Tuesday, February 3, 2015

Shivamogga district is in Malenadu region of Karnataka state in India. Malenadu region is in the midst of Western Ghats, which is declared as World Heritage site.

`Malenadu’ in Kannada means land of rain. Shivamogga comes alive in rainy season when the rivers are full to the brim, waterfalls dance to their glory, lush greenery cover the landscape, forests and wildlife regain their beauty.

It is said that Malenadu was specially made by God as a Garden. The rainy season here is from June to October. So, the right time to visit Shivamogga is during the monsoons. But, summer is the best time to visit the hill stations and mountains here.

Shivamogga has a lot in store for tourists. World famous waterfalls like Jog Falls, wild life sanctuary, bird sanctuary, wild life safari, forests and nature camps like Agumbe, hill station and mountain peaks like Kodachadri, historical places like forts, spiritual places like temples and rivers such as Sharavathi, Tunga and Bhadra flow here.

Explore a holiday any weekend in Malenadu’s wild circuit. A weekend in Shivamogga is a typical holiday on the wild side.

This part of the earth is a trekker’s paradise. The forests and mountain ranges challenge the adventurous to conquer them.

Nature has been partial to this part of the world. Blessed with dense Western Ghats, the bountiful rivers, fertile lands, green woods and immense wild life, Shivamogga forest range is an ideal place for adventure lovers.

Shivamogga, wholly and entirely is bright and beautiful. Everything waiting to be discovered by an adventurer.

A couple of days stay at Shivamogga is memorable, where nature creates waves in the unbridled mind.

Shivamogga is 275 km from Bengaluru, and 770 km from Mumbai. Bus and rail network to Bengaluru is excellent. The nearest airport is in Mangaluru, which is 200 km from Shivamogga.

Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary

Bhadra wildlife sanctuary is one more wildlife place in Shivamogga district apart from the Shettyhalli wildlife sanctuary.

Infact, Bhadra wildlife sanctuary is distributed among Shivamogga and Chickmagaluru districts. The majority portion is in Chickmagaluru district.

There are several tourist locations in Bhadra wildlife sanctuary like Mullayyanagiri peak, Kemmangundi hills, Bababudangiri hills, Hebbe water fall, Kalatgiri water fall and many more.

The Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary boasts of rich wild life. It is a paradise for bird watchers and wildlife photographers. The commonly spotted birds here are Grey jungle fowl, Red spur fowl, Painted bush quail, Emerald dove, Southern green imperial pigeon, Great black woodpecker, Malabar parakeet and Hill Myna. More than 200 species of birds exist here.

Among the reptiles, the Marsh crocodiles are usually found in the upstream stretches of the Bhadra River, the Monitor lizards are also a common sight. The Common otter and the Smooth Indian otter can usually be sighted at the Bhadra Reservoir.

Gaur certainly are the pride of Bhadra which is a common sight. Leopards are also fairly common, particularly in the Lakkavalli area. Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary has been recently adopted under ‘Project Tiger’.

This is an ideal tiger habitat although it is rare to see one! Wild dog tracks are also found all over the area. Elephants can be seen at all parts of the sanctuary and seem to migrate locally between Muthodi and Lakkavalli.

Other mammals found in the area are common Palm civet, Stripe necked mongoose, Sloth bear, Large brown flying squirrel, Sambar, Spotted deer and the Wild boar.

The climate is generally pleasant all through the year. During rains between June and September the entire sanctuary is lush and green. Summer months of March, April and May would be slightly warm.

With the soft ripples of the river's backwaters providing a subtle background score, rest and tranquility are what this experience is about.

River Tern Resort

Cottages at River tern resort

Water sports

Backwaters

The River Tern Lodge is a pleasurable experience from the word go! The Bhadra Tiger Reserve is about 4 km from the Lodge. A jeep safari in the evenings offer the opportunity to sight leopards, gaurs, elephants, crocodiles, deer, wild boars, monitor lizards, etc.

Bhadra Wildlife sanctuary has been declared as heritage point and government has taken strict rules to make it plastic free zone. There are many mountain peaks, waterfalls and historical places located in Bhadra wildlife sanctuary. It is also home for rare flora and fauna.

Bhadra wildlife can be reached by several ways. Start from Bhadravathi towards Koppa road to reach Umblebail from where Bhadra Wild life starts which is 22 km from Bhadravathi.

From Shimoga the distance is around 30 km. On the way Kuvempu university campus and BRP dam can be seen. Take a right turn near the Forest office and drive for 3 km to reach the wildlife sanctuary.

