Kundadri

If you have ever driven down to Agumbe from Shimoga, chances are you would watch the sunset and drive back. While driving to Agumbe, there is this place called Guddekere. From there, a turn to the right leads to Kundadri hill which is 8 km from Guddekere . That’s what I did, on my way to Agumbe. Took a right to Kundadri, which is an adventurous place for trekking lovers. Surrounded by dense evergreen forests, it is a lovely place for trekking. This hill is a gigantic monolithic rock. One can reach the hill top by good asphalted road and also trek from base to the top of the hill. The walk up the hill using the shortcut route is a great experience .If you drive to the hill, after the parking lot, one need to use the stone-paved path that leads to the top. Atop this hill, is a `Jain Basthi’ (Jain settlement) which is said to be of 17th century and next to which are three ponds. Kundadri is named after a Jain Monk Kundakundacharya.

Kundadri, surrounded by lush green provides a picturesque scene of both sun rise and sun set. On a sunny day, you will find the horizon glittering, Guess what the glitter: The Arabian sea at Udupi! One can also camp near Basthi and camping in the open at this hill top on a full moon night is an exhilarating experience. On a full moon night one can experience sun rise and moon set at the same time.From the hill top you can see the twists and turns of the Thirthahalli-Agumbe road.
One can reach Kundadri :
By road : From Bangalore, one has to take the National Highway NH-206 to reach Shimoga and then take NH-13 (Thirthahalli road) to reach Thirthahalli. From Thirthahalli take the Shimoga Udupi road and at Guddekere, take right to reach Kundadribetta.
By rail :The nearest railway station is in Shimoga. Numerous trains run from Bangalore ,Mysore and Hubli to Shimoga.
By air : The nearest airport is in Managalore and is 190 Kms from Thirthahalli.
Accommodation : one can pitch tents at the top of the hill and stay overnight or can stay at Agumbe too.

Tirthahalli

Thirthahalli is a small town in the district of Shimoga amidst dense forest of Western Ghats. As one enters Thirthahalli from Shimoga , they come across Anandagiri Gudda. It’s a small hill which can be climbed anytime of the year. At the top of the hill, one cannot miss out the large mantapa. The Scenic beauty from the top of the hill is worth the climb. As one goes through the town, the next prominent thing is the River Tunga which flows through the town. The Bridge built across river Tunga is also very unique.
















Thirtha in kannada means Pure and Halli means Village. The origin of the name dates back to Mythological story of Sage parusharama. According to the Story , Sage Parusharama Chopped his mothers head on the orders of his father, sage Jamadagni. Parashurama tried to wash the blood stains off the axe by dipping it in various rivers. In spite of his efforts, stain remained on the axe and was washed away only when he dipped his axe in the river Tunga at Thirthahalli. The spot where he washed his Axe obtained holiness and came to be called Ramatheertha. Around Ramatheertha there are Chakratheertha, Shankatheertha, Gadatheertha and Padmatheertha. Near Ramatheertha, there is a stone mantap called “Rama Mantap.” Between Ramatheertha and Chakratheertha there is a cave where people used to meditate.

This is also a very holy place for Hindus because of the belief that a dip in Tunga can cure one’s sins and also because of the presence of Sri Rameshwara Temple.On the River Bank. This temple is built of stone and stands on a high place on the bank of the river Tunga which flows majestically through this town. The sanctum sanctorum of the temple has the “Mood Linga ,” which is said to have been installed by Sage Parashurama himself.The main attraction at Thirthahalli is the Yellu Amavasya jatre which takes place every year. As one goes out of Thirthalli, the scenery on either side of the road, with arecanut, coconut trees and palms,is spellbinding .Towards Agumbe, one will come across Siddeshwara Gudda. From the top of this hill, one will be able to see Kodachadri and Kundadrri.

