64 Places to Visit near Hubli within 300 kms

Sringeri is a renowned pilgrimage center located in the Chikmagalur district of Karnataka. About 88 km from Chikmagalur, and 318 km from Bangalore, it is one of the important places of pilgrimage in South India, and among the must include places in Karnataka tour packages.

Sringeri is well known for Sharada Peetham, among the must-visit places as part of the Sringeri holiday packages. Sringeri Sharada Peetham is the first and foremost of the 4 Peethams established by the renowned 8th-century saint Sri Adi Shankaracharya.Vidyashankara Temple, Chennakeshava Temple, Sharadamba Temple, and Sri Parswanath Jain Tirthankara Temple are the other prominent Sringeri places to visit.

Adi Shankara Temple, Kere Anjaneya temple, Malayala Brahma Temple, Mallikarjuna Temple, Torana Ganapati Temple, Kigga, Sirimane Falls, Agumbe, Kudremukh are other attractions here. Sringeri can be visited along with Udupi Tour Packages.

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Kemmanagundi is one of the popular hill stations in Karnataka. About 62 km from Chikmagalur, and 246 km from Bangalore, it is among the best places to visit near Bangalore.

Breathtaking views of the valleys amidst mountain streams and lush vegetation are the main attractions of Kemmanagundi tour packages. Situated at an altitude of 1434 m on the Baba Budan range, the region is covered with plantations of coffee and tea along with thick bamboo groves forming a dense forest cover. Raj Bhavan, Z point, Rock garden, Hebbe Falls, Kalhattagiri Falls, Baba Budan Hill, Bhadra Tiger Reserve, Shanti Falls, and Hebbe Falls are the most poular place to visit in Kemmanagundi.

Kemmanagundi is also popularly known by the name of KR Hills, named after the Mysore King Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV. Kemmanagundi is one of the top attractions you must include in Chikmagalur packages.

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Kolhapur is a city and the district headquarters of Kolhapur district in the Indian state of Maharashtra. About 237 km from Pune, and 388 km from Mumbai, it is one of the popular pilgrimage sites in India, and among the must include places in Maharashtra tour packages.

Situated on the banks of the Panchganga River, Kolhapur is a beautiful city famed for its religious and historical sites that can be visited s part of Kolhapur tour packages. Often referred to as Dakshin Kashi, Kolhapur is an important spiritual center as it houses a significant number of temples from Medieval India, including Mahalakshmi Temple. Bhavani Mandap, New Palace Museum, Jyotiba Temple, Rankala Lake, Kopeshwar Temple, Panhala Fort, Siddhagiri Gramjivan Museum, and Radhanagari Wildlife Sanctuary are among the most prominent places to visit in Kolhapur.

Kolhapur is known worldwide for its Kolhapuri chappals, Kolhapuri jewellery, and Kolhapuri Cuisine. It is also a hub of aspiring wrestlers as the town houses some of the best training centers in the country.

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Sirsi is a small hill station located in the Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka. About 99 km from Shimoga, 102 km from Hubli, 395 km from Bangalore, it is the main commercial center and a business hub in the Malnadu region, and among the top tourist places in Karnataka.

Situated at an altitude of 2000 feet, Sirsi is surrounded by thick forests and towering hills, among the must-experience things to do as part of Sirsi tour packages. This pristine hill station is also known as 'Gateway of Malenadu' or 'Gateway of Western Ghats'. Unchalli Falls, Vibhuthi Falls, Marikamba Temple, Magod Falls, Benne Hole Falls, Shivaganga Falls, Muregar Falls, Burude Falls, Mattighatta Falls, Manjuguni, Sahashralinga, Sodhe / Sonda, Devimane Ghat, Banavasi, and Gudavi Bird Sanctuary are some of the top place to visit in Sirsi.

Sri Marikamba Jatra is the main festival held every alternate year in March at Sirsi. The fair attracts nearly 5 lakh devotees, tourists, and pilgrims from throughout Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Goa, and Maharashtra. It is said to be the most famous and biggest fair in the state of Karnataka.

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Lies at the mouth of the Kali River near Goa - Karnataka Border, Karwar is one of the top beach destinations in Karnataka, and among the must-visit places as part of Karnataka tour packages. It is about108 km from Panjim, and 517 km from Bangalore.

Karwar's tranquil ambiance had inspired the famous poet Rabindranath Tagore and he has dedicated a chapter of his biography to this town. The town has lovely beaches, beautiful temples and Forts attracting a large number of tourists. Karwar Beach, Devbagh Beach, Sadashivgad, Dargah of Peer Shan Shamsuddin Kharobat, Durga Temple, Kaju Bagh Beach, Kurumgad Island, Naganatha Temple, Narasimha Temple, Koodi Bagh Beach, and Venkataramana Temple are the popular places to visit in Karwar.

Karwar can be visited along with Goa tour packages. The Karavali Utsav is the biggest cultural event held at the Rabindranath Tagore beach in Karwar for four days.

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Shimoga, also known as Shivamogga is one of the popular places to visit near Hubli, and among the must-visit destinations as part of Karnataka tour packages. It is located about 97 km from Chikmagalur, 183 km from Hubli,and 298 km from Bangalore.

Shimoga city is famous for its landscapes, waterfalls, and historical places, which are the main attractions of Shimoga holiday packages. Jog Falls, one of the highest waterfalls in Karnataka, as well as India, is the major attraction of Shimoga. Shimoga can be visited along with Chikmagalur tour packages.

Jog Falls, Kunchikal Falls, Barkana Falls, Achakanya Falls, Onake Abbey Falls, Hidlumane Falls, and Dabbe Falls are some of the popular waterfalls in Shimoga. Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary, Agumbe, Kodachadri, Keladi, Tunga dam, Linganmakki dam, Shivappa Naik Palace, the Mandagadde Bird Sanctuary, Gudavi bird sanctuary, Tyarekoppa Lion Safari, and Sakrebayalu Elephant Camp are some of the important tourist place in Shimoga.

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Goa is India's smallest state by area and the fourth smallest by population. Located in West India in the region known as the Konkan, it is one of the most popular tourist destinations of India with beautiful beaches and historical sites.

Goa is a strip of land 110 km long and 60 km wide between the Sahyadri range of the Western Ghats and the Arabian Sea on the west coast of India. Panaji is the state's capital while Vasco Da Gama is the largest city. Renowned for its beaches, places of worship and world heritage architecture. Goa is visited by large numbers of international and domestic tourists each year. It also has rich flora and fauna.

The festival of Shigmo Mel or the Holi, Goa carnival and Ganesh Chaturthi are the main festivals in Goa.

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At a distance of 13 km from Dandeli Bus Stand, Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary is situated on the banks of the River Kali at Dandeli in Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka. This is the second-largest sanctuary for wildlife in Karnataka, and also one of the best places to visit in Dandeli.
 
Spread over an area of 866.41 sq. km, the sanctuary lies at an altitude ranging between 100 m to 970 m with the highest point being Hegada Temba. It is one of the must include places in Dandeli Tour Packages. The dense forests of the Sanctuary are crisscrossed by the meandering streams of River Kaneri and River Nagzari, tributaries of River Kali.

The Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary was declared as a tiger reserve in the year 2007. The sanctuary is contiguous with the Mahaveer Sanctuary in Goa and Anshi National Park in Karnataka. Karnataka state government has officially notified the Dandeli Elephant Reserve under Project Elephant on 4th June 2015.

Dandeli is a natural habitat for several wildlife animals like tigers, leopards, black panthers, elephants, gaur, deer, antelopes, crocodiles, and various kinds of snakes. This sanctuary is also a birdwatcher's paradise, housing nearly 200 species of Birds. The birds in the sanctuary include the golden-backed woodpecker, crested serpent eagle, white-breasted ...

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At a distance of 12 km from Mallandur village, and 39 km from Chikmagalur, Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected area and a tiger reserve, situated amidst the Western Ghats in Chikmagalur and Shimoga districts of Karnataka. It is one of the most popular Wildlife Sanctuaries in Karnataka, and among the must-visit places as part of Chikmagalur Tour Packages.

