In the year 1120 AD, the Chola King, Veera Ballalla ruled the Deccan plateau or the South of India. On a hunting trip in the forest he lost his way. After a long search he met an old lady in the forest who offered him shelter for the night and served him baked beans for dinner. To show his gratitude to this lady for having saved his life, the King constructed a town and named it as Benda Kalooru, which means Baked Beans. Later in 1537, a local chieftain, Kempe Gowda helped design this town and give it its modern shape.

Today Bangalore, the capital of Karnataka ranks as one of the fastest growing cities in Asia. Its pleasant climate, friendly people, and its highly educated population have made this the Silicon Valley of India with almost all Computer related multinationals setting up their India head office at Bangalore. Jawaharlal Nehru, India`s first Prime Minister termed this as `India`s city of the future`.

Bangalore is the `Garden City of India` with its many gardens and boulevards. Its pleasant climate and laid-back charm attracted many senior citizens and thus later on came to be called at `the retired man`s paradise`. And of course what is Bangalore without all its Pubs. Its is now also called the Pub City with over 200 Pubs all over the town.

Access

Bangalore International Airport has flights to all the main cities of India and also flights to many West Asian destinations as well as London and Frankfurt.

Bangalore city railway station is an important destination in the Indian Railway network with trains connecting to most parts of India including the Rajdhani Express, Sampark Kranti non stop express (from Yeshwantpur) and Karnataka Express to Delhi, Shatabdi Express, Lalbag Express to Chennai, Udyan Express to Mumbai.

Bangalore is connected to some of the major cities of India through the National

Highways NH4, NH7 & NH48.

BangaloreToTrivandrum761 Kms

BangaloreToChennai334 Kms

BangaloreToHyderabad566 Kms

BangaloreToGoa (Panaji)570 Kms

BangaloreToMumbai1033 Kms

The State Legislative and Secretariat House was built in 1956 in the Neo Dravidian Style with granite entirely sourced from the city itself. This imposing structure represents the best of Bangalore`s monuments. Do not miss the sight of the illuminated building on Sundays between 7 and 8 PM.

Directly opposite to the Vidhana Soudha is the State High court. This magnificent building was constructed in 1867 in the Gothic Style of architecture.

One of the country`s oldest art museums, this gallery houses many interesting antiques and archaeological objects. (Closed on Wednesday).

Named after the famous Sir M. Visveswaraya , an engineer par excellence who built many famous dams in Karnataka, this Science museum houses models of machines. It is a highly recommended spot for children.(Closed on Monday).

Lieutenant General Sir Mark Cubbon laid out this beautiful park in 1864. Over 250 acres of this green park is just right for long walks and hosts a children`s amusement park, a doll museum and a toy train for children. Children`s parties can be arranged with cartoons characters etc. in the park. The Vijayranga Theater complex screens children`s films and stage plays.

Bangalore`s other sprawling park is in the South of the city. HyderAli laid out the Lalbagh Gardens in the year 1760. It covers an area of 240 acres. The Glass House, inspired by the Crystal Palace in London is a favourite spot in Lalbagh which hosts the famous Flower show during the month of August.

The Bangalore Palace was built in the year 1887 by the Wodeyar dynasty. It is built similar to medieval castles in Normandy and England . It`s interiors boasts of elegant woodcarvings and Tudor -style architecture.

This houses the State Central Library. This place has a rich collection of reference books. Open between 0830 and 1900 all through the week except on Mondays.

The Palace was constructed first by Hyder Ali and completed by his son Tipu Sultan in the year 1791. Tipu called it as `The Envy of Heaven`. It is constructed mainly in wood and has fine intricately sculpted arches surrounded by exquisite minarets.

The ISKCON provides much more for the soul, than those rituals. ISKCON are centers of spiritual learning through Godly association, where a visitor is inspired to learn more about Spiritual life. There is a magnificent main temple hall, which houses the altars of Their Lordships Sri Radha Krishna-Chandra, Sri Krishna Balarama & Sri Nitai Gouranga. Also one can see the Golden Chandelier that is shaped like an inverted Lotus Flower.

Fun World is a 12 acre Disney Land Like Amusement Park, tucked into Palace Grounds, Bangalore.

It boasts of Awesome 65 feet high depiction of Lord Shiva seated in Lotus position. It has the backdrop of Mount Kailash the Lord`s heavenly abode and the river Ganga flowing from his matted locks as depicted in the mythology.

At Basavangudi is one of Bangalore`s oldest temples. Built for Nandi, the sacred Bull, the vehicle of Lord Shiva, this temple has a 4.6 meter tall-carved statue of the sacred bull.

