Uttara Kannada

About:

Uttara Kannada District is one of the biggest districts of our State with abundant natural resources. The district has varied geographical features with thick forest, perennial rivers and abundant flora and fauna and a long coastal line of about 140 KM in length.

Uttara Kannada,also known as North Canara or North Kanara, is a district in the southern Indian state of Karnataka. It is bordered by the state of Goa and Belgaum District to the north, Dharwad District and Haveri District to the east, Shimoga District and Udupi District to the south and the Arabian Sea to the west. The town of Karwar is the administrative headquarters of the district

The other half is dependent on the South-West Monsoons. Paddy and Sugarcane are the main crops of the irrigated region. Ragi, Horsegram are the major crops of dry land agriculture.

In its 10.25 lakh hectares of total land, of which 8.28 lakh hectares is Forest land. And only about 1.2 lakh hectares of land (roughly about 12%) is under agriculture/ horticulture.

Tourism in Uttara Kannada has capitalized on the plethora of holy shrines that abound this place. Banavasi and Murudeshwar are sacred pilgrimages for Hindu devotees. The landscape is a visual delight with plenty of green cover all around. The Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary is a major tourist attraction for its rich flora and fauna. Uttara Kannada is home to some of Karnataka's most picturesque beaches such as Devbagh, Karwar and Murudeshwar. No wonder a large number of tourists travel to Uttara Kannada in search of a perfect getaway. Nestling a host of sacred pilgrimages and stunning beaches, Uttara Kannada is one of the most important tourism destinations in Karnataka. Karwar, the administrative headquarters of the district, has one of the most scenic beaches of Karnataka.

Four principal rivers drain westwards from the crest of the Sayadhris to the sea; from north to south they are the Kali, Gungawali, Tadri and Sharavati. These rivers form numerous waterfalls, the most famous of which is Jog falls, on upper reaches of the Sharavati in neighboring Shimoga district. Other famous waterfalls include Lushington falls, where the river Aghanashini drops 116 meters, Magod falls, where the Bedti river plunges 180 meters in two leaps, Shivganga falls, where the river Souda drops 74 meters, and Lalguli and Mailmane falls on the river Kali. In the lowlands, these rivers form wide estuaries, extending several kilometers inland from the coast.

Location info:

Climate/Weather of Uttara Kannada:

History of Uttara Kannada:

Uttar Kannada District was initially under Madras Presidency and subsequently came under Bombay Presidency.After Independence and till 1956 the District was in Maharashtra State and after States reorganisation,merged into Karnataka.

Uttara Kannada was part of the great Kannada empires that held sway over vast regions of Karnataka.Uttara Kannada was the home of the Kadamba kingdom from the 350 - 525CE. They ruled from Banavasi. After the subjugation of the Kadambas by the Chalukyas, Uttara Kannada district came under successive rule of empires like Chalukyas, Rashtrakutas, Hoysalas and Vijayanagar empire.

The district came under the rule of Maratha empire from around 1700 CE. to 1800 CE. It was ceded to the British at the conclusion of the Third Anglo-Maratha War in 1818. The British established North Kanara district as a part of the Bombay Presidency. After India's independence in 1947, Bombay Presidency was reconstituted as Bombay state. In 1956 the southern portion of Bombay state was added to Mysore state, which was renamed Karnataka in 1972.

Educational Institutions of Uttara Kannada:

• ➤ Dhanvanthri Ayurvedic Medical College
• ➤ School Of Nursing, Viswadarstana
• ➤ Anjuman Engineering College
• ➤ Karibasaveswara First Grade College
• ➤ Dist Inst Of Educa & Train Govt Tti,
• ➤ Primary Teacher S Training Institute
• ➤ Kamala Baliga College Of Education
• ➤ Shivaji College Of Education
• ➤ Bapuji Gramina Vikasa Samithi Law Coll
• ➤ Govt Arts & Science College
• ➤ Durgadevi Pu College
• ➤ Sdm College Of Arts, Sc & Commerce
• ➤ Janatha Vidyalaya Pu College
• ➤ Thuheed Ind Pu College
• ➤ Divakar Commerce College
• ➤ A V Baliga College Of Arts & Science
• ➤ Sri Hulvi Channabasaveshwara Polytechnic
• ➤ Sowkya Institute Of Paramedical Institut
• ➤ Majarello Iti

Langauge

Culture of Uttara Kannada:

The cultural pattern of people has thus been influenced both by Maharashtra and Karnataka.