Spread over an area of 490 sq. km, Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary is also known as Muthodi Wildlife Sanctuary. It is one of the most popular places to visit in Chikmagalur. The region was declared as a natural reserve, known as the Jagara Valley Game Reserve, in 1951 by the Government of Mysore. In 1974, the reserve was named the Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary. The Sanctuary boasts of a substantial tiger population and it was declared as the 25th Project Tiger of India in 1998.

The sanctuary is situated in the lush tropical forests of the Western Ghats and accommodates the tributaries of the Bhadra River. The sanctuary gets its name from the Bhadra River and a dam has been built on the river near Lakkavalli. The sanctuary has an elevation ranging from 750 m to 1875 m above sea level. Kallahathigiri is the highest peak in the sanctuary with a height of 1875 m. Lakkavalli village near Bhadra ...

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At a distance of 25 km from Udupi, 86 km from Mangalore & 70 km from Murudeswar, Anegudde Vinayaka Temple is a Hindu temple located in Kumbhashi between Udupi & Karwar. It is one of the famous places of pilgrimage in the region, and among the popular places to visit as part of Udupi Tour.

Anegudde Vinayaka Temple is dedicated to Lord Ganesha. Anegudde is rewarded one of the seven 'Mukti Sthalas' of Karnataka or Parashurama kshetras, which are believed to be created by sage Parashurama. Anegudde is the combination of two words - 'Aane' meaning 'Elephant' and 'Gudde', which stands for 'hillock' as it is the abode of the elephant-headed god, Lord Vinayaka.

Anegudde is also popularly called Kumbashi. The name Kumbhashi is said to be derived from the demon Kumbhasura. According to the mythology, when drought hit this area, Sage Agasthya performed penance to appease the Rain, God. During the penance, demon Kumbhasura started troubling the sages. Bheemasena gets a weapon from Lord Ganesha to kill Kumbahasura and assassinate him at this place. The temple at Anegudde is dedicated to Lord Vinayaka (Ganesha).
According to Legend, Sage Agasthya arrived from heaven to perform Yagna (religious offering) to please the Devas for rain. Kumbasura, an Asura troubled the sages and disrupted the yagna. At this time Lord Ganesha blessed Bheema of Pandavas, with a sword. Bheema fought Kumbasura and slays him.

The main sanctum ...

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At a distance of 60 km from Murudeshwar, 73 km from Udupi, 90 km from Jog Falls and 133 km from Mangalore, Sri Mookambika Devi Temple is a Hindu temple situated at Kollur in Udupi district of Karnataka. The temple is located in the valley of Kodachadri Mountain Peak on the banks of Souparnika River. Kollur is regarded as one of the Seven Mukti Stalas created by Parashurama and the other places are Udupi, Subrahmanya, Kumbasi, Kodeshwara, Sankaranarayana and Gokarna. It is a famous site of pilgrimage in Karnataka and one of the top places to visit near Murudeshwar.

This temple is dedicated to Goddess Parvathi. According to Legend, Goddess Parvathi killed a demon called Kamsasuran who lived here and attempted to become powerful through his penance. Devi along with the help of Veerabadra, Ganesha and Shiva initially made him dumb and he came to be called Mookasuran (Mooka means dumb). Later the goddess killed him with her Chakra and called as Mookambika thereafter. The place where Devi killed Mookasura is known as Marana Katte.

The Panchaloha (five metals) image of the Goddess Mookambika is stated to have been consecrated by Adi Shankaracharya during his visit to this place. Devi Mookambika has three eyes and four arms, with chakra and conch in her hands sitting in the padmahasana ...

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At a distance of 39 km from Kemmangundi, 47 km from Shimoga, and 79 km from Chikmagalur, Amruthapura is a village located in the Chikmagalur district of Karnataka which is well known for the famous Amruteshwara Temple. It is one of the historical places to visit as part of Kemmanagundi Packages.

The Amruteshwara Temple is an ancient temple built in 1196 AD by Amruteshwara Dandanayaka, a general of the Hoysala ruler Veera Ballala II. Ruvari Mallitamma, the well-known Hoysala sculptor and architect is known to have started his career here working on the domed ceilings in the main mantapa. On the porch of the temple is a large stone inscription, a fine example of medieval Kannada poetry. This temple is situated near the Bhadra Reservoir in the Malnad region surrounded by coconut and palm plantations. It is one of the best places to visit in Kemmanagundi.

Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this temple was built using soft claystone. This medium-sized temple showcases excellent craftsmanship of Hoysala architecture. This temple is in the ekakuta style, it has just one vimana, unlike other trikuta temples built by Hoysalas at Somnathpur and Belur. The temple has a large maha mantapa and a ranga mandapa connecting it to the beautifully carved main sanctum. The inner shrine is square-shaped with ...

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At a distance of 14 km from Honavar, and 15 km from Murudeshwar, Ganapati Temple is a Hidu temple situated at Idagunji village near Murudeshwar. It is one of the famous temples in this region, and among the popular places to visit in Murudeshwar.

Located on the left bank of River Sharawati, the Idagunji Temple is dedicated to Lord Ganesha. According to the legend, Lord Ganapati stayed in this place which was known as Kunjaranya. It is said to be a place of penance selected by ancient Rishis. The importance of Idagunji is mentioned in the Skanda Purana. This temple is one of the major pilgrimage centers in Karnataka and attracts more than 1 million devotees per year.

Lord Vinayaka can be seen here in a standing posture, which is a rare sight. Vinayaka Chathurthi is the major festival celebrated here. Idagunji can be reached by bus from Honavar or Manki.

Timings: 6AM - 1PM & 3PM - 8.30PM

Entry: Free

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At a distance of 500 m from Apsara Konda Bus Stop, 7 km from Honavar, 28 km from Kumta and 20 km from Murudeshwar, Apsara Konda Falls is a small waterfall located in the Uttara Kannada (North Canara) district of Karnataka. It is one of the scenic tourist places near Murudeshwar.

The water cascades down from a height of 10 meters into a pond below. The specialty of this pond is that it faces the sea and appears like a lagoon. People say that Angels used to come from heaven and take bath in that pond, hence the name Apsara Konda. Reaching the base of the waterfall is an easy as steps have been built to make the trail easier for the public. A unique fact about the waterfall is that the water flows down through the roots of a peepal tree while descending to the pond below. The pond is very safe for swimming and playing.

Just few mins walk from the falls is a magnificent hill which has a viewpoint. The hill and beach offer a beautiful view of sunset. Apsara Konda Hill contains many small and big caves known as Pandava Caves. People believe that Pandava's had stayed in these caves during their exile. Karnataka tourism department has taken initiatives to develop this place as major tourist attraction. The department built a beautiful park in the hillock and boating is initiated in the pond. As a result Apsara Konda is witnessing many tourists these days.

There is a beautiful temple - Umamba Maha Ganapathi and Ugra Narasimha ...

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At a distance of 16 km from Shimoga, the Sakrebyle Elephant Camp is a forest camp for captive elephants in Karnataka. Situated on Shimoga - Thirthahalli Road, it is one of the top places to visit as part of Shimoga tour packages.

Set amidst the calm and peaceful lush greens, the Sakrebyle Elephant camp is regarded as one of the best camps for training elephants in the Karnataka state. Many tourists and wildlife enthusiasts come to visit to explore the lifestyles of elephants residing in the camp and enjoy their time. Located on the banks of the Tunga River, the camp houses 25 elephants including both trained and untrained. These wild elephants are brought to the camp and tamed as well as being provided with nutrition and healthcare. The camp is maintained by the Karnataka Forest Department.

The Sakrebyle Elephant Camp is one of those ecotourism centers in Karnataka that offers general people an opportunity to look at the huge tuskers from close quarters. The main attraction of the camp is the interaction session allowed between the visitors and the elephants. The baby elephants are a fascinating watch. One can go for a ride or can bathe the elephants, feed the elephants, and also can reside in the camp stay to know much about the elephants. There is also a Children's park inside the elephant camp where children can have great fun. This place is perfect for both kids and adults.

Timings: 8. 30 AM - 11 ...

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At a distance of 13 km from Shimoga, the Tyavarekoppa Lion & Tiger Safari is a safari park situated in Shimoga, Karnataka. Located on Shimoga - Sagara Road, it is one of the must-visit Shimoga tourist places, especially for wildlife enthusiasts.

