Baba Budangiri is the location of a small Sufi shrine devoted to the saint Baba Budan and Guru Dattatreya. They were revered by both Muslims and Hindus. Its origin appears to be a syncretization of reverence for an 11th century Sufi, Dada Hayath (Abdul Azeez Macci); for the 17th century Sufi Baba Budan, said to have brought coffee to India; and for Dattatreya, an incarnation of Shiva. It has been controversial due to political and religious tension over its status as a syncretic shrine.Baba Budan was a 17th century Sufi, revered by both Muslims and Hindus, whose shrine is at Baba Budangiri, Karnataka, India. According to legend, he introduced coffee to India by bringing beans from the port of Mocha, Yemen.[3].Stewart Lee Allen (The Devil's Cup: Coffee, the Driving Force in History), Mark Pendergrast [4]Uncommon Grounds: The History of Coffee and How It Transformed Our World, and Antony Wild (Coffee: A Dark History)[5] relate that legend attributes Baba Budan -- an Indian Sufi whose real name was Hazrat Shah Jamer Allah Mazarabi (Allen) -- with breaking the Arab monopoly over the coffee trade around 1600. Apparently, when on a pilgrimage to Mecca, he brought out seven live coffee beans, via Yemen back to India to plant in the Baba Budangiri mountain ranges.

Near by places of interest

Caves: Three large caves said to have been sanctified by three (3) siddhas contain their icons and gaddiges (tombs) and an annual 'jatra' (fair) is held here in their honour. The enthralling scenery around makes this a much frequented pilgrim centre.
Seethala contains a 'matha' and the dual shrine temple of 'Seethala-Mallikarjuna'.
Waterfalls:A short distance from here are the three waterfalls with epic associations, namely Gada Theertha, Nallikayi Theertha and Kamana Theertha.
Gada Theertha, according to a myth was created by the pandava prince, Bheema with his 'gada', the club, to quench the thirst of his mother during their exile.
Pilgrims who bathe in the Nellikayi Theertha formed by Manikya Dhara waterfall, leave behind one item of their clothing as per a local belief.

Manikyadhara Falls
Manikyadhara falls

Manikyadhara Falls is situated near Kemmangundi of Chikmagalur district. It is located on the Baba Budan Giri HIlls, which is a sacred place for both Muslims and Hindus. It is one of the main attractions of Baba Budan Giri or Dattapeeta.

Location: It is located approximately 40 km from the chickmagalur town.

Baba Budan Giri Range

Dattagiri Hills or Baba Budan Giri Range is a range of mountains in the Western Ghats of Karnataka, India. The range, originally known as Chandra Drona Parvatha, takes its current name from the Dattapeeta Cave and 17th century Sufi saint Baba Budan. The Dattagiri or Baba Budan Giri Range includes the highest peaks of Karnataka. Unique mountain flowers called Kurinji blooms in these hill ranges once in every 12 years and the last time this spectacle happened here was in 2006.

Peaks in the Dattagiri Hills/Baba Budan Giri Range include:
Mullayanagiri (height 1930 m)
Dattagiri/Baba Budan Giri (height 1895 m)

Murdeshwar

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Murudeshwara temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, lies in the holy beach town in the Bhatkal Taluk of Uttara Kannada district in the state of Karnataka, India. Situated between the Honnavar and Bhatkal town(about 12kms) The statue of Shiva here is the world's tallest and it lies on the coast of the Arabian Sea.

The Statue of Shiva with Ravana handing Atma Linga to Bramhin boy(Lord Ganesha)

History
The name "Murudeshwara" means Shiva or Eeshwara. The significance of this holy town dates to the time of Ramayana. By penance dedicated to the AtmaLinga, the divine Lingam of Shiva procures invincibility and immortality to the Hindu Gods. Ravana, the Lanka King worshipped Shiva with devotion to attain immortality by obtaining the AtmaLinga. Lord Shiva appeared before Ravana and asked him what he wanted. By this time Lord Vishnu to change Ravana's mind on behest of Narada. As a result of this plot, Ravana asks for Goddess Parvathi, and Lord Shiva offers him.

On his way back to Lanka Narada tricks Ravana that the real Parvathi was in Pathala. So Ravana lets off Parvathi and went to Pathala and marries a king's daughter thinking that she was Parvathi. When he returns back to Lanka his mother then asks for linga. Ravana knowing that he was tricked is angry with Vishnu and meditates to please Lord Shiva.
Lord Shiva appears and Ravana asks for His forgiveness. And this time, Ravana requests the AtmaLinga as his boon. Lord Shiva agreed to give him the boon with a condition that it should never be placed on the ground. It is believed that the AtmaLinga was ever placed on the ground, all the powers would return to Lord Shiva again. Having obtained his boon, Ravana started back on his journey to Lanka.

Sage Narada, realised that with the AtmaLinga, Ravana may obtain immortality and create havoc on earth, approached the Lord Ganesh to help him. As Ravana was nearing Gokarna, Lord Vishnu blocked the sun to make it appear as dusk. Ravana now had to perform his evening rituals but was worried because with the AtmaLinga in his hands, he would not be able to do his rituals. At this time, Lord Ganesh, disguised as a Brahmin boy came near him.

Ravana requested him to hold the AtmaLinga until he performed his puja, and told him not to place it on the ground. Ganesh struck a deal with him saying that he would call Ravana thrice, and if Ravana did not return within that time, he would place the AtmaLinga on the ground.As predicted, before Ravana could return after completing his rituals, Ganesh had already placed the AtmaLinga on the ground. Vishnu then removed his illusion and it was daylight again.

Ravana got really angry that he was tricked and tried to uproot the AtmaLinga and destroy it but could not. In a fit of rage he threw the case covering it to a place called Sajjeshwara, 23 miles away. Then he threw the lid of the case to a placed called Guneshwara (now Gunavanthe)and Dhareshwara, 10-12 miles away. Finally, he threw the cloth covering the AtmaLinga to a placed called Mrideshwara in Kanduka-Giri (Kanduka Hill). Mrideshwara has been renamed to Murudeshwara.

At Murudeshwar: Saint Bhagiratha awaits as Goddess Ganga lands on Lord Shiva's Jata (locks of hair) from Heaven

Murudeshwara Temple and Raja Gopura : This temple is built on the Kanduka Hill which is surrounded on three sides by the waters of the Arabian Sea. It is a temple dedicated to the Lord Shiva, and a 20-storied Gopura is being constructed on the temple. Two life-size elephants in concrete stand guard at the steps leading to the temple. The entire temple and temple complex, including the 249 feet tall Raja Gopura, which is considered the tallest gopura in the world, was constructed to its present form by businessman and philanthropist Mr R N Shetty.

Murudeshwara Fort : A fort present behind the temple is said to have been renovated by Tipu Sultan.

Statue of Lord Shiva : A huge towering statue of Lord Shiva, visible from great distances, is present in the temple complex. It is the tallest statue of Shiva in the world. The statue is 123 feet (37 m) in height, and took about 2 years to build. The statue was built by Shivamogga's Kashinath and several other sculptors, financed by businessman and philanthropist Mr R.N. Shetty, at a cost of approximately 50 million rupees. The idol is designed such that it gets the sun light directly and thus appears sparkling.

While touring this land of picture-postcard scenery, be sure to witness some of the quaint rituals of 'Bhuta' worship, Nagamandala and the demon dance.

The Beach : One can relax on the pristine sands, swimming, water sports and boating can be enjoyed. One can take a long walk or trek along beach line. Handicraft articles made of special type of grass is unique and worth shopping.

Best time to Visit: November to February

How to reach: From Bangalore take the NH-206 to reach Honnavar and then take NH-17 to reach Murudeshwara. From Mumbai and Mangalore one has to take the National Highway NH-17 between the towns of Honnavar and Bhatkal

Nearest Road : From Bangalore 455 km, from Mangalore 165kms.

Nearest Railway Station : Murudeshwara station lies on the Konkan Railway. Some trains from Mumbai and Mangalore stop here. To reach from Bangalore on has to take train to Bhatkal station.

Nearest Airport : Mangalore International Airport, 165 km away. Hubli and Panaji airports are other alternatives.

Where to Stay : Private hotels and PWD Rest Houses

Gokarna

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Gokarna (Kannada: ಗೋಕರ್ಣ) is a village in the Uttara Kannada district of the Karnataka state, India. It is a Hindu pilgrimage centre as well as a tourist destination in India. Gokarna is a temple town and is referred to in a number of Hindu historical literature pieces. Around the town lie a number of beaches and these serve as a major attraction for travellers.

om beach

Gokarna is also an important centre of Sanskrit learning and houses Bhandikeri Math and Toggu Math. It is a place where Sanksrit knowledge is passed down from generations in Brahmin families. Many Hindus also perform the last rites of a person here.
Mahabaleshwar Temple (Maha: great, bal: strength) is a famous Shiva Temple and it houses the atmalinga. Named so after Ravana referred to the linga's great strength. Till the government handed over the temple to a public trust, all the public of Gokarna - supposed to be the office bearers of the temple - were managing the temple.

It is situated at the western end of the main street. The main deity here is two-armed, standing and at least 1500 years old. The idol of Lord Ganesha also is ancient. In the sanctuary is a stone linga, encased in brass, placed on a coiled stone serpent. The floor of the hall in front has an intricate engraving of a giant tortoise.
Maha Ganapathi Temple built in honour of the boy Ganapathi, who deceived the demon Ravana.
Uma Maheshwari Temple
Bhadrakali Temple
Varadaraj Temple
Tamra-Gauri Temple
Venkataramana Temple
Kotitheertha is a man-made tank that is used for immersion of idols and ritual bathing. It is surrounded by temples.
Shivaratri festival is celebrated here with great enthusiasm. Each year, a team builds up two great temple chariots which are used during the Shivaratri festival. The two great temple chariots lead a procession through the town's narrow streets, while priests and pilgrims chant hymns in praise of Shiva. More than a hundred people are needed to pull the chariots with thick ropes while priests conduct religious ceremonies inside. During the four day Shivaratri festival, the small town of Gokarna is visited by up to 20,000 pilgrims.

This year (2009) 350000 people visited Gokarna on Mahasivarathri

Beaches

The drive up the winding path that leads to Gokarna is scenic, with the rocky mountains and Western Ghats on one side and the Arabian Sea on the other.

Gokarna is also famous for its beautiful beaches and landscapes. The main beaches in Gokarna are the Gokarna beach, Kudle Beach, Om Beach, Half moon Beach and Paradise Beach (also known as Full moon). The Gokarna beach forms the coast of the town while the other four beaches lie to the south of Gokarna. Kudle and Om are around 6 km from Gokarna town along a muddy hill; they are accessible by rickshaw or foot. Half moon and Paradise are beyond Om beach and are accessible only by foot or boat. Om beach is named so because it is shaped like the auspicious ॐ [Om] symbol. Om beach is the only naturally Om shaped beach. Two other beaches - Paradise and Half Moon - are smaller and remote beaches.

Location
Om beach, near Gokarna village

Gokarna is about 453 km from Bengalooru, 240 km north of Mangalooru and about 59 km from Karwar. It is between the Gangavali and Agnashini rivers and situated along the Karwar coast by the Arabian Sea. It is near the college towns Suratkal and Manipal.

Gokarna can be reached by buses and maxicabs from Kumta (36 km), Ankola (25km) and Karwar (59km) on National Highway 17( NH-17 ). Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) also runs long-journey buses from many cities like Goa, Bengalooru and Mangalooru. Private buses (Vijayanand Roadlines - VRL, Sugama, Sea Bird, etc.) operate night journeys from the capital city of Bengalooru to Gokarna daily. It can be reached by train Konkan Railway on the Mumbai to Mangalooru route. The railway station is 6km away from the town.

Kundapura

2009-08-05T16:14:00.001+05:30

Kundapura (Kannada: ಕುಂದಾಪುರ) is a city in Udupi district in the Indian state of Karnataka. It is the headquarter of the Kundapura taluk and is about 36 kilometres from Udupi. Kundapura is noted for its 95,000 solar lighting installations by Selco Solar, a Bangalore-based social enterprise.

This name can be traced to the Kundeshvara temple built by Kundavarma in the vicinity of the Panchagangavalli river. Kundapur is also described as the 'town of the sun'. The name may be derived from Kunda, meaning jasmine, owing to the abundance of jasmine-trees in the area. According to others, Kunda means 'pillar', and here refers to the traditional method of constructing houses. Kunda has another meaning, indicating a high place. Up to 18th century, nearby Basrur was important town and Kundapura (a place in high place) was built later, particularly during British period. Kundapur town is surrounded by water from three sides (North - Panchagangavali river, East - Kalaghar water, river, West - Kodi back waters, and further west, Arabian sea), leaving south side as main connecting land mass.

History

It was the principal port of the Rajas of Baindoor who came to prominence after the decline of the Vijayanagara power. The Portuguese and German Missionaries settled here in the 16th century and built a fort. A well-built redoubt constructed by Hyder Ali commands the entrance to the river. After the fall of Tipu Sultan in 1799, the town was taken over by the British.

Getting there

Kundapur is well connected by Road to Parts of the country.Kundapur is also connected by Konkan Railway which runs through Mumbai, Mangalore. Kundapur Railway station is about 4 km from city. The nearest air port is Mangalore Situated around 100 km from kundapur.

