musical fountainWhen you are in stay@Green-Embassy you are neighbour to the world famous, the most magnificent and picturesque falls in Karnataka-India. Set in the wild and exotic surrounding of the river Sharavathi, this majestic falls drops nearly nine hundred feet in the form of four main channels namely Raja, Roarer, Rocket and Rani. Watching Jog falls during the monsoons can be an unforgettable experience. The mist around makes the setting magical to view.
Even though the quantity of water in Jog Falls during monsoon is huge and gives an amazing sight, watching world famous jog falls during other seasons specially in the early mornings and evenings, even though with less water, gives you a very different experience.
Sharavati Vally view point is also very close by on Honnavar road. Don't forget to see the recently started "Musical Fountain and laser Show" at Jogfalls.
Bheemeshwara fallsSharavati Valley of Western Ghats in Shimoga district, is an heaven for nature lovers, for many obvious reasons, mountains of western ghats lie vast as far as eyes can see, pristine forests which covers the sky which now a days can be seen in very few nature trials. here lies the jewel of jungle Bheemeshwara or Bheemalingeshwara. Mythological story goes like, the Shiva Linga was established by Bheema of Pandavas during Agnaatavasa (living in hiding). There is waterfall next to the temple called Bheemeshwara falls. And same mythological story says that the waterfall formed when Arjuna used his arrow to extract water from the rocks. water in this falls never dries out through out the year.
The lush green forests, blue skies as far as the eyes can see, and silence so resounding that you can hear your own breath, surely invites any heart wanting to loose itself in the lap of nature….during this trial you will walk along the vast paddy fields, crossing many hills whose peak offers beautiful view of valley.
Bhuvanagiri in Siddapur taluk is the only place in the entire State where a temple is dedicated to Kannada Mate Bhuvaneshwari Devi.
Situated atop the 300 feet tall Bhuvanagiri, the three centuries old temple can be reached after an ascent of 350 steps. The temple deity is worshiped on all days of the year, complete with naivedya andabhisheka, accompanied with the chanting of mantras. Surrounded by lush greenery on all sides, the age-old temple is a feast for the eyes.
A casual glance at the rich historical past of the temple is enough to recognise the significance of the place. Though the idea of a temple dedicated to Bhuvaneshwari Devi was conceived by the Kadambas, the rulers of Vijayanagar carried it forward, so much so that they would not venture out without paying their obeisance to the deity.
Finally, it was the rulers of Bilagi who constructed the temple of Bhuvaneshwari Devi in Bhuvanagiri. It all started when Tirumala, the then ruler of Vijayanagar, was unable to bear the torture of Bijapur ruler Adil Shah and shifted his kingdom to Pennugudi (present day Chandragutti) with the help of the rulers of Shwethapura (present day Bilagi).
Bilagi kingdom spread from Gangavali river in Uttara Kannada district to Gangolli river in Udupi district. Since the rulers of Bilagi were both valiant and great admirers of Kannada language, a temple was built in dedication to Kannada Mate Bhuvaneshwari Devi.
There is ample evidence to suggest that the temple was built in 1692 by Basavendra, the last ruler of Bilagi. Since the area is populated by people belonging to the Havyak community, the temple administration is taken care of by them.
According to elders of the place, though there is an idol of Bhuvaneshwari Devi installed by Vijayanagar rulers in the Virupaksha temple in Hampi, Bhuvanagiri is the only place in the State where Bhuvaneshwari Mate has a temple of her own.
Burude FallsThis wonderful waterfall is around 20+kms from Siddapur and 55+kms from Sirsi, on Siddapur-Kumta road. The way to get down to the river is through a small creek which is dry in summer and which will be full in rainy and winter seasons which makes the entry to the waterfall and the valley impossible.
The first step of the waterfall has an amphitheater sort of setting where hundreds of people can sit and watch the glorious waterfall and feel the mist rushing towards them. On the other side after a serious climb down you will get to see the other end of the waterfall. And the last stretch of this waterfall can only be heard from here. If you have a heart for climbing you can climb down to the edge of the rock to see it partially. This one is a wonderful one.
