Unexplored Uttara Karnataka..

Recently we had been to a trip to Sirsi, North Karnataka. When I was first suggested with the place, I was pretty much skeptical of spending my much valued holiday there. Having never heard about Sirsi, my first question was "Where is this place"? I started googling about the place and found it very surprising that even in Google images or any websites I couldn't get much of information about this place. It increased my worries about going to this place. Thanks to a blog written by some traveler, I would have certainly not planned to this place and would have missed all the beauty that it beheld.
It gave me a strong reason to pen down my travel experience by which I can help somebody else in planning their travel and thus exploring places which are less known but have ample options to offer.

A place less explored, it is an ideal getaway into the serene flawless nature for those who are caged in the pollution filled cities. It’s also a place with blend of all tourist locations. It is any traveler’s dream destination. It has mighty waterfalls, beach, trekking, forts, adventure sports, historical building and much more.

                        

Our first stop was at Sirsi. Sirsi is a nerve center for huge waterfalls starting with Jog falls. Jog falls is one of the best waterfalls in India and lies at a distance of 65km from Sirsi. Apart from Jog falls there are many other mighty waterfalls concealed in the dense Western Ghats like Sathodi falls, Magod falls, Vibhoothi falls and Unchali falls. Sathodi falls near Yellapur requires a travel and trek through dense woods. On the way we can spot Malabar squirrel, snakes and hornbill which are famous in these areas. Unchalli falls is again a treat to any nature lover’s eye. It is one of the most scenic falls amidst dense forest. The area was covered in full mist formed by the water falling with might. On the way to Yellapur, one can visit Sahasralinga River which is famous for accommodating 1000 lingas etched on the stones. There is a cable bridge across the river and an abandoned fort with cannon.

 

 

 

After waterfalls, we visited Banavasi. It is an ancient temple built in the 9^th century. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and has beautiful architecture engraved on monolithic stone. The Varadha River flows near to the temple. Unique attraction of the temple is the half idol of Lord Ganesha whose remaining half is believed to be Varanasi. Irrespective of the temperature outside, the temple was very cool inside. It really takes us back to the glory of our history with the architecture.

Our next place was Yana after Banavasi. It is one the famous tourist spots in the area. Yana is two huge unusual solid black rocky formations. Yana also has a hindu mythological importance hence also visited by many pilgrims. There is a temple at the foot of the rocks. Within the cave there is a bronze statue of Chandika, an incarnation of Goddess Durga. It is the place where it is believed that Bhasmasura was himself reduced into ashes by Lord Shiva incarnated as a beautiful woman known as Mohini. The cave enables a small trek through the mountain and cave covered in thick green scenic forest.

By evening, one can go to Jenukallu Gudda which is a view point for sun set. There is a small Tibetan colony similar to one in Coorg near Mundgod en route to Hubli. One can witness beautiful Tibetan monastery and Tibetan people which takes you to a total different culture and feel. If you are lucky do explore at their prayer time with soothing music and chants. But they usually don't entertain the visitors to be inside the temple during their prayer time.

 

Our second trip was to Gokarna through Kumta. On the way we stopped at the Devimane Ghat which gives beautiful scenery of sun rising through the Western Ghats. You will have small tea shops from where you can buy nice hot tea and sit and watch the sun rise on a cool breezy morning in midst of the forest. Beware of the monkeys so preferably don't carry any eatables which might turn them on.

Once we reached Kumta we were suggested by our cab driver to visit the Mirjan fort. Once we reached the fort we were not prepared of what we met. Beautifully maintained remains of a fort covered by green grass believed to be built in 1600’s. You can see both Islamic and Portuguese influences in construction. It is popularly attributed to Shareef Ul Mulk who ruled from Ponda near Goa. Its a fort worth visiting and can be at par with the forts of Goa.

Gokarna beach, also known as the famous Om beach is a prime destination for young crowd from Mangalore, Udupi and Manipal after Goa. Its one of my favorite destinations of which I am never tired visiting. An unblemished beach comprises of three beaches, Om, Half-moon and Paradise beach. The best part of Gokarna is the trek from Om to Paradise. The path involves some hard core trekking on the edge of the mountain hovering over the beach. Also there is no clear cut path to trek and there are chances that you may lose your way. Just focus on being at the beach side and keep moving. It is however worth the struggle as the trekkers are rewarded with some beautiful scenic and secluded points at many places on the way. You will have a beautiful view from the top of the hill and the trek is also through forest which gives you a real adventure. For those who do not want to risk, there is a boat facility taking you from Om to Paradise and moon. On the way you can spot many dolphins swimming through the pristine blue waters. After the tedious and tiresome trek you can have good continental and international cuisines on the beach side shacks cum restaurants. You will find many foreigners staying in these beaches hence he menu is to mainly cater to the needs of the international tourists. After a sumptuous food we started back, bidding goodbye over a beautiful sunset in the beach.

 

Those who love adventure and want to indulge in white water rafting and other sports can go to Dandeli which is again a 100km from Sirsi.