Places of interest in Kundapura taluk
Kundeswara temple is within the town, with big arches. Kundapura town is surrounded on three sides by water / back water - and as such one can find good scenes of water and coconut trees all around. The boat point to Gangolli is one such beautiful place, with vast area of back waters of Haladi river, which joins Arabian Sea nearby. From this point, the range of Western Ghats at a distance of 20 km, including highest peak Kodachadri is a beautiful sight. The three-sides- water- town concept of Kundapur is not exploited to develop tourism industry in this area. There are good number of lodges in this town and well connected by Highway to Mumbai, it has good potential to develop as a scenic place.
Sri Vinayaka (Ganesh) Temple at Anegudde, between Kota and Koteshwar towns. (5 k.m. from Kundapura) The area where the temple stands is called Kumbhashi. Among the several temples in Kumbhashi Anegudde, Sri Vinayaka Temple is the oldest, and it is also the most popular in this region. This Ganesh temple is on a small hillock, giving the name Anegudde, "Ane" meaning elephant and "Gudde" meaning a hillock (in kannada).
Mekekattu Nadhikeshwara temple is interesting place, about 20 k.m.from Kundapura. It is nearer to Barkuru chowlikere temple. It is considered as the creation of sage Parashurama. With the passage of time the area where the temple is situated has been called by different names. According to the legends, when drought hit this area sage Agastya came here to perform Yajna to please the rain god. During the Yajna, the Asura Kumbha started bothering the sages. To rescue the sages Bhima killed the demon with the help of the sword gifted by lord Ganesha. It attracts several thousand visitors every year. Striking feature of Mekkekattu temple is a collection of coloured, wooden idols which measure up to 10 feet height! Most of the wooden statues are in warrior dress, giving an impression that this entire row of wooden statues are made to remember an incidence of war that would have taken place here during 1600-1700 AD (no historic evidence for this war is found yet, but can be linked to Mogul / Bahamani Invasion). Some of the statues are like Muslim soldires, some like maratha soldies. Some even hold a replica of old gun, some carry swords and ready for war. All wooden statues are given local mytholigical name and there are tiger, crow, moneky also in the row. Yettinahatti, very near to Mekke kattu is interesting place where bulls are worshiped, and may have some historical links with Mekke Kattu.
Padukone is a coastal village located approximately 17 kilometres (11 mi) north of the taluk center. Part of the village is surrounded by the Souparnika River.
Basrur - Many temples are located here on the southern banks of the river Varahi. History says Basrur is main and center place of Kundapura Taluk and it has several historical structures.
Uppinakudru - Uppinakudru or salt island is located at 6Km towards north of Kundapura which is a taluk headquarters in Udupi District (Karnataka , India) .
Hoovinakere - It is the birthplace of the philosopher Vadiraja, who preached Dvaita philosophy after Madhvacharya.
Koteshwara - The Koteshwara temple is a historical and religious centre. Here the lake adjascent to temple is far bigger than the main temple itself! This lake has several legends, which are interesting and one legend, which states that there is an underground tunnel to Vandaru Kambala Gadde which is at a distance of 20 k.m. is most interesting!

Saligrama Village - A small village with a historic temple of Narasimha(Gurunarasimha) and hanuman
Hattiangadi has another well-known temple of Lord Ganapathi (Ganesh), and many other ancient temples besides.
Kirimanjeshwara - Located about 22 km from Kundapur, it has the Kirimanjeshwara temple amidst beautiful surroundings. There is another old temple called the Agastyeshwara temple, named after Sage Agastya.
Shankaranarayana - village located about 32 km to the east of Kundapur, it is traditionally called Krodha Kshetra and is one of the seven places of pilgrimage in the region mentioned in the Skanda Purana.
Trasi - Located about 12 km to the North of Kundapur, Trasi has a beautiful 1 km long beach with Turtle Bay and Beach Resort.

Maravanthe One of Karnataka's most beautiful beaches. It is about 55 km from Udupi. NH-17 runs right next to the beach and the Suparnika river flows on the other side of the road, creating a spectacular scenery. A boat ride from Maharajaswami temple of Maravanth to Padukone is enjoyable. The river Souparnika, which almost touches Arabian sea hear, makes a U turn and goes eastward to join the Sea only after a journey of more than 10 kilometers, which is a geological wonder.
Kollur is one of the Shakti Pithas established by Shankaracharya. Souparnika river flows here midst of dense forest. Several lodges are available in Kollur, which would make a memorable stay almost within forest. Kodachadri hill with a height of about 3800' at the backdrop is trekkers' paradise. Trekkers can start trekking from Nagodi village near Kollur and reach Kodachadri peak after about three hours trek. Thick forest, sholas, grass lands and cool air are a specialty of this place. There is moola stana (original place) of Kollur Goddess at Kodachadri. An Iron pillar, said to be ancient weapon used by Goddess Mookambika to kill Kolasura, a demon, stands in front of small temple near Travelers Bungalow and the antiquity of this Iron pillar makes interesting sight. But present priest says that this Iron pillar might have been installed during Mysore Wodeyar's regime or during British period to identify this place from distance as an Iron Ore deposit indication. Kodachadri is one of the most beautiful spots of Western Ghats, as described by Dr. K. Shivarama Karantha. Sunset from Kodachadri Peak during winter is most beautiful and unforgettable sight. Even though there is a Travellers Bungallow, other facilities like food etc. are rudimentary and thouse who want to stay overnight should be prepared for basic facilities at minimal.
Ottinene - This is a sunset point on the seashore, near Byndoor village on the National Highway. The Kshitija Nature Resort, a beach, and sunset point are favorite spots with travelers here. Byndoor is also a beautiful village near the sea.
Kodi Beach This is a nice beach located about 4 km from Kundapur. The Kinara Restaurant is a nice place to spend the time, while enjoying the beauty of Arabian Sea.
Bhandarkars college is a first grade university located in Kundapura. The college campus with adjascent cricket ground makes good sight.
Gangolli,even though very near to Kundapura, one has to travel more than 15 km to reach this place as Panchagangavali river separates this from Kundapura town. One can also take boat ride, which depends on High tide timings! This is a beautiful place located at bank of 5 rivers and Arabian sea. Fishing is main activity. Veereshwara Temple is one of the oldest temple of Gangolli.
Rattadi This place is between Halady and Amasebail, Named after god `Ratteshwara`.
Maranakatte This is a place located at a distance of about 18 km from Kundapura and known for its Temple of "SRI BRAMHALINGESHWARA", which is located in the bank of river Souparnika. It has a mythological connection with the Kollur "MOOKAMBIKA" temple, this being the place where the Goddess of Kollur killed Mookasura, the Rakshasa(Demon).
Halady a village at a distance of 22 k.m. from Kundapura town is known mainly as a junction of roads leading to Shankaranarayana, Amasebail and Hebri. An old Tiles factory was busy burning red tiles during 1980s in Halady, but this industry has become obsolete and outdated because of dwindling forest cover, from where the logs were supplied to bake tiles. The Halady River or Varahi River is flowing besides this village. Marlu chicku is one deity of Halady which attracts large number of people from far off places, and another temple is of Laxmi Narasimha with 7 feet stone statue. The river in front of this temple is beautiful scene.
Vakwadi This is a small village located between Anegudde and Huvinakere and about 2 k.m. from Koteswara. A temple of Mahalingeshwara about 2 km from Anegudde is there to serve.
Bidkalkattethis is a small village near halady.this place is between molahalli and hunsemakki. it has govt.high college & hospital.

this is on the state highway kundapur-shimoga & udupi-shimoga.
Molahallithis is a small village near bidkalkatte.it is a birth place of 'sahakari pithamaha' M.Shivarao.shivaraya temple located in this place.'KAMBALA'of molahalli is famous in k'pura taluk.
Pathanjali Arogyadhama is a yoga, naturopathy & ayurvedic hospital that offers effective treatment for diseases using well researched system of yoga, naturopathy and ayurveda.

Distance from Kundapur to major cities
Bangalore-445 km
Chennai-785 km
Kannur-255
Kochi-530 km
Mysore-355 km
Panaji-274 Km
Mangalore-100 Km
Udupi-36 Km
Mumbai-960 Km
Shankat-23 Km

Hebri

2009-08-05T16:06:00.001+05:30

Hebri is a small town in Udupi district of Karnataka, en route from Udupi to Agumbe. Hebri is at the foot of the Western Ghats of India in Karnataka state. It is a junction of roads leading to Brahmavar, Karkala, Shimoga and Udupi. The place is scenic and splendid with evergreen forests. Someshwara Wildlife Sanctuary is located nearby. This sanctuary houses some of the endangered species like the Lion-Tailed Macaque.

Its local language happens to be Tulu, though Kannada also is prominently spoken. The local deity (also known as the Grama Devaru in kannada ) is "Ananthpadmanabha".

Kudlu Theertha Falls

How to go - 20 kms from Agumbe, take a left detour before 6 kms to Hebri, another left after another 3-4 kms. The road will end at the banks of river Sita. There is a burma bridge on the right side to cross the river(dont try to swim across). After that one has to walk for 4 kms inside the jungle. There will be a small stream which has to be crossed to reach the foothills. Trek 3-4 kms and you will reach the most beautiful falls in the entire state.

Mode of transport - If one wants to go there by public transport, then he can either go to Shimoga and catch a mini bus(which piles at frequent intervals to Hebri) and get down at the Koodlu gate. From there catch another minibus which will go upto a place called Dargas. Dargas is around 6 kms from the banks of river Sita. So one need to walk that extra 6 kms also. The other option is to go to Hebri(the bus will go via Dharmastala, Karkala,etc) and there you can catch the mini-bus to Nellikatte and get down at Dargas.

Someshwar

Someshwar, in Karnataka, is a small town in Udupi District, at the foothills of Agumbe ghat section and about 8 km from Hebri town. Name can be traced by the somanath temple in the town. There is also a Maha Ganapathi temple right opposite to the bus stand in the town. Its a main junction for Udupi, Kundapur & Shimoga.

Kabbinale

Kabbinale, a village at the foot hills of the Western Ghats (Sahyadri) Agumbe range, is situated in Karkala taluk of the Udupi district of Karnataka state, India. In the Kannada language, kabbinale means "abundance of sugarcane ". This small village is around 50 km from UdupiTown, and the nearest town is Hebri, which is around 20 km from Kabbinale. The area is covered by thick rain forests, evergreen, and populated by wild animals. The scene of ghats is worth seeing during monsoon season. There is only one way to enter the village, as further you go its a dead-end, the road enters the forests and the ghats. The last settlement, called Kuchur, is around 1500 feet above sea level. Korth Baill is the highest, and last point of village Kabbinale. It can be reached from Hebri via Mudraadi or Bachappu or Ajekar via Munniyal.Kabbinale village has been included into the Kuduremukha National Park Project.

Kabbinale village is considered an ideal place for breeding, reproduction and habitation for the King Cobra.

Mythology

This village has been inhabited by people for thousands of years past. Traces of stone age culture dating back to at least 6000 years are visible around the village. The houses are scattered and found up to 2000 feet above sea level and some of the settlements are virtually inside forest and national park.

Kabbinale had a lot of Jain settlers in the initial times, that is a few thousand years back, but the latest settlers (a few hundred years back) are Sthanika Brahmins, families who migrated from a place called Sulkod or Suligod, a place close to Kollur.

Few families migrated here, as they had a major family feud with other parts of their families.

Today, the maximum number of population and families are Sthanika Brahmins. One can find small number of Shivalli Brahmins, Bunts, and Billavas as all of the families settled here.

But it can be easily told that this village belongs to the Sthanika Brahmins families, who were the early settlers, as now the migrated family have grown to more than 90 individual houses/families.

Kabbinale Village is one of the populated settlements of Sthanika Brahmins families. All these families have a common Surname Hebbar.

The main occupation of the Hebbars are agriculture, they grow a lot of cash crops like betel nut, vanilla, coconut, coco & spices of various kinds, cardamom, black pepper, clove, ginger, etc. Kabbinale village is one of the highest contributors of milk to Manipal KMF Dairy.

The Hebbars are very intelligent, hardworking, smart and brave people. The life in Kabbinale is not so easy, as it rains for almost 5-6 months, it receives a very heavy downpour, as it is in the foothills of Agumbe Ghat.

There are wild animals in this hilly region, and the village is infested with leeches, poisonous snakes and other smalltime animals. Some of the families have a licensed gun for self protection.

There are two temples in Kabbinale; these temples are called Mathas. Both these temple deities have a unique story behind them.

Life

Serpentine paths lead to several houses, which will be usually in the midst of arecanut garden. As this village was considered very remote, education facilities are minimal. Several elders even today are not well versed with letters. But with difficulties, they learnt to read. Almost all house holds depend on garden produce for livelihood. People are very descent and cordial to new comers. Even though some private buses ply up to half of village, the other half still depend Auto rickshaw or trekking for conveyance and the total length of village is more than seven miles!

The Natives of kabbinale are very much attached to their village. It is the Hebbars, who are the land owners, and the care takers of the Forest. They take care of the natures blessings, and look after the surroundings.

In summer when there is an accidental fire in the Forests, the Villagers themselves fight like the Fire Fighters and take utmost care of the forest and douse the flames, without any help from the government or outsiders.

Today most of the families have their children's, who have done very well in academics and are based out of Kabbinale, few of them are software professionals, engineers, MBA's, and have a very highly placed jobs, in Pvt, Govt & Banking Sectors.

The Hebbars of Kabbinale are related to each other, and have a great bonding as they all belonged to a single family, once upon a time.

The Hebbars, are pure vegetarians, and pray all the Hindu Gods, and also worship Spirits. Bhoota worship and Naga worship is common in each and every household of Hebbars.

Every Hebbars House, in Kabbinale has Bhootadaa Kotegee, and a Naga Bana. The Kuldevatha of Hebbars is Lord Subramanya the serpent God.

They have Unique names for their Houses/Estates. The houses are inside their estates, and distance between each houses are average 1-2 km away from each other.

Few Estate names are MelleMane, KellaMane, Sampige, KellaKemmolli, Gubbimaar, KhajiKal, Korth Bail, Honna Koppalla, Guleall, Kepan Makki, Kollegee, Perla, Kuchur, Kotebettu, Kajaane, Bayarbettu and all these are very interesting and worth studying in linguistic angle.

Kollur

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About 135 Kms from Mangalore and 80 Kms from Udupi, in the valley of Kodachadri peak of Western Ghats nestles a serene town Kollur. Here is seat of very famous Mookambika Temple on the banks of the never drying river Sauparnika This attractive Mookambika temple with gold plated crest and copper roofs attracts thousands of devotees.This is a well known temple in the Weat Coast of Karnataka and is one of the most important places of pilgrimage attracting pilgrims from all over India. The temple is dedicated to Mookambika and stands on a spur of the Kodachadri peak. The Goddess Mookambika is in the form of Jyotir-Linga incorporating both Shiva and Shakthi. The Panchaloha image (five element mixed metal) of the Goddess on Shree Chakra is stated to have been consecrated by Adi shankaracharya during his visit to this place. There is an exquisite sculpture of Panchamukha Ganesha. Kollur is regarded as one of the Seven Muktislala pilgrimage sites in Karnataka which are (kollur), Udupi, Subrahmanya, Kumbasi, Kodeshwara, Sankaranarayana and Gokarna.Kollur is known for its association with Aadi Sankara. Mookambika is said to have appeared before Aadi Sankara here, and he is said to have installed her image at this shrine. There is a room near the sanctum - enshrining the Sankara Simhasanam which is regarded as the very spot where he meditated and had a vision of Mookambika. Mookambika is regarded as a manifestation of Shakti, Saraswathi and Mahalakshmi. The Kudashadri hill houses sites such as Ambavanam and Chitramoolam where Adi Sankara isbelieved to have meditated..The temple has been patronised by ancient Hindu Kings and several parts in it are still believed to contain valuable treasures. This was the state temple for the Nagara or Bednore Rajas and many jewels now adorning the idol are said to have been presented by them and by their overlords of Vijayanagar. During the Mahratta raids in this district in the 18th century these freebooters are believed to have carried away gold, silver and gems worth crores of rupees.