Starting in 1998, the Tyavarekoppa Lion and Tiger Safari is the second safari park in Karnataka after Bannerghatta National Park. Spread across 200 hectares of land, Tyavarekoppa Safari park is the place to rehabilitate the lions and tigers that are rescued from circuses across India. It is an open zoo where wild animals can be seen roaming inside the reserve.

Despite the name, the lion and tiger are neither the only animals here, nor are they the only big cats here. Visitors can catch glimpses of leopards, sloth bears, deer, and many other species of animals. A relatively rare black panther was born here during 2012 and is available for public view as a caged animal.

The main attraction of the Tyavarekoppa Lion & Tiger Reserve is the jeep safari conducted by the forest department. The open jeep safari allows visitors to have a look at various wild animals from close quarters. One can watch a variety of rare migratory birds inside the reserve. The place also has a small zoo and a well-maintained children's park where the kids can have a nice time.

Timings: 10 AM - 1PM & 2. 15 PM - 5 PM, Closed on Tuesday & on Public Holidays

Entry: ...

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At a distance of 32 km from Shimoga, Mandagadde Bird Sanctuary is a small picturesque sanctuary on an island located in the River Tunga at Mandagadde village near Shimoga. Located on Solapur - Mangalore Highway, it is one of the few bird sanctuaries in Karnataka, and among the best places to visit near Shimoga.

Spans an area of 1.14 acres, Mandagadde Bird Sanctuary is one of the 20 important bird sanctuaries in India, and among the few bird sanctuaries in the Malnad region of Karnataka. The sanctuary is visited by migrant birds as the roaring waters of the mighty Tunga River provide ideal conditions for nesting and breeding of the lovely birds. This spot is very much adjacent to the National highway between Shimoga to Thirthalli and easily reachable.

A part of Shettihalli Wildlife Sanctuary, Mandagadde sanctuary is important for bird nesting with over 5,000 birds here from July to September. The three most important of these species are Darters, Median Egrets, and Cormorants. The quaint little island is also graced by the presence of various other varieties, such as the Maiden Egret, Pied Kingfisher, Wooly Neck Stalk, Night Herons, Open-billed storks, etc. The birds prefer the top branches of the trees for nesting as the island is partially submerged by the swollen river Tunga during the monsoon.

The best season to visit would be between July and October, with August being the ...

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At a distance of 17 km from Agumbe, and 96 km from Shimoga, Kundadri is a beautiful hill top located near Agumbe in the Shimoga district of Karnataka, India. It is one of the top places of trekking in Karnataka, and among the must-visit places as part of Agumbe tour packages.

Rising at an altitude of 3,200 feet, the Kundadri hill is known for the 17th-century Jain temple dedicated to Parshwanath Tirthankara. The name Kundadri is believed to be derived from the name of Acharya Kundakunda, a popular 4th century Jain Monk, who is said to have taken shelter in these hills. The small temple, along with two small ponds form the only building on top of Kundadri hills. The Jain Temple is particularly crowded amid the season of Makara Sankranti in January.

Boasting dense jungles of the Western Ghats, Kundadri is a trekker's haven and a paradise for nature lovers. A rough, 7 km rugged narrow path leads to the top of the hill and is a moderate trek. The trail can be a bit challenging at first but quickly becomes simpler and more rewarding as you take in the stunning scenery around you. One can also reach the top by driving your way up, except for the last fifty steps or so. However, the area is best explored whilst trekking in the surrounding jungles. From the top of the peak, you can have a panoramic view of the distant backwaters of the Varahi Dam. Camping in the ...

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At a distance of 46 km from Kollur, 57 km from Sagara, and 84 km from Shimoga, Nagara Fort is an ancient fort situated in Nagara town near Shimoga. It is one of the magnificent forts in Karnataka, and among the top places to visit near Shimoga.

Also known as Shivappa Nayaka Fort or Bidanur Fort, Nagara Fort was built by Veerabhadra Nayaka of the Keladi dynasty in 1640, after Ikkeri, the original capital of Ikkeri rulers was lost to the Sultans of Bijapur. Shivappa Nayaka succeeded Veerabhadra Nayaka and is credited with taking the Keladi Dynasty to its peak and improving the fort. Raja Ram, son of Shivaji Maharaj of Maratha is said to have taken asylum in Nagara Fort. The Nagara Fort was referred to as the Bidanur Fort till the 16th century as Bidanur was the last capital city of the Keladi Kingdom. The fort later fell into the hands of Haider Ali in 1763.

The beautiful Nagara Fort is built on a small hill near a lake and is a popular place known for its scenic views. Much of the fort is in ruins but one can see the remains of the palace, guardrooms, wells, storage facilities, watchtower, and canons. The fort has a well-developed system to circulate water. Nagara fort's main entrance and exterior walls are largely intact, helping us understand and appreciate the rich history. Another important area in the fort that is worth mentioning is the Devagange, the royal bathing area. It consists of 7 ponds of different shapes and sizes and these ponds contain water collected ...

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At a distance of 20 km from Hebri, 30 km from Agumbe, and 47 km from Udupi, Kudlu Teertha Falls is a picturesque waterfall located deep in the jungles of the Western Ghats near Hebri. Also known as Sita Falls, it is one of the most beautiful and most pristine falls in Karnataka and among the best places to visit near Agumbe as part of Udupi tour packages.

Located on Udupi-Agumbe Road, Kudlu Theertha is the first waterfall on the River Sita. It is a spectacular waterfall that drops from a height of about 300 feet into a pond. Legend has it that thousands of years ago sages used to meditate near the place where the pond exists today. As such, the local people consider the water of the pond to be very holy.

The pond where the water drops from the mountain is not very deep. Visitors can walk to a point where they can stand beneath the falling water and enjoy a refreshing bath. However, visitors need to exercise caution while putting their heads under a thick stream of water as the water drops down with immense force. Apart from waterfalls, the place is also known for its serene atmosphere. There is one more waterfall above Kudlu Theertha called Manga Theertha but there is no direct access to this fall.

Koodlu Theertha has remained as an isolated beauty that can only be reached by trekking through the dense forest. To reach the waterfall, trekkers have to cross the river Sita through a bridge built across it. The ...

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At a distance of 52 km from Agumbe, and 77 km from Udupi, Kunchikal Falls is a stunning waterfall located at Nidagodu village near Masthikatte in Shimoga district of Karnataka. Situated on the Shimoga-Udupi border, it is one of the beautiful waterfalls in Agumbe.

Formed by Varahi River, Kunchikal Falls cascades down from a height of about 455 m. The Kunchikal waterfall is 116th highest waterfall in the world and the highest waterfall in India. The River Varahi flows down from a greater altitude in a cascading manner over these rocky structures close to the Hulikal Ghati Temple. It is the main source of one of Karnataka's hydroelectric projects. Its evergreen natural beauty and vitalizing airs mesmerize visitors and attract tourists in large numbers every year. Situated amidst the dense lusty woods, the waterfalls are also a popular trekking spot.

After construction of Mani Dam near Masthikatte and underground power generation station near Hulikal, the water flow to this falls is greatly reduced and visible only during the rainy season (July-Sept). As the waterfall is within the restricted area, Gate pass is required to visit and the pass is being issued at Hosangadi village (about 15 km away). The area surrounding the waterfall is preserved very well to maintain the serenity of the area.

The best time to visit the Kunchikal Falls is during the rainy season i.e. from July to September. The enormous flow of water that gushing out of the waterfall is indeed a ...

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At a distance of 21 km from Agumbe, and 47 km from Udupi, Someshwara Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected wildlife sanctuary located in the Western Ghats of Karnataka. Lies in Udupi & Shivamogga districts of Karnataka, below Agumbe, it is one of the lesser-known places of wildlife in Karnataka.

Someshwara Wildlife Sanctuary was established in 1974 with an area of 88.40 sq. km. In 2011, the sanctuary was subsequently expanded to 314.25 sq. km by adding Balehalli Reserve Forest, Agumbe State Forest, Someshwara Reserved Forest, and Tombatlu Reserved Forest areas. The expanded sanctuary forms a contiguous stretch of protected area that includes Mookambika Wildlife Sanctuary, Sharavathi Wildlife Sanctuary, and Kudremukh National Park. The sanctuary was named after the presiding deity 'Lord Someshwara' of the famed Someshwara temple located within the sanctuary. The perennial Sita River flows through the sanctuary.