Prior permission should be obtained at the forest office to visit the sanctuary.

There are several ways to reach wildlife out of which the route from Chikmagaluru is the most opted one. There are several buses available till the nearby village from where one has to catch auto rickshaws to reach various other locations. Private vehicles are the preferred way to travel.

There are several coffee estates which are a treat to watch while driving in Bhadra wildlife sanctuary.

Wild life in Bhadra is unique and there are many rare species of medicinal plants.

Bhadra River Project (BRP), Bhadravathi

Bhadra River Project popularly known as BRP is a dam across the river Bhadra. BRP is a massive reservoir constructed to store water for irrigation, power generation and also for drinking water supply.

BRP falls in Chikmagaluru district but is near to Bhadravathi. The reservoir is located in Bhadra Wildlife sanctuary. This makes it an ideal place for a perfect wildlife weekend. Infact, the River Tern resort is located nearby the reservoir.

BRP is famous for the light show in the evening. Colourful lights are focused on the water gushing outside the dam. But, this is a rare event as the water if let out of the dam only when it is full. So, this happens only during rainy season from July to October.

The reservoir forms backwater here which is ideal for water sports like boating and kayaking. A guest house facing the back water is a nice place for a picnic. Kuvempu University is nearby the dam.

Permission to enter the dam is restricted and one can enter the dam only with prior permission from the authorities.

Bhadravathi is 24 km from BRP. To reach the location head towards Koppa road from Bhadravathi and take left turn at Hunsekatte cross towards Shankargatta. Drive for another 10 km to pass Kuvempu university to reach BRP dam.

From Shivamogga, drive towards N.R Pura road and take left at Junction to reach BRP.

There are several buses available from Shivamogga and Bhadravathi till University and from there one can walk a km to reach this place.

Kemmanagundi Hill Station

Red soil. Yes, this is what greets you in Kemmana Gundi (red soil valley). An ideal hill station with pleasant weather and scenic beauty, Kemmana Gundi has all the making of a perfect holiday.

Kemmana Gundi is in Chickmagaluru district, but part of Bhadra Wild Life sanctuary.

Also known as Krishna Rajendra Hills, it is a hill station with a difference. Huge mountains with thick forests keep a silent watch here.

Cool breeze flows gently creating a new rhythm every minute. Experience the magic, feel its exuberance and cherish its scenic beauty and you will never be the same again.

Unique from the hill stations of Nilgiris, Darjeeling, Nainital or Kullu Manali, this hill station has its own charm. A charm blended with religious faith.

A temple at the fort of the valley in Kallathgiri falls and Baba Budangiri at the other end have provided Kemmana Gundi a spiritual advantage.

This hill station has turned out to be a great escape from the scorching summer for residents of nearby cities, attracting them with its chilly climate, solemn trees, sublime gardens and spell-binding tea estates.

The British developed this place to enjoy their holidays in Malnad. Traces of British history can also be found in Kemmana Gundi even today.

A rose garden at the top of the hill is the cynosure of all eyes. But beware, you can’t pluck the roses.

An enchanting flower garden is embedded from the bottom of the hill to the top.

A trek on the small narrow lanes, which leads to the top of the hill is memorable.

Situated about 90 km from Shivamogga, Kemmana Gundi can be reached driving through the ghat road. Take a bus to Tarikere from where many buses ply to the hills.

KSRTC also operates one bus from Bengaluru directly. Own vehicle is advisable, keeping in view the irregular frequency of buses.

On the way to Kemmana Gundi, don’t forget to have a glimpse of Amruthapura, Kallathgiri waterfalls, Shanthi waterfalls, Abbe waterfalls and Baba Budangiri.

Cozy little guest houses of the British era with restaurant and lodging facilities are aplenty atop the hill. But, reservation has to be done at the Department of Horticulture for accommodation.

Gudavi Bird Sanctuary, Soraba

Gudavi is one of the popular bird sanctuary in Karnataka and is one among the best five. Gudavi is a small lake which is full of water during rainy season.

Gudavi is 16 km from Soraba taluk and is spread over an area of 0.75 square km. As per survey, 217 different species of birds belonging to 48 family of birds migrate here every year.

A natural lake with green trees gives shelter for the birds and fishes in the lake is the major food for the birds. Grey heron, Night heron, Jungle fowl, waterfowl, Indian pond heron, white headed crane, Black headed crane are the most commonly seen birds in the season.

June to October is the best time to visit the place. Bird sanctuary will be open from 6 am to 6 pm.

