Travel Karnataka_August 1st issue by Narayan m

Travel Karnataka Indiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first fortnightly tourism tabloid

We reach 44 cities

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Volume : 1 | Issue : 8 | Pages : 48 | Rs. 15/- | August 1, 2009

Quick! Catch the train If you had ever dreamt of travelling by train to your favourite pilgrim centres like Shirdi and Tirupati without the hassles of booking hotels and buying darshan tickets, then itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s high time you realised your dreams. For, The Indian Railways Catering and Tourism Corporation has come up with innovative, cost-effective and commendable tour packages that only require you to make up your mind. What are you still waiting for? Just pack your bags and enjoy your trip while IRCTC takes care of the rest!

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Travel Karnataka

August 1, 2009

Hill top carvings

T R AV E L K A R N A T A K A at India’s first fortnightly tourism tabloid

India’s first fortnightly tourism tabloid

Travel Karnataka

Yo u r H o l i d a y P l a n n e r

Volume : 1 | Issue : 4 | Pages : 48 | Rs. 15/- | April 1, 2009

The quaint village of Aretippur houses the remains of basadis that date back to the Gangas. These ruins are all that remain of an erstwhile important Jain pilgrim centre. Though unique for its carvings and sculptures, this site is in an utter state of neglect.

Yo u r H o l i d a y P l a n n e r

Volume : 1 | Issue : 5 | Pages : 48 | Rs. 15/- | May 1, 2009

THE TEMPLE OF CLOUDS

Nature at its best 14

Tucked away in the arms of 16 Mother Nature

Call of the coast Photo by B V Prakash

he Devarayanadurga Hill is a famous tourist destination near Bangalore. It is situated 75 km from the city and 20 km from Dobbspet in Tumkur district. The hill houses three ancient temples and a fortress. Another important attraction of the thickly wooded hill is the cave-like shrine with carvings of Lord Anjaneya and Garuda, found on the way to the Yoganarasimha temple on top of the hill. These carvings, painted by the temple authorities, depicts Anjaneya as standing on the left with Garuda on the right with a snake in his hand. A miniature carving of Lord Rama can also be seen between them.

Pick your copy of

Mini Tibet

Forsaken Gods

This summer, how about a holiday in the beach? The many beaches along the 320-km-long coastline of Karnataka are just perfect to unwind. The calm of the sea, the gentle sound of the waves and the pleasure of walking along a clean sandy beach are almost unparalleled. Pack your bags to enjoy the sun, sea and sand.

Calling all bird lovers For a tryst with birds of all feathers, a visit to the Ranganthittu Bird Sanctuary near Srirangapattana is a must.

Coorg: India’s very own Scotland Scotland Coorg: India’s very own

11 Chamarajanagar: Feast for 22

Celebration time: April 18 was World Heritage Day

the senses

was World Heritage Day Celebration time: April 18

the senses

11 Chamarajanagar: Feast for 22

Mini Tibet

• Bangalore • Belgaum • Bijapur • Bagalkote • Bhadravati • Travel Bellary Karnataka • Haliyal • Karwar • Chitradurga • Channapattana • Chikmagalore • Dharwad • Davanagere • Mysore • Gulbarga • Gadag • Haveri • Kundapura • Shimoga • Meeraj • Raichur • Hukkeri • Gokak

Call of the coast 6

bags to enjoy the sun, sea and sand. waves and the pleasure of walking along a clean sandy beach are almost unparalleled. Pack your coastline of Karnataka are just perfect to unwind. The calm of the sea, the gentle sound of the This summer, how about a holiday in the beach? The many beaches along the 320-km-long

Volume : 1 | Issue : 5 | Pages : 48 | Rs. 15/- | May 1, 2009

Yo u r H o l i d a y P l a n n e r

India’s first fortnightly tourism tabloid

Calling all bird lovers near Srirangapattana is a must. For a tryst with birds of all feathers, a visit to the Ranganthittu Bird Sanctuary

hsakarP V B yb otohP

Forsaken Gods

• Gadag • Malur • Udupi • Bidadi Karnataka • Travel Madikeri • Savadatti • Puttur • Ujire • Mangalore • Gangavathi • Malavalli • H.D Kote • Hubli • Chikkaballapur • Nanjangud • Tumkur • Anekal • Mandya • Srirangapattana • Maddur • Kolar • Hassan Mother Nature 16 Tucked away in the arms of