The sanctuary is home to several animals including Barking Deer, Bonnet Macaque, Common Langur, Gaur, Jackal, Leopard, Lion Tailed Macaque, Sambar, Spotted Deer, Tiger, Wild Dog, and Wild Pig. There are also a few exquisite birds like Ceylon Frogmouth, Malabar Pied Hornbill, Malabar Trogon, and Malabar Whistling Thrush which can be found in the Someshwara Wildlife Sanctuary. Reptiles like pythons, Monitor lizards, and King Cobras abound in the forest. The forest is also a butterfly lover's paradise.

The sanctuary ...

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At a distance of 36 km from Sirsi, and 54 km from Jog Falls, Unchalli Falls is a magnificent waterfall situated at Heggarni in the Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka. It is one of the best waterfalls in Karnataka, and among the must include places in Jog Falls Tour Packages.

Also known as Lushington Falls, Unchalli Falls is created by a 116 m drop in the Aghanashini River. The Aghanashini River here takes a deep plunge to create this spectacular waterfall. The waterfall is named after J.D. Lushington, a district collector of the British empire who discovered it in 1845. This waterfall is also known as Keppa Joga because of the deafening sound it makes. It is one of the top Jog Falls tourist places.

Heggarne is the nearest village to Unchalli Falls, which is about 5 km away and the last 2 km to be covered on foot. The trek path is wide and not very steep. There is no path to reach the bottom of the falls/pool and any attempt is also very dangerous. For the convenience of the visitor, the government built two viewpoints to view the falls but the dense forest surrounding makes it difficult to get a complete view of the falls.

The best time to visit the falls is from July to September when it will be in full bloom. It attracts locals and tourists from all over the world, with ...

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At a distance of 24 km from Benne Hole Falls, 30 km from Kumta, 55 km from Sirsi, 86 km from Karwar, and 103 km from Jog Falls, Yana is a village in Uttar Kannada district in Karnataka. It is well known for the unique rock formations in the Western Ghats.

Among the most prominent places to visit in Jog Falls, Yana is famous for two massive rock formations known as the Bhairaveshwara Shikhara and the Mohini Shikhara. The huge rocks are composed of solid black, crystalline Karst limestone. Bhairaveshwara Shikhara is 120 m (390 feet) in height, while the Mohini Shikhara, which is smaller, is 90 m (300 feet) in height. A cave temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is found at the base of the Bhairaveshwara Shikhara. Water drips from the projecting rocks over the Shiva lingam, and people call this water Gangodbhava. The idol of Goddess Parvathi is found at the base of the Mohini Shikhara. Yana can also be visited as part of Sirsi Tour Packages.

According to mythology, once the demon king Bhasmasura performed penance to acquire a boon from Lord Shiva. As per the boon, whatever he touched burnt into ashes. Bhasmasura chased Lord Shiva to destroy him, who found refuge in the Bhairaveshwara peak at Yana. It is also believed that the other peak called Mohini is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, who took the form ...

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At a distance of 7 km from Dharwad Railway Station, 9 km from ISKCON Sri Krishna Balarama Temple, and 20 km from Hubli Junction Railway Station, Nuggikeri Hanuman Temple is a sacred Hindu temple located at Nuggikeri village in Hubli. It is one of the prominent temples in the Dharwad district, and among the must-visit places during your Hubli Trip.

Nuggikeri Hanuman Temple is an ancient temple in Dharwad and is dedicated to the monkey god Hanuman, also known as Sri Balabhima. Located on the banks of Nuggikeri Lake, Sri Hanuman at Nuggikeri had been in worship for hundreds of years, and is among the best pilgrimage places to visit in Hubli. According to folklore, Lord appeared in the dream of His devotee and instructed him to bring out the idol from the lake for worship. Accordingly, the devotee searched the lake and brought the idol out, and started worshipping. The deity is said to be idolized by a senior member of the Nuggikeri village belonging to the Nuggikeri Desai family while the reinstallation of the Lord was done by his holiness Sri Vyasaraja, the chief saint in the court of Sri Krishnadevaraya of Hampi. To date, the temple administration is controlled by the Desai family.

The temple has a three-tier raja gopuram that is facing south. There is a deepa stambha in front of the raja gopuram. In the sanctum sanctorum, one can see the ...

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At a distance of 17 km from Hubli Junction Railway Station, Navagraha Teertha or Navagraha Tirtha is a Jain temple situated at Varur near Hubli, Karnataka. It is one of the major places of pilgrimage for the Jain community in India, and among the top places to visit in Hubli.

Adjacent to the Pune-Bangalore Road, the construction of Navagraha Teertha began in 2005 and was inaugurated in 2009 with mahamasthabhishekam. The work was supervised by Sri Gunadhar Nandi Maharaj, supported by Sri Dharmasena Bhattaraka Swamiji and hundreds of volunteers with donations from philanthropists. It has become an important place in Karnataka that draws huge crowds from all over the country.

Spread over 45 acres, the temple features a 61-foot tall monolithic idol of the Shri Parshvanatha in the Kayotsarga posture mounted on a 48 feet (15 m) pedestal making its total height 109 feet. The statue is the tallest statue of the Jain deity Parshvanatha in India and weighs 185 tons. The monolithic statue of Lord Parshwantha is larger than the statue of Gomateshwara or Lord Bahubali in Shravanabelagola. There are also smaller statues of the other eight Jain Tirthankaras.

It is believed that the Graha doshas of nine planets can be resolved by worshipping the following nine Tirthankaras here. Accordingly, the statues have been mounted on respective planet-like structures that the Teerthankars represent at the Navagraha Tirtha. Bhagavan Padmaprabhu (Sun), Bhagavan Chandraprabhu (Moon), ...

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At a distance of 64 km from Badami, 86 km from Hubli, 99 km from Belgaum, Sri Kalika Devi Temple is a Hindu temple located in the small village of Sirasangi in Belgaum district of Karnataka, India. It is one of the popular temples in Karnataka, and among the best place to visit as part of Hubli Packages.

The Kalika Devi Temple at Sirasangi is dedicated to Goddess Kali. As per the studies conducted by the department of archaeology, the temple of Shri Kalika Devi in Sirsangi might have been constructed during the first century. Sirasangi is mentioned as Rishishringapura, Pirishingi, or Hirishingi in two records from the same place dated 1148 of Jagadekamalla and another dated 1186 of Someshwara IV. It was a noted commercial center.

According to mythology, Kalika Devi Temple is the exact place where sage Vrushya Shrunga is involved in penance. However, demons like Narundasur, Bettasura, and Nalundasur disturbed his meditation. Then the goddesses Chikkumbasura (Chikkumbi) and Hirekumbasura (Hirekumbi) killed these demons heeding the please of the ascetic Vrushya Shrunga. The Goddesses later settled down here and consequently the sanctuary of Sri Kalika Devi was raised in Sirsangi.

The place also has many monuments, and temples including Kalmeshwara Temple, and Bhairaveshwara or Kalamma Temple. Also, there are two small hillocks at the outskirts of the village, one having a cave locally called Maunappanagavi and the hillock is called Kallupuragudda. The cave can ...

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At a distance of 24 km from Gadag, 44 km from Hubli, Amruteshwara Temple is an ancient temple situated at Annigeri in Karnataka. It is one of the popular heritage temples in Karnataka, and among the popular places to visit near Hubli.

Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the Amruteshwara Temple in Annigeri was built in the year 1050 CE by the Kalyani Chalukyas, and was the first temple made of soapstone. The temple is a fine example of Kalyani Chalukyan Architecture. Built-in the Dravidian style, the temple has a roof that is supported by 76 pillars. The walls of the temple are covered with carvings of mythological figures. The Amruteshwara Temple was to be the prototype for later, more articulated structures such as the Mahadeva Temple at Itagi.

Annigeri is the birthplace of the famous Kannada poet Adikavi Pampa. It served as the last capital of Kalyani Chalukyas for a short period as their main capital 'Kalyani' was seized by Kalachuri rulers. It was also part of the Hoysalas, and Yadavas, and Kalachuri domain. The historic town came into the limelight post finding mysterious 600+ skulls. Besides, Annigeri is also home to temples dedicated to Banashankari, Basappa, Gajina Basappa, and Hanuman. Annigeri has seven mosques and two Lingayati Mathas.