The installation of the idol at Mookambika temple has a history as ancient as about 1200 years. As suggested by Rani Chennammaji, the feudal lord by name Halugallu Veera Sangayya has covered the inside of the temple with stone. When we look at the temple structure, we find the sanctorum, then entrance hall and then the Lakshmi Mantapa. There are four pillars at Lakshmi Mantapa and on upper portion of each of these pillars, we find beautifully carved images of various gods

There are couple of places worth visiting in the vicinity of the temple. One of them is Arasina Makki, a famous waterfall. The Kudachadri is a very beautifull mountain range and offers a breath taking view of Arabian Sea and attracts a large number of mountaineers and trekkers.A trek to the peak of the Kodchardi and a hike to the Govinda Theertha waterfalls are noteworthy trips from Kollur.

St. Mary's Island

2009-08-04T18:31:00.001+05:30

St. Mary's Islands (Kannada: ಸಂತ ಮೇರಿಯ ದ್ವೀಪಗಳು), are a set of four small islands in the Arabian Sea off the coast of Malpe in Udupi, Karnataka, India. They are known for their distinctive geological formation of columnar basaltic lava (pictured).

Scientific studies indicate that the basalt of the St. Mary’s Islands was formed by sub-aerial subvolcanic activity, because at that time Madagascar was attached to India. The rifting of Madagascar took place around 88 Ma.

The islands form one of the four geological monuments in Karnataka state, out of the 26 ‘‘Geological Monuments of India’’ declared by the Geological Survey of India in 2001. The monument is considered an important site for "Geo Tourism".

History

According to folk legend, in the year 1498, Vasco da Gama landed at St. Mary's Islands on his voyage from Portugal to India, fixed a cross on the island and named one of these islands, El Padron de Santa Maria, as a dedication to Mother Mary, before he proceeded to Kozhikode in Kerala. It is from this name that the islands have got their current name.

Geography and topography

Out of the four islands which form St. Mary’s Islands, the northernmost island has a basaltic rock formation in a hexagonal form, the only one of its type in India. The island covers an area which is about 500 m (1,640.4 ft) in length with a width of 100 m (328.1 ft). It has prominent coconut trees, its cover reflecting in an azure south sea colour, and hence the island is also called Coconut Island. There is no habitation on the islands.

The north-south alined islands are in a non continuous chain. The four large islands are Coconut Island, North Island, Daryabahadurgarh Island and South Island..

The type of rock formation seen on Coconut island is also found atn the Giant's Causeway in Northern Ireland. The stretch of sea between the islands and the long curve of the beach at Malpe is serene and calm.

The islands are generally aligned parallel to the coast line, which provide clues to the phenomenon of uplift of the west coast of India. The islands’ terraces and elevated beach deposits along with the tide gauge data at the dead oyster beach in Suratkal beach (further south of the islands) have been deduced as proof of the reported fall in sea level of about 1 mm/per year.

The highest elevation at Coconut Island, which has generated interest among geologists and tourists, is about 10 m (32.8 ft) above msl with surrounding areas in the form of platforms in the elevation range of +6 m (19.7 ft), +3 m (9.8 ft), +1.5 m (4.9 ft) and + 0 m which are stated to have been formed by wave action pointing to an “episodic sea level rise or fall of land”.

General information

The western coasts of the islands are a seashell haven with seashells of various shapes and sizes littered along the coast. There is no sand beach to swim and relax since it is scatted with basaltic rocks. But there are flat slabs to sit and enjoy the serenity of the place. The beach has security guards who ensure that visitors do not venture into danger zones of the islands. Watching Sun set at the Islands is also a special sight.[12]. It is a popular picnic spot with locals and tourists alike. December to March is the best season to visit the Islands.

All links to the island are only through the mainland town of Malpe, which is a major fishing harbor. The beach at this location is enlivening. It is located at a distance of 5 km west of Udupi town, the administrative headquarters for the Islands. Apart from the Islands, Malpe too has tourist attractions such as the Vadabhandeshwara Temple and an image of Sri Balarama consecrated by the saint Madhwacharya the founder of Dvaita Philosophy.

A detailed description of the natural flora and fauna of the Islands and the Deria Bahdur Ghur, have been compiled in a manual by John Sturrocks who was the district collector of Mangalore at that time in 1894.
Flora and fauna

Colonies of Gulls, Scolopacidae (sandpipers) and a few crows have been sighted on the Islands. But on the approach to the Islands from the Malpe beach, Brahminy Kites (Haliastur indus)), Great White Egrets, Grey Egrets (breeding plumage) and groups of large Green Bee-eaters have been recorded.
Visitor Information

The Islands are bereft of buildings, fences, shops. There are no domestic animals either. There are only covered pavilions with park benches on the shore and further inland. Visitors can wander around freely and enjoy the hexagonal formations from vanatge locations. Visitors have to carry drinking water and sun screens since the climate is either very hot or hot. Since the last few yards of the approach to the island involves wading, it may be preferable to avoid wearing sneakers.

Access to the islands

The only way of getting to the islands is by boat. Regular ferry service ply the 6 km distance from the Malpe fishing harbor (which has a ship building yard also) to the islands. However, the frequency of these boats may vary depending on the number of tourists visiting. It is 58 km (36.0 mi) to the North of Mangalore, the coastal city of Karnataka, which is also the nearest airport. The famous religious town Udupi, is about 60 km (37.3 mi) West North West of Mangalore. Mumbai, Udupi and Thiruvananthapuram are linked to Malpe, by the West Coast Railway.[1] The Konkan Railway (map pictured) passes close to the Islands, starting from Mangalore passing through Udupi, Kundapura, Goa, Ratnagiri and Roha close to Mumbai. Malpe is 4 km (2.5 mi) from Udupi town.

Kalasa

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Image by arun barboza via Flickr

Kalasa (Kannada: ಕಳಸ) is a holy temple-town located in Chickmagalur district in Karnataka. Kalasa is home to the Kalaseshwara Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Kalasa lies 92 Kilometres South-west of Chickmagalur and is located on the banks of the Bhadra River.

Origins and Etymology

The origins of Kalasa are traceable to Mythology. Although unsubstantiated, local myths attribute the origin of Kalasa to an event mentioned found in the Skanda Purana.

Accordingly, the wedding of Lord Shiva and Parvathi in Varanasi caused a shift in the Earth's rotation because of the attendance of all Gods and Goddesses. To restore the Earth's balance, Lord Shiva requested Sage Agasthya to travel South. Agasthya however, expressed his wish to witness the wedding. Lord Shiva assured to grant divine vision to the sage, which would enable him to witness the wedding from any part of the world.

Agasthya travelled southward and resided in Kalasa from where he watched the wedding. Local legends state that a pilgrimage to Kalasa brings greater religious merit (punya) than a visit to Varanasi.

The Girija Kalyana (marriage of Lord Shiva and Parvathi) is celebrated in Kalasa every year to commemorate this tradition.

Other legends also state that Sage Vasishta had lived in a hermitage near Kalasa as also the Skanda Dwaya.

Etymology

The word Kalasa is a corruption of the Sanskrit root, Kalasha, which means a waterpot or jug. In the context of Hindu temple architecture, every temple should have a round pinnacle placed at the top, known as the Kalasha.

Geographically, Kalasa is surrounded by the Bhadra river on three sides with the Duggappana Katte hill at the South. Viewed from an altitude, the town resembles a pot, hence the name. The Kalaseshwara temple is located at the base of this hill.

Characteristics

Kalasa is chiefly a temple town, and a tourist spot. It is considered a place of pilgrimage by most visitors who arrive in Kalasa to offer their prayers in the Kalaseshwara, and other temples. A typical trip includes visiting Sringeri, Kalasa, and Horanadu, all in the same day.

Kalasa largely has an agricultural economy and heavily depends on the Bhadra river to meet its water needs. Chief produces include a variety of spices, Coffee, and Ayurvedic medicine. Situated in the heart of the Western Ghats, Kalasa enjoys a pleasant climate throughout the year although summers are slightly hot.

Tourist Places

Although Kalasa is pilgrimage spot, it abounds in several tourist attractions such as water spots and of late, private resorts.

Temples

The Kalaseshwara temple is the chief temple of the town. It is currently managed by the Government of Karnataka. Kalasa is notable for these temples:
Kalaseshwara Temple
Hanuman Temple
Venkataramana Temple
Ranjal Mahalakshmi Temple
Vasishta Ashrama

Horanadu

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Horanadu (Kannada: ಹೊರನಾಡು) is a hindu holy city located in Chickmagalur district, Karnataka, India. The deity at the Annapoorneshwari Temple at Horanadu is Annapurneshwari. The idol of goddess Annapurneshwari was established in 1973 in the temple.

Horanadu lies amidst beautiful Malnad at a distance of 330 KM from Bengaluru. Distance from Sringeri is 75 Kilometers. Direct buses run from Bengaluru to Horanadu everyday. Bus services are provided by KSRTC and private companies.

Feature

Everyone who visits Horanadu Annapoorna temple is provided with a three course vegetarian meal (including a dessert made from Dhal or Lentils) irrespective of their religion, language, caste, or creed. Male visitors to the temple have to remove their shirts and banians and preferably cover their shoulders with a towel or a shawl as a symbol of respect and humility in front of god.

The main deity of Annapoorna is made of gold and she looks very beautiful. A sense of fulfilment is felt when a person visits this temple and it is said that a person who seeks the goddess' blessings would never have any scarcity for food in life. It is believed that lord Shiva once had a curse and that this curse was reversed when the lord visited Goddess Annapoorna and sought her blessings.

The route to the temple traverses ghats, amazingly dense forests and vegetation. It feels like the most beautiful route one can ever take, with nature in all Her resplendent glory. A trip to the Horanaadu Aadishaktiyatmaka Annapoorneshwari temple would be most fulfilling if all pilgrimage spots en route to the temple are also included in travel plans. Some of the places that will be encountered in that order would be Kukke Subrahmanya, Dharmasthala, Sringeri, Udupi Krishna temple and Kollooru Mookaambike, Kalaseswara temple in Kalasa, and then the Horanaadu Annapoorneshwari temple. Such a trip would be the most purifying and humbling experience of one's life. The tranquility, the warm and courteous people, the feeling of oneness with God, the peace of having God's food in the Kukke, Dharmasthala, Sringeri, Horanaadu Annapoorneeshwari temple halls is a blessing that each one of us can die for.

It is a great fortune indeed to be born an Indian, and to be blessed with the privilege of visiting these divine places on this great, hallowed land.

Kudremukha

2009-08-04T17:51:00.001+05:30

Kudremukh (Kannada: ಕುದುರೆಮುಖ) also spelled Kuduremukha is a mountain range in Chikkamagaluru district, in Karnataka, India. It is also the name of a small town situated near the mountain, about 48 kilometers from Karkala and about 20 kilometers from Kalsa. The name Kuduremukha (as it is known by the natives) literally means 'horse-face' (in the local language Kannada) and refers to a particular picturesque view of a side of the mountain that resembles the same.

The town of Kudremukh is primarily an iron ore mining town where the government run Public Sector Kudremukh Iron Ore Company Ltd. (KIOCL) operates. It is noted for its scenic beauty. Owing to the dense forests, sighting wildlife can be challenging, though the area is rich in wildlife. Nonetheless the drive through the forest ranges can be enchanting and exhilarating. Three important rivers, the Tunga, the Bhadra and the Nethravathi are said to have their origin here. A shrine of goddess Bhagavathi and a Varaha image, 1.8 m within a cave are the main attractions.

The Tunga river and Bhadra river flow freely through the parklands. Kadambi waterfalls area definite point of interest for anyone who travels to the spot. The animals found there include the malabar civet, wild dogs, sloth bear and spotted deer.

Hanumana Gundi Waterfalls

Located 32 km from the Kalasa, the water fall has water falling onto Natural rock formations from a height of more than 100 feet (30 m). Getting into falls involves some trekking. The best time to visit this place is between October and May.

Kudremukh Peak

Shola Forests of Kudremukh

Kuduremukha forest

view from top

Kudremukh Iron Ore Company Limited (KIOCL) is a government run company which mines iron ore from the Kudremukh hills. KIOCL has been conducting its operations on an area of 4,604.55 ha for over 20 years. Opposition to its activities has built up over the years from environmentalists and wildlife conservationists who are concerned about the threat to the region's flora and fauna, and farmers who are affected by the pollution of the streams that originate in the mining area.

The rainfall in Kuduremukh, which is perhaps one of the highest for any open cast mining operation in the world, greatly accentuates the impacts of siltation as claimed by environmentalists. The topographic and rainfall characteristics in combination with the open cast mining of low grade iron ore and other land-surface disturbances caused by the KIOCL operations results in very high sediment discharge, with over 60% of the total siltation in the Bhadra system being contributed by the mining area which forms less than six per cent of the catchment. With high quality practices adopted by KIOCL to mine, the flora and fauna remained intact, causing no adverse affects on the nature.

KIOCL sends iron ore through pipes running through districts of Udupi and Dakshina Kannada and is converted to pellets at their plant in Panambur.These pellets are exported to countries like China, Iran, Japan, etc by ships.

Agumbe

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Agumbe (Kannada: ಆಗುಂಬೆ) is a village located in the Shimoga district in the state of Karnataka, India. Lying in the Thirthahalli taluk and the Malnad region, Agumbe is among the places in India that receive very heavy rainfall earning it the sobriquet, "Cherrapunji of the South".[1] It is also the home of the Agumbe Rainforest Research Station, the only permanent rainforest research station in India.[2] The renowned herpetologist, Romulus Whitaker called Agumbe the capital of King Cobra.[3] An area near Agumbe has been converted into a protected area for Medicinal Plants to help in their conservation.

