Five places in Karnataka that you must visit this Christmas
Five places in Karnataka that you must visit this Christmas
Karnataka, in December, offers pleasant weather and a myriad of captivating destinations to explore.
Here are some of the best places to visit in Karnataka during December and how to reach there:
1. Coorg – ‘Kashmir of Karnataka’:
While travelling to Coorg from Pune, following transportation means are available:
The hill station of Coorg doesn’t have an airport which why tourists are required to fly to a nearby airport from Pune. They are then supposed to hire a taxi or take a bus to Coorg. The nearest airport to Coorg is Bengaluru International Airport which is 235 km away.
You can take a train from Pune to the nearby railways junctions. The city of Pune is connected to two of the nearest railways stations, namely Bangalore City Jn (SBC) and Mysore Jn (MYS). From Bangalore or Mysore one has to travel via road for reaching Coorg.
The hill station of Coorg is one of the best places to spend a few quiet days amidst the best of greenery and pollution free atmosphere. Spread across an area of 4,150 sq. km, Coorg is a small district in the state of Karnataka promises a refreshing break from the concrete jungles of or cities and towns. Located in the Western Ghats of the Sahyadri Mountains in South Western region of the state, Coorg offer you lush greenery and soothing atmosphere to spend some relaxed days amidst captivating natural settings.
Covered by Dakshina Kannada District in the Northwest, the Hassan District in the North, the Mysore District in the East, the Kannur District of Kerala State in the Southwest, and the Wayanad District of Kerala in the South, Coorg is often referred as the “Kashmir of Karnataka”
Due to the well-connected transport network, people can travel from Pune to Coorg easily. One can travel by road, via a train or a flight; however, a flight is preferred by a lot of tourists. Even though Coorg doesn’t have an airport or a railway station of its own, one can see the nearest ones and post that, cabs or buses are easily available.
2. Gokarna:
There is/are 4 direct bus(es) from Pune to Gokarna. This/These bus(es) is/are Srs Travels, Canara Pinto, etc. The minimum time taken by a bus from Pune is 9h 15m. The cheapest way to reach from Pune to Gokarna is bus to Gokarna and takes 9h 15m. The fastest way to reach from Pune to Gokarna is bus to Gokarna and takes 9h 15m. The recommended way to reach from Pune to Gokarna is bus to Gokarna and takes 9h 15m.
Om Beach is a major tourist attraction in the coastal city of Gokarna, located in North Canara district. One of the acclaimed beaches in the country, Om Beach takes the shape of an ‘Om’, a Hindu spiritual symbol. In the shape of two crescents joined together to form an Om, the beach offers a breathtaking view of the sunset. The long stretch of white sandy beach adjoining the rocky terrain appeals to travellers from around the world.
3. Udupi:
Udupi is well connected by rail and road network from all over Karnataka. Udupi is 400 kms from Bengaluru and 60 kms from Mangaluru.
Regular rail and bus services ply to and from the city of Udupi; buses being operated both by private and government owners. There is no direct flight connectivity from Udupi.
Udupi is a coastal district in Karnataka, carved out of Dakshina Kannada district in 1997. Udupi is popular for its food, temples, beaches and educational as well as financial institutions.
The name “Udupi” is believed to have come from the Sanskrit words “Udu & Pa” that means “stars” and “Lord“. According to legend, the Moon’s light was once reduced due to a curse by King Daksha. The Moon prayed to Lord Shiva to get back the original shine and the prayer was believed to be made at the Chandramouleshwara Temple here. Pleased, Lord Shiva restored the Moon’s shine. It is also believed that the name Udupi was derived from the Tulu word “Odipu” which is associated with the Odabhanishwara Temple at Malpe.
Vegetarian restaurants run by people who have their roots in this place are popular all over India and abroad as ‘Udupi Hotels’. Yakshagana folk art, Kambala buffalo race, Huli Vesha, Paryaya festival are some of the unique experiences not to be missed. Udupi Sri Krishna Temple and Kollur Mookambika Temple are two of the most popular temples in Karnataka.
4. Mysore:
The minimum time taken by a bus from Pune is 13h 0m. The cheapest way to reach from Pune to Mysore is bus to Mysore and takes 13h 25m. The fastest way to reach from Pune to Mysore is flight to Kempegowda International Airport, then cab to Mysore and takes 5h 41m.
Mysore or Mysuru, a city in India’s southwestern Karnataka state, was the capital of the Kingdom of Mysore from 1399 to 1947. In its center is opulent Mysore Palace, seat of the former ruling Wodeyar dynasty. The palace blends Hindu, Islamic, Gothic and Rajput styles. Mysore is also home to the centuries-old Devaraja Market, filled with spices, silk and sandalwood.
5. Hampi
The cheapest way to reach from Pune to Hampi is train to Gadag Jn, then cab to Hampi and takes 15h 2m. The fastest way to reach from Pune to Hampi is flight to Kempegowda International Airport, then cab to Hampi and takes 9h 20m.
Hampi, is an ancient village in the south Indian state of Karnataka. It’s dotted with numerous ruined temple complexes from the Vijayanagara Empire. On the south bank of the River Tungabhadra is the 7th-century Hindu Virupaksha Temple, near the revived Hampi Bazaar. A carved stone chariot stands in front of the huge Vittala Temple site. Southeast of Hampi, Daroji Bear Sanctuary is home to the Indian sloth bear.