The best time to visit this temple is between December and January. This is the time of the temple car festival, the Rathotsava when an idol of Lord Amruteshwara is taken out in procession in a Ratha.

Timings: 8 AM - ...

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At a distance of 11 km from Kumta, 22 km from Gokarna, 31 km from Honavar, 59 km from Karwar and 56 km from Murudeshwar, Mirjan Fort is a beautiful fort located in the village of Mirjan near Gokarna. It is one of the most popular heritage places to visit in Gokarna.

Located on the banks of the Aganashini River, a tributary of Sharavathi River, the Mirjan Fort is known for its architectural elegance, and is one of the must include places in Gokarna Tour Packages. Built over an area of about 10 acres, the fort is approached through a series of wide steps that lead to the interiors of the fort. It is a double-walled fort built using laterite stones and has high walls and bastions with high turrets. The fort has four entrances and is surrounded by a moat with interconnected wells.

Mirjan Fort has a rich history and there are many versions of the origin of the fort. According to one version, the fort was built in the 16th century by Chennabhairav Devi, Queen of Gersoppa, a subordinate of Vijayanagar kings. Her reign was one of the longest in the history of female domination in Indian history, from 1552 - 1606. The stronghold of her territory was centered on North and South Kanara districts and South Goa. After the battle of Tallikota in 1565, the territory was attacked by Bijapur Sultans. ...

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At a distance of 30 km from Siddapura, 40 km from Unchalli Falls, and 64 km from Sirsi, Burude Falls is a stunning waterfall situated at Illimane village in Siddapur Taluk. It is one of the beautiful waterfalls in Karnataka, and among the must-visit tourist places in Sirsi.

Located in the Western Ghats of India, the Burude Waterfall is also known as Illimane Falls because it is formed of a rivulet called Illimane, the tributary of the Aghanasini River. This 90 feet waterfall descending into 5 different levels, and each level creates a separate natural pool at the base. The waterfall is famous for its breathtaking beauty and mesmerizing surroundings which consist of lush green forests. The waterfall gets frequent local visitors due to its proximity to Siddapur and is famous as a picnic spot that can be visited along with Sirsi Packages.

There are tons of activities including trekking, and bird watching in and around the fall that requires more than a few hours to explore. Enjoying a calm walk around the waterfall or sneaking out into the wilderness with friends is a must-experience thing for everyone who visits.

Burude Waterfall is best enjoyed during the months between November and February in other words between winter and before summer when the weather is pleasant and there is less ...

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At a distance of 43 km from Sirsi, Mattighatta Waterfall is a small picturesque waterfall situated near Mattighatta village in the Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka. It is one of the lesser-known Karnataka Waterfalls, and among the must include places in Sirsi Tour Packages.

Popularly known as the Hasehalla Falls, Mattighatta Water Falls is a small waterfall formed by a string of few streams mainly the Hasehalla stream. It is one of the popular places to visit in Sirsi. It is a two-tiered waterfall amidst the dense forest and strong wall-like rocks. It cascades down from a height of about 350 feet into a large pool, and further pass into a narrow river canyon. Even in December, the river had enough water to make the waterfalls majestic. The high rising rocks on either side add to the beauty of the falls.

To reach the falls, visitors must travel from Sirsi on Kumta road till Hegde Katte, which is about 15 km away from Sirsi. Then go on Mattighatta road up to 7-8 km to find Devanahalli village. After covering another 15 km, one can reach Mattighatta village. From here, starts the tough journey cum trekking downhill for about 2 km to enter Kelagina Keri. A short walk will lead to a river and trek alongside the river negotiating rocky boulders to reach the base of the waterfalls. The river ...

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At a distance of 18 km from Benne Hole Falls, and 30 km from Sirsi, Wate Halls Waterfall is a picturesque waterfall situated near Nilkund village in the Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka. It is one of the lesser-known waterfalls in Karnataka, and among the must include places in Sirsi Tour Packages.

Waate Halla Fall is formed by a stream called Wate Hole, a tributary of the Aghanashini River. It cascades down from a height of around 100 feet. The stream Wate Hole falling from a height of around 100 feet in 3 stages to form an eye-catching waterfall in the Western Ghats of Karnataka. The locals named this fall Wate Hole / Wate Halla falls as Wate in Kannada stands for a variety of bamboo which can be seen in the surrounding forest area and Hole/Halla means a stream of water.

The waterfall is invisible from the top of the valley as it is fully covered with trees but one can hear the roaring sound during monsoon season. One has to descend the valley nearly 300 feet to reach the base of the waterfall. The path is very steep and challenging. And, it is impossible to reach the base of this falls in the rainy season as the path is so slippery along with dangerous rocks all around the falls.

This waterfall is approachable from Nilkunda village on Sirsi-Kumta road. At Nilkunda, take a right deviation into Nilkunda-Devimane road. After a kilometer from here, a stream cuts the road, and after the stream the road forks. The right-hand fork is easy to miss, but this ...

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At a distance of 45 km from Sirsi, the Tarakeshwara or Tarakeshvara Temple is a Hindu temple complex located in Hangal, Karnataka. It is one of the ancient temples in the Malnad region of Karnataka, and among the top places to visit near Sirsi.

Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the Tarakeshwara Temple dates back to the 12th century AD and is considered to be an architectural marvel. The temple was the most significant contribution of the Kadambas to the history of the town. However, the town and the temple came into prominence during the rule of Kalyani Chalukyas who were the most powerful in the Deccan region during their period. They made massive architectural innovations and additions to make it into the present form. It is a protected monument under the Archaeological Survey of India.

Built with grey-green chloritic schist, the temple is a fine example of the typical Chalukyan style of architecture with influences of Dravidian and Nagara styles. The main temple consists of a Garbhgriha or sanctum with adjoining enclosures like the Antarala, Navaranga, Sabhamandapa, and Mukhamandapa. The sanctum sanctorum houses Lord Tarakeshwar is in the form of a linga along with sculptures of Vishnu, Brahma, Karthikeya, and Nandi.

The major attraction of the temple is the main hall which has a large domical ceiling in the form of a lotus. The elaborately-carved structure is 9 m in diameter, and a huge stone, 6 m in diameter, forms the ceiling of this structure. The stone, cut ...

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At a distance of 27 km from Hangal, and 68 km from Sirsi, the Nagareshvara Temple is an ancient Hindu temple situated at Bankapura in the Haveri district of Karnataka. Located inside the ruined Bankapura Fort, it is one of the historical temples in Karnataka built by Western Chalukyas, and among the must-visit places near Sirsi.

Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the Nagareshwara Temple was built in the 11th century in the Western Chalukya style. This eye-catching temple is also called Aravattu Kambada Gudi which means 60 pillars temple in Kannada. According to archaeologists, the temple suffered much damage when Bankapura fell to the armies of Firoz Shah Bahamani in 1406 CE and later again when it was occupied by the Bijapur Sultan Adil Shah. However, despite much plunder, the large temple with its majestic mandapa still retains some of its original beauty. The temple is a protected monument under the Archaeological Survey of India.

The temple is constructed with soapstone and comprises a small shrine and a closed hall (mandapa) that connects to a large open hall (Navaranga). Like all Western Chalukyan temples, the sanctum is connected to the large hall via a vestibule (antechamber). At the end of the large hall, facing the sanctum is an open Nandimantapa. The highlight of the large hall is the bell-shaped lathe-turned pillars. The main decoration on these pillars is the horizontal rings of moldings. The ceiling in the large hall is highly decorative with designs such as rosettes ...

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At a distance of 26 km from Bankapura, 34 km from Hangal, 72 km from Sirsi, and 78 km from Hubli, the Siddheswara Temple, locally called Purada Siddeshwara, is an ancient Hindu temple located in the town of Haveri in Haveri district of Karnataka. It is one of the popular temples in Karnataka built by the Western Chalukyas, and among the top places to visit near Sirsi.

The SiddheshwarIt is considered an ornate example of 12th century Western Chalukyan architecture and is well known for the many loose sculptures of Hindu deities that exist in it. However, the inscriptional evidence within the temple suggests that the temple was built in the late 11th century. Initially, the temple was constructed as a Vaishnava temple, but later in the years, the Jains removed the images, and thus the Shiva temple was created since it came under the possession of Shiva devotees.

