SCRIPT YOUR ADVENTURE in KARNATAKA WILDLIFE • WATERSPORTS • TREKS • ACTIVITIES This guide is researched and written by Supriya Sehgal 2 PLAN YOUR TRIP CONTENTS 3 Contents PLAN YOUR TRIP .................................................................. 4 Adventures in Karnataka ...........................................................6 Need to Know ........................................................................... 10 10 Top Experiences ...................................................................14 7 Days of Action .......................................................................20 BEST TRIPS ......................................................................... 22 Bengaluru, Ramanagara & Nandi Hills ...................................24 Detour: Bheemeshwari & Galibore Nature Camps ...............44 Chikkamagaluru .......................................................................46 Detour: River Tern Lodge .........................................................53 Kodagu (Coorg) .......................................................................54 Hampi, Badami & Around........................................................68 Coastal Karnataka .................................................................. 78 Detour: Agumbe .......................................................................86 Dandeli & Jog Falls ...................................................................90 Detour: Castle Rock .................................................................94 Bandipur & Nagarhole ...........................................................100 Detour: BRT Wildlife Sanctuary ............................................106 Index ..................................................................................108 Acknowledgements ...........................................................112 4 PLAN YOUR TRIP CONTENTS 5 Plan Your Trip Adventures in Karnataka ................. 6 Need to Know ................................. 10 10 Top Experiences ..........................14 7 Days of Action ..............................20 The hanging rock at Avalabetta is a popular sunrise spot near Bengaluru 6 PLAN YOUR TRIP ADVENTURES IN KARNATAKA 7 RIVERS GALORE Adventures in Karnataka For those who like their scenery with a side of adrenaline, several mountain streams coursing amid lush environs offer challenging routes for whitewater With frothy rivers that call out to rafters, a sweeping coastline for rafting and kayaking, especially in the Kali, Barapole, and Kaveri rivers. The surfers, and dense shola forests and grasslands carpeting the hillsides, most popular rafting destinations include Dandeli in the jungles of the Western Ghats and the gushing waters of the Upper Barapole (Kithu-Kakkatu River) Karnataka’s outdoor theatre is never short of action. Whatever your in Kodagu. If you like your water experiences to be more gentle, you can enjoy level of experience, there are abundant terrains and trip operators to coracle (round basket-like boats) rides at Bheemeshwari and Galibore jungle guide you in excursions, whether on land, water, or air, in the state. All camps on the Kaveri River, an easy distance from Bengaluru. you need is a spirit of adventure. CoastaL CHARISMA Scuba divers and snorkellers rejoice: Karnataka’s clutch of clean sandy ON YOUR FEET beaches skirt coral-covered shorelines with a magnificent underwater world The Kannada word ‘betta’ (mountain) will soon become part of your lexicon of marine creatures and flora. The northern coastal edge of the state is if you are a trekker or hiker. The Western Ghats are a prime location for particularly excellent for under-sea explorations. The crystal-clear waters of nimble-footed explorations, with various levels of difficulty. These mountains Netrani Island beckon scuba divers, Karwar offers not only snorkelling but feature a mix of gentle slopes and steep ascents, but they are ubiquitously the chance to spot dolphins, while Gokarna and Mulki near Mangaluru are blessed with awe-inspiring biodiversity so there is something for the eyes the state’s surfing hotspots. as well. Chikkamagaluru, Kodagu (Coorg), and the lower Nandi Hills closer HEIGHts to conQUER to Bengaluru are popular trekking locations. Mullayanagiri (1930m) in Chikkamagaluru is the highest peak in the state, followed by Kudremukh Providing a starkly imposing counterpoint to Karnataka’s cornucopia of (1894m) in the same region. In Kodagu (Coorg), Tadiandamol (1748m) is the green is an alternative terrain of boulderscapes and craggy outcrops. This highest peak, reached after braving dense thickets and low grasslands on is where climbers and bouldering enthusiasts go to scout unchartered the steep ascent. rocks and up their game for agility and balance. Hampi