Yakshagana is a dance drama popular in the district of Uttar Karnataka . It is believed to have evolved from pre classical music form and theatrical arts Yakshagana is popular in the districts of Uttara Kannada, Shivamogga, Udupi, Dakshina Kannada and Kasaragod district of Kerala.

How to reach Uttara Kannada?

Nearest Railway Station:Konkan Railway Which connects Mangalore and Mumbai via Kumta,Londa to 'Vasco Railway line which passes through 'Castle Rock',Casle Rock to Dandeli Railway line.Hubli -Ankola railway line is proposed to link Karwar port and the northern Karnataka.

Following are the major stations.

Karwar:7KMs away from Karwar City near Shirwad Village.
Gokarn Road:8KMs away from Gokarn Pilgrim Centre Cnetre.
Ankola:2KMs away form Ankola Town.
Kumta:1KM away from Kumta Town.
Honavar:5KMs away from Honavar Town.
Murdeshwar:3KMs away from Murdeshwar Pilgrim Centre.
Bhatkal:3KMs away from Bhatkal Town.

Tourist Attraction

Tagore Beach, Karwar
The district headquarters and a port town is superb in its scenic beauty. The crescent shaped 'Tagore Beach' can match any beach in the world.

Devbag
7 Kms from Karwar it is located near the confluence of River Kali. It is a picturesque island fringed with casuarina groves. Approach is mainly through boat from Kodibag jetty. Jungle Lodges & Resorts provides unique experience of living in Log huts. Ensures wonderful privacy not normally seen in tourist spots.

Shejjeswar Temple, Shejwad
4 Kms from Karwar, Shejwad boasts of a thousaqnd year old ancient temple of Shejjeswar or Siddeswar. The temple is said to be one of the five temples of Gokarna mythology where pieces of Atmalinga which Ravan was carrying, fell; the other four being Gokarn, Murudeswar, Dhareswar and Gunavanteswar. Devotees visit the temple in thousands on Mahashivaratri day

Shanta Durga temple, Sadashivagad
Sadashivagad is situated at 6 Kms from Karwar on the northern bank of River Kali. Crossing the magnificent Kali bridge you reach Sadashivagad, a place of historical importance. There are ruins of old fort of Sonda kings. Midway on the Sadashivagad hill is the 600 yrs old Shantadurga Temple, known for its serenity.

Kurumgad Island
4 Kms from Karwar shore is the Kurumgad island. There is Narasimha temple atop the hill in the island where an annual fair takes place. Scores of boats ply to the island on that day. The island is a private island. The owner is running a resort called The Great Outdoors in the island. It is a wonderful picnic spot and could get experience of a lifetime if one could stay

Gokarna
Gokarna a very popular pilgrimage is known as Dakshina Kashi. Mythology says, Ravana kept the Athmalinga down on the ground against the instructions and could not lift it again. Hence the belief that Gokarn is Lord Shiva's permanent abode. Kotitheertha is the holy pond near the temple.

Yana
28 Kms from Kumta and 65 Km from Sirsi, Yana is a nature's wonder. Known for two gigantic rock formations of a height of 90 and 120 meters called Mohini Shikhara and Bhairaveshwara Shikhara. Encircled by thickly wooded forest, it is a trekker's paradise.

Danddeli :
A Hobli centre 21KMs from Haliyal. A famous industrial center of the Dist. The place is on the bank of the river Kali. The West Coast Paper Mills, Dandeli Ferro Alloys Ltd. Indian Plywood manufacturing Company are the main industries. The Dandeli Game Sanctuary is a fine spot where animals like Elephant, Wild Beer, Sloth Beer, Panthers, Spotted Deer etc. are found. The best season to visit this spot is between Sept. and Feb.