The Siddheshvara temple is built of soapstone and faces west, instead of facing the rising sun in the east like all Chaluyan temples. The temple bears a close resemblance to a few other Chalukyan temples in the vicinity of Haveri- the Mukteshvara temple at Chavudayyadanapura, the Someshvara temple at Haralahalli, and the Siddharameshvara temple at Niralgi. The entire basement of this temple has sunk by a few feet, making it necessary to descend into the open mandapa (hall). The Siddhesvara temple boasts of 1300 stone carvings.

The mantapa (hall) in the temple contains sculptures of Uma Maheshwara, Vishnu ...

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At a distance of 13 km from Benne Hole Falls, and 28 km from Sirsi, Sri Venkataramana Temple is a sacred Hindu temple situated at Manjuguni in Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka. It is one of the popular places of pilgrimage in Uttara Kannada, and among the must-visit places in Sirsi.

Located in the Sahyadri Hills, the Manjuguni Temple is dedicated to Lord Venkataramana and Goddess Padmavathi. According to Sri Venkatesha Mahatmya, the founder of this temple is Sri Tirumala Yogi, a saint. It is believed that the Lord of Tirupati settles down here in this temple while traveling around the globe hunting wild animals. Thus the temple is also referred to as Tirupathi of Karnataka or Chikka Tirupathi. During winter, this place will be covered by thick fog, and hence this place is called Manjuguni.

The Venkatramana Temple at Manjuguni is a huge complex built in Vijayanagara style. The temple has a huge Dwaja Sthambha, Bali Peetha, and then the entrance to the main shrine, which includes the facade, the hall, and the Navaranga, Sukhanasi, and sanctum sanctorum of the original temple. The main idol here is assumed to be more than 1000 years old. The special feature of the idol here is that the Lord is holding an arrow and bow as symbols of assurance and protection to the devotees. His consort Goddess Padmavathi is on the right side. Navaranga hall has several pillars decorated with beautifully carved figures of gods and goddesses that attract the attention of every visitor. ...

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At a distance of 16 km from Banavasi, and 41 km from Sirsi, Gudavi Bird Sanctuary is a protected sanctuary situated at Gudavi village in the Shimoga district of Karnataka. It is one of the lesser-known bird sanctuaries in Karnataka, and among the popular places to visit near Sirsi.

Spread over an area of 0.74 sq. km, Gudavi Bird Sanctuary is a paradise for ornithologists. It was declared as a bird sanctuary in 1986 and is now protected. The sanctuary is located on the banks of Gudavi Lake surrounded by a thick cover of green trees. The small lake is filled with water throughout the rainy season. As per a survey, there were 217 species of flora and fauna, belonging to 48 families in the bird sanctuary.

A variety of birds migrate to Gudavi for breeding in the months of monsoon, that is, from June to December, an ideal period for a visit. The trees and the natural lake give shelter to these birds. The sanctuary inhabits various species of migratory birds like white ibis, little cormorant, Indian cormorant, little grebe, and jungle fowl along with common species like heron, ibis, egrets, darter, cormorant, parrots, mynas, and kites. A special platform is built for the bird watchers to have a closer look at the birds.

The sanctuary has 2 entrances, and tickets are given at both sides. From the entrance, one has to take a vehicle some 700m, park it and then walk along the pond. Platforms are constructed for visitors to walk on, making them visitor friendly. Department ...

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At a distance of 26 km from Koppal, 43 km from Gadag, 70 km from Hampi, and 79 km from Badami, Mahadeva Temple is an ancient temple situated at Itagi in the Koppal district of Karnataka. It is one of the popular heritage temples in Karnataka, and among the popular places to visit near Hampi as part of Hampi Tour Packages.

Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the Mahadeva Temple at Itagi was built in the year 1112 CE by Mahadeva, a commander (dandanayaka) in the army of the Western Chalukya King Vikramaditya VI. It was constructed on the general plan of the Amruteshwara Temple at Annigeri. The Mahadeva Temple has the same architectural components as Amruteshwara but there is a difference in their articulation. The well-executed sculptures, finely crafted carvings on walls, pillars, and the tower make it a good example of complete Western Chalukyan art which speaks volumes about the taste of the Chalukyan artisans. An inscription dated 1112 CE in the temple calls it Devalayagala Chakravarti means Emperor among Temples. The Mahadeva temple is a protected monument under the Archaeological Survey of India.

The Mahadeva Temple is an example of Dravida articulation with a Nagara superstructure. The temple plan consists of a shrine (cella) which is connected to a closed mantapa (hall) by a vestibule (antechamber). The closed mantapa leads to an open mantapa. This open mantapa has 64 pillars, 24 of which are full pillars that support ...

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At a distance of 35 km from Aihole, Kudalasangama is a pilgrimage site in the Bagalkot district of Karnataka. At the confluence of Krishna and Malaprabha Rivers, it is one of the popular places to visit in Aihole. It can also be visted along with Badami Tour Packages

Kudalasangama is famous for 850 years old Sangameswara temple, known as Kudala Sangameswara dedicated to Lord Shiva. Built-in 12th century, the temple is situated on the banks of the Krishna River and it was renovated several times. The temple is constructed in Dravidian style with a large temple tower at the entrance, followed by the main temple with a porch, navaranga and sanctum. The door frame of the garbhagriha is richly carved with floral designs and animal figures. It is one of the must include places in Aihole tour packages.

In front of the temple, amid the river, is a small stone mandapa with a Shivalinga in it, and lofty cement concrete dry well has been built around it to protect it from submersion. The sikhara of the temple is a typical South Indian-style structure. The temple has inscriptions dating back to 1160 AD and 1213 AD.

This place is also associated with famous saint Vishwaguru Basavanna, a great devotee of Lord Shiva and the founder of the powerful Lingayat faith. His samadhi is at Kudalasangama. ...

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At a distance of 10 km from Gadag, and 77 km from Badami, Lakkundi is a historical place situated between Hubli and Hospet. It is one of the popular places of heritage in Karnataka, and among the must visit places part of Badami Tour Packages.

Lakkundi is a place of historical importance with about 50 temples and 30 inscriptions from the period of the later Chalukyas, Kalachuris, and the Hoysalas. Kashi Vishweshwara Temple, dedicated to Lord Siva is a grand temple with wonderful carvings on the towers and the doorways. The temple was built around the 11th century during the late Chalukyas period. The architecture and carvings of the temple have similarities with the Hoysala temples at Belur & Halebid. Nanneshwara Temple looks like a simple and small replica of the much elaborate Kashi Vishweshwara Temple. It is one of the most popular places to visit in Badami.

Lakkundi is also noted for its veiled wells, artistically built with decorated enclosures enshrining lingas inside the walls. The Manikeswara Temple exhibits the artistic and architectural marvel of the wells constructed during that period. The sculpture museum maintained by the Archeological Survey of India is an added attraction here. There is also a Jain Temple dedicated to Mahavira ...

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At a distance of 75 Kms from Murudeshwar, 90 Kms from Udupi, 110 Kms from Shimoga & 20 Kms from Kollur, Kodachadri is a mountain peak in the Western Ghats situated at an altitude of 1343m. Kodachadri is a wonderful place for trekking and is among the top destinations for trekking in Karnataka. It is believed that Shankaracharya did meditation on this hill and there is a 'Sarvajna Peetha' located on top of the hill.

There are several routes to trek these wonderful hills. Famous route starts from Nagodi village situated on Kollur - Nagara route. The trek duration is about 5 hrs on this route (one way). Trekking via Hidlumane Falls is a magnificent experience, though it's bit difficult & long route (via Nagara, Nittur & Marakutuka). There is also a Jeep route via Sampekatte which needs only 3 Kms trek to reach the top, after the Jeep ride.

There are few accommodation facilities available at top of the hills including a forest guest house.

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At a distance of 23 km from Sirsi, 50 km from Jog Falls, 139 km from Karwar and 111 km from Shimoga, Banavasi, also known as Konkanapura, is an ancient temple town in Uttar Kannada district of Karnataka.

Situated on the banks of Varadha River, Banavasi lies in the Malnad region of Western Ghats.
Banvasi is the oldest town in the Karnataka state. The name Banavasi comes from the words Bana and Vasi, which means forest and spring respectively.