Chandragutti is situated at a distance of 16 Kms. to west of Sorab. Chandragutti is a religious center. The temples of Renukadevi wife of Jamadhangi and mother of Parushurama is prominent temple attracting pilgrims from all parts of Karnataka.
GerusoppaGerusoppa village is 26 km from Green Embassy and 29 km before Honnavar, on the banks of River Sharavati in Uttara Kannada District. It was ruled by the Saluvas between 13th and 17th century. The village is renowned for the 14th century Chaturmukha Basadi (a Jain shrine), which has four identical doors in four directions.
Situated on bank of river Sharavati the old town of Gerusoppa also called NAGAR BASTIKERI is rich with historical monuments, the Chaturmukha basti being the most prominent one. It is a beautiful structure built in Vijayanagar style with Chaturasara plan. It has four entrances from four directions leading to garbhagrihas. There are four images of Tirthankaras, Vrishabha, Ajita, SambhavaOne of this has been of late damaged. The engravings in this basti of dwarapalas and other mural desigtns are well executed with refinement.
Gerusoppa Valley / Reservoir
Newly constructed Gerusoppa dam has created a unique reservoir in gerusoppa valley. The breath taking view of the valley can be had from atop a observation tower constructed by Forest dept, about 10 kms from Gerusoppa towards Jogfalls. Boat cruise in the reservoir through the valley is on the anvil.
Gudavi is a bird sanctuary 16 kms. from Sorab town on Banavasi road. There is a mud road from Chitrattihalli to the bird sanctuary. Verities of birds could be seen in the bird sanctuary from may till November. The wild life section of Forest Department has set-up a few towers for the benefit of tourists.
Hasirumaggi is place you get while on the way to Kodachadri and Kollur. We need to cross the Sharavathi back water by Barge. Huge, long strech of back water surrounded by thick dense forests make it a most beautiful spot, which you will cherish for a long time.
Holebagilu is a lovely place we get while going to Sigandoor Chowdeswari Temple. It means river gate. We need to cross the huge, long back water of Sharavathi thro the barge. It is surrounded by thick, dense forest. It is mesmerizing to travel by barge in the vast back water with so many islands created by it.
This Safari is located at Tavarekoppa 10 kms away from Shimoga in B.H. road (N.H 206), Sagar route. Forest department has set-up the Shettihalli Lion Safari, where we can see some Tigers, Lions, Chita, Bear, Deer, Birds etc. Children recreation facilities are available and it it is open between 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. everyday except Tuesday that is holiday. Almost all buses to Sagar will stop here.
Honnemaradu, a haven for water sports, is tucked away in the lush greenery of the Western Ghats along the Sharavati backwaters near Sagar. Encompassing an area of 50 km by 80 km, this reservoir stretches as far as the eye can see. One of the few places that cater exclusively to water sports, Honnemaradu or ? Golden Lake? has some of the most spectacular views of the sunrise and sunset.
Deep in a forest, without the slightest trace of civilisation, Honnemaradu is a haven for die-hard outdoors fanatics as well as those who want a complete break from the City.
Some of the water sports activities here include coracling, canoeing, kayaking and wind rafting.
AghoreshvaraIkkeri is situated in Shimoga District of "Karnataka State" at about 3 km to the South of Sagar. The word "Ikkeri" in Kannada means "Two Streets". This place was the capital of Keladi Nayakas for some years. The walls of the city were of great extent, forming three concentric enclosures. In the citadel was a palace built with mud and timber, adorned with carvings. Today what remains is the temple of "Aghoreshvara" (one of the several names of Lord Shiva), a large and well proportioned stone-building, constructed in a mixed style with a unique conception.
There are intricate carvings on the stone walls of the temple. There are carvings & sculptures such as Temple Relief (sculpture consisting of shapes carved on a surface so as to stand out from the surrounding background), Erotica, Fingurine, Old Kannada Manuscript, Sculpted Elephant etc.