There are lot of tourist and unexplored attractions around Thirthahalli.
Mrugavadhe : Mrugha in Kannada means animal and Vadhe in native language means Killing. It is believed that during Ramayana, Maricha in the disguise of a Golden Deer was killed by Rama here.
Kavaledurga : Kavaledurga is situated at about 20 kms on the Thirthahalli-Kundapura road and is at 5000 Ft above sea level. A small fort was constructed at Kavaledurga, near Thirthahalli at around 9th century AD. fort is ruined to a large extent and what remain are two fortress and the Mylaareshwara shrine. At the top of the hill is the Srikanteshwara Temple. The view of the Western Ghats and the Varahi and Chakra rivers are mesmerizing.
Ambuteertha : River Sharavathi originates at Ambuteertha which is 10 Kms from Thirthahalli on the Thirthahalli Hosanagara road. 2 Km from Ambutheerha, one can find the Accha kanya falls, where Sharavathi falls 6.1 meters in preparation before Jog falls.
Chibbalagudde : Chibbalagudde is 10 KM apart from Thirthahalli on Thirthahalli-Koppa road and has lot of fishes at Tunga river.The Siddi Vinayaka Temple here is quite famous.

To reach Thirthahalli :
By road : From Bangalore, one has to take the National Highway NH-206 to reach Shimoga and then take NH-13 (Thirthahalli road) to reach Thirthahalli. Thirthahalli is at a distance of about 62 km. from Shimoga. Thirthahalli is around 330 km from Bangalore on Raod and 190 Km from Mangalore.
By rail :The nearest railway station is in Shimoga. Numerous trains run from Bangalore ,Mysore and Hubli to Shimoga.
By air : The nearest airport is in Managalore and is 190 Kms from Thirthahalli.

Lakkavalli dam - BRP

Bhadra river project or BRP very famously know to people is a huge dam built across the River Bhadra.This place is also known as Lakkavalli dam since this is located very close to Lakkavalli village.This place is 18 Kms from Bhadravathi town.The drive from Bhadravathi through the Umblebayalu resrve forest atkes one through the densely forested area.This dam was designed By SIR M.Vishweshwaraiah , the then chief Engineer of Karnataka state.It's a 194 Ft high , multipurpose dam serving the purpose of irrigation and there is also a Generating station with two turbines.

The dam is beautiful with full of water through out the year.The dam site is very picturesque.Like any other Dam site there are lots of forested islands with the hill ranges forming a beautiful backdrop.There is also Bhadra wildlife Sanctuary in the backwaters of this dam.The Bhadra wildlife sanctuary covers an area of 492 KM square.One can spot wild animals like Tiger,leopard.Herds of Elephants,Spotted dear.The sanctuary has started a tiger-conservation project called 'Project Tiger' which is an initiative from the Indian Government.When I was a child we have seen a tiger entering the township from this reserve.

This place is equidistant from Bhadravathi as well as Shimoga.But the drive from Bhadravathis is very picturesque. The Twilight hour is the beat time to visit this area.One can capture amazing pictures.Recently the Jungle lodges have started the resort inside the Dam site area and is called River tern Lodge.Nice place to stay .Generally booked over the weekends.

Getting here :

By Road - BRP is 18 Kms from Bhadravathi and Tarikere.From Bangalore,Bhadravathi and Tarikere both are well connected by road.KSRTC has recently introduced Volvo buses which are comfortable and fast way of reaching Tarikere and Bhadravathi from Bangalore.

By Rail - Bhadravathi and Tarikere has a railway station and there are frequent trains that run to Shimoga from Bangalore and Mysore.Birur Junction is around 60 Kms from Shimoga and is well connected by train to most part of India.

Accommodation : There are lots of decent budget hotels in Bhadravathi.But there is resort River tern lodge run by Jungle lodges and is a nice place to stay.