Banavasi was once the capital of Kadamba rulers, an ancient royal dynasty of Karnataka. They established in 345 AD and ruled South India for at least two centuries. Before the Kadamba dynasty, Banavasi was under the reign of different dynasties, including Sathavahanas, Chutu and Pallavas. From mid-6th century to 8th century, the town was under the rule of Chalukyas. After Chalukyas, Rashtrakutas, Chalukyas of Kalyani, Yadavas, Hoysalas, Vijayanagara kings, Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan ruled this region. After the death of Tipu Sultan, the town was conquered by the British, who ruled the region till independence.

The Madhukeshwara Temple is the main attraction of Banavasi. This is one of the oldest temples in Karnataka. The main deity is Lord Shiva in the form of a honey colored Shiva Linga. The color of the Linga is the reason for the name, Madhukeshwara. The temple is a simple structure with minimal decorative sculptures on the walls and pillars. The temple is in the ...

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At a distance of 25 km from Yellapur, 76 km from Sirsi, 75 km from Dandeli, and 113 km from Gokarna, Sathodi Falls is a picturesque waterfall situated near Kallaramarane Ghat in Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka. It is one of the beautiful waterfalls in Karnataka, and among the must include places in Sirsi Tour Packages.

Sathodi Falls are formed by several streams and cascades down from a height of 50 feet. It further joins the backwaters of the Kodasalli dam built over the Kali River. This is popularly known as the Mini Niagara and also one of the top places to visit in Dandeli. This falls forms a part of the Ganeshgudi forest range. The fall drops into the natural pool that surrounds the rock and swimming is possible here. It is advisable to avoid this place during peak monsoon season. It is home to leeches which are very active in the rainy season.

Surrounded by the mighty Western Ghats and evergreen forests, the milky white waters of the falls offer a soothing contrast to the emerald natural beauty all around it. There is also a waterfall near to sathodi falls called Kumbal Falls. Kumbaal Falls is not familiar to the tourists though it is very close to Sathodi is because of the quiet interior forest. This beautiful waterfall cascades down from 100 feet height in the deep forest of Western Ghats. Make a note that it is quite difficult to reach there by vehicle, better walk a bit!

From Yellapur, visitors ...

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At a distance of 18 km from Yellapur, 60 km from Sirsi, 81 km from Dandeli, 88 km from Hubli, 107 km from Gokarna, and 117 km from Jog Falls, Magod Falls is a group of waterfalls situated at Magod village in Uttar Kannada district of Karnataka. It is one of the best waterfalls in Karnataka, and among the must include places in Dandeli Tour Packages.

Magod Falls is engulfed amidst the trials of the Western Ghats of Karnataka. Formed over Bedti River, also known as Gangavalli River, it is a two-tiered waterfall that falls from 200m in cumulative height and then split into two segments. It is one of the popular tourist places in Dandeli. The thickly wooded countryside, the roar of gushing water, and a beautiful view combine to make this spot one of the best Dandeli tourist places and also a trekker's paradise.

One can reach the Magod waterfall after climbing through the rocky and boulder-filled pathway. This path is surrounded by dense green forest and muddy paths. Visitors can't explore the bottom of the fall but one can cherish the lures of the picturesque view. This place attracts relatively less crowd and becomes isolated by 5 PM, so better to visit this place in the morning time. It is situated close to the famous sunset point in the ...

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At a distance of 109 km from Kolhapur, 88 km from Panjim, 68 km from Belgaum, Amboli is a hill station in Maharashtra situated at an altitude of 690 m (2000 ft). It is the last hill station before the coastal highlands of Goa, and amog the top places to visit near Kolhapur.

This hill station forms the southern range of the Sahyadri Hills. The Konkan coast lies on one side of Amboli, whereas valleys are found on the other three sides. A British Colonel Westrop made a major contribution to the development of Amboli as a hill station.

Amboli is an idyllic hill station that comes alive in monsoon when the area is abounding with waterfalls and mist. Amboli is receiving an annual rainfall of about 750 cm, the wettest region in Maharashtra.

The best time to visit Amboli is between October and February when the waterfalls can be seen gushing down from the hills. The sunset point, Amboli Waterfall, the origin of Hiranyakeshi River, Shirgaonkar Falls, Nagatta falls are worth visiting. The Hiranyakeshi River originates from a cave adjacent to the Hiranyakeshi temple and flows out from the 'Kund'. The Mahadevgad Fort is about 3 km from Amboli. The Nagatta Falls is an excellent location for picnics and relaxing. Amboli has many viewpoints, like the Sea View Point, the Kavelsad Point, the Parikshit Point, and the Mahadevgad Point. Located 10 km from Amboli, the Bauxite Mines are another attraction.

Rickshaws, ...

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At a distance of 40 km from Sangli, and 61 km from Kolhapur, Sri Kopeshwar Temple is an ancient Hindu temple situated at Khidrapur village in the Kolhapur district of Maharashtra. Located at the border of Maharashtra and Karnataka, it is one of the ancient temples in Maharashtra, and among popular places to visit near Kolhapur.

Built on the banks of River Krishna, Kopeshwar Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, and is one of the must include places in Kolhapur tour. According to archaeologists, the construction of the temple began by Badami Chalukyas in the 7th century AD and remained incomplete for a long time. It was patronized by the Shilahara Kings during the 12th century. Lord Shiva has worshiped here in the form of a Shivalinga as well as a sculpture of his fierce form, Veerbhadra. Legend has it that Lord Shiva got angry when Sati sacrificed herself and he was then brought to this temple by Lord Vishnu. This is how the temple got its name as Kopeshwar which means furious god.

Kopeshwar Temple is a magnificent piece of intricate Chalukyan architecture. Built with basalt stone, the entire temple is divided into four parts Swarga Mandap, Sabha Mandapa, Antarala, and Garbhagriha / Sanctum Sanctorum. The Swarg Mandap of the temple is unique and stunning. The mandap is supported ...

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At a distance of 80 km from Kolhapur, and 89 km from Ratnagiri, Vishalgad Fort is an ancient fort situated at Vishalgad village in Kolhapur district of Maharashtra. It is one of the historical forts in Maharashtra, and among the best places to visit near Kolhapur.

Also called Khelna or Khilna by the locals, Vishalgad Fort was one of the important forts of the Maratha empire. According to history, Vishalgad Fort was built in the year 1058 by Shilahara king Marsinh and was initially known as Khilgil. In 1209, the then king of Seuna Yadavas of Devagiri defeated Shilaharas and captured the fort. In 1309, Allauddin Khilji defeated King Ramchandra of the Seuna Yadavas of Devagiri and soon the fort was attached to the Khilji dynasty. Later, the fort was under the rule of the Vijayanagar Empire, and then the Adishlahi dynasty. In 1659, Shivaji captured the fort from Adilshah and renamed the fort 'Vishalgad' which means grand or giant fort.

In July 1660, the fort witnessed Shivaji's escape from the Adilshahi blockade around Fort Panhala and the Battle of Pawan Khind. After Shivaji's death, Chhatrapati Sambhaji would spend most of his time on the fort. He took initiative in the renovation and reconstruction of some parts of the fortresses and gates of the fort. During the times of the Maratha Empire, Vishalgad was made the capital of a large region consisting of ninety towns and villages in Kolhapur and Ratnagiri districts. In 1844, as a result of mutiny by the Killedars, ...

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At a distance of 22 km from Kolhapur, Panhala Fort is an ancient fort situated at Panhala town in Kolhapur district of Maharashtra. Also known as Panhalgad, it is one of the historical forts in Maharashtra, and among the best places to visit near Kolhapur.

Panhala Fort is strategically located looking over a pass in the Sahyadri mountain range which was a major trade route from Bijapur in the interior of Maharashtra to the coastal areas. Due to its strategic location, it was the center of several battles in the Deccan involving the Marathas, the Mughals, and the British East India Company, the most notable being the Battle of Pawan Khind. It is also called the 'Fort of Snakes' as it is zigzagged in shape.

Built between 1178 and 1209 CE, Panhala Fort was one of the 15 forts built by the Shilahara ruler Bhoja II. A copper plate found in Satara shows that Raja Bhoja held court at Panhala from 1191-1192 CE. It was successively held by the Yadava and Bahamani Kings. In 1489 AD, the fort and the territory were taken over by the Adil Shahi dynasty of Bijapur. Shivaji seized the fort in 1659 AD. In July 1660, Shivaji escaped from the Adilshahi blockade around Fort Panhala and the Battle of Pawan Khind. The fort went to Adil Shah, and it was only later, in 1673, that Shivaji occupied the fort once again, stationing 15,000 horses and 20,000 soldiers here. Panhala would be the second-most important fort in the Maratha empire after the capital, Raigad.

