Monthly Archives for August 2014

10 Unexplored Places of Karnataka

Blog, Destinations, Offbeat - GoroadTrip - August 29, 2014

North Karnataka is a favourite destination owing to its history and geographical features. A regular traveller to North Karnataka may have missed out on some less explored but beautiful locations. Have this list for your next visit:

10 Unexplored Places of Karnataka

Hoysaleshwara Temple, Halebeidu:

While most people visit the Chennakesava Temple in Belur, the Hoysaleshwara Temple and Kadareswara Temple in Halebeedu are also exquisite examples of the Hoysala architecture.

Yana Hills, Uttara Kannada district:

Located near Kumta, Yana is a small hill station. It has a rocky terrain with a natural wilderness and is a wonderful place for treks.

Gokak Falls, Belgaum:

Gokak Falls is formed by the Ghataprabha River. The river falls 171 feet over a sandstone cliff resemblingthe Niagara Falls of Canada. A temple of Lord Mahalingeshwara built in Chalukyan style set in the riverfront is another attraction worth visiting.

Belgaum Fort, Belgaum:

The fort in Belgaum is charming transporting you back to the times of Adil Shahi dynasty. It is complete with a moat and fortifications and also has numerous historical and religious monuments within its premises.

Koorma Gadde, Raichur:

Koorma Gadde is an island located on the Krishna River in Raichur district. Known to be the place of Dattatreya’s origin, it also holds the samadhi of Sripadavallabha Swami. A watchtower on the island rewards you with some awesome views over the river.

Kodachadri Peak, Shimoga:

This lesser known hill on the Western Ghatswill delight any hiker. You will come across a bounty of flora and fauna as you trek up this hill. The hill is also held in religious awe as it is believed that AdiShankaracharya meditated on this very hill.

Pattabhirama Temple, Bellary:

Slightly off the tourist trail is the Pattabhirama Temple near Hampi. It depicts vividly the Vijayanagara style of architecture with composite pillars and beautiful sculptures.

Sandur, Bellary:

Surrounded by villages like Donimalai and Ramgad, Sanduru has a natural aura of green mountains, gorges and beautiful valleys. Rich in iron and manganese ores, Sanduru was ruled by the Marathas. A huge fort built by them is a great tourist attraction.

Someshwara Temple, Dharwad:

Built by the Chalukyas, the Someshwara temple is one of the oldest heritage structures in Dharwad. The deities of Chaturbhuja and MahishasurMardini and the temple premises of lush grasslands charm all visitors.

Narasimha Jhira, Bidar:

Built inside a cave in the Manichoola hill range a kilometre fromBidar, the Narasimha Jharni Temple has to be visited wading through waist deep water! Visit this temple dedicated to Lord Narasimha for a one of a kind experience.

The list of less familiar places of Karnataka runs long. Make time to visit them and you will not be disappointed.

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10 Charming Islands of India

Blog, Destinations - GoroadTrip - August 16, 2014

Surrounded by water on three sides, India has no dearth of islands. Most of the islands are charming and awe with their natural beauty. Planning a trip exclusively to visit these spectacular islands in India is definitely a must. Ten of the charming islands of India are:

10 Charming Islands of India

Majuli Island, Assam:

Majuli Island is the biggest island in the world that is on a river. The island belongs to the river waters of Brahmaputra in Assam. The island is not your conventional one. It has moss on its coast instead of sand. Instead of sea food as in other islands, you get to taste the delectable local cuisine. The best part of a visit to this island is the stunning sunrise and sunset.

Divar Island, Goa:

Situated around ten kilometres from Panjim, Goa, Divar Island lies across the river Mandovi. It is one of the less explored islands of India.

Diu Island, Daman and Diu:

Often called as a twin of the Loures City in Portugal, the Diu Island has strong traces of Portuguese structures as well as culture. Additionally you get to be treated to Gujarati cuisine. The serene island with its many attractions like the Diu Fort and seashell museum has some lovely beaches and amazing sunsets.

St Mary’s Islands, Karnataka:

Similar to the Giant Causeway’s islands of Ireland, St Mary’s Islands in coastal Karnataka are formed by basaltic rocks. This group of four islands exhibit a unique hexagonal shape and have attractive rocky beaches and clear blue waters.

Lakshadweep Islands:

These are a group of 36 coral islands. The lovely palm trees, the calm shores and the extraordinary natural beauty of the islands make it a must visit destination.

Little Andaman Island, Andaman:

The fourth largest of the Andaman Islands, Little Andaman Island is a good choice for a peaceful vacation. It is a lesser known island and hence never too crowded. You get to see unblemished beauty of the beaches and the natural surroundings.

Grand Island, Goa:

If you want a holiday with lots of water sports, then Grand Island should be your choice. It is very popular for its scuba diving sites like Suzy’s Wreck dive, Sail Rock dive and Bounty Bay dive and also for other water activities like snorkelling and fishing.

Great Nicobar Island:

The largest of the Nicobar Islands, this island has an amazing stretch of flora and fauna. The crystal clear waters are tempting enough to make you want to spend all day in the sea.

Elephanta Island, Maharashtra:

Known for its cave temples, Elephanta Island is a UNESCO world heritage site. The island is an interesting way to spend a day when on a visit to Mumbai.

Chorao, Goa:

The largest among the islands of Goa, this island on Mandovi River was in the Portuguese possession and has their stamps all over. The natural thick mangrove covering parts of the island is an alluring sight.

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