Since 2005, Naxalite activity has been observed near Agumbe and hence, a lot of Karnataka State Police personnel have been deployed and checkposts created in all intersections. This however has not hindered visitors from visiting the region to enjoy the natural beauty of Agumbe and its surroundings.

Attractions

Sunset Point

Agumbe has a sunset point which receives lot of visitors. On a clear day, one can see the sun setting over the Arabian Sea though the sea is at quite a distance from Agumbe.
A fog-filled valley, view from sunset point

Waterfalls
Kunchikal Falls

Kunchikal Falls is the second highest waterfall in India and ranks 116th in the list of highest waterfalls in the world. Its total height is 1493 ft/455 mts. It is formed by the Varahi river.

Barkana Falls

Barkana Falls is the 10th highest waterfall in India with a height of 850 ft/259 mts. It is formed by the Seeta River.

Onake Abbi Falls

This is another waterfall near Agumbe. In the Kannada language, "Onake" means a pounding stick which is used to pound grains in villages.
Jogigundi

This is a small water fall which is very near to Agumbe, it takes about 10 to 15 min to reach this place.

Getting there

Agumbe is near the town of Thirthahalli which lies on the National Highway NH-13. From the state capital of Bangalore, Agumbe can be reached by taking NH-4 till Tumkur, then NH-206 till Shimoga and then NH-13 to Thirthahalli (a total distance of about 380 km.). Udupi on the Konkan Railway is the nearest railhead. The nearest airport is the Mangalore International Airport.

It can also be reached from Bangalore via Hassan ~ Belur ~ Chikkamagalore ~ Shringeri ~ Agumbe. As of today, this is the best road to reach there. The road is very good and a lot of places like Belur, Chikkamagaluru and Shringeri can be seen on the way.

Malgudi Days

Malgudi Days is a famous television serial which was directed by Shankar Nag and is based on the novels written by R. K. Narayan. Many episodes of this serial were filmed in Agumbe. In 1985, a new set of episodes of Malgudi Days have also been filmed at Agumbe under the direction of Kavitha Lankesh.

Maravanthe

2009-08-04T17:19:00.001+05:30

Maravanthe (Kannada: ಮರವಂತೆ) is a beach near Kundapura, Karnataka, India. It is 50 kilometers from Udupi. The national highway NH-17 passes close to this beach (around 100 meters from the shore) and a stretch of a kilometer of this highway is flanked by the seashore of Arabian sea on one side and the Sauparnika River on the other.

Mangalore

2009-08-02T13:12:00.001+05:30

Mangalore (pronounced /ˈmæŋɡəlɔr/ ( listen); Tulu: Kudla, ಕುಡ್ಲ; Kannada: ಮಂಗಳೂರು, Mangalūru; Konkani: Kodial, ಕೊಡಿಯಾಲ್; Beary: Maikala, ಮೈಕಾಲ) is the chief port city of the Indian state of Karnataka. Bounded by the Arabian Sea and the Western Ghat mountain ranges, Mangalore is the administrative headquarters of the Dakshina Kannada (formerly South Canara) district in southwestern Karnataka.

Mangalore derives its name from the local Hindu deity Mangaladevi. It developed as a port on the Arabian Sea – remaining, to this day, a major port of India. Lying on the backwaters of the Netravati and Gurupura rivers, Mangalore is often used as a staging point for sea traffic along the Malabar Coast. The city has a tropical climate and lies on the path of the Arabian Sea branch of the South-West monsoons. Mangalore's port handles 75% of India's coffee exports and the bulk of the nation's cashew exports.[4]

Mangalore was ruled by several major powers, including the Kadambas, Vijayanagar dynasty, Chalukyas, Rashtrakutas, Hoysalas, and the Portuguese. The city was a source of contention between the British and the Mysore rulers, Hyder Ali and Tippu Sultan. Eventually annexed by the British in 1799, Mangalore remained part of the Madras Presidency until India's independence in 1947. The city was unified with the state of Mysore (now called Karnataka) in 1956.[5]

Mangalore is demographically diverse with several languages, including Tulu, Konkani, Kannada, and Beary commonly spoken and understood. The city's landscape is characterized by rolling hills, coconut palms, freshwater streams, and hard red-clay tiled-roof buildings.

Etymology

Mangalore was named after the local Hindu deity Mangaladevi, the presiding deity of the Mangaladevi temple.[7] According to local legend, Matsyendranath, the founder of the Nath tradition, arrived in the area with a princess from Kerala named Parimala or Premaladevi. Having converted Premaladevi to the Nath sect, Matsyendranath renamed her Mangaladevi.[8] After her death, the Mangaladevi temple was consecrated in her honour at Bolar in Mangalore.[9] The city got its name from the Mangaladevi temple.[10]

One of the earliest references to the city's name was made in 715 CE by the Pandyan King Chettian, who called the city Managalapuram.[11] The 11th-century Arabian traveler Ibn Battuta referred to Mangalore as Manjarur in his chronicles.[12] In Kannada, the city is called Mangalūru, a reference to Mangaladevi (the suffix ūru means town or city in Kannada).[9] During the British occupation in 1799, Mangalore (anglicized from Mangalūru), stuck as the official appellation.[13]

Mangalore's diverse communities have different names for the city in their languages. In Tulu, the primary spoken language, the city is called Kudla meaning junction, since the city is situated at the confluence of the Netravati and Phalguni rivers. In Konkani, Mangalore is referred to as Kodial. The Beary name for the city is Maikala, meaning wood charcoal, an attribution to the early practice of producing charcoal from wood on the banks of the Netravati river.[9] On the occasion of Suvarna Karnataka (Golden Karnataka) in 2006, the Government of Karnataka stated that the city would be renamed Mangalooru, though this change in name is not implemented.

History

The area that is now Mangalore has been mentioned in many ancient works of Hindu history. In the epic Ramayana, Lord Rama ruled over the region, while in the epic Mahabharata, Sahadeva, the youngest of the Pandavas, governed the area.[9] Arjuna, the hero of Mahabharata, also visited the area when he travelled from Gokarna to Adur, a village near Kasargod.[17] Mangalore's historical importance is highlighted by the many references to the city by foreign travelers. Cosmas Indicopleustes, a Greek monk, referred to the port of Mangalore as Mangarouth.[18] Pliny the Elder, a Roman historian, made references to a place called Nitrias,[19] while Greek historian Ptolemy referred to a place called Nitra.[20] Ptolemy's and Pliny the Elder's references were probably made to the Netravati River, which flows through Mangalore. Ptolemy also referred to the city as Maganoor in some of his works.[21]

In the third century BCE, the town formed part of the Maurya Empire, ruled by the Buddhist emperor, Ashoka of Magadha. The region was known as Sathia (Shantika) during the Mauryan regime. From second century CE to sixth century CE, the Kadamba dynasty ruled over the region. From 567 to 1325, the town was ruled by the native Alupa rulers.[22] The Alupas ruled over the region as feudatories of major regional dynasties like the Chalukyas of Badami, Rashtrakutas, Chalukyas of Kalyani, and Hoysalas.[23] Mangalapura (Mangalore) was the capital of the Alupa dynasty until the 14th century.[24] The city, then an important trading zone for Persian merchants, was visited by Adenese merchant Abraham Ben Yiju.[25] The Moroccan traveler Ibn Battuta, who had visited the town in 1342, referred to it as Manjarun, and stated that the town was situated on a large estuary.[26] By 1345, the Vijayanagara rulers brought the region under their control.[23] Later, the Jain Kings and the Muslim Bangara Kings ruled the town as feudatories of the Vijayanagar Empire, and brought the town firmly under an efficient and centralised administration.[22] In 1448, Abdul Razak, the Persian ambassador of Sultan Shah Rukh of Samarkand, visited Mangalore, and was amazed at a glorious temple he saw in the city, en route to Vijayanagara.[27]

European influence in Mangalore can be traced back to 1498, when the Portuguese explorer Vasco Da Gama landed at St Mary's Island near Mangalore.[28] In 1526, the Portuguese under the viceroyship of Lopo Vaz de Sampaio succedded in defeating the Bangara King and his allies and conquered Mangalore.[29][30][31] The trade passed out of Muslim hands into Portuguese hands.[22] In the mid-16th century, Goud Saraswat Brahmins and Roman Catholics from Goa migrated to Mangalore as a result of Goa Inquisition.[32][33] In 1640, the Keladi Nayaka kingdom defeated the Portuguese and ruled the town until 1762. The Portuguese were allowed to have trade relations with Mangalore.[22] In 1695, the town was torched by Arabs in retaliation to Portuguese restrictions on Arab trade.[34]

Hyder Ali, the de facto ruler of the Kingdom of Mysore, conquered Mangalore in 1763,[36] consequently bringing the city under his administration until 1767. Mangalore was ruled by the British East India Company from 1767 to 1783,[37] but was subsequently wrested from their control by Hyder Ali's son, Tippu Sultan in 1783.[38] The Second Anglo–Mysore War ended with the Treaty of Mangalore, signed between Tippu Sultan and the British East India Company on March 11, 1784.[39] After the defeat of Tippu at the Fourth Anglo–Mysore War, the city remained in control of the British, headquartering the Canara district under the Madras Presidency.[13][40][41]

The city was largely peaceful during British rule, with urban and infrastructural developments being affected during the period. Mangalore flourished in education and in industry, becoming a commercial centre for trade.[22] The opening of the Lutheran German Basel Mission in 1834 brought many cotton weaving and tile manufacturers to the city.[42] When Canara (part of the Madras Presidency until this time) was bifurcated into North Canara and South Canara in 1860, Mangalore was transferred into South Canara and became its headquarters.[13] South Canara remained under Madras Presidency, while North Canara was transferred to Bombay Presidency in 1861.[43] The enactment of the Madras Town Improvement Act (1865) mandated the establishment of the Municipal council on May 23, 1866, which was responsible for urban planning and providing civic amenities.[17] Roman Catholic missions to Mangalore like the Italian Jesuit "Mangalore Mission" of 1878 played an important role in education, health, and social welfare.[44] The linking of Mangalore in 1907 to the Southern Railway, and the subsequent proliferation of motor vehicles in India, further increased trade and communication between the city and the rest of the country.[45]

As a result of the States Reorganisation Act (1956), Mangalore (part of the Madras Presidency until this time) was incorporated into the dominion of the newly created Mysore State (now called Karnataka).[5] Mangalore is a major city of Karnataka, providing the state with access to the Arabian Sea coastline. Mangalore experienced significant growth in the decades 1970–80, with the opening of New Mangalore Port on May 4, 1974 and commissioning of Mangalore Chemicals & Fertilizers Limited on March 15, 1976.[46][47] The late 20th century saw Mangalore develop as a business, commercial and information technology (IT) centre, although the traditional red tile-roofed houses are still retained in the city.

Transport

Mangalore's location makes it accessible via all forms of transport. Transport systems in Mangalore include private buses, KSRTC buses, trains, taxis and autorickshaws.

Three National Highways pass through Mangalore. NH-17, which runs from Panvel (in Maharashtra) to Edapally Junction (near Cochin in Kerala), passes through Mangalore in a north–south direction, while NH-48 runs eastward to Bangalore. NH-13 runs north-east from Mangalore to Solapur.[137] National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is upgrading the national highways connecting New Mangalore Port to Surathkal on NH-17 and BC Road junction on NH-48. Under the port connectivity programme of the National Highways Development Project (NHDP), a 37.5-kilometre (23.3 mi) stretch of these highways will be upgraded from two-lane to four-lane roads.[138]

Mangalore's city bus service is operated by private operators and provides access within city limits and beyond. Two distinct sets of routes for the buses exist – city routes are covered by city buses, while intercity routes are covered by service and express buses. Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) operates long distance bus services from Mangalore to other parts of the state.[139] The other key players who run bus services from Mangalore are the Dakshina Kannada Bus Operators Association (DKBOA) and the Canara Bus Operators Association (CBOA).[140] These buses usually ply from the Mangalore Bus Station. White coloured taxis also traverse most of the city. Another mode for local transport is the autorickshaw.

Rail connectivity in Mangalore was established in 1907. Mangalore was also the starting point of India’s longest rail route.[45] The city has two railway stations – Mangalore Central (at Hampankatta) and Mangalore Junction (at Kankanadi).[141] A metre gauge railway track, built through the Western Ghats, connects Mangalore with Hassan. The broad gauge track connecting Mangalore to Bangalore via Hassan was opened to freight traffic in May 2006 [142] and passenger traffic in December 2007.[143] Mangalore is also connected to Chennai through the Southern Railway and to Mumbai via the Konkan Railway.[144]

The Mangalore Harbour has shipping, storage, and logistical services, while the New Mangalore Port handles dry, bulk, and fluid cargoes. The New Mangalore Port is also well equipped to handle petroleum oil lubricants, crude products and LPG containers. It is also the station for the coast guard. This artificial harbour is India's ninth largest port, in terms of cargo handling, and is the only major port in Karnataka.[52][145]

Mangalore International Airport (IATA: IXE) is near Bajpe, and is located about 20 kilometres (12 mi) north-east of the city centre. It is the second airport in Karnataka to operate flights to international destinations

Moodbidri

2009-08-02T13:06:00.001+05:30

Moodabidri (Tulu / Kannada:ಮೂಡಬಿದ್ರಿ) (also called Mudbidri, Moodbiri), an ancient center of Jain learning, is a small town 37 km northeast of the Dakshin Kannada district headquarters, Mangalore, in Karnataka, India.

Because of widely grown bamboo in ancient days, this place got named as Moodabidri. Moodabidri comes from two words Moodu and Bidiru. Moodu means East and Bidiru means bamboo. This place was also known as Mooduvenupura (Kannada: ಮೂಡುವೇಣುಪುರ).

Its average elevation is 147 metres (482 feet).

Location

Moodbidri is on National Highway 13. Moodabidri is accessible from Mangalore by bus. Just 38 km away. You can reach Mangalore by train, bus or air. Mangalore Airport is just 20 away from Moodbidri. It is 53 km away from Udupi, place of world fame Sree krishna temple. Also it is near to another jain centric place called Karkala. The other nearby places are Venoor, Kudremukh.