Start from Soraba towards Banavasi and drive for 6 km and take left turn at Gudavi village cross and drive for another 9 km to reach Gudavi village. Take left turn to reach Gudavi lake.

There are not much frequent buses to Gudavi Bird sanctuary, own vehicle has been the preferred option for many tourists. Few buses ply on this route.

Shivappa Nayaka Palace, Shivamogga

It is a palace with a difference. Different from the extravagant and posh palaces found elsewhere. This is not a palace in the real sense. It is a big mansion of a local chieftain called Shivappa Nayaka.

Shivappa Nayaka’s palace in Shivamogga has its own style. Situated on the banks of river Tunga it stands testimony to the glorious rule of the Keladi dynasty.

Built during the 16^th century by Shivappa Nayaka, this palace, located near Kote Anjaneya temple on Kote Road, has stood against all odds and narrates the tale of the Nayakas (chieftains) to the present generation in the new millennium.

This illustrious palace which is built with rose and teak wood rises to a height of around 50 feet. The entrance has two staircases of wood, which lead to the huge balcony which Shivappa Nayaka used. Below the balcony is an open courtyard.

A view from the balcony gives a picturesque vision of the gently flowing river Tunga. The wooden balcony which is around 15 feet high is similar to the balcony at Mysore palace.

The two rooms on either side of the balcony with huge doors are remarkable. The palace houses many rooms where personal objects used by the royal families and arms are displayed.

Huge teak pillars in the ground floor reveal the architectural grandeur of the historical age. Carvings on these pillars and on the wooden panes are incredible.

There is one more yard at the back-yard of the palace. A terrace made of modern fibre glass sheets is on top of the yard.

Many idols found across the temples of the region are installed here. Ancient idols of gods and goddesses can be found across the palace, which were installed by the Archaeological Department during renovation. Inscription at the bottom of the idols narrate the history and importance of the sculptures.

The palace is a heritage building preserved by the Archeological Department. War suites and weapons used during those days are preserved at the first floor of the fort.

The palace was under the control of the Forest Department, after which it was handed over to the Archaeological Department. The Forest Department used it as its depot for many years.

During the British period, the palace was handed over to the then Mysore Public Works Department which in turn handed it over to the Forest Department.

The Forest Department, apart from using the palace premises as its depot, used to stock seized vehicles in the palace premises and had built walls indiscriminately.

There was a horse pathway also along the river bank. A local historian brought this to the notice of the Archaeological Department. The latter took up an excavation work on a small scale.

The excavation revealed the evidence to prove that there existed a palace. After a prolonged correspondence, the Department acquired the area and completed the excavation and renovation work to unveil the present beautiful palace.

Now, a museum maintained by the Archaeological Department is situated in the palace premises. The museum hosts memorials of kings who ruled the region and their works of art and sculpture. Vedic inscription written on palm leaves are preserved here.

Scripts from the Ramayana and Mahabharatha, and articles of the Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro are also seen at the museum.

Archaeological department has conserved the monuments at the fort. Many unique sculptures carved in stone are installed across the pathway in the gardens in the palace.

A guesthouse of the Archaeological Department is situated at the palace, which is available for reservation.

A garden within the palace premises with the Tunga river flowing swiftly but gently is an ideal place to relax. The gentle breeze coming from across the river is a moment to cherish for the visitor.

A huge stone wall surrounds the palace recalling the attributes of a fort. One has to enter the palace premises through the front gate located in the fort like wall. Cultural activities are held during dasara to add glitter to the palace.

Shivappa Nayaka was a ruler under the Keladi dynasty. During his rule, the empire extended till Kasargod in Kerala. Shivappa Nayaka constructed a palace in Shivamogga.

The Palace had a boundary of 200 acres when it was constructed in 16th century. Now the place is encroached and is reduced just to 20 acres.

Fort has beautiful architecture where most of the fort is made up of rose wood and roof is covered with Mangalore tiles. Stone carving arranged neatly grabs lot of attraction in the fort. The canons used in battle can be seen here.

Shivappa Nayaka fort is easy to locate and reach which is at Kote road. It is located 2 km from Shivamogga bus stand towards B.H road.

Manoj Saldana

Tuesday, February 3, 2015

A Wild Holiday in Shivamogga

PREFACE

Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary

Bhadra River Project (BRP), Bhadravathi

Kemmanagundi Hill Station

Gudavi Bird Sanctuary, Soraba

Shivappa Nayaka Palace, Shivamogga

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