Dodmane :
27 KMs from Siddapur is located in the beautiful surroundings of ever green forest and uneven landscapes, which together present a panaromic view of the valley. There is water falls here which is locally known as Burudejog. This is a highly captivating site.

Gudnapur:
A revenue village 3 KMs from Banavasi is on the bank of a big tank. Women who do not beget children perform the ceremony of offering a votive cradle to the Tank. The place has a number of temples and can be developed in to a tourist spot and boating facility could also be provided at the tank.

Lalguli Falls :
13 KMs from Yellpaur, has a series of picturesque water falls of the Kali river falling in different heights from 61 Mtrs to 91 Mtrs. There is temple of Hanuman near by on the hill.

Manjuguni :
A place of pilgrimage 26 Kms from Sirsi. During winter it is covered by thick fog and hence it is called by the name Manjuguni. The temple of Venkatramana is a huge complex built in Vijayanagara Style. At the entrance to the village there is a big tank 4 Hectares in Size.

Dhareswar
Dhareswar is about 8 kms south east of Kumta. On the hill slope is Mahadev temple, said to be around 800 years old. There are four inscribed tablets in the temple.

Anashi Wild Life Sanctuary
Anashi pass is in the Sahyadri Range (Western Gahats) 40 Kms north east of Karwar. From Kadra to Anashi is a 10 Kms of steep ghat section, through thick forest. Motoring through the ghat is an experience in itself with thick jungle, number of big and small water falls which are feast to the eyes. Wild life abound in the area. Early mornings you are bound to came across, vixen, wild foul and flocks of peacocks.

Channabasaveshwara Temple, Ulavi
Originally a temple of Chalukya style, it has been renovated and coloured. The pyre of the temple is adorned with statues of Shiva Sharanas (Devotees of Lord Shiva).

Swarnavalli:
16KMs from Sirsi is the revenue village where Swarnavallimatha was established. It has got shrines of Rajarajeshwari, Chandramouleshwara and Laxminarayana. On the forest route, from this mataha to Vadiraja Mataha , Sonda, a Jaina Matha could be seen which was also called as Bhattakalanka Matha.

Sykes Point :
3 Kms from Ambikanagar is an interesting tourist spot in the division. This beautiful place has a tower like witnessing platform. In the deep valley the Kali, being joined by Nagazari river, both moving forward like silver linings of the green attire worn by lady nature, is an enchanting scene that can be viewed from this place.

Murdeshwar
16 Kms from Bhatkal to the north on Honnavar-Bhatkal NH 17. The famous Mahtobara Temple can today boast of the tallest Shiva statue in the world. The statue has special reflecting eyes, which makes statue alive. The temple on the beach itself attracts a large number of tourists because of the sea shore ambience

Haduvalli
16 Kms from Bhatkal on the Bhatkal shimoga SH, Theerthankara Bastil at Haduvalli is a 14th century Jain temple. 24 Theerthankara idols are installed there. The place was formerly capital of the queen Channabyra Devi. There are two hills Chandragiri and Indragiri which attract the tourists for scenic beauty.

Bhatkal
40 Kms south of Honnavar, Bhatkal was the south most port in Bombay presidency. It is place of historical and archaeological interest. There are 13 temples / bastis built during the 15th and 16th centuries.

Sri Tulaja Bhavani Temple, Haliyal
This beautiful temple was established on 16th March 1996, by Sri Tulaja Bhavani Education and Dharmadatti trust, Haliyal, The 4 feet black stone idol of Godess Bhavani was carved in Sivar town, Kolar district. Thousands of devotees from all over Karnataka and states of Maharashtra and Goa visit this temple Everyday

Banavasi
The honey coloured Madhukeswar linga shines even in darkness.24 kms from Sirsi, Banavasi is a historical village. Madhukeswar Temple and Madhumathi (Parvati) Temple are summit of Kadamba art. The tall Nandis of the temple are famous.The river Varada flows on 3 sides. Madhukeshwara Temple originally constructed by the Kadambas, has got many additions in Kalyana, Chalukya and Hoysala Styles. There are many shrines big and small along the compound of the main temple. The Triloka Manatapa kept in the Navaranaga of the Madhukeshwara and the Asthana Mandtapa are wonderful monolithic creations.