Dabbe FallsDabbe Falls is a pristine waterfall near Hosagadde in Shimoga. This falls is deeply hidden in the mountains near Hosagadde. The trek route through the deep valley leads to the delightful Dabbe Falls. Hosagadde, 20 km from Kargal, is on the way to Bhatkal from Sagar via Talaguppa and Kargal, which is famous for the Jog falls.
"Dabba Falls" one of the few waterfalls of Karnataka which have not been polluted with frequent tourist and hence still preserves its heavenly touch. where the water plunges into narrow gorge, to witness one need to negotiate steep descent, checks all your Adventure skills.
Is worth all the risk once you witness the serenity of the waterfalls. Not satisfied with this then here is the bonus to trek.
Keladi and Ikkeri of Sagar taluk in Shimoga district of Karnataka have been very famous as tourist spots. But very less people know about Kalasi, where situated twin temples, a fine specimen of Hoysala architecture, constructed during 12th century.
Said to be constructed by father and son sculptors, Jankana and Dakkana, these temples reveal the artistic beauty of Hoysala architecture. They are constructed using the stone called `Somanatha Shile’, which was available in the village itself.
Both the temples have been built on star-shaped plinth and the roofs are also of star-shape. Both are Shaiva temples- one is Mallikarjuneshwara and the other, Neelakanteshwara temple.
Mallikarjuna temple, the bigger one, is formed of Garbhagriha, Sukanasi, Rangamantapa and Basavamantapa. It has eight circular pillars in the Navaranga, which are carved with pictures of different dance forms and animals. Except Sukanasi, the other frontal part of the temple feature with half walls, this has provided the temple with a unique brightness. This temple has three entrances at three directions.
Neelakanteshwara temple is about 30 feet away from Mallikarjuna temple and has only one entrance. It has a magnificent Gopuram over Garbhagriha where you can see the Hoysala emblem and a fine statue of Bhuvaneshwari. The walls on either side of the main entrance have been carved with statues related to Vatsayana Kamasutra.
This temple was built during 1218 AD, when Baleyanna Pergade ruled this place. He was the Mandalika of Hoysala Second Veeraballala. This region was called as Kundanadu or Kodanadu at that time. After Baleyanna this place was ruled by Beeradevarasa. Later, when Vijayanagara Dynasty was established, Samrat Krishna Devaraya gifted this place to Keladi King Chaudappa Nayaka.
One can see an ancient port in the forest around these temples in Kalasi with wells, ponds and the drainage system of that time.
Route: This place is 8 kms from Sagar taluk in Shimoga district, Karnataka. On the way from Sagar to Sorab in Ulavi road a name board mentioning Kalasi is seen and from there it is only 1 km journey into the village.
Sharavati Valley of Western Ghats in Shimoga district, is an heaven for nature lovers, for many obvious reasons, mountains of western ghats lie vast as far as eyes can see, pristine forests which covers the sky which now a days can be seen in very few nature trials. Here lies the jewel of jungle Kanoor Kote. Kanoor Kote is a secluded fort atop a mighty peak in the dense jungles of Western Ghats. All that remains of the fort are it’s dilapidated traces, but the lush green forests with the steep slopes surrounding the fort gives it the aura of mystery and a sinister charm. Though the fort has lost all it’s grandeur and is left in neglect for the most part, it provides a perfect spot to head for when on a trek, trying to get away from the noise and crowds of city life.
The lush green forests, blue skies as far as the eyes can see, and silence so resounding that you can hear your own breath, surely invites any heart wanting to loose itself in the lap of nature….during this trial you will walk along the vast paddy fields, crossing many hills whose peak offers beautiful view of valley. Thus is the beauty and attraction of this fort, forgotten by both man and time.