History
Typical Yakshagana Artist
Gowri Temple located at heart of the city is the oldest temple in Moodbidiri. The temple is said to have been built in 7th century.
Hanuman Temple located at heart of the city is the most famous temple around Moodbidri. People from many religions including Hindus, Muslims and Christians offer prayers to the Lord Hanuman.

There are 18 temples, 18 lakes, 18 Jaina Basadis and 18 roads connecting various villages in Moodbidri.

During 14th–16th centuries this town emerged as a center of Jain religion, culture, art and architecture. 18 Jain temples, snown as Basadis, were constructed during this period. The Jain Math at Moodabadri is headed by a Bhattaraka belonging to the Mula Sangh order.

The most famous among them are Guru basadi, Tribhuvana Tilaka Chudamani Basadi and Ammanavara Basadi.
Guru basadi is the earliest of the Jain monuments. A stone idol of Parshwanatha, about 3.5 metres tall, is installed in the sanctum of this basadi. Here the rare Jain palm leaf manuscripts of 12th century A.D. known as ‘Dhavala texts’ are preserved.
Tribhuvana Tilaka Chudamani basadi is the largest and the most ornate of the Jain temples of this region. The common people also call this temple as Thousand pillared temple (Savira Kambada Basadi) . This is a large granite temple built in 1430 A.D. The 2.5 metres tall bronze image of Lord Chandranatha Swami in the sanctum of this basadi is considered to be very sacred. This three storeyed construction was supported by the rulers, the Jain Bhattaraka Swamiji, merchants and the common people. The temple is famous for the open pillared hall in front, consisting of a large variety of ornate pillars decorated with carvings typical of Vijayanagara style. A 15-meter tall single stone pillar called manastambha stands in front of the basadi.

Ratnakara Varni, the medieval Kannada author of Bharatesha Vaibhava belonged to this place. The famous Jain canonical texts known as Dhavala texts and also a number of palm leaf manuscripts of historical and literacy value are preserved in the Jain Math (monastery).

Moodabidri was the seat of the Chowtas, a Jain ruling family, who were originally located at Puthige, about 5 km from here. They moved their capital to Moodabidri in the 17th century. The remains of the 17th century Chowta Palace is known for its carved wooden pillars and ceilings.

Dharmasthala

2009-08-02T12:04:00.000+05:30

Dharmasthala (Kannada/Tulu:ಧರ್ಮಸ್ಥಳ) is a temple village on the banks of the Nethravathi River in the Belthangadi taluk of the Dakshina Kannada district in Karnataka.[1]

The temple is devoted to Shiva and houses a linga of gold. The temple is unusual in that it is run by a Jain administration and poojas are conducted by Hindu priests of Madhva order. Lakshadeepa- the festival of lights is the annual festival of Dharmasthala comes off in November-December[2]. On an average the flow of pilgrims is about 10,000 people a day. A mechanised kitchen provides free food for all pilgrims and there are guest houses with modern amenities.

Legend

It has been told in Dharmasthala that the Shiva Linga in Dharmasthala was brought to Dharmasthala by a man named Annappa. Legend is that he used to work for the Heggade family. Once when the Heggade he was serving wanted to worship Lord Shiva, Annappa had assured him to get one linga and vanished from the sight. Surprisingly next day morning, by the time all woke up, he had already established the linga in Dharmasthala, a few metres away from Heggade's house.

Later it was known that the Linga was from Kadri near Mangalore, from the Kadri temple. By then, Annappa had vanished and he was never again sighted in the vicinity. Now people in Dharmasthala worship Annappa as Annappa Panjurli, a local god deva and a hero.

Dharmasthala has not been content being a source of inspiration to the devout. Having expanded the meaning of Dharma to encompasses the advancement of society at large, it has played an active role in bettering the lives of communities far and wide. Its initiatives have aimed at renewing the Paid and hope within, so that people may be helped to help themselves.

800 Years ago, Dharmasthala was known as Kuduma in Mallarmadi[3], then a village in Belthangady. Here lived the Jain Chieftain Birmanna Pergade and his wife Ammu Ballathi in a house called Nelliadi Beedu. Simple, pious and affectionate people, the pergade family was known for its generosity and hospitality to all.

According to the legend, the guardian angels of Dharma assumed human forms and arrived at pergade's abode in search of a place where Dharma was being practiced and could be continued and propagated. As was their habit, the pergade couple hosted these illustrious visitors with all their wherewithal, and great respect. Pleased by their sincerity and generosity, that night the Dharma Daivas appeared in the dreams of Pergade. They explained the purpose of their visit to him and instructed him to vacate his house for the worship of the Daivas and dedicate his life to the propagation of Dharma.

Asking no questions, the Pergade built himself another house and began worshiping the Daivas at Nelliadi Beedu. This continues even today. As they continued their worship and their practice of hospitality, the Dharma Daivas again appeared before the Pergade to build separate shrines to consecrate the four Daivas — Kalarahu, Kalarkayi, Kumaraswamy and Kanyakumari. Also, Pergade was instructed to choose two persons of noble birth to act as the Daivas's oracles and four worthy persons to assist Pergade in his duties as the Executive Head of the Shrines. The oracles of Daivas are called Delampadithaya and Manavolithaya. In return, the Daivas promised Pergade protection for his family, abundance of charity and renown for the Kshetra. Pergade, as desired, built the shrines and invited Brahman priests to perform the rituals. These priests requested Pergade to also install a Shivalinga beside the native Daivas. The Daivas then sent their vassal Annappa Swamy to procure the linga of Lord Manjunatheshwara from Kadri, near Mangalore. Subsequently, the Manjunatha temple was built around the linga.

Around the 16th Century, Devaraja Heggade invited Shri Vadiraja Swami of Udupi to visit the place. The Swamiji gladly came but refused to accept Bhiksha (food offering) because the idol of lord Manjunatha had not been consecrated according to vedic rites. Shri Heggade then requested the Swamiji to reconsecrate the Shivalinga himself. After doing so, Swamiji arranged for the pujas for the Shivalinga according to Madhwa practices.

Pleased by the observance of the vedic rites and Heggade's charity to all, the Swamiji named the place Dharmasthala, the abode of religion and charity. Thus, the roots of charity and religious tolerance established by the Pergades 600 Years ago have been nurtured and strengthened by the Heggade family, Heggade being a derivative from Pergade. And today's Dharmasthala blossoms with the fruit of this selfless dedication.

Anna dānā

The average flow of pilgrims is about 10,000 people everyday.Every one of the thousands of pilgrims who daily visit shri Kshetra Dharmasthala is an honored guest irrespective of caste, creed, culture or status.The "Anna Daana"(free food) is perhaps one of the most impressive events that takes place at the holy temple.Free food is provided to devotees who come in thousands every day.The temple has modern machinery and makes quality food continuously through out the day.Temple does not differentiate between the rich and the poor for the Anna Dhaana.The dining hall is known as "Annapoorna" .

Vidya dānā

Shri Kshetra Dharmasthala by the SDMCET Society manages a 25 institutions ranging from primary schools, Gurukula to teach yoga, Sanskrit, and professional courses in Engineering, Medicine, and Dental Sciences in Dharmasthala, Ujire, Mangalore, Udupi, Dharwad, Hassan, Mysore and other places of Karnataka state.

The Siddavana gurukula started by the Late Manjayya Heggade has become a model educational institution. Over 250 students are provided free lodging and boarding and learn yoga, Sanskrit in addition to basic school curriculum. The specialty of this institution is its endeavor to teach values based on Indian Culture.

Educational Institutions
SDM College, Ujire
SDM College of Engineering and Technology,Dharwad
SDM College of Medical Sciences,Dharwad
SDM College of Dental Sciences , Dharwad
MMK and SDM Women’s College, Mysore
SDM Institute for Management Development, Mysore
SDM Law college, Mangalore
SDM BBM college, Mangalore
SDM Ayurvedic college, Udupi
SDM Secondary School, Ujire
SDM English Medium School, Ujire
SDM College of Ayurveda, Hassan
SDM Ayurveda Hospital, Hassan
Rathnamanasa Vidhyarthi Nilaya, Ujire

Aushada dānā

In the field of health care, the medical trust also provides services to eradicate and prevent many diseases in local villages. The mobile hospital established by poojya shri Heggade is fully equipped to deal with emergencies and to provide medical treatment to the rural folk in remote parts of the Malnad area. A modern tuberculosis sanitorium was built by Dharmasthala Manjunatheswara Medical Trust to give relief to the patients of tuberculosis. It has since been converted into a general hospital. The Ayurvedic Hospitals at Udupi and Hassan provide Ayurvedic medicines as per the ancient text. The Nature Cure Hospital, built on the banks of the Netravathi River, uses a system based on the five elements of Air, Earth, Ether, Water and Light.

SDM Eye Hospital at Mangalore, is a modern scientific eye treatment centre. The SDM Dental Hospital serves regular dental needs and provides specialised treatments such as oral implants, surgery for cleft lip and other orthodontic surgeries.

Shri Heggade has been actively involved in propagating the practice of Yoga, the ancient system of fitness. Surya Namaskara Camps are regularly organised where Yoga is taught. Further 250 high school teachers are trained in Yoga every year, who in turn teach at least 100 students each.

Abhaya dānā

Free mass weddings which were started in 1972 have gained popularity. Every year hundreds of couples are getting married (Saamoohika Vivaha Mahotsava) here. Following the tradition of the Kshetra where all religions and castes are welcome, hundreds of couples are married in accordance with their personal religious rite. The expenses of the wedding dress, Mangalsutra and Wedding feast for a limited number of the couple's guests are borne by the Kshetra

Heggade family

The present head of Dharmasthala, Padmabhushan Dr.D. Veerendra Heggade, the 21st in succession to the Dharmadhikari Peetha, has launched several socio-economic programmes such as free mass weddings which were started in 1973.

In 1973 a statue of Lord Bahubali carved out of a single rock, was installed at Dharmasthala on a low hill near the Manjunatha temple. It was about 39 foot (12 m) high and weighed about 175 tonnes.

More than 25 institutions from primary schools to professional colleges are run in and around Dharmasthala. Old and decrepit temples have been renovated, taking care to preserve the traditional architecture. Ancient manuscripts and paintings have been painstakingly restored and preserved for posterity. A museum of antique objects has been established. A car museum houses a rare collection of vintage cars. Every year, a Sarva Dharma Sammelan (multi religious meet) is held at Dharmasthala, which attracts spiritual leaders from various faiths and schools, and patrons of art and literature.

Dharmasthala is also among of the few pilgrim centers in India which provides free boarding and lodging to all the visiting devotees.

Shringeri

2009-07-31T17:05:00.001+05:30

Sringeri (Kannada: ಶೃಂಗೇರಿ), also written as Shringeri, Śŗngeri and Śŗngagiri is a taluk located in Chikmagalur district in the Indian state of Karnataka, is the site of the first maţha established by Adi Shankaracharya, Hindu theologian and exponent of the Advaita Vedanta philosophy, in the 8th century C.E. It is located on the banks of the river Tungā.

Origin of the name

The name Sringeri is derived from Rishyashringa-giri, a nearby hill that is believed to have contained the hermitage of Rishi Vibhandaka and his son Rishyashringa. Rishyashringa appears in an episode in the Bala-Kanda of the Ramayana where a story, narrated by Vasishtha, relates how he brought rains to the drought-stricken kingdom of Romapada.

Legend

According to legend, Adi Shankaracharya is said to have selected the site as the place to stay and teach his disciples, because when he was walking by the Tunga river, he saw a cobra with a raised hood, providing shelter from the hot sun, to a frog about to spawn. Impressed with the place where natural enemies had gone beyond their instincts, he stayed here for twelve years. Adi Shankaracharya also established mathas in the northern (at Jyotirmath, near Badrinath), eastern (at Puri) and western (at Dwaraka) quarters of India.

Places of interest

Sringeri is home to a number of historic temples. Of these, Sri Sharadamba temple andSri Vidyashankara temple are very prominent.

Sharadamba Temple
Sharadamba temple

The Sharada temple, dedicated to the Goddess of learning and wisdom, has grown from a simple shrine dating to the time of Adi Shankaracharya. In the fourteenth century, Vidyaranya is said to have replaced the old sandalwood image with a stone and gold image. The temple structure itself continued to be made of wood till the early 20th century. After an unexpected fire that damaged the structure, the current structure was built in the traditional south Indian style of temple architecture.

Vidyashankara Temple
Vidyasankara temple

The Vidyashankara temple was built in commemoration of the pontiff Vidyashankara, around 1357-58 C.E.. It was built by Vidyaranya, patron-saint of Harihara and Bukka, the brothers who founded the Vijayanagara empire. The niches in the temple have a number of sculptures from Hindu, Buddhist and Jain mythologies. Inscriptions in the temple record contributions made by several Vijayanagara emperors, but the temple was probably built on an earlier Hoysala site, as it combines Hoysala and Vijayanagara architectural features. The temple architecture is also an exhibition of the astronomical expertise of medieval south Indian temple builders. The main temple hall features 12 pillars designated for the 12 signs of the zodiac. Windows and doors along the temple walls are arranged such that equinoxes sunrise views reach the deity. The northern and southern gates enable the surise view from the hall during solstices.

Sringeri Sharada Peeta
Main article: Sringeri Sharada Peetha
Sri Vidya Teertha Setu across the Tunga river

The matha at Sringeri is known as Sringeri Sharada Peetham. It is one of the four Hindu Advaita maths established by Adi Shankaracharya. It is also referred to as Dakshinamnaya Sringeri Sharada peetam. Following the tradition initiated by Adi Shankaracharya, the maţha is incharge of the Yajur Veda (the Krishna (Black) Yajurveda is more prevalent in South India, over which the maţha has authority in the Smarta tradition).The head of the matha is called Jagadguru (teacher of the world) and also carries the Shankaracharya name as a title. The present Sringeri Shankaracharya is Shri Bharati Tirtha.

Zodiac Pillars

The twelve pillars in the Vidyashankar temple are popularly known as Rashistambhas (zodiacal pillars). Symbols of the twelve divisions of the zodiac are engraved on these pillars. The temple is an architectural marvel. Among the many delicate carvings, lions that are engraved in biped positions on the pillars may be mentioned.There are stone balls inside the growling faces of the lions and they can be moved inside their mouths. It is said3,4 that the design of the pillars involved certain astronomical concepts – for example, the first rays of the rising sun fall on specific pillars with the zodiacal symbol on the pillar corresponding to the position of the sun.