Gandhi Bhavan displays the life of the father of the nation, Mahatma Gandhi with pictures and Photostats of his letters.

The second largest Aquarium in the country it has a large varsity of aquatic life.( Closed on Monday).

Befitting the `science city` title that it carries, the Planetarium is an interesting site for children. The English shows are held daily at 1630 Hrs. The Aquarium remains closed on Monday.

Mysore was the political capital of the Wodeyar dynasty, which ruled the state of Karnataka for some 150 years till the independence of the country from the British. These kings were great patrons of art and culture and Mysore was the cultural capital of the south under the rule of the Wodeyars. The Wodeyars made the Dussehra festival, an event to showcase the rich culture and heritage of the town. Even to this date this celebration of the Dussehra, which is a 10-day celebration during the month of Oct/ Nov is a spectacular event to watch.

Mysore is a city of palaces, gardens, shady avenues and sacred temples and retains some of the charm of the old world with its many institutions that propagate Carnatic Classical music and dance.

Situated in the southern part of the Deccan Plateau, Mysore District is an undulating tableland, covered in parts by granite outcrops and fringed by verdant forests. From ancient times, this district has played a significant role in the history of South India. Mysore District is a popular tourist destination, offering several attractions ranging from the royal splendour of Mysore City and its fabulous Dasara Festival to exquisite temples, pilgrimage centres and scenic spots.

Mysore city is at 770m above sea level and 140 kms from Bangalore. Also known as the City of Palaces, Mysore retains a quaint charm that never fails to enchant.

Mysore today, is a pleasant city with an old world charm; contributed by its broad shady avenues, well laid out gardens, fine buildings and a salubrious climate.

Mysore district is 770m above the sea level having an area of 6,268 sq. kms. The district has a population of 22,81,653 (1991 census). The climate is pleasant enough, which registers normal temperature between 19ºC and 30ºC.

Air - The nearest Airport is Bangalore (139 Kms).

By Train - Mysore is connected with many trains to Bangalore. Also the prestigious luxury train, Shatabdi Express connects it to Madras.

By Road - Mysore is located 139 Kms. to the south west of Bangalore. The state highway that connects the two cities could provide a pleasant ride through rustic countryside. A bus or car ride from Bangalore would take approximately 3 hours. Seagull Travels has 4 packages covering Mysore & other places.

Maharaja"s Palace - Designed by the English Architect, Henry Irwin, the Mysore Palace dominates the skyline of Mysore. A three storied structure in the Indo-Saracenic style built between 1897-1912, the palace has beautifully designed square towers at cardinal points, covered with domes. The Durbar Hall with its ornate ceiling and sculpted pillars and the Kalyanamantapa (Marriage Pavilion) with its glazed tiled flooring and stained glass, domed ceiling are worth noting. Intricately carved doors, the golden howdah (elephant seat), paintings as well as the fabulous, jewel encrusted golden throne (displayed during Dasara) are amongst the palace"s other treasures. The walled palace complex houses the Residential Museum (incorporating some of the Palace"s living quarters), temples and shrines including the Shwetha Varahaswamy temple. The palace is illuminated on Sundays, Public Holidays as well as during the Dasara Celebrations when 97,000 electric bulbs are used to illuminate it.

The Jaganmohan Palace - One of Mysore"s most beautiful buildings, the Jaganmohan Palace was built in 1861 by Maharaja Krishnaraja Wodeyar in a predominantly Hindu style, as an alternative retreat for the royal family. This three storied palace with stained glass shutters and ventilators, in a lovely garden setting, has since 1915, housed the Sri Jayachamarajendra Art Gallery. This museum displays paintings, sculptures and musical instruments. This gallery has a collection of exquisite paintings dating back to 1875. The collection includes paintings by Travancore Ruler, Raja Ravi Varma, the Russian Svetoslav Roerich and the traditional Mysore gold leaf style of painting.

Chamundi Hills - A prominent landmark, located at the outskirts of the city, Chamundi Hills can be reached by a 13 kms motorable road or 1000 steps built by the Wodeyars. At the crest of this hill is Sri Chamundeshwari Temple that dates back to the 11th century. The striking gopura (Pyramidal Temple tower) was added by Maharaja Krishnaraja Wodeyar-III in 1825-1826. Goddess Chamundi was the patron deity of the rulers. Near the temple is the statue of Mahishasura, the demon slayed by the goddess Chamundeshwari. Half way up the stone steps, is the 4.8 meter high monolith of Nandi, Lord Shiva"s mount.