Katthale Kaanu (kannada word) means “Dark Forest”. It is a long stretch of (About 20 KM) ever green, dense forest starts about 7kms from Jog falls. It is so thick that even the sun light will find it difficult to reach the ground. It is dark(katthale) even in the noon! It is one of the rare places in Western Ghats which has so many varieties of plants, herbs and wild lives. You can get a beautiful view of both sunset and sunrise from its hill top. Great place for trekking.
Another place called Hikkali Gudda (Hill) and Sharavathy Valley View are also nearby.
This is at a distance of 8 kms. from Sagar, It is a village, which was also the capital of Keladi Nayakas for some time. There is a museum well maintained in this place. Temples of Rameshwara, Veerabhadra are worth to visit.
Kodachadri is a mountain peak (altitude - 1343 m above sea level) in the Western Ghats in South India (Karnataka State). The name is a corruption of the Sanskrit word "Kutakachalam." Kodachadri forms a picturesque background to the famous temple of Mookambika in Kollur. Situated in the middle of the Mookambika National Park, it is home to several endemic and endangered species of flora and fauna. The rain forests loom in a perpetual layer of mist around the peak.
This peak is where 'Shankaracharya' did meditation. You will find a Sarvajna Peetha of Sri Shankaracharya at the top. Adi-Mookambika temple at Kodachadri village is believed to be the Moola Sthana (the origin) of Sri Mookambika Devi. It is also an excellent locale for Trekkers and backpackers.
En route to the peak you will also find a moderate sized water fall deep inside the evergreen forest of Kodachadri, which is called 'Agastya Teertha'. The peak presents a not to be missed life-time opportunity in the evening as the sun sets in the west. You can also have a golden glimpse of the Arabian sea for a moment. The Karnataka govt. has plans to tar the road right up to Shankarapeedom. Environmentalists allege that this would destroy the peace and tranquility as well as natural habitat of many species in the region.
Kolluru is a tiny hamlet situated 40km Kundapur Town, about 140 km away from Mangalore City in Karnataka state in Southern part of India. This village lies at the foot of the Western Ghats, and is famous for the Mookambika temple, a Hindu pilgrim center.
Myths and legends
Kollur is an important seat of Shakti worship. The temple is rich in puranic lore. Legend goes that a Maharishi (monk) Kolan was enchanted with nature’s beauty and decided to perform a penance on a rock near the Agnitheertham. Lord Shiva, delighted with Kolan, appeared before him and blessed him. The Maharishi wished for the welfare of mankind and nothing else. The Lord, happy with Kolan, granted him his wish. He assured that a swayambu (autogenetic) Lingam would appear for his daily worship. However, Kolan wanted to worship Devi also. So, a swarna rekha (gold line) appeared on the Lingam, signifying Shakti. Thus, Shiva and Shakti are worshipped together in the Lingam. Besides this, a unique feature is that the other Gods and Goddess of the Hindu pantheon also believed to reside in aroopa (non-form) in the Lingam. It is thus believed to be an abode of the entire celestial congregation.
It is believed that Adi Shankaracharya had a vision of Sri Mookambika Devi and installed the deity here. The legend goes, that Adi Shankara mediated at Kudajadri hills and Devi incarnated before him asking for his wish. He revealed his wish to incorporate Devi to a place in Kerala to worship where he wanted. Devi agreed and put forward a challenge that she will follow Shankara and he should not look back until he reaches his destination. But to test Shankara Devi deliberately stopped the voice of her ornamets when they reached Kollur, and Shankara turned back because of doubt. Devi then asked Shankara to install her vigraha as he sees her.
Places of interest
Mookambika Temple
Devotees from all over South India visit this temple. Kollur is believed to be one of the seven pilgrim centers created by Parashurama, a Hindu mythological figure. The temple is devoted to the Hindu goddess Parvathi, wife of Shiva. While the other pilgrimages created by Parashurama are devoted to Lord Shiva, Lord Subramanya and Lord Ganesha, this is the only one devoted to goddess Parvathi.
Arishna Gundi Water falls
Scenic waterfall inside the deep jungle only approachable by trekking and due to the special effect of sunrays falling on the water droplets around the waterfall looks orange/yellow the name is Arishna (Turmeric/yellow).
