Posts for karnataka

National parks in Kerala and Karnataka

Blog, Destinations, Wild life & Conservation - GoroadTrip - April 27, 2015

South India is surrounded by natural settings. With the mountain ranges of Eastern and Western Ghats and the seas and Indian ocean, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and the union territories, the region of South India is home to many National Parks. Some national parks of Karnataka and Kerala are:

National parks in Kerala and Karnataka

Bandipur National Park, Karnataka:

Belonging to the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve of Tamil Nadu, Bandipur National Park is one of the largest protected areas in South India. This tiger reserve forest is popular for its wildlife and flora and fauna.

Nagarhole National Park, Karnataka:

Nagarhole is also a part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve and has an impressive population of tigers, elephants and Indian bison. Nagarhole is an enchanting park with terrific scenery as it is located in the foothills of the Western Ghats and is filled with streams, waterfalls, valleys and hills.

Kudremukh National Park, Karnataka:

Located around 100 kilometres from Chikmagalur town, Kudremukh National Park is the second largest wildlife protected area in South India. It is very popular for its bio-diversity.

Bannerghatta National Park, Karnataka:

Bannerghatta National Park is frequented by tourists for its many attractions. It is ideal for trekking, has a butterfly park, a snake house, a safari park and an aquarium.

Periyar National Park, Kerala:

This national park and wildlife sanctuary in Kerala is both a tiger and elephant reserve. Also known as Thekkady National Park, it is spread high up in the Cardamom and Pandalam Hills.

Silent Valley National park, Kerala:

Situated in the heart of the Nilgiri International Biosphere Reserve of South India, the park protects the Nilgiri Langur, Wood pigeon, Malabar Giant Squirrel and Lion-tailed Macaques which is an endangered species.

Eravikulam National Park, Kerala:

Located along the Western Ghats, this wild forest and wild life park is a World Heritage Site. It is home to around 26 species of mammals, many amphibians and a great many species of birds.

Mathikettan Shola National Park, Kerala:

Mathikettan Shola National Park is a part of the Cardamom Hill Reserve. It has a number of endemic animals and plants and offers a good opportunity to explore the Shola forest area of Southern India.

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5 Forts to be visited in Karnataka

Blog, Destinations, Heritage & Culture - GoroadTrip - January 11, 2015

Called ‘Kote’ in Kannada, the forts in Karnataka date back to as many as 1000 years ago. Karnataka saw the reigns of several dynasties from the Kakatiyas and Vijayanagar kings to the Bahmanisand Adilshahis. So it is no wonder that forts played a major part in the history of Karnataka. You can have a glimpse of this history by a visit to some of the many forts of the state.

5 Forts to be visited in Karnataka

Kittur Chenamma Fort, Belgaum:

Belonging to the legendary queen of Kittur, Rani Chenamma, the Kittur Chennamma Fort can tell many tales of the battle against the British led by the queen to save her small kingdom of Kittur. The fort built out of black basalt rock is mostly in ruins today.

Gulbarga Fort, Gulbarga:

First constructed by Raja Gulchand and then fortified by Ala-ud-din Bahman the fort in Gulbarga is an impressive 38,000 square feet in area. It has around 15 towers and 26 guns which are put up for public display. The famous Jumma Masjid mosque in the interior of the fort constructed in Persian style and the tombs of the sultans are major tourist attractions.

Chitradurga Fort, Chitradurga:

The Chitradurga Fort was built by the Nayakas of Chitradurga with the primary intention of defending their city from the attacks of Hyder Ali. But they were defeated by the ruler and the fort was seized by him. The fort is regarded as one of the most picturesque ones as it is in the midst of a valley formed by the Vedavati River. The fort is also popular for the heroics of Onake Obavva, the wife of a soldier guarding the fort.

Bellary Fort, Bellary:

Built on top of the Bellary Gudda in the Vijayanagara reign, the Bellary Fort was constructed by Hanumappa Nayak. It was renovated by Hyder Ali with the help of a French engineer. The Bellary Fort is divided into upper and lower fort. The upper fort with a number of water tanks and a small temple is on the peak of the hill and can be reached by following a rocky winding path. The lower fort area has a Hanuman temple, schools, churches and government and educational institutions.

Savadatti Fort, Belgaum:

Built over a stand-alone hill having borders of exposed rocks,the Savadatti Fort can be approached by road all the way to its main gate. The fort is an irregularly shaped military structure and was constructed in the 18th century.

Almost every district in Karnataka has forts. A visit to them will make history come alive.

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