After the death ...

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At a distance of 35 km from Amboli, 59 km from Belgaum, and 87 km from Kolhapur, Ramtirth Waterfall is a beautiful waterfall situated at Ajara near Kolhapur. It is one of the stunning waterfalls in Maharashtra, and among the must include places in Kolhapur tour.

Formed over River Hiranyakeshi, Ramtirth Waterfall is a natural waterfall popular for its unmatched serenity and beautiful locales. The spot is mostly used for day picnics and to unmind from the hustle-bustle of the city. According to legend, the place is so named because Lord Rama had stayed here during his exile in the forest. It is one of the spectacular Kolhapur places to visit.

The main feature of the waterfall is it never dried. However, the beauty of the waterfall enhances during the monsoons when it is in full swing. Also, It is well known for its breathtaking natural beauty. The area also has several temples which are thronged by pilgrims at all times.

Timings: 6 AM - 6 PM

Entry: Free

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At a distance of 4 km from Sangli Railway Station, and 47 km from Kolhapur, Sangli Ganapati Temple is a sacred Hindu temple situated at Ganapati Peth locality of Sangli town in Maharashtra. It is one of the prominent temples in Maharashtra, and among the popular places to visit near Kolhapur.

Dedicated to Lord Ganesh, the Sangli Ganapati Temple is situated on the eastern banks of the Krishna River. The construction of the temple started in 1814 by Chintamanrao Patwardhan, the first head of the Sangli, to honor the guarding deity of the Sangli city. The construction of this temple took a period of 30 years and was completed in 1845. The king consecrated the idol of Lord Ganesha in this temple only. In 1952, a red stone arch was erected in front of the Ganesh temple. The rest of the temple was completed during the reign of Chintamani Rao II. Vijay Singh Patwardhan has recently renovated and transformed this temple.

Considered as a masterpiece of Peshwa architecture, the main temple is made of black stones brought from the Jyotiba hills. The doors of the temple have been carved out of multi-colored natural wood. The premises of the temple is spread over an area of 2 acres of land and comprises of a large hall, a platform, and a 'Nagarkhana'. The idol of Ganesha with Riddhi-siddhi in marble is beautiful in the temple. Around the main temple, there are four temples of Chintamaneshwar, Chintamaneshwari, Suryanarayana, and Laxminarayan. These four temples along with the ...

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At a distance of 28 km from Sangli, and 30 km from Kolhapur, Bahubali Kumbhoj is a Jain Tirth situated in Kolhapur district of Maharashtra. It is one of the popular places of Jain pilgrimage in Maharashtra, and among the must include places in Kolhapur Trip.

Kumbhoj Bahubali is home to Shri Bahubali Bramhcharya & Vidyapeeth. Dedicated to Lord Bahubali, it is an Atishaya Kshetra i.e. place of miracles. According to history, Kumbhoj is an ancient city where ascetic saint Shri Bahubali Maharaj lived almost 250 years ago. The name of the place has been kept as Khambhoj Bahubali in memory of the great saint. After the death of the saint, the place is visited by many notable people such as Muni Shri Prabhachandraji, Muni Shri Kamlakarji, and Shri 108 Shanti Sagarji. In 1937, Chaturmas Vaktavya i.e. the Four Monthly Statement was delivered from here. As per history, it is said that the first holy pilgrimage to the sacred place Shri Sammed Shikharji also began from here.

In Kumbhoj Bahubali, a 6 feet high beautiful, artistic idol of Lord Bahubali is installed here in 1156 AD by the motivation of an ascetic saint Shri 108 Shrut Sagarji Maharaj. This Tirth has small scale replicas of Gajpantha, Taranga, Mangi-Tungi, Sonagiri, and Pavagiri on left and Kailash Parvat, Shikharji, and Girnarji on the right side. Jal Mandir, Ratnatraya temple, Shantinath Temple, Chandaprabhu Temple, Adinath Temple, and Samavsharan Mandir are also built near the main temple. The temple also has a ...

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At a distance of 20 km from Kolhapur, Jyotiba Temple is a sacred Hindu temple situated near Wadi Ratnagiri in Kolhapur district of Maharashtra. It is one of the revered places of pilgrimage in Maharashtra, and among the top places to visit near Kolhapur.

Standing 3124 feet above sea level, the glorious temple of Jyotiba is dedicated to Lord Jyotiba, who was believed to be an embodiment of three different deities Brahma, Vishnu, and Maheshwar. According to mythology, Jotiba helped Mahalaxmi in her fight with the demons. He founded his kingdom on this mountain. It is believed that this temple should be visited after visiting the Mahalakshmi Temple of Kolhapur.

The Jyotiba temple was made in three different stages. The original temple was established by Navji Saya while the main temple that stands today was built by Ranoji Shinde in 1730 in its place. It is 55 feet in length, 37 feet in width, and 77 feet in height. The second temple of Kedareshwar was constructed by Daulatrao Shinde in 1808 and is 49 ft x 22 ft x 89 ft high while the third temple of Ramling was constructed in circa 1780 by Malji Nilam Panhalkar, and is 13 ft x 13 ft x 40 ft high including its dome.

The interior is elegant while the exterior includes a flight of 100 stairs that pilgrims need to climb to reach the main temple. The triangular domes of the temples are painted in shades of yellow while the main body and walls are still in the same stone that they were made of. The premises includes ...

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At a distance of 55 km from Kolhapur, Radhanagari Wildlife Sanctuary is a wildlife sanctuary located at Dajipur in the Kolhapur district of Maharashtra. Also known as Dajipur Wildlife Sanctuary, it is one of the popular wildlife sanctuaries in Maharashtra, and among the must include places in Kolhapur trip for wildlife enthusiasts.

Nestled in the southern end of the Sahyadri hills in the Western Ghats, Radhanagari Wildlife Sanctuary was the former hunting grounds of the Maharaja of Kolhapur. Among the prime places to visit near Kolhapur, it was declared as a wildlife sanctuary in1958 and is the first declared wildlife sanctuary in Maharashtra. In 1985, the Government of Maharashtra expanded the sanctuary by declaring additional areas of forest including the catchment basins of Kalammawadi Reservoir (Rajarshi Shahu Sagar Reservoir) and Radhanagari Dam & Reservoir (Laxmi Sagar Reservoir) as Radhanagari Wildlife Sanctuary. The total area of the sanctuary is 351 sq. km. Popularly known in the state as Bison Sanctuary, it is a natural World Heritage Site of category ix and x since 2012.

Radhanagari Wildlife Sanctuary contains tropical evergreen forests typical of the northern Western Ghats. About 425 species of plants have been recorded in the sanctuary. The sanctuary is home to 47 species of mammals, ...

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At a distance of 30 km from Karad, 49 km from Sangli, and 64 km from Kolhapur, Sagareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary is a Deer sanctuary situated at Deorashtre in the Sangli district of Maharashtra. It is one of the prominent sanctuaries in Maharashtra, and among the popular places to visit near Kolhapur.

Sagareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary is a man-made sanctuary located at the meeting of Kadegaon, Waluva, and Palus tehsils of Sangli district. Covering over an area of 10.87 sq. km, this is an artificially cultivated forest without a perennial supply of water, and most of the wildlife species were artificially introduced. This protected area was previously declared as a forest park, then Sagaroba game reserve in 1980, and thereafter, in 1985, it became Sagareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary when approximately 52 animals were set free in the area.

The sanctuary is forested, but with grassy hill slopes. Large animals found in the sanctuary include several types of deer (Sambar Deer, Blackbucks, Muntjac, Chital) as well as wild boar and peacocks. Small carnivores like hyena, fox, and porcupines are also found in the area. A large number of insects, birds, and reptiles such as pythons and other snakes are also present. The most popular tourist activity is hiking to the top of a hill in the sanctuary, from which one can see the Krishna River flowing through fields of sugarcane and grapevines.

The Sagareshwar sanctuary has much religious, cultural, and archaeological significance ...

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