Nature at its best 14

CLOUDS THE TEMPLE OF

state of neglect. site is in an utter sculptures, this its carvings and Though unique for pilgrim centre. important Jain of an erstwhile all that remain These ruins are the Gangas. date back to basadis that remains of houses the of Aretippur The quaint village

Volume : 1 | Issue : 4 | Pages : 48 | Rs. 15/- | April 1, 2009

Yo u r H o l i d a y P l a n n e r

India’s first fortnightly tourism tabloid

For histor y ’s sake… H

ere’s some good news for us, proud Kannadigas. The government is trying to retrieve documents that hold valuable information about the State’s history. A special delegation will soon depart on a mission to obtain historical documents, evidence and other information on the era of Tipu Sultan, Hyder Ali, Kittur Rani Chennamma and the British rule from 1881 to 1947. This will help reconstruct the State’s history. The government has sanctioned Rs 25 lakh

for the project, besides Rs 25 lakh for the publication of historically important documents and books. According to the State Archives Department, many records relating to Karnataka are in the India Office, London. Letters of the Kittur family, Keladi rulers and Mysore royal family are also in the UK. Records on Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan are in Paris Archives. It also has correspondence

that can throw more light on Mysore administration, besides letters between Tipu, Napoleon and French envoys. According to the Archives Department, obtaining copies will facilitate reconstruction

of the history of Mysore and provide an opportunity for further research. Besides the UK, France, Portugal and the Netherlands, historically relevant documents are also in the archives at Chennai, Mumbai, Hyderabad and Goa.

Editor Vijay Madhav Chief Features Editor Chethana Dinesh Associate Directors Anushree Das - Mumbai Rajini N - Bangalore

Editorial

Travel Karnataka

August 1, 2009

Editor’s Note Editor’s Note

Business Development Aiyesha Farheen.A.P - Mysore 97400 55591 Photographers D C Nagesh Design Anekal Narayana Circulation Kumar - Bangalore 9731356593

While the setting up of a special task force on tourism for Mysore and Shimoga is a welcome sign, care needs to be taken to ensure that the committee will have only experts from tourism and hospitality industries as its members. This will any day be better than creating one more bureaucratic apparatus. The CM, in his zeal for Dasara, has proposed creating a tourism hub connecting Mysore with historic spots of tourist interest in and around the City. Though the idea is nothing new as the KSRTC has been operating package tours to these places of tourist interest over the last four years, the CM would do well to focus on the development of transport infrastructure, especially roads.

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Further, the CM seems to have overlooked the needs of the common man as a majority of people who come to witness Dasara are from the neighbouring talukas and

i r t e W s

Reader

080-26676064 9900948514, 9844040469, 0821-2341737 97400 55591 022-22642477 09324035043 94446 88664

Gearing up for Dasara

t is heartening to note that Karnataka Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa has announced a series of measures to give fresh impetus to tourism. The CM and his team have also deliberated upon celebrating this year’s Dasara in a grand manner, announcing a series of measures, including the sprucing up of Mysore City.

website: www.indiainccom.com e-mail: iicomm_blr@yahoo.com iicomm_mysore@yahoo.com karnafeatures@gmail.com

Bangalore : Mysore : Mumbai : Chennai :

districts of Mysore. While the immediate requirements of people visiting Mysore for Dasara are transport, food and shelter, a visit to other tourism spots around Mysore would make their stay that much more attractive. The government would do well to create these basic facilities, including rest rooms, at an affordable cost so that more and more people can witness the nine-day celebrations. While the proposal to set up ‘travel soudhas’ in seven major tourist spots in the State is welcome, for this year’s Dasara, the Government could experiment utilising existing facilities like school and college buildings in Mysore to extend accommodation facilities which also encourages poor people to visit and view Dasara. At this juncture, it is noteworthy to mention former Muzrai Minister Krishnaiah Shetty’s proposal to subsidise tour programmes for the poorest of the poor. As Dasara needs are diverse, in order to hold it in a more systematic and orderly manner, the setting up of a single integrated regulatory authority is essential, rather than creating more and more agencies which will only create confusion.