Burude Jog
30 Kms from Siddapur a small rivulet called Ilimane at first falls to a depth of 60 meters and a little further it jumps again to a depth of 48 meters creating two beautiful water falls. The fall is in the middle of a thick forest.

Jog Falls
River Sharavati taking birth at Ambutirtha in Tirthahalli tq, flows towards western direction causing the world famous water fall at Jog. 22 Kms from Siddapur the Jog falls is at the border of Uttara Kannda district and Shimoga districts. River Sharavati plunges here to a depth of 252 meters in deep gorge and has created 117 meter deep well beneath. The four streams are called Raja, Roarer, Rocket and Rani.

Attiveri Bird Sanctuary
19 Kms from Mundgod one has to take a diversion on Mundgod – Hublic road to reach Attiveri. Migratory birds from Central Asia, Northern Africa and European countries find serene Attiveri a congenial place to breeding from October to March. Painted Storks are special attraction. Sun set view is an extravagant bonus

Doeguling Tibetan Settlement
The Gaden Jangtse Monastic University for Advanced Budhist Learning & Practice which had become near extinct Tibet, was rebuilt on the Indian soil at Doeguling Tibetan Settlement, Mundgod. The construction of New Monastic University building started on June 1998 and was inaugurated on 19 Dec 2001.

Sri Mallikarjuna Temple
It is learnt that this temple was built prior to the fort. It has a 'navarang mantap' in sanctum and Kadamba style dome. A stone writing says that Kadamba King Jayakeshi donated some lands to this temple in 1144

Haliyal, Shivaji Fort
This ancient fort said to be built by Chatrapati Shivaji is beautiful image of Indian history which gives us a glimpse of the warring techniques of those times. The fort was later occupied by Sangolli Rayanna, a legendary small king, who fought with the British.

Ambikanagar:
This is the biggest Power Station in the state at present. It has a well furnished guest house for the tourists.

Somasagar
A hamlet of Neggu village [ 8 KMs from Sirsi] is a place of Houripast. One has to take deviation at Neggu village on the Sirsi - Kumta Road to reach the place. The place has an impressive temple of Someshwar.

Sonda:
19 KMs from Sirsi is the seat of one of the Ashtamathas of Udupi rto which Vadiraj Swami succeeded . it contains the Brindavana of Vadiraj Swamy. There is a fine Kalyani called Dhavalaganga behind this. The annual car festival of Trivikrama is held on the Holy Poornima which also synchronises with the day of the entry of Vadiraja in to Brindavana.

Susubli Falls :
Is located near Kakkalli village. It is a perennial spring also called as Bilihole falling from a height of 11 Mtrs and provides an enchanting spot. The falls is located near Kakkalli 30 KMs from Sirsi.

Banavasi:
The place is 22 KMs from Sirsi is one of the oldest towns of Karnataka with beautiful, natural surroundings. The river Varada flows on 3 sides. Madhukeshwara Temple originally constructed by the Kadambas, has got many additions in Kalyana, Chalukya and Hoysala Styles. There are many shrines big and small along the compound of the main temple. The Triloka Manatapa kept in the Navaranaga of the Madhukeshwara and the Asthana Mandtapa are wonderful monolithic creations.

Bedasgano :
In Mundgod taluk is a place of Historical importance and is approachable via Maligi on the Sirsi - Hubli road. Boppeshwaradeva Temple, Puradwaragudi and a stone shrine of Veerabhadra are the attractions fo this place. There is aRamalinga Temple in the Valley below and at the bottom of a huge basari tree, there is Shivalinga on a rock. This is a fine and quite picnic spot. There is a perennial spring in the remains of a tank behind the temple.