Kodachadri Mountain on Western Ghats
Adi Sri Shakthi Mookambika Temple is on the top of mountain believed to be the real abode of Devi from where Adi Shankara re-established it at foothills at Kollur.
Mookambika Wildlife Sanctuary is world Wildlife Fund Aided. This sanctuary is home for endangered species animal called Lion tailed monkey. Spread along the Kundapur-Kollur- Shimoga road, this sanctuary is generally off the tourist map.
Sigandur
Sigandur is famous for temple of Goddess Chaudeshwari. It is situated at a distance of 45 km from Kollur where a diversion from Kollur-Shimoga Road has to be taken at Nagodi.
"Kallu Sanka" (Kannada word) means "Stone Bridge". It is a very rare natural formation of a bridge out of a single piece of stone. There are only four natural bridges in the world, out of which two are in India - one in Thirupathi and another one is this. Please do not miss to see this wonder of nature which is just a kilo meter away from Green Embassy.
Yana, in the heart of the thick woods of Western Ghats, is a pilgrim center as well as a tourist destination placed amongst the evergreen picturesque forest of the Sahyadri Mountains. The place, small coastal town and a commercial center, is known for its imposing mountains, very different kinds of rocks and stones, gushing misty water falls and the most sacred temples.
Yana is a nature’s wonder. Known for two gigantic rock formations of a height of 90 meters and 120 meters respectively called "Mohini Shikhara" and "Bhairaveshwara Shikhara". Half way up the side of Bhairaveshwara rock there is a deep cave measuring three meters at the entrance where Bhairaveshwara, the local deity is sanctified.
There was a proverb in this area that only those with tremendous bravery and determination can go to Yana, personifies the trek to Yana of the past, really an adventurous deed. Yana also moves on the evolution of modern world with motorable roads, fantastic hotels and the emerging modern civilization, of course, with its own ills.
The impressive rocks have been roughened in the due course by the extreme conditions of sun, hysterical winds and heavy rains. It is of the opinion that Yana is a must for hikers and trekkers - they will be delighted with Yana.
Impounds: Sharavathi River
Creates: Badhra Reservoir
Locate: Linganamakki, Sagar Taluk, Karnataka
Length: 2.4 km
Height: 1819 ft
Construction began: 1964
Reservoir information
Capacity: 152,000,000,000 cubic ft.
Catchment's area: 1991.71 km
The Linganamakki dam was constructed by the Karnataka State Government in 1964. Located in the Sagara taluk, the dam has a length of 2.4 km, stretching across the Sharavathi river. It is located about 6 km from Jog Falls.
The dam was designed to impound 4368 million cubic meter of water in an area of around 300 km, submerging 50.62 km of wetland and 7 km of dry land, with the remaining being forest land and wasteland. The dam's height is 1819 feet above sea level. It receives water mainly from rainfall and also from the Chakra and Savahaklu reservoirs, which are linked through Linganamakki through a canal. The water from the Linganamakki dam flows to Talakalale Balancing Reservoir through a trapezoidal canal with a discharge capacity of 175.56 cumecs. The length of this channel is about 4318.40 m with a submersion of 7.77 km. It has a catchment area of about 46.60 km. The gross capacity of the reservoir is 129.60 cu meters.
Behind the dam is a large reservoir. The discharge from the dam can be quite heavy. When the dam's sluice gates are closed upstream from Jog Falls, it is possible to walk down into the fall's ravine. The dam has a power generation capacity of 2x27.5 MW.