Hi Guys,

I picked up Travel Karnataka out of curiosity and almost got hooked on to it. Though I have been in Karnataka for almost eight years now, I must admit that I have not explored much of it. The many little-known places you have

I’m an avid trekker and I’m part of a group that is into adventure sports. Why don’t you carry many more articles on adventure sports? - Digant B Patil Hi Friends, While I must admit that you’re doing a good job, I have one suggestion – Do include many more photo features as too much of text can be boring at times, especially while travelling.

Dear Team Travel Karnataka, Your latest issue of the tabloid has come with a sea change. About 25 topics in 48 pages bore testimony to your expert editorial skill. Please keep it up.

- Kavitha Bannurmath Dear Editor,

- Ushakant K Patel

Travel Karnataka is real COOL! Keep up the good work.

I must compliment you on the excellent work you have done. I request you to publish more articles on small places for middle class travellers. I would appreciate some place that’s easy to reach.

- G L Tandon

- Sandeep Kini

Dear Travel Karnataka,

Dear Editor,

We have been reading your magazine with great interest for the last several months. In your last issues, the article on birds by Marianne was fascinating. It’s a real good effort. Let not the initial enthusiasm die.

featured in your paper has enthused me to pack my bags and head out, exploring one place after another.

Your tabloid is informative and absorbing. However, I would appreciate it if you start listing budget hotels in the many tourist places you feature in your magazine.

- Rachel Dadabhoy

- Firdaus Mewada

Hi Guys,

We are all ears According to a survey conducted by a leading travel agency, Goa is the world’s best ‘bargain’ holiday destination, which means that a trip to Goa is more cost-effective than all other popular destinations. Next come Brazil, Tunisia, Cuba and Morocco. And then Gambia, Egypt, Jamaica, Florida and Mexico. What is YOUR favourite holiday destination/weekend getaway? Do tell us. Also include your full name, age, profession and address.

- Divya Bopaiah

Dear Readers, We have just begun our journey and we still have a long way to go. We look forward to your bouquets, brickbats and suggestions to make our journey fruitful. Do write to us at karnafeatures@gmail.com. You are also invited to send in your contributions in terms of ideas, travel experiences, photo features and the like. If there is any place you want us to feature in our issue of Travel Karnataka, please let us know.

Travel Karnataka

August 1, 2009

ancing bears are endangered wild animals forced to perform on India’s streets. The bear is controlled by a rope through its nose, and trained in a barbaric manner. This barbaric, centuriesold custom is practiced purely for public entertainment. And it continues to this very day. It all started with Qalandars, a nomadic gypsy tribe that dates itself and the origin of bear dancing back to the 13th century and the pre- Mughal era. Qalandars gained prominence as the royal entertainers in the courts of the Mughal emperors where they also performed magic tricks and staged wrestling bouts. Once the emperors and kingdoms became history, they started performing ‘bear dancing’ for the general public. These bear dancers are generally found on the highway between Delhi, Agra and Jaipur. Today, about 800 dancing bears are performing on the streets across the country. In India, bear dancing is banned by the Wildlife Protection act 1972. But various socio-economic and political factors

have made it a difficult task to implement this law. Qalandars purchase the sloth bear cubs from tribal poachers/ traders and then train them to dance and respond to commands using the crude tools of pain and fear. At the tender age of just six months, a crude iron needle is heated and driven through their muzzle without anesthesia or any other antibiotic, and a rough rope is pulled through the sensitive swollen muzzle. This agony of grossly swollen muzzles and torn tissues together with a fair amount of beating and systematic starvation usually teaches the bears who the master is. The bears live the rest of their lives at the end of a four-feet-long rope and with no stimulation at all, thus causing several mental and stereotypical symptoms. Male cubs are also castrated at a very young age to keep their owners safe, again crudely by use of a razor, without anesthesia or antibiotics. Canine teeth are removed when they are just a year old by knocking them out with a metal rod.