Mandagadde Bird Sanctuary

A drive from Gajanur on the Tirtahhalli road along the backwaters of Tunga through the row of trees , amidst dense forest of Shettyhalli wildlife Sanctuary leads to a tiny little village of Mandagadde.Malnad region has two famous bird sanctuaries. One's the Uluve Bird Sanctuary and the other one is the Mandagadde Bird sanctuary. The drive from Gajanur to Mandagadde is very pleasant and the picturesque. To reach this place. One doesn't need to go through tough terrain but a simple drive on straight road one can see a tiny island formed by Tunga river.That is the Mandagadde Bird sanctuary. Three species of birds mainly the median egret, the little cormorant, and the darter visit during onset of monsoon n stay till early October for breeding and August is the peak season and total number of birds during this month is some where around 5000.
A watch tower is built on the banks of the river tunga to catch the sight of these birds. one can also sit on the river bank and have a look at these visitors dart into the water in search of their catch.One can also go for a Coracle ride to have a close look. The day I visited, I think I was extremely lucky that I got the opportunity to spot a snake bird fishing and feed it's little one. Thanks to the camera I have. Getting here :
By Road - Mandagadde is 30 Kms from Shimoga .From Bangalore,Shimoga is well connected by road.KSRTC has recently introduced Volvo buses which are comfortable and fast way of reaching Shimoga from Bangalore. Shimoga is around 270 Kms from Bangalore.
By Rail - Shimoga has a railway station and there are frequent trains that run to Shimoga from Bangalore and Mysore.Birur Junction is around 60 Kms from Shimoga and is well connected by train to most part of India.

Accommodation : There are lots of decent budget hotels in Shimoga.But , during my last visit I saw that a resort has come up near Mandagadde.It looks like this tiny village is getting a place on wildlife map finally.

Tunga Anicut

10 Km drive from Shimoga on the way to Tirthahalli road takes you to Tunga Anicut built across the river Tunga.The journey to Gajanur through lush green paddy fields and arecanut plantations is very picturesque.The dam is in S-Shape and uniqueness about the dam is , there are no huge Crest gates and is more like an Earthen Dam.Recently the height of the dam was increased.There are lots of forested islands in the Catchment area which makes the view surrounding the dam fantastic and makes an ideal picnic place.This region receives lot of rainfall and is lush green.This place has superb tropical forests and some very pretty hilly areas.

During heavy rains in monsoon, the water level in the dam raises and the water gushing out of the dam presents a sight that is attracting visitors.The day I visited, due to the copious rains during the week,water was let out of the dam as the storage in the reservoir has reached the full level. The dam is quite small and on the day of my visit Tunga was just four feet below the danger mark and provided a spectacular sight.

Getting here :

By Road - From Bangalore,Shimoga is well connected by road.KSRTC has recently introduced Volvo buses which are comfortable and fast way of reaching Shimoga from Bangalore. Shimoga is around 270 Kms from Bangalore.

By Rail - Shimoga has a railway station and there are frequent trains that run to Shimoga from Bangalore and Mysore.Birur Junction is around 60 Kms from Shimoga and is well connected by train to most part of India.

Accomodation : There are lots of decent budget hotels in Shimoga.But , there is an Inspection Bungalow in the Dam site and the reservation authority is the The Executive Engineer , Upper Tunga Project,Shimoga.The booking can be done by reaching the engineer on 08182-222972.If you want to experience the rustic malnad life, you can stay at the locals residents as well.

Amrithapura

Amritapura - The Historical village is located in Tarikere taluk of Chickmagalur district and is famous for The Amriteshwara temple.10 Kms from Tarikere town is the 900 year old Amriteshwara temple built by hoysalas in 1196.