Places of interest near Sringeri

There are a number of prominent Hindu centers of pilgrimage near Shringeri. Some of the major ones include, Horanadu Annapoorneshari Temple, Hariharapura,Kigga (Rishyashringa Temple), Agumbe (Venugopalaswami Temple and Sunset Spot) , Kalasa ( Kalaseshwara Temple), Balehonnur - Rambapuri Matha, Koppa (Veerebhdra swamy and Chittemakki Mallikarjuna Swamy temple).Udupi famous for Krishna matha is three hour journey by road.

Sirimane Falls

One of the numerous waterfalls of the Western Ghats. This beautiful waterfall is at 5 kilometers distance from the place Kigga near Sringeri.

This waterfall though small in size when compared to the other waterfalls of the Western Ghats. But in beauty this one as pretty as others. Best season for visiting would be just after the rainy season.
It is both good and bad as this waterfall is easily accessible through road. Good, the road makes the visit safe and fast. Bad news is that such easily accessible nice places are always crowded and crowded with "picnic going" crowd.
Already this place is being spoilt. One can see writings on stone and lots of plastic bags thown around. pity!
Other places of interest nearby are : Narasimha Parvata. Aagumbe, Sringeri, Uluve Bird Sanctt.

Fact File:

Sirimane falls is 5Kms from Kigga in Chickmagalur district and is around 22kms away from the Sringeri.
Distance from Bangalore : 300+kms.
Nearest Hospital : Sringeri.
Nearest food point : Sringeri.
Nearest Petrol Bunk : Sringeri.

How to get there:
Take a bus from Sringeri which goes to Kigga.You will not get a bus which takes you near the waterfall you will have to walk 5kms after you get down at Kigga. There is motorable way to the waterfall.

krishna temple

2009-07-29T17:48:00.000+05:30

History

Udupi Krishna temple is known popularly as Krishna Mutt or Krishna Matha of Udupi. The Krishna Mutt was founded by the Vaishnavite saint Shri Madhvacharya in the 13th century. He was the founder of the Dvaita school of Vedanta.

Legend has it that once Kanakadasa, a worshipper who was so pious and devoted to Lord Krishna, was not allowed entry into the temple. It didn't upset him, but instead made him pray with intense devotion. Lord Krishna was so pleased that he made the statue of himself turn around to allow the disciple to gaze upon his heavenly form through a small window at the back of the mutt (monastery). Till today, devotees still worship Lord Krishna by praying through the same window that Kanakadasa was blessed with a view.

Krishna Matha

The daily sevas (offerings to god) and administration of the Krishna Mutt are managed by the Ashta Mathas (eight temples). Each of the Ashta Mathas performs temple management activities for two years in a cyclical order. They are collectively known as the Krishna Matha.

The Krishna Matha is known throughout the world for its religious customs, traditions, and learning in Dvaita or Tatvavaada philosophy. It is also the centre of Daasa Sahitya, a form of literature that originated in Udupi.

These eight Mathas are Pejavara, Puttige, Palimaru, Adamaru, Sodhe, Kaniyooru, Shirur and Krishnapura

Swamijis of the Ashta Mathas

The swamijis of the Ashta Mathas and their successors are given as below:Matha Swamiji Successor
Pejavara Sri Vishvesha Tirtha Swamiji Sri Vishvaprasanna Tirtha Swamiji
Palimaru Sri Vidhyadeesha Tirtha Swamiji
Adamaru Sri Vibhudesha Tirtha Swamiji Sri Vishvapriya Tirtha Swamiji
Puttige Sri Sugunendra Tirtha Swamiji
Sodhe Sri Vishvavallabha Tirtha Swamiji
Kaniyooru Sri Vidyavallabha Tirtha Swamiji
Shirur Sri Lakshmivara Tirtha Swamiji
Krishnapura Sri Vidyasagara Tirtha Swamiji
Festivals

During the Paryaya festival, held every two years, the temple management is handed over to the next Matha. Each of the Mathas is headed by a Swami, who will be in charge of the temple during his Paryaya.The paryaya is held on even years like 2008,2010,2012.

Jog Falls

2009-07-29T17:42:00.001+05:30

Image via Wikipedia

Jog Falls (Kannada: ಜೋಗ ಜಲಪಾತ), created by the Sharavathi River falling from a height of 253 meters (829 ft) is the highest plunge waterfall in India[1] Located in Shimoga District of Karnataka state, these segmented falls are a major tourist attraction. It is also called by alternative names of Gerusoppe falls, Gersoppa Falls and Jogada Gundi.

There are many waterfalls in Asia - and also in India - which drop from a higher altitude. But, unlike those falls, Jog Falls is untiered, i.e., it drops directly and does not stream on to rocks. Thus, it can be described as the highest untiered waterfalls in India.

Description

River Sharavathi splits up into four different tracks which are named in accordance with their perceived trajectories[3]. Going from left to right respectively in the picture, the names and the reasons for naming are:
Raja (King): Named so because of its apparently 'dignified' and 'serene' fall.
Roarer: This stream appears out of a mass of rocks, making a tremendous amount of noise.
Rocket: Consists of a large volume of water streaming out of a small opening at a very high speed.
Rani (Queen), also called Lady: The stream has a winding, twisting trajectory, said to resemble the movements of a female dancer.

Significance

Associated with the waterfall is the nearby Linganmakki Dam across river Sharavathi, and the hydro-electric power station that it serves[4]. The power station has been operational since 1949, and is, at 1200 MW capacity, one of the largest hydro-electric stations in India and a significant source of electric power for Karnataka. The power station was previously named Krishna Rajendra hydro-electric project, after the King of Mysore at that time. The name was later changed to Mahatma Gandhi hydro-electric Project. It was served by Hirebhaskara dam until 1960. After 1960, thanks to visions of Sir M. Visvesvarayya, Linganmakki Dam, built across river Sharavathi is being used for power generation.

Change in flow

Before the onset of the monsoon, when there is not much water in the Linganmakki dam, the mighty Jog Falls are nearly unrecognizable. Instead of the roar and the spray and the massive flow of water, there are only a pair of thin streams of water trickling down the cliff. If you happen to ask any of the local people what happened to the falls, they would tell you that the authorities open the dam only during week ends, when there are a lot of tourists to view it.
During the monsoon of 2007, due to heavy rains, the authorities at the falls had to open the dam. Due to this, the water falls was seen at its best. Unfortunately this also resulted in the flooding of many villages down the river, destroying crops and the fishing industry for weeks. Many of the pictures in the gallery and the picture displayed alongside show the falls during that time.

How to get there

August-December is considered the season of best flow and the best time to visit. Jog is situated 30 kilometres (19 mi) away from Sagara, and 379 kilometres (235 mi) away from Bangalore. One can reach Jog by direct buses to Jog from Bangalore and Hubli,100kms from bhatkal,185 kms from udupi

Nearest route from udupi

via hemmadi kollur route-176kms.
Nearest Bus Stations - Jog, Sagara. Alternative way is to take diret bus to Sagara from Bangalore and local bus from Sagara to Jog. Distance - 102 kilometres (63 mi) from Shivamogga and 30 kilometres (19 mi) from Sagara. Also 60 km (approx.) east of Honnavar, NH206 - bus can be taken from Karwar, Honnavar or Shivamogga
Nearest Train Station - Shivamogga. One can take the train to Shivamogga from Bangalore and then can catch a bus to Jog.
Airport - Mangalore and Hubli airports are the nearest operational airports. Another convenient airport is Bangalore.

Manipal

2009-07-29T17:26:00.001+05:30

Manipal (Tulu, Kannada: ಮಣಿಪಾಲ, maṇipāl) is a university town situated in the state of Karnataka in India. It is a suburb within Udupi city and is administerd by Udupi City Municipality. It is located in the rocky hinterland of the Malabar Coast of south west India, about 8 km (5 mi) from the Arabian Sea. From its location on a plateau, it commands a stunning view of the Arabian Sea to the west and the Western Ghats range to the east.

Location

It is situated 5 kilometres from the temple city of Udupi, and is 65 km (37 mi) north of Mangalore. Parkala is one of its residential areas. Manipal was previously under Shivalli village panchayat. The name is derived from Mannu palla Anglicised to Manipal. Mannu means mud and Palla means lake in Tulu Language.This lake due to which Manipal owes its name still has a pride of place in this university town and it offers boating facilities. Manipal was once a barren hill with trees here and there.This hill was tranformed to town by T.M.A. Pai starting 1950's.

Educational centre

It is a centre of academic learning, healthcare, industry and finance. Manipal has more than 70,000 students graduate and has an ever increasing enrolment number of more than 19,000 students. The township of Manipal comprises two universities, 24 professional colleges, affiliated institutes and numerous primary and high schools.

Manipal is home to the Manipal University, comprising of educational institutions, including the Manipal Institute of Technology, [Manipal Institute of Computer Education]], [Department of Commerce, BBM e-banking & Finance], Manipal Institute of Communication, MIM Manipal Institute of Management, Manipal Center for Information Science (MCIS Manipal), Kasturba Medical College, Manipal (KMC, Manipal), ), the T.A. Pai Management Institute (TAPMI), Manipal Life Sciences Center (MLSC)[1], the Manipal campus of Melaka Manipal Medical College (also known as International Centre for Health Sciences or ICHS), the Manipal College Of Pharmaceutical Sciences (MCOPS) , the Welcomgroup Graduate School of Hotel Administration (WGSHA). The spectrum of educational institutions covers everything from elementary schools to professional and graduate level colleges. Within the campus of MIT, is located Dr. T.M.A Pai Polytechnic, a diploma college established in the year 1985 and being governed by Dr. T.M.A Pai Foundation.
Manipal, India

The town gained prominence in the 1950s, when Dr.T.M.A. Pai, doctor, banker, educator, industrialist and philanthropist transformed a barren hillock into what is today a renowned university town. Dr.Pai first established the Kasturba Medical College in 1953, T A Pai Management Institute (TAPMI) in 1981 and Manipal Institute of Technology in 1957. In the late '60s ,the Union Government of India honoured Dr.Pai with the Padmashri.In the year 1999 the Posts and Telegraph department of the Government of India released a commemorative stamp in honour of Dr.Pai.

Manipal Institute of Communication is a constituent college of Manipal University. It is one of the premier journalism and communication colleges in India.

Hospitals in Manipal
Kasturba Medical College, Manipal
Sonia Clinic

Climate

The climate is humid and warm between November and May and wet and cool during the monsoon months from June to October. It has a tropical climate characteristic of coastal plains in the West of India. Manipal, being located on an elevated place near the seashore, has fine breeze throughout the day and the temperature ranges from 24 °C to 38 °C for most part of the year.

College rankings in Manipal

Kasturba Medical College , Manipal Institute of Technology, Manipal Institute of Communication, TAPMI and WGSHA are among top rated colleges in their respective fields. Outlook, India's leading print magazine has ranked colleges on all India basis

Karkala

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Karkala(Tulu/Kan

Black granite is abundant in the area, and is in wide use in the local architecture. The name of the town is derived from kari-kallu meaning black stone in Kannada. Tulus, Jains a

nada:karla, ಕಾರ್ಕಳ, Konkani- ಕಾರ್ಕಲ್) is a town and also the headquarters of Karkala Taluk in Udupi district of Karnataka, India, and is located about 300 km from Bangalore. It lies near the Western Ghats. The first name of this town was Pandya Nagari(ಪಾಂಡ್ಯ ನಗರಿ) during the Jain regime but afterwards it was changed to Karikallu(ಕರಿಕಲ್ಲು) because of black stones. Over time, the name changed to Karkal(ಕಾರ್ಕಲ್) and then to Karkala. Karkala has a number of natural and historical landmarks including the Ramasamudra Lake.

History and origin

Karkala dates back to the beginning of the 10th century.

Etymology

nd Kannadigas call the town Karla. Muslims and Konkanis call it Karkala and Christians call it Karkol. Its alternative name, Jain Thirtha, is the result of 300 years of Jain rule.

Ancient legends

The Alupas were the first to rule Karkala, followed by the Santaras who were the feudatories of Alupas for many years. Karkala or ancient Pandya Nagari attained political and cultural importance from the time of Kalasa-Karkala kingdom that was established by Bhairarasa Odeyas between 13th and 16th centuries. The Bhairarasas appear to be the descendants of the Santara chiefs who ruled the western ghats region around the 11th century A.D.

The royal family of Karkala shot to prominence right from the time of the Hoysalas. During the Vijayanagara period this family reached new heights of glory. Their kingdom extended over a wider area comprising Sringeri, Koppa, Balehonnur and Mudigere in Chikamagalur and most of the Karkala taluk. They were rich and maintained a large army. Despite engaging in wars, peace prevailed in the kingdom and this led to increased cultural activity and development.

The first important king was Veera Bhairava, who constructed basadis at Karkala and endowed land and money to numerous temples and basadis. Ramanatha and Veerapandya were his two sons. Ramanatha died during his father’s time. In his memory, a scenic lake called Ramasamudra was created, which still survives.

King Veera Pandya, at the insistence of his Guru Lalitakeerti, the pontiff of Karkala Jaina Math, installed a large statue of Bahubali on the rocky hill of Karkala. The date of the installation has been ascertained as February 13, 1432. This is the icon of the town. Veera Pandya also installed the Brahmadeva Pillar in front of the statue in 1436.

Abinava Pandya ascended the throne next and it was he who installed a carving of manastambha in front of the Neminatha Basadi in Hiriyangadi in 1457 A.D. Hiriyangadi is a small village in Karkala taluk. An intricately carved 54 foot high pillar stands in front of the Basadi. The Neminatha Basadi was renovated in 1946. An oriental school with free boarding and lodging facilities is being run here by the Bhujabali Brahmacharya Ashrama.

Abhinava Pandya’s successor was Pandya VI. He built the Kere Basadi, in the middle of a lake called Anekere in 1545 A.D. It is in this lake that the king’s elephants used to bathe. The Basadi and the lake still exist.