Ulvi:
36 KMs from Joida is a place of pilgrimage. Famous for its Chennabasavanna Temple. The jatras are held here during Shivaratri, Makarasankranti, Basavajayanthi and Maghapurnima.

Unchalli Falls :
35 KMs from Siddapur is afine tourist spot. It is acombination of 2 streams one from Shankar thirtha [ Sirsi Town ] & the other from Manjuguni Tank [Sirsi Taluk ] which converges at Maddihalli [ Siddapur Tq.] which then flows deep down in to the rugged valley at Hunchalli from a height of 116 Mtrs and then flows westwards. The river is called Aghanashini from Maddihalli .

Kavadikere :
8 Kms from Yellapur on the Karwar Road is a perennial tank stretching over an area of 25 hectares of land. It is a fine picnic spot.

Kavala Caves
Kavala caves situated at a distance of 25 km from the base camp at Dandeli, these caves have a 5 ft. high natural Shiva lingam inside. An amazing sight, one needs to move slowly to get into the caves.

Kudle Beach
Kudle beach is one of the five beaches in Gokarna. Kudle beach is around 6 km from Gokarna town along a muddy hill. It is accessible by rickshaw or foot. Kudle beach can be reached by a 20-minute walk from Gokarna.

Kumta
Kumta is a coastal town in Uttara Kannada district. Kumta is about 60 km south of Karwar. Kumta is famous for the Kumbheshwara temple. There are other tourist places nearby Kumta. Gokarna, famous for the temple and beach is just 20 km. Dhareshwar beach is located just 5 km away from kumta. Kumta has a railway station on Konkan Railway

Magod Falls
Magod falls is about 80 km from Karwar and 17 km from Yellapur. The river Bedthi, cascades from a height of 650 ft, into a rocky ravine.

Manjuguni
The temple dedicated to Lord Venkateshwara with huge complex built in Vijayanagara Style is main attraction of Manjuguni. During winter, this place is covered by thick fog and hence it is called by the name Manjuguni and it is just 25 km from Sirsi.

Om Beach
Om beach is one of the five beaches in Gokarna. Om beach is around 6 km from Gokarna town along a muddy hill. It is accessible by rickshaw or foot. Om beach is named because it resembles like the auspicious symbol. Om beach is the only naturally shaped beach.

Supa Dam
It is near about 25 Km from Dandeli City. This dam used to produce Electrical power.

Sykes Point
Sykes Point, named after British Collector Sykes. This famous scenic spot offers a fabulous view of the beautiful Kali river valley inside the Dandeli Reserved Forest. This place is around 25 km from Dandeli.

Syntheri Rock
This place is around 32 km from Dandeli. This 300 ft. tall monolithic granite located rock is flanked by natural caves and a waterfall, at whose base the Kaneri River flows. The scenic spot at the foot of the falls is a fine picnic spot.

Ulavi Chennabasaveshwara Temple
Ulavi is about 36 km from Joida and 75 km from Karwar. Ulavi is a major pilgrim centre for Veershaivas. It is famous for its Chennabasavanna Temple. An annual car festival is held here in February - March.

Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation of Uttara Kannada:

• Banana County Resort,Yellapur
• Shree sai Riverview Jungle resort,Yellapur
• Om beach resort,Gokarna,Karnataka
• Kairali Ayurvedic Health Resort,Gokarna,Karnataka
• R.N.S Residency,Murudeshwar
• Naveen Beach Resort,Murudeshwar
• Devbagh Resort,karwar
• Hidden valley club and resort,Karwar
• Riveredge Paradise resort,Karwar
• Hornbill river resort,Dandeli
• Stan farm House,Dandeli

Links

Uttara Kannada Major Attraction

Attiveri Bird Sanctuary is around 15 km from Mundgod in Uttara Kannada District of Karnataka. from Hubli-Dharwad it is 43 km away.Spread over an area of about 2.23 sq km, the sanctuary is located in and around the Attiveri reservoir. The part of the sanctuary surrounding the reservoir has riverine and deciduous forests.....more

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