St. Philomena"s Church - This is a beautiful gothic structure with twin spires, 175ft. in height, is modelled on the gothic Cathedral at Cologne. Designed by French architects, the foundation stone was laid by Maharaja Krishnaraja Wodeyar-IV in 1933. The stained glass windows made in France, overlooking the apse, showing the Birth of Christ, Baptism of Christ by St. John the Baptist, the Last Supper and the Crucifixion of Christ are works of art. The altar bears the statue of St. Philomena, a third century saint from Greece.

The Mysore Zoo - Sri Jayachamarajendra Zoological Gardens, popularly known as the Mysore Zoo was established in 1892 under the reign of Chamarajendra Wodeyar. Large collections of animals, including exotic species, are housed in lush green surroundings. This zoo is famous for breeding some rare animals in captivity.

Brindavan Gardens - 19 kms North of Mysore is the famous reservoir Krishnarajasagara. This Dam is built across the river Cauvery. Just below the Dam, the beautiful Brindavan Gardens are laid out. There are varieties of fountains, illuminated at night by colourful lights. The Musical fountain is of special interest which has spectacular harmony of water, colours and music.

Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary - Ranganathittu, 18 kms from Mysore, is a Bird Sanctuary that houses exotic birds. It is a group of small islands in the Kaveri River. It is home to a variety of waterbirds, including comorants, herons, egrets and spoonbills, many of whom migrate here annually from Siberia and North America, to nest and breed. Crocodiles basking in the sun are also a familiar sight. Best season to visit this place is May-Sept/Oct.

Somanathapura Temple - The Keshava Temple, located 42 kms from Mysore, was built in 1268 as part of an agrahara (scholastic community) founded by the Hoysala General Somanatha Dandanayaka. The temple is famous for its elaborate detail and for the fact that unlike the other Hoysala temples of Belur and Halebid, it was actually completed. This beautiful temple is enclosed within a walled courtyard, which is entered through a gate and porch. The temple is built on an elevated star shaped platform. The sides of the raised platform are richly adorned with carved freizes depicting rows of cavalry, elephants and stories from the epics. Above these is a row of large images, mainly of Vishnu in various forms. The triple-shrined (Trikutachala) monument has three sanctums, of which the north sanctum bears the image of Janardhana, the south sanctum that of Venugopala.The main hall has beautifully turned pillars and ceiling panels. Sadly the image of Keshava that was in the main hall is missing.

Chikmagalur is situated in southwestern part of Karnataka. Carved against a mountainous canvas this beautiful Malnad district is full of surprises... lofty peaks... delightful dales... racing rivers... sparkling streams... captivating cascades... and the bracing mountain air - a balm to the work-weary. Climb high above the world where the mountains seem to touch the sky. Marvel at the unspoilt beauty of the snow-white coffee blossoms. To add adventure to enchantment this hilly district has some exciting trekking routes in the Western Ghats.

In Chickmagalur district, the major commercial crop is coffee. Other commercial crops are Pepper, Cashew nuts etc. Mullain Giri, the highest peak in Karnataka (viz., 6,317 feet high from Sea Level) is 12 Kms away from Chickmagalur. Number of rivers originates from the hills of Chickmagalur district and flow in all the seasons. Rivers such as, Bhadra, Tunga, Hemavathi, Netravathi & Vedavathi. Several minerals are found in the district such as iron, magnetite, granite etc. A major Iron Ore Company in Asia is located at Kudremukh in Chickmagalur district.

The district is dotted with many holy spots and abounds in legends associated with stories from the great epics, the Ramayana and the Mahabharata. Right from ancient times the numerous "agraharas" have been lively centers of educational and cultural pursuits. Dating back to the early centuries of the Christian era are numerous epigraphs, which give a vivid pictures of the rise and fall of empires in the state.

From Bangalore by Train - Route: Bangalore- Tumkur - Arshikere - Kadur. Kadur is the nearest railway station to Chickmagalur. By Express Train 3 hours running time to Kadur. From Kadur 45 minutes journey by bus/taxi to Chickmagalur. Birur is the next nearest railway station. From Birur 50 minutes journey by bus/taxi to Chickmagalur.

Hassan - Belur- Chickmagalur (5 hours 30 minutes / 5 hours)

Arshikere - Kadur - Chickmagalur (5 hours 30 minutes / 5 hours)

Buses are available via Mysore-Hassan-Belur-Chickmagalur (4 hours and 30 minutes)

Trains running via Mysore - Hassan-Arsikere-Kadur (Both Passenger & Express) From Mangalore by Road (Both Private and KSRTC Buses are available) Buses are available via Mangalore - Ujire-Mudigere-Chickmagalur (4 hours and 30 minutes)

By Air Chickmagalur is accessible via Mangalore or via Bangalore or via Hubli

Mahathma Gandhi Park (Rathnagiri Bore) - This is a beautifully maintained garden for entertainment of people of all walks of life. Good for jogging, walking, children"s entertainment.