and Badami are Gokarna has a thriving surfing scene 8 PLAN YOUR TRIP ADVENTURES IN KARNATAKA 9 The boulders of Hampi are a challenge for climbers from all over the world the most popular spots amongst seasoned and new climbers. Closer to rallying is not restricted to experts anymore. Bengaluru flagged off rally Bengaluru, Ramanagara is where Gabbar of Sholay had his cinematic den, events a number of years ago with easy time and distance (not speed) and which today serves as a popular weekend destination for adventurous events for amateurs. Bangaloreans who want to literally scale new heights. Incidentally, the JUNGLE saFARIS state’s best known name in climbing is Jyothi Raj (also known as ‘Kothi Raj’ or ‘Monkey King’). He has a reputation for defying heights, and is famous Nearly 40,000 sq km of dense forests, bursting with a rich diversity of flora for scaling the Chitradurga Fort without a harness and as the only person to and fauna, grace Karnataka. Much of this jungle landscape is concentrated have scaled Jog Falls, Karnataka’s highest waterfall at 253m. in the Nilgiris biosphere, comprising the Western Ghats (a UNESCO World Heritage Site). There are five national parks in the state that offer a tryst THRILLS ON WHEELS with the wild inhabitants of the thick foliage and green canopy. Of these, the Karnataka has always been home to a vibrant motorcycling community Bandipur and Nagarhole national parks are most popular with travellers with excellent urban sightseeing routes to epic adventures in off the looking to spot Bengal tigers, leopards, Indian gaur, and elephants. Others beaten tracks in the wilderness. Motorcycling clubs with decades under include Anshi National Park, Banerghatta, and Kudremukh. their belt have been encouraging and growing the community for years. ABOVE IT ALL Cycling came in later to the scene but has taken Bengaluru and other cities by storm. A number of cycling outfits with well-curated routes and For those interested in a bird’s-eye view of Karnataka’s landscape, back-up vehicles allow the traveller to see the state at a different pace. paramotoring and parasailing are on the menu thanks to a number of Quad and dirt biking may be restricted to a few enthusiasts, but it is operators in the state. Relatively new to the mix is microlight flying and hot- catching up with a number of venues in the state. The Western Ghats offer air ballooning. The most reliable place to experience this is Jakkur Flying a thrilling topography as well as a refreshing backdrop for a trip. Even car Club in Bengaluru. 10 PLAN YOUR TRIP NEED TO KNOW 11 Need to Know Quick Facts Karnataka has something for every adventure-seeker—from the LANGUAGes classic pursuits of hiking and rafting to more niche activities such The main language spoken in the state is Kannada but travellers can get by with Hindi and English. as bouldering and flying tandem on a microlight. Here are some MONEY guidelines to make your trip smoother. Most cities are well-equipped with ATMs, but cash is best for small payments and in smaller locations. ConnectIVITY Mid- to high-end hotels offer wi-fi; some levy a charge. Expect to be off the grid at remote locations for rafting, trekking, or surfing. Mobile signals may also be sporadic in remote locations. TOURIst INFORMatION Registered tourism offices are all over the state, with the main ones in Bengaluru: Department of Tourism, Government of Karnataka and Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation. Visit www. karnatakatourism.org and www.kstdc.co for more details. the pre-monsoon and monsoon period of May through September is popular for surfing, due to impressive swells. • June—September (mid-season): The monsoon months are not a deterrent to travel, with temperatures remaining between 22—36°C. The post-monsoon period (August and September) is also suitable for rafting Kayaking at Galibore Nature Camp on the Kaveri River. Trekking, water sports and microlight/paramotoring may be a challenge at this time, though. Check for clear days. WHEN to GO WHAT TO PACK Karnataka is home to a number of destinations with pleasant weather all year round, including Bengaluru, Chikkamagaluru and Kodagu. Coastal and • Prescribed medication: Cities have plenty of hospitals and pharmacies, central Karnataka can get uncomfortably hot in the summer months. but carry enough prescribed medication for your entire trip. • October— March (high season): The coolest months, and therefore • Adventure gear: You can bring your own equipment for the activity of tour ideal for outdoor activities such as trekking and cycling, with moderate choice, though renting (p13) is also an option. temperatures that stay in the vicinity of 20—28°C. It’s also the best time for rafting at Dandeli. Nights can get chilly, especially