The next important king was Immadi Bhairava (Bhairava II). He constructed the Chaturmukha Basadi on top of a small rocky hill in 1586 A.D. The Basadi has four identical entrances from the four quarters leading to the Garbagriha and hence is popularly known as Chaturmukha Basadi. This is the most celebrated structural temple in Karkala[citation needed] and is referred to in inscriptions as Tribhuvana Tilaka Jina Chaityalaya and Ratnaraya Dhama. The Chaturmukha Basadi is built in the form of a square mandapa or hall with a lofty doorway and pillared portico on each of its four sides and a pillared verandah. The roof is flat and is made of massive granite slabs. It has lifesize statues of three theerthankaras and small images of 24 theerthankaras. It took 30 years to build this temple. In all, there are 108 pillars inside and outside the temple.

This beautiful place also came under the rule Sultan Fateh Ali Tippu (Urdu: سلطان فتح علی خان ٹیپو ) (born November 1750, Devanahalli – 4 May 1799, Srirangapattana), also known as the Tiger of Mysore, was the de facto ruler of the Indian Kingdom of Mysore from 1782 (the time of his father's death) until his own demise in 1799.In addition to his role as ruler, was a scholar, soldier, and poet. It was under him that some of the untold and disappearing landmarks of Karkal(ಕಾರ್ಕಲ್)was made, one of the most immanent of the time was Kotay kani (fort canal ) made in front of Karkal Kotay (castle) ,which was used during his war against the East India Company (also the East India Trading Company, English East India Company,[1] .In this war against EIC, few of Indian Kingdom of Mysore’s elite soldiers with huge contribution and service towards the land and kingdom where granted Title and Land in the township of Karkalla. One such title is Karkala Patayath (Tiger stripes of karkala/caretakers of karkala).Second such marvel of the same regime is to discover the usage of a Gavi (cave) route to travel to various surrounding location unseen through the mountains located near Shivati Keray(Lord Shivas lake).

There are 18 basadis of antiquity including Mahaveera Basadi, Chandranathaswamy Basadi, Adinathaswamy Basadi, Ananthanatha Basadi, Guru Basadi and Padmavathi Basadi. However, the rulers of Karkala were tolerant towards other religions and temples of other religions exist including the temples of Anantashayana and Venkataramana, Mahamaya Mukhyaprana and Adi Shakti. The St Lawrence Church was built in 1845 in a village called Attur where people of all religions congregate every year in January for the feast of St Lawrence.

Religion

Karkala is a town of historical importance and a pilgrim centre for Jains. The single stone 42-foot (13 m) statue Gomateshwara (Lord Bahubali) is located about 1 km from the center of the town and is the second tallest in Karnataka . There are about 18 Jain basadis here. The Bahubali statue is the second tallest in the State. This statue of Lord Bahubali was installed at Karkala on February 13, 1432 on the instructions of the pontiff of Karkala, Lalitakeerti. There are several other temples, mosques and churches in and around Karkala. Several jain temples were constructed namely Chaturmukha Thirthankara Basadi, Hiriyangaddi Neminatha Basadi and Anekere Padmavathi Basadi. All of these sites mentioned are listed in Archaeological Survey of India, Government of India.

The other statues of Bahubali in the state are at Shravanabelagola installed by Chamundaraya, which is 57 feet tall, at Venur installed by Timmaraja, which is 35 feet (11 m) tall, and at Dharmasthala installed by D. Veerendra Heggade, which is 39 feet (12 m) tall.

Fairs and festivals

Mahamasthakabhishekam

Every 12 years, hundreds of thousands of Jain devotees congregate to perform the Mahamastakabhisheka, a ceremony where the Gommateshwara statue is bathed and anointed with milk, water, and saffron paste and sprinkled with sandal wood powder, turmeric, and vermilion. The last Mahamastakabhisheka was held in February 2002, and the next will be in 2014. An annual Rathotsava is held in February.

Main festivals celebrated
At Saint Lawrence Church, Attur: St. Lawrence feast (last week of January)
At Padutirupathi Sri Venkataramana Temple, Carstreet: Lakshadeepotsava (festival of lights during November-December), Rathotsava or Chariot festival (April-May), Vishwaroopa Darshana (October-November)
At Sri Ananthapadmanaabh Temple, Ananthshayana Road: AnanthaChathurdashi (September), Deepotsava (November), Rathotsava (April)
At Sri HosaMaarigudi Temple, Bustand: Maari Puja (May third week)
At Sri Ucchhanggi Maariamma Temple, A S Road: Maari Utsava (last week of May)
At Sri MahaLingeshwara Temple, Pervaaje: Maha Shivarathri (February or March), Rathotsava (April)
At Sri UmaMaheshwara Temple, Shivathikere: Maha Shivarathri (February or March), Karthika Deepotsava (November)
At Sri Krishna Kshethra, Anekere: Krishna Janmaashtami (August)
At Sri Raghavendra Swamy Temple, Tellar: Guru Sree Raghavendra Swamy Aaradhana
At Jaamia Masjid, Salmaar: Jumma Masjid feast (ಉರೂಸ್ in Kannada during January)
At Sanoor Mosque: Sanoor Uroos

Other local festivities

In rural areas annual Jathra Mahotsava, Bootha Kola, Naga Darshana and Daiva Nemothsava are also celebrated. Festivals like Ram Navami, Buddha Poornima, Krishna Janmashtami, Raksha Bhandhan, Ganesh Chathurthi, Navarathri, Diwali, Christmas, Good Friday, Eid Milad, Moharam and Bakrid are celebrated throughout Karkala.

Landmarks

Karkala is a piligrimage location for Jains and it attracts tourists. Landmarks include Hindu temples, Jain basadis, mosques, churches and lakes.
Churches: Attur Church of St. Lawrence, Gandhi Maidhan Christ King Church
Mosques: Jumma Masjid at Salmaar
Lakes: Anekere Lake, Ramasamudra pond, Matadha Kere
Jain Basadis: Hiriyangadi Basadi, Chathurmukha Basadi, Padmavathi Kere Basadi
Vishnu Temples: Padutirupathi Sree Venkataramana Temple, Ananthashayana Sree Ananthapadmanabh Temple, Anekere Sree Krishna Kshethra, Tellar Sree DevakiKrishna Ravalnaath Temple, Ananthashayana Sree Vishveshwara Venugopal Temple, Kabettu Sree Venugopal Temple
Shiva Temples: Pervaje Sree MahaLingeshwara Temple, Shivathikere Sree UmaMaheshwara Temple, Sree Veerabhadra Temple,
Durga Temples: Sree AdiShakthi Veerbhadhra Temple, Sree HosaMaarigudi Maruthi Temple, Sree Ucchanggi Maariamma Temple, Sree Padmavathi Temple, Neklaaje Sree Kaalikamba Temple
Ganesh Temples: Vinayakbettu Sree Siddhivinayaka Temple, Banddimuta Sree MoodaGanapathi Temple
Guru Temples: Tellar Sree Raghavendra Swamy Temple
Hanuman Temples: Sree VeeraMaruthi Temple, Sree MukhyaPrana Temple

Padutirupathi Karkala - The Tirupati of the West attracting devotees
Sanctum Sanctorum(Garbha Griha),Padutirupathi Karkala

ಪಡುತಿರುಪತಿ ಶ್ರೀ ವೆಂಕಟರಮಣ ದೇವಾಲಯ, ಕಾರ್ಕಳ: This temple is built in a traditional style. Every year, a devotees pay a visit to Lord Venkatramana temple in Karkala. It is about 50 km from Mangalore and stands in the centre of the city. The Venkatramana temple of Karkala attracts visitors from Dakshina Kannada and Udupi District. Popularly known as 'Padutirupathi'; West means Padu in Kannada and spelt as ಪಡುತಿರುಪತಿ, Lord Venkatramana temple is considered as the main piligrimage of Goud Saraswat Brahmins (GSB) of India, even though other community people visit this temple on a daily basis to seek a glimpse of the deities. Legend has it that a family of Gowda Saraswat Brahmins (namely Soire Prabhu and Soma Sharma) brought Lord Venkatramana's idols along with them while migrating from Goa. As they decided to settle down in Karkala, the family built a temple for the Lords and started worshipping them here during 1450 A.D. The exact installation date is still unknown. As and when the temple and its portico was being constructed; other families like Kudvas, Kamaths, Nayaks and others migrated here from Goa (due to tortures from Portuguese invaders) and settled down to help Soma Sharma and Prabhu family with their own agricultural business in developing the temple. The main and presiding deity over here is Lord Sreenivasa which was believed to be brought from Tirumala - Tirupati and daily deity Lord Lakshmi Venkatesha.
Lord Sreenivasa and Lord LakshmiVenkatesha

When a group of dacoits attacked this temple during 1500 A.D, the priests saved the main idols and other valuables by throwing them down a well in Mulki. As things cooled down, they could retrieve the belongings of the temple except for the main deity. However, a person in Mulki found the statue in the well, which was taken as an indication that the Lord wanted to stay there, instead of in Karkala. When Karkala people came to know about this they rushed to Mulki and asked for the idol; but by that time Mulki people had already installed the idol in Sree Veer Vittal Temlpe (around 1520 A.D). It is said that the Lord appeared in people's dreams and asked them to leave his statue with residents of Mulki. He seemed to have reassured them that a hermit would present them his statue in which he resides. The people of Karkala returned back and as told by the Lord himself, a hermit of Tirumala, who was a staunch devotee of Lord Venkatramana from Tirupati, came to Karkala and presented the Lord's statue with the condition that the proceeds of the temple be given to Tirupathi. Heeding to the condition, people of Karkala undertake a pilgrimage to Tirupati each year to present the temple's proceeds. The installation of new idol of Lord Sreenivasa was done on 25 April, 1537 and the renovation of the temple took place in the year 1700.
Vishwaroopa Darshana at Padutirupathi Karkala

Since the rites and rituals at the Karkala temple are similar to that of Tirupati, it is regarded as Tirupati in the West (while the original shrine is located in the east). So, it's called Padu (or West) Tirupathi. Karnataka Government and Indian Government has declared this temple as Tirupathi of Karnataka and is one of the many temples authorised to collect money for Tirumala Temple. Any kind of pooja performed by a devotee over here is taken as rendering a generous service (work as per his /her own wish) at the feet of the Lord but not as a seva (paid work). A ritual called Vanabhojan (yatra to Tirupathi) is conducted each year in November-December; when the presiding deity Lord Sreenivasa along with Lord Lakshmi Venkatesha is taken to Sri Bhuvanendra College area near Lake Ramasamudra and is kept facing Tirupathi. This is done as the deity can't be taken to Tirupati itself, to comply with the hermit's condition. The deities are bathed with Panchaamrutha (consisting of Milk, Curds, Ghee, Honey and Sugar) and Tender Coconut water (commonly known as Panchaamrutham Abhishekam). It is said that if people do this yatra it is as doing a yatra to Tirupathi. Presenting the offerings to Tirupati at Karkala itself had been an old custom. In the past, these proceeds were also given to Tirupati once in 12 years. Although this is no longer in practice, it is said that people still present their offerings to Tirupati here. Also an annual 6-days chariot festival is celebrated in honour of Tirupathi Lord Sreenivasa Swamy during April-May. The rites and rituals performed during this festival is also the same as in Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams(TTD). The special days celebrated in this temple are Nag Panchami, Sri Krishna Janmaashtami, Ganesh Chaturthi, Anant Chaturdashi, Deepawali (Vishwaroopa Darshana-means lighting of 50,000 earthen lamps @ 3 A.M during October or November month), Ratha Saptami, Ram Navami and Buddha Poornima.Nag Panchami is celebrated with the pouring of Panchaamrutha abhisheka on the stone idol of snakes in the temple premises. During Janmashtami utsav deity is worshipped as Sri Gopalkrishna and served various items of food. On Ganesh Chathurthi huge silver idol of Lord Ganesha is kept in the temple for 5 days. For Anantha Chathurdashi golden kalasha is taken out to Ramasamdura lake where it is dipped in and holy water is brought back in it while returning to the temple. During Diwali 5 days celebration is being done with the main celebration as Vishwaroopa Darshan done after the 5th day. On Ratha Sapthami day utsav deity is taken out on silver chariot (where in Tirupathi Sreenivas Swamy is taken on SuryaPrabha Vahana). Ram Navami involves mass feeding and chariot utsav. Lastly Buddha Purnima in temple has utsav deity taken to Ramasamdura Lake in the morning, evening mass feeding for community people (last one in the year) and in the night half-chariot procession (Bandi utsav); where this utsav has its peculiarity as, a silver palanquin along with utsav deity is kept on Bandi with two wooden dolls holding it on their shoulders. This temple has over 150 Utsavas (Lord taken out to the town and returning back to temple) in a year excluding Amavasyas and Ekaadashis and over 70 mass feedings for the GSB community people. Special mass feedings for other community people are arranged during Shravana(August-September) month and Deepotsava festival. Everyday temple has bhajan recitals by Sri Venkataramana Bhajan group; where over 30 people including children sing recitals of Almighty in Hindi, Konkani, Kannada and Marathi. The temple arranged a 4 month long day-night Sri Raam Naam Sankirthan in the year 1958,1984 and recently in 2006 on July 6. Sahasra Kumbhaabhishekha (1008 Abhishekham) was held in this temple in the year 1963 March. Raam Dhandu (a trip to Tirumala Tirupathi to offer the offerings given by people) was held regularly in the range of 10 years 3 times, first one in the year 1854 until the year of 1970.
Sree Veera Maruthi,Karkala

In front of Lord Venkatramana's shrine lies Sri VeerMaruthi temple, whose statue towers over 15 feet and the temple was originally built in 1539. Its renovation was done in 1972. It's said that this statue was found under the grounds of Anekere (near Karkala), when it was dug. This statue of Lord Hanuman has a different type of architecture;left hand on his hip, right hand on top facing sky, legs in walking style, eyes starred in angry form and hair on his head waving in the air. Tippu Sultan was among the ardent devotees of this Hanuman; the silver ornament he had offered to the Lord is still seen around his neck. Once in a year in December month a 24hrs day long Sri Ram Jai Ram Jai Jai Ram recital is sung by localites of this area. Every Monday, Saturday and on Ekadashi day Ram Naam Sankirthans are sung by devotees for nearly 3 hours.