Hoysalas built many ornate temples like the one's you find at Belavadi,Bhadravathi and this is also one of those fine example of architectural wonders. Like the other Hoysala temple, this is also a star shaped temple built using Soft Clay stone ( Balapada Kallu ).The base of the wall has 5 moldings which is an older Hoysala style and the entrance has a open Mandapa with many rows of shining lathe turned pillars that support the ceiling of the mantapa. The shrine is connected to the Open Mandapa by a Closed Mandapa. The Shrine is Square shaped with Carvings of Asthadikpalakas, The carving referring Brahma, Vishnu and Maheswara is really Good. The lotus here represents Lord Brahma, the Chakra represents Lord Vishnu and the Nataraja in Tandava represents Lord Shiva.

At the entrance of the Sanctum Santorum is the carving of shradula.Shradula is a Mythological Animal Shardula.This animal has the body of an elephant , head of a crocodile and tail of a peacock.

At the Sanctum Santorum is the Shiva linga which is a saligrama from Nepal and not a carved Shiva linga like we find in other temples.

The outer wall of the temple has sculptures depicting the tales of Ramayana,Mahabaratha and Krishna leela.The Ramayana is Sculpted on the South side of the wall.The whole epic of Ramayana , is sculpted in an Anti-Clockwise direction which is very unusual. On the rear side of the temple are the Sculptures of the ShilaBalike which is usually found in all Hoysala Temples. The North side of the wall has sculptures describing Krishna Leela and the remaining carvings depict Mahaabaratha.On one of the panel, the Chief architect of the temple , Ruvari Mallitamma has also shown the way they built temples. it starts with a plain stone, next they make a rough sketch of the design and at last is the fine, detail sculpture. Also very prominent is the Original Hoysala emblem of Sala Fighting the tiger.

To reach Amrithapura, one needs to take a left turn just before Tarikere on NH206.A Kaccha road of 8 Kms leads to Amrithapura Village.
Nearest Railway station is Tarikere.

There are no hotels at Amrithapura and one can stay over at Tarikere.
Nearby Interesting places are Kemmanagundi,Kalhatti fallls,Hebbe Falls,Bhadravathi,Lakkavalli.

Hebbe Falls

If you are a Roadster with wind in you hair, then Hebbe falls is the ideal place to twitch. As one takes the road from Lingadahalli to Kemmanagundi, sprightly falls in two steps become very prominent. Yes, they are the Chikka Hebbe and Dodda Hebbe. The Hebbe falls in two steps as mentioned above.The drive to this place is captivated by mist shrouded forest.

The clouds cast a white blanket through out the journey. One can either trek a distance of 16 kms from Kemmanagundi to reach Doopadagiri estate and then reach Baby estate through the rolling mist or simply take the Four wheel driven jeep ride along a steep narrow path that meanders up from Kemmanagundi to reach the Baby estate. From baby estate, a walk of a Kilometer inside the estate after crossing three high current streams, takes one to the Mesmerizing Chikka Hebbe Falls.

To reach Dodda Hebbe, after Doopadagiri before taking a right turn to Baby estate, one needs to turn left to reach Dodda Hebbe. This trek is very treacherous and has to be trekked.
This Roaring falls gushes from a good Height and demands one to stand under the cascading sheets of water and one can enjoy wriggling in pleasure. It’s an idyllic place, devoid of cell phones, the usual city pollution and other tourist is the Hebbe Falls.
This moss laden region is full of leeches during monsoon. It’s advisable to carry salt or Snuff powder to get rid of leeches. The best protection from leeches is to mix snuff powder with Coconut oil and apply till knee length. The Leeches are just not attracted to you and no leech bites. Travel light since there is no place to keep bags... They are bound to get wet. The wintry chill in the air near the falls is sharp biting.
To reach Hebbe Falls, Reach Kemmanagundi and hire a jeep to hebbe falls. One can also Contact Mr.Babu for this service on 91-9449700403. The road can also be trekked.

This place is closed after six in the evening since the animal movement is very high. There are no places to stay near Hebbe and the closest place is Kemmanagundi.

The superlative beauty cannot be described by words and just needs to be experienced. My happiness was percolating and I was totally thrilled looking at this falls amidst the forest.