The Sharavathi Valley Wildlife Sanctuary is in the Shimoga District of Karnataka. The sanctuary includes a large part of the Linganamakki reservoir formed by the damming of the Sharavathi River by the Karnataka Power Corporation. The river was dammed in 1958. The sanctuary covers an area of 431 sq. km. Whilst Kargal is the entry point from the northern boundary of the sanctuary, Nagavalli is the exit on the coastal boundary (Kargal-Nagvalli is approx. 85 km.) Mupanne has Forest Rest House and Tents, which are maintained by the Wildlife Division of the Karnataka Forest Service. The Rest House is on the edge of the Linganamakki reservoir, amidst semi- evergreen forest, approximately 3 km from the main road. The northern part of the sanctuary is mainly semi evergreen forest, degraded in many areas. The entire route from Kargal, through the sanctuary, has numerous villages often bordered by plantations. A large part of the eastern part of the sanctuary is the Linganamakki reservoir itself.
Sahasralinga is a pilgrimage place in the Sirsi Taluk in the district of Uttara Kannada of Karnataka state in India. It is on the banks of the river Shalmala and is famous for being the location where around a thousand lingams have been carved on the rocks present on the river bank . In fact, the name Sahasralinga means thousand-lingams in the local language, Kannada. Sahasralinga (thousand-lingams) on the banks of the river Shalmala.
Religious significance
Lingam is a symbol of worship of the Hindu God, Shiva and its on the auspicious day of Mahashivaratri when thousands of pilgrims visit Sahasralinga to offer their prayers to Shiva [2]. Each lingam here has a carving of Nandi facing it.
SIGANDOOR (sigandur) is a popular place in Sagar with its “Chowdeswari Temple”. This place is located in the other side of backwater of river Sharavathi. Situated in the midst of highly dense forest, it attracts thousands of people every day. We need to cross the Sharavathi back water by barge (launch- big flat Boat like) to go to Sigandoor. It is a esmerizing experience to go to Sigandoor.
Sirsi a town in Uttara Karnataka, is a hill station populated with 65,000 people.This town is surrounded with thick green forest & with many water falls. Hubli being the nearest city, business opportunities are plenty. Supari (Arecanut or Betulnut) is the main business of the people. People own areca farms in acres & are satisfying the needs of the people all over India & Abroad.
Sirsi city famous for the Marikamba temple, Built in 1688. Fabulous Sri Marikamba fair takes place every alternate year. Millions of devotees rush in from all parts of the country to attend this magnificent fair of Sri Marikamba.
This dam was built in the year 1976 for Sharavathi Hydro project. It is about 7 kms from Jog falls. It works as a balancing reservoir. A beautiful picnic spot.
This place in thickets of the Sahyadri hills of the Western Ghats is around 30kms from Sirsi and 35kms from Siddapura. Here river 'Aghanashini' running through thick woods makes a spectacular waterfall. The KSRTC buses will go up to a place called Heggarani. From Heggarani it is few kilometers walk.
This is the birth place of river Varada, which is 6Kms. from Sagar. The river Varada will become one of the covering a few miles. Varada river flows through the town Banavasi before joining Tungabhadra.
The Ashram established by Sadguru Bhagwan Shreedhar Swami Maharaj is at Varadpur ,near Sagar. This is a sacred place in the Sahyadri ranges where the greatest of sages like Maharshi Agastya and Maharshi Vyas had done their sadhana thousands of years ago. Maharshi Vyas had established a temple of the Goddess Jagdamba which is still there and there is also the cave where he used to meditate in solitude. His Samadhi is also there. He had spent his last years here. All the disciples visit this Ashram as they believe that Swamiji although is omnipresent he is in the Ashram always, even when he is with the disciples wherever they are and hence the frequent visits to the Ashram, to seek the blessings of Swamiji. It is a very picturesque place, full of Nature's bounties worth visiting even if you are not a disciple of Swamiji or are not inclined towards spiritualism, after your visit there, you will be!
Shreedhar Teerth: is a constant source of water running 24 hours a day created by Swamiji, the origin of which no one knows and a pool for the storage of water is constructed there. This water which we the disciples believe will run till the existence of the Earth is purest in quality, not found in the areas around and has a fragrance of its own. Even when stored for years together in any clean container, it never looses the fragrance or is never contaminated. Itis used by the disciples as the sacred Teerth made available to them by Swamiji for use during calamities in their family lives or during the pooja.