Baba Budan Range (Mountains) - To the north of Chikmagalur town is the Baba-Budan Range or Chandra Drona Parvatha as it was known in olden times, which has one of the highest mountain peaks between the Himalayas and the Nilgiris. The loftiest point of the range is Mullaiyanagiri, which is 1,926 meters above sea level. The three large caves here said to have been sanctified by 3 Siddhas contain their icons and "gaddiges" (tombs) and an annual jatra is held here in their honour. The enthralling scenery around makes this a much frequented pilgrim center. Seethala Mallappana Kanive to the left side is said to have been hallowed by Sidha Seethalaya and contains a Matha and the dual shrine temple of Seethala-Mallikarjuna. The Baba-Budan range has taken its name from the 1,895 meters high Baba-Budan Giri, situated just 28 kms north of Chickmagalur town. A beacon lighted here during Deepavali can be seen at Chickmagalur. The peak takes its name from the Muslim saint, Baba-Budan, who took up residence here for more than 150 years ago and brought the coffee seeds for the first time from Yemen. At a short distance from here are the three famous waterfalls with epic associations - Gada Theertha, Kamana Theertha, Nellikayi Theertha. The Pandava prince Bheema with his "gada" created Gada theertha according to a myth, to quench the thirst of his mother during their exile. Pilgrims, who bathe in the Nellikayi Theertha formed by Manikya Dhara waterfall, leave behind one item of their clothing as per a local belief.

Inam Dattatreya Peetha - Situated on the Baba-Budan Giri is the Inam Dattatreya Peetha venerated by Hindus and Muslims alike. A laterite cave here is believed to have been sanctified by the residence of Dattatreya Swamy as well as Hazrat Dada Hayat Mir Khalander. A fakir conducts the worship here and both Hindus and Muslims attend the annual jatra or Urus with great fervour. It was Baba-Budan Giri that the first ever coffee in the country was grown way back in 1670 A.D. Enterprising Europeans pioneered large scale coffee plantations in the district more than 150 years back and to this day the sylvan slopes are studded with coffee plantations. A walk among the coffee plants, especially during the flowering season (March - April) when the air is full of the heady fragrance of coffee blossoms, is an experience to cherish. As a major coffee producer the district also has coffee curing works where the raw coffee is dried, shelled, winnowed, graded and packed for marketing. The district also houses Central Coffee Research Institute (CCRI) formerly known as the Coffee Experimental Station started in 1925 under the stewardship of late Dr. Leslie C. Coleman. Now spread over an area of 119.86 hectares the Institute conducts research to improve the quality of coffee.

Sringeri - Sringeri, 90 kms west of Chickmagalur town on the banks of river Tunga, is a city with epic associations. The place is said to have been named after Rishyashringa who figures in the Ramayana as the chief priest at the great sacrifice of King Dasharadha. Widely known for the Jagadguru Shankaracharya Math of the Adwaitha School of philosophy. Sringeri also has an ancient temple of Vidyashankara. Constructed on a picturesque spot parallel to the river Tunga, the temple is a fine example of artistic transition from Hoysala to Vijayanagara style. Built around 1357 A.D., the imposing granite structure encloses friezes of elephants, lions, pouranic scenes, dancers in various poses etc. and figures big and small of various Hindu gods enshrined in niches with ornamental towers. The garbha - griha has a linga called Vidyashankara installed in the memory of Guru Vidyatheertha. To the north of this temple is a more recent temple built by skilled craftsmen of the 20 the century and houses the highly venerated Sharadamba image. The new temple is built in the Dravidian style. A small 14 th century temple of Janardhana close by is attributed to the Vijayanagara period. Sringeri also has an old Jain Basadi dedicated to parshwanatha Theerthankara.

Balehonnur - 45 kms. to the north-west of the Chickmagalur town is another celebrated pontifical seat of the district. Shrimad Jagadguru Rambhapuri Veerasimhasana Mahasamstana Peeta. This Veerashaiva matta with mythical connections to Ramba, celestial dancer, as also to the giant Rambasura, is one of the five great panchacharya mathas. The Veerabadra temple attached to the matha has sturdy metallic images of Veerabhadra and Bhadrakali.

Belavadi - 25 kms south - east of Chickmagalur town and just 10 kms from the Hoysala capital of Halebeedu is Belavadi, another place in the district with historical associations. This ancient village is dotted with temples and shrines, the most outstanding of them being Veeranarayana temple - a fine specimen of Hoysala architecture.

Marle - 12 kms from Chickmagalur town, Marle is another place of antiquity noted for its temples, chief amongst them being the Chennakeshava temple dating back to 1150 A.D.

Hebbe Falls - Just 8 kms away from Kemmannugundi is Hebbe waterfalls where water gushes down from a height of 168 meters in two stages. 10 kms away is another fall called Kallahathi Falls where the water cascades down from a height of 122 meters amidst fascinating scenery. A legend associates this place with sage Agastya and the local temple in a gap between rocks, is attributed to the Vijayanagara times. A jatra of Veerabhadra is held here for three days, which attracts pilgrims from far and near.

Horanadu - Set amidst enchanting natural scenery, Horanadu is 100 kms southwest of Chickmagalur and has an ancient temple of Annapoorneshwari, which has been renovated recently. With the installation of the new image of Adi Shakthi, now the temple is called Adi-Shaktyatmaka Shri Annapoorneshwari. The place attracts lots of pilgrims who are provided free boarding and lodging by the temple.

Ayyanakere - 18 kms north-east of Chikmagalur town, this ancient tank is believed to have been constructed by Rukmangada Raya a chief of Sakrepatna. Renovated later in 1156 A.D. during the Hoysala times, this large tank situated at the eastern base of the Baba-Budan range provides irrigation facilities to about 1,560 hectares of land. On a hillock here is the Prasanna Balleshvara shrine with Hoysala sculptures of Ganapathi, Surya, Krishna, Ambika, etc.

Kalasa - The old Agrahara settlement, 92 kms south - west of Chickmagalur and situated on the banks of the river Bhadra, is surrounded by lofty hills of the Western Ghats and is looked upon as one of the pancha-kshetras on the banks of the Bhadra. Close by are the pancha theerthas, the five sacred ponds. On a small hillock here is the Kalaseshwara temple dedicated to Ishwara, with a Kshetrapala shrine nearby. The Madhawacharya Bande, a large boulder at one of the theerthas here, is supposed to have been placed by Shri Madhawacharya the founder of the Dwaitha School of philosophy. A statue of the Acharya is carved on the upper portion of the rock.

Kemmanngundi - 55 kms north from Chickmagalur town on the Baba Budan range is the scenic hill station of Kemmannugundi called K.R hills, after the Wodeyar king Krishnaraja Wodeyar - IV who made it his favourite summer camp. Situated at a height of 1434 meters and surrounded by thick green forests. K.R Hills makes and ideal health resort. Beautifully laid out ornamental gardens, salubrious climate throughout the year and the panoramic view of mountains and valleys are just a few of the attractions.

Amrithapura - 67 kms north of Chikmagalur, Amrithapura is known for the splendid Amrithapura temple built in 1196 A.D by Amriteshwara Dandanayaka, a general of the Hoysala ruler Ballala II. 20 kms. to the west of Tarikere town is Somapura, another of the pancha-kshetras on the banks of river Bhadra.

Kudremukh - 95 kms south - west of Chickmagalur town and situated on the southwest border of the district, this range meaning horse-face and overlooking the Arabian Sea, is a well-known mark for the navigators. The broad hills chained to one another with deep valleys and steep precipices are replete with fascinating natural beauty. Situated 1,894.3 meters above sea level, Kudremukh is rich in iron ore deposits. The Kudremukh iron ore company conducts mining operations, beneficiation and transportation of the ore as slurry through pipeline to the port at Mangalore. This has given new life to the region and has converted this isolated tract in the inaccessible Malnad into a humming modern township.

Gangamoola (Samse) - It is a hill 110 kms south - west of Chickmagalur amidst thick forests. Three important rivers, the Tunga, Bhadra and Netravathi have their origin here. A Goddes Bhagavathi shrine and a Varaha image 1.8 meters within a cave are the chief attractions. The cave is inaccessible during the monsoons.

Bhadra Wildlife Santuary - The district with dense tropical evergreen forests interspersed with lush grassy slopes is endowed with a rich and varied fauna, abundantly seen at the Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary, 38 kms north - west of Chickmagalur town. The sanctuary surrounded by hills has the tributaries of the Bhadra River flowing through it. The western border of the sanctuary abuts the backwaters of the Bhadra Reservoir, with a catchment area of 1,968 kms. surrounded by scenic hills and steep slopes. A diverse and exciting range in wild life is found here - bison, elephants, tiger, panther, sambhar, spotted deer, wild beer, porcupine, birds like the peacock, parrot, partridge, pigeon, etc. and reptiles such as cobra, python etc. All these wild beasts can be viewed while driving along the 150 km long roads maintained inside the sanctuary.