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Hill
Stations of Karnataka
Chikmagalur:
Chikmagalur district takes its name from the headquarters
town of Chikmagalur which literally means younger daughter's
town. It is said to have been given as a dowry to the younger
daughter of Rukmangada, the legendary chief of Sakrepatna.
Another part of the town bestowed on the elder daughter is
known as Hiremagalur. Certain ancient inscriptions reveal
that these two places were originally known as Kiriya-magalu
and Piriya-magalu.
Chikmagalur is located in a lush valley south of the Babu-Budan
range. The district houses fascinating monuments of all religions
- the Kondadarama Temple, a beautiful blend of Hoysala and
Dravidian styles of architecture, the Jamia Mosque and the
new St. Joseph's Cathedral with an attractive shell-shaped
portico. Hiremagalur which is now a part of Chikmagalur town
has an Ishwara Temple with a 1.22 metre high, intriguing figure
of Jademuni. The temple also houses a Yoopastambha, believed
to be installed by King Janamejaya, during his serpent sacrifice.
An ancient fort and its moat are the other places of interest.
What to See
Kudremukh: 95 kms from of Chikmagalur
town is the Kudremukh (Horse Face) range, so named because
of the unique shape of the Kudremukh peak. Kudremukh is a
secluded hill station which has retained much of its pristine,
natural beauty. Sylvan green forests punctuated by mighty
rivers, grassy slopes, exuberant cascades and rare orchids
provide a wonderful setting for trekking.Situated 1,894.3
meters above sea level, overlooking the Arabian Sea, Kudremukh
is rich in iron ore deposits.
Gangamoola: In the Samse Taluk
of Chikmagalur district, the Gangamoola hill is surrounded
by thick forests. Three mighty rivers, the Tunga, Bhadra and
Nethravathi have their origin here. A Goddess Bhagavathi shrine
and a Varaha image, 1.8 metres high, within a cave, are the
highlights of the region. The cave is inaccessible during
the monsoons.
Jamalabad Fort: Jamalabad is
famous for its fort built by Tipu Sultan, the Tiger of Mysore
in 1794. The fort was renamed after his mother Jamalbee. The
village lies at the foot of a high rock, forming a part of
the Kudremukh range of hills near Belthangadi.
Nandi Hills: Situted 60 km from Bangalore, at an altitude
of 1468 m above sea level, is the Nandi Hills resort. What
used to be the favourite summer getaway of Tipu Sultan, is
now a popular picnic spot with its awesome fort, sprawling
lawns and two ancient temples. A fantastic, awe-inspiring
cliff fall of almost 2000 feet is known as Tipu's Drop, the
views from which are simply stupendous. The stone fortress
on the hill is of special interest to students of history.
Kemman Gundi: Kemman Gundi is
not as famous as the Nandi Hills, but is exceptionally beautiful.
257 km from Bangalore, Kemman Gundi is just 120 km from the
better known Jog Falls - the highest in India.
Madikeri: Cool, beautiful - with lovely walks, wonderful
views of the sea, and old buildings such as a historic fort
and a palace - the small hill station of Madikeri, 125 km
west of Mysore, is set in the heart of exotic coffee growing
country. Also known as Mercara, this little hill township,
is the capital of the Coorg district, in Karnataka.
Biligirirangana Hills: Located 114 km south-east of
Mysore, this is a pleasant hill station. There is also a wildlife
camp here, run by the forest department. Right on top of the
hill, at an altitude of 5,091 feet above sea level, stands
the Biligiriranganaswamy Temple, from which the resort takes
its name.
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