Several legends illustrate Lord Venkatramana's perceived power to grant wishes. One of them happened in 1912, when the British government at Madras decided to make Moodbidri instead of Karkala the taluk headquarters, which disappointed people here. They prayed to the deity. When a British officer was on his way to Karkala for re-inspection of the place, as he crossed Moodbidri, all of a sudden his horse collapsed and died on the spot. Somehow he managed to reach Karkala. On reaching there, he paid a visit to Lord Venkatramana's temple. After the visit, the British officer dropped the idea of making Moodbidri the taluk headquarters and decided on Karkala. Right outside the sanctum-sanctorum (garba-griha) of the temple, there are four massive stone pillars decorated with exquisite carvings carved out by Sri Shilpi Renjal Gopal Shenoy. The pillars have amazing carvings of birds, plants, insects and other different varieties of fine sculptures.

The temple has a large pond in front of it which is called as Sri Pushkarni (built in 1860) and next to this pond is a small temple of Sri Kalabhairava, a servant of Lord Almighty. Once a year during Kalabhairavaashtami, abhishekha is performed for the idol of Lord Kalabhairava.

Karkala Venkataramana Temple has three sects of priests from Vasishta Gotra namely Joishys, Puraniks and Tanthris having an origin from 14th century. Joishys and Puraniks are the primary priests who look after the betterment of deities & Temple and Tanthris are secondary priests who take up important services of temple. Presently Ramkrishna Joishy, Arun Puranik and Ramanath Tanthri are holding up the temple poojas yearly twice. Daily poojas are being done by their sons and grandsons (around 200 in total). The temple management has 14 member board committee;out of which 6 are permanent and the rest keep changing in accordance with election every 3 years. This committee administers the temples finances, management and events by holding monthly meetings in the temple premises. Each committee is headed by a president.

The Lord Venkatramana Temple Trust owns and manages 7 educational institutions, apart from conducting cultural and traditional activities. Also it has taken up mid-meal scheme for Mentally Disabled children in Chethana Special School. The temple owns a Goshaala (Cow Shed) of about 12 breeds near temple lake very next to Srinivasa Kala Mandir. Temple authorities also own Kala Mandirs for get together and functions.Heethaishee a small organisation which arranges marriage and ceremonies for Goud Saraswat Brahmin people. GSB Welfare Trust is yet another organisation which organises functions and gives grants for poor people in GSB community once a year during Ugadi (New Year according to Hindu Calendar). The temple has recently taken up many development works in and around the premises & in educational institutions.[1]

Attur Church

A shrine to St. Lawrence lies around 15 minutes outside Karkala at Attur in the vicinity of Parpale hills. The first church was established around 1759,[citation needed] about 7 kilometers from the present church. It was destroyed by Tippu Sultan and the Christians were held captive in Shrirangapatna from 1784-1799.[citation needed] A new church with a thatched roof was constructed in 1801 about 4 kilometers from the present location under the leadership of a Goan priest.

In 1839, the church was replaced by a third building. A Goan priest chose its location by carrying a 1 foot high statue of St. Lawrence to Attur. Devotees of St. Lawrence believe that the saint guided the priest by fixing the statue to the ground and subsequently releasing it at the location of the church.[citation needed] The statue has become an object of devotion and the church attracts pilgrims. The building was located at the rear of the present church and was facing west. A small flower garden now stands at its location.

The present, north-facing church was built in 1900 to accommodate the growing congregation. It was blessed and inaugurated on 22 January 1901. A small shrine was built adjacent to the sacristy in 1975 to accommodate the statue. A hundred foot high tower representing religious art of various regions was built in 1997, to symbolize acceptance of other faiths. In 1998 the Pushkarini (Miracle Pond) was renovated in modern Indian Architectural style with facilities for pilgrims to descend into the pond. Twin gates were added in front of the church in 1999 in line with the Tower. In 2000, a new church was erected in front of the 1900 church to accommodate the Annual Feast. It was inaugurated and blessed on 21 January 2001. The 1900 church remains in use.

Chathurmukha Basadi

Chaturmukha Basadi is a Jain temple, situated on a rocky hill at Karkala in Udupi District of Karnataka. Consecrated by Vir Pandya deva, the king of Bairarava family in 1432, the basadi was completed in 1586. It is built in the form of a square mandapa or hall, with a lofty doorway and pillared portico on each of its four sides. Since four identical doorways in four directions lead to the Garbhagriha, it is called Chaturmukha Basadi. The roof is flat and is made of huge granite slabs. In the Garbhagriha, one can see the standing statues of Ara, Malli, and Suyrata. Besides these, the images of the 24th Tirthankar and Yakshi Padmavati can also be found. There are a total of 108 pillars inside and outside the temple. This is the most celebrated temple in Karkala[citation needed] and is referred to in the inscriptions as Tribhuvana Tilaka Jina Chaityalaya and Ratnaraya Dhama.

Ananthashayana Temple
Lord Ananthashayana

This was previously a Jain Basadi proposed by one of the Jain king during the year 1567. Once during this time, Sringeri Jagadguru Sri Narasimha Bharathi Swamiji came to Karkala and the Jain King gave him a warm welcome to his Basadi. But Swamiji said "We will stay only if there is a temple with a Lord Almighty in it". So the king gave his Basadi to Sringeri Swamiji with installing a stone sculptured Idol of Lord Vishnu in the sleeping form. This Lord Vishnu was found in a lake near Nellikar village. The large idol is sculpted out of a single black stone with Lord Brahma on the lotus (coming out of Lord Vishnu's navel), and his wives Sridevi and Bhudevi at his feet. There are sculptures in every corner of this temple. Also this is a protected site under Archaeological Survey of India.

Geography

Karkal is located at 13.2°N 74.98°E.[2] It has an average elevation of 81 metres (265 feet).Fully surrounded by black rocks and lush green forests. This tehsil is also located in Western Ghats with other places. The dark green area on the western side of India indicates the whole stretch of Western Ghats from Kerala to Maharashtra along the west coastline.

Demographics

As of 2001 India census,[3] Karkal town had a population of 25,118. Males constitute 51% of the population and females 49%. Karkal has an average literacy rate of 82%, higher than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 85%, and female literacy is 79%. In Karkal, 9% of the population is under 6 years of age. According to recent statistics by town municipality, now currently 25,635 people reside in this town, while as per the recent statistics Karkala taluk has a population of 2.10 Lacs (previous 2001 census is 2,04,571).

Culture

The undivided Dakshina Kannada District has a diverse variety of cultures.

Language and people

Karkala is a multi-cultural and multi-lingual city that follows four religions namely Hinduism, Islam, Christianity and Jainism. Local people normally speak four local languages Tulu, Kannada, Beary and Konkani. Hindi, Urdu and English are also well understood. There are communities of Tuluvas (Bunts, Mogaveeras, Billavas, Dalits etc), Konkanis (Gaud Saraswat Brahmins, Saraswats,Daivajnas Roman Catholics) , Kannadigas (Brahmins),Vishwakarma Bhrahmins, Jains, Brahmins, Marathi speaking Maharashtrians (chitpavans)and Aryas(very small in number) Christians and Urdu & Beary speaking Muslims.

Tradition

Hulivesha (Tiger dance) is a unique form of folk dance in Dakshina Kannada. It is considered as the favored carrier of Goddess Sharada (the deity in whose honor Dussera is celebrated), and is performed during the Dussera celebration. It is also performed during other festivals like Krishna Janmasthami. Bhuta Kola or spirit worship is practised, usually at night. Kambala or buffalo racing is also conducted in paddy fields. Korikatta (Cockfighting) is another favourite sport for village people. Nagaradhane or snake worship is also practised according to the popular belief that the Naga Devatha go underground and guard the species above. Konkani speaking GSBs have their own tradition of celebrating Rathotsava and Deepotsava like the Kannada speaking Brahmins.

The Christians in Karkala celebrate a special feast called Saanth Maari also known as Attur Church festival for 3 days. Thousands of people from all over India attend.

The Muslims celebrate Uroos in the Masjids and Jains have their Jain Milans yearly.

Bekal Fort

2009-07-27T09:03:00.001+05:30

Bekal Fort (Malayalam: ബേക്കല്‍ കോട്ട) is the biggest fort in Kerala, spreading over 40 acres (160,000 m2). The important features of this fort are the tank with its flight of steps, the tunnel opening towards the south, the magazine for keeping ammunition and the broad and wide steps leading to the Observation Tower which is a rarity. From there one has ample view of towns in the vicinity like Kanhangad, Pallikare, Bekal, Kottikkulam, Uduma etc. This observation centre had strategic significance in finding out even the smallest movements of the enemy and ascertaining safety of the Fort.

The Fort appears to have been built up from the sea since almost three fourth of its exteriors is drenched and the waves stroke the citadel. The Mukhyaprana Temple of Hanuman and the ancient Muslim Mosque nearby hold testimony to the age-old religious harmony that prevailed in the area. The zigzag entrance and the trenches around the fort show the defense strategy connected with the fort.

Unlike most other Indian Forts, Bekal fort was not a center of administration for no remains of a palace are found within the fort. Arguably the fort was built exclusively for fulfilling the defense requirements. The holes on the outer walls of the fort are specially designed to defend the fort effectively. The holes at top are meant for aiming at the farthest points; the holes below are meant for hitting when the enemy is nearer and the holes underneath facilitate attacking when the enemy is very near to the fort. This is a remarkable evidence of medieval technology in defense strategy.

This is next to the Kappil Beach.

History

During the Perumal Age Bekal was a part of Mahodayapuram. The Kodavalam inscription (Pullur, 7 km from Kanhangad) of Bhasakara Ravi II (the King of Mahodayapuram) illustrate the undisputed political sway of Mahodayapuram over this region. Following the political decline of Mahodayapuram Perumals by the 12th century AD, North Kerala including Bekal came under the sovereignty of Kolathunadu. The maritime importance of Bekal increased much under Kolathiries and it became an important port town of Thulunadu.

Battle of Talikota in 1565 led to the decline of the mighty Vijayanagara Empire and many feudatory chieftains rose in political prominence including the Keladi Nayakas (Ikkeri Nayaks). The Nayakas realized the political and economic importance of Tulunadu (which is the region comprising of modern-day Udupi and Dakshina Kannada districts along with the Northern part of Kasaragod district) and attacked and annexed this part of the country. Bekal served as a nucleus in establishing the domination of Nayakas in Malabar. The economic importance of the port town prompted the Nayakas to fortify Bekal subsequently. Hiriya Venkatappa Nayaka initiated the construction of the fort and it was completed during the period of Shivappa Nayaka. The speedy completion of the port was aimed at the defence of the fort from overseas attack and to strengthen their attack on Malabar. Chandragiri fort near Kasaragod was also constructed during this period.

Somashekhara Nayak captured Manjeswar and Thaliparamba and built a fort at Kanhangad Hosdurg which means new fort. The other forts found in Kasaragod are constructed on the coastal region and on the route to Madikeri (Mercara in Coorg). It is believed that the 'Kotteyar' community found in Bekal, Panayal and other places in Kasaragod were brought to this land by the Nayaks to build and defend the fort. There was a prolonged struggle between the Kolathiries and Nayaks to recapture and maintain their hold over this area. These unending battles came to an end with the rise of Hyder Ali who conquered and defeated the Nayakas. Subsequently Bekal fell into the hands of Mysore kings.
Arabian Sea visible from the fort

Bekal served as an important military station of Tipu Sultan when he led the great military expedition to capture Malabar. The coins and other artifacts unearthed by the archaeological excavation conducted recently at Bekal fort is a manifestation of the strong presence of the Mysore Sulthans. The death of Tipu Sulthan in Fourth Anglo-Mysore War in 1799 saw the end of Mysorean control and subsequently the fort came under the British East India Company.

During the reign of the Company Bekal became the headquarters of the newly organized Bekal Taluk of South Canara District in Bombay presidency. South Canara became a part of the Madras presidency in 1862 and Kasaragod Taluk was up in the place of Bekal Taluk. Gradually the political and economic importance of Bekal and its port declined considerably. Kasaragod became part of Kerala with the state reorganization in 1956.

Its solid construction resembles the St. Angelo Fort at Kannur built by Portuguese and also the Thalassery fort. The Ikkeri Nayakas had not developed guns to defend themselves from the invaders approaching from the Arabean sea route. But the western part of the fort is built in a solid manner with numerous slits on the walls for defending the fort from the naval power of other rulers. So it is believed that the present look of fort was the outcome of the conflict between European powers. Modification to the fort was made by all the rulers who ruled the land from the time of the Ikkeri Nayakas. Moreover a number of forts built by the Ikkeri Nayakas have failed to stand the test of time and perished. Located at the centre of the fort is an Observation Tower built by Tipu Sultan[citation needed] which offers a breathtaking view of the coastline as well as that of neighbouring places like Kanhangad and Pallikare. Also in existence is a rest house built by the British Government.

Presently the protection and preservation of Bekal fort has been entrusted to the Archaeological Survey of India.

Tourism

Tourism promotion activities are happening in the areas surrounding the fort, under the Bekal Resorts Development Corporation (BRDC), which is an initiative by the Government of Kerala. The song 'Tu hi re' from the Movie 'Bombay' has been shot at Bekal Fort.

Malpe Port

2009-07-24T17:46:00.001+05:30

Malpe is a natural port about six kilometers to the west of Udupi, Karnataka, India. An important port and fishing harbor on the Karnataka coast, Malpe is situated at the mouth of the Udyavara river. It is a suburb in Udupi city and is administerd by Udupi City Municipality.Tulu, Kannada and Konkani are spoken here.

Places of Interest

The most important place of interest in Malpe is the scenic beach, which is very popular among both locals and tourists. Saint Mary's Island is also a big tourist destination. The adjoining Thottam beach is also most popular.

Malpe also houses temples of Balarama and Ananteshwara. The fort on the island of Daria-Bahadurgad, off the shores of Malpe, is said to have been built by Basavappa Nayaka of Bidanur.

Fish

2009-07-24T08:56:00.001+05:30

Fish is the main source of income for the people of udupi.

Kaup light house

2009-07-23T10:14:00.000+05:30

Kaup, pronounced as Kapu in the local Tulu language, is a village or a small town in Udupi district of Karnataka, India. It lies on the way between Udupi and Mangalore beside National highway 17. A road from Kaup goes to interior places like Manchakal, Shirva.

There is a beach on the shore of the Arabian Sea and a lighthouse. Many films have been shot at this location. Kaup has three Marigudi which attracts devotees from far away places.

It is about 15Km from Manipal and is a favorite hangout for students. The beach also sports a shack and a bar with seating in the open sky.

Though the sea is mostly calm all year round, there have been isolated cases of drowning in this beach.