For the rest of its life, the bear will dance on the road to earn money for the Qalandar. The wound on the muzzle will never heal and is often infested with maggots. Most of the bears will “bear” the suffering only for a few years since they all die early either due to tuberculosis, leptrospirosis or rabies. Sadly, a large number of dancing bears are blind due to malnutrition but are still being used by the Qalandars for dancing. Many NGOs and animal rights protection agencies are trying hard to put an end to this barbaric practice. To date, over 350 bears have been rescued and have found safety in the spacious bear rescue sanctuary. They arrive in such poor condition, usually half their natural body weight, scared and in poor health and pain. On arrival, each bear goes through quarantine and is vaccinated for a range of diseases including rabies and TB. Their wounds are treated,

painful mouths and rotting tooth stumps are cared for by special dentistry work and a nourishing diet with feed additives slowly helps them put on weight and develop glossy coats. The bears are then released in the socialisation enclosures where they slowly learn to deal with space and make friends with other bears and begin to exercise regularly. Finally, they are free to roam in the forest in free ranging enclosures. The aim of every animal lover should be to rescue every last dancing bear from the streets of India and to ensure that it ends forever. Anti-poaching work is showing extraordinary results with the number of poached bears dramatically reducing. And acquisition and protection of habitat gives the bears hope for a future in the wild.

‘Bear’ing the brunt

Photo by M Viswanath

In India, sloth bear cubs are poached from the wild and taught to ‘dance’ using a very painful procedure.

Travel Karnataka

August 1, 2009

Travel by

train to your favourite destination

Holiday packages to suit every budget If you had ever dreamt of travelling by train to your favourite pilgrim centres like Shirdi and Tirupati without the hassles of booking hotels and buying darshan tickets, then it’s high time you realised your dreams. For, The Indian Railways Catering and Tourism Corporation has come up with innovative, cost-effective and commendable tour packages that only require you to make up your mind. What are you still waiting for? Just pack your bags and enjoy your trip while IRCTC takes care of the rest!

hen we see millions of devotees visiting Shirdi, it appears as if Lord Sai blessed Shirdi to be a special place on this earth. The stream of devotees flocking Shirdi consists a sizeable number from the State of Karnataka but improper travelling facilities plague the circuit. The long journey by road is tedious to dissuade the devotees, especially senior citizens, whereas trains disappoint pilgrims as they are always full. Popular and proper tourist packages to Shirdi that any pilgrim will love to avail of seemed almost like a dream. But, not anymore. The Indian Railways Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has made this dream

come true with pilgrim packages integrating travel, boarding, lodging, etc. This offer does appear too good to be true. But, IRCTC has made the impossible possible by offering a well organised tour package to the abode of the Baba. When ‘Travel Karnataka’ enquired with IRCTC the reason behind the novel package, IRCTC Chief Regional Manger S Gagarin said as a matter of fact: “IRCTC is the

Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) of Indian Railways to develop Rail-Based Tourism in India. We are duty-bound to pass on the strengths of Indian Railways to our compatriots by making the cost of tours affordable so that they can see, understand and appreciate our country’s cultural diversity, religious mores,

uniqueness of various regions, artistic richness, variety of flora and fauna and, above all, how we Indians are a unified nation. We have to necessarily keep in mind that the lion’s share of the 17 million passengers (a day) moved by the railways is from middle and lower middle class segments. If we do not find and pursue innovative methods to cater to these segments our purpose of existence will be lost. Moreover, pilgrim places like Shirdi are frequented mostly by the middle class.” It is a superbly designed “integrated blue ribbon package” that includes transportation (train reservation and road bridging), lodging, boarding (breakfast, lunch and dinner even when the pilgrims are on train) and the most important “darshan”.

Travel Karnataka

August 1, 2009

IRCTC has shown ingenuity in the design of packages to suit every pocket - from that of an aam aadmi to that of a prince - and it definitely needs to be appreciated. There are two types of packages, namely standard and deluxe, costing less than Rs 3,000, and Rs 5,500 respectively. There are many who would like to pay visits to Shanisinganapur, Nasik, etc. and there are special packages to cater to these special needs too. The sleight of intelligence exhibited by a government company balancing CSR and profit to the company is quite evident. While combining travel and stay itself appears daunting, IRCTC took the courageous step of including food and darshan as integral parts of the package! No doubt, this is the most innovative package on the shelf of the tourism industry and devotees are sure to make it a roaring success. The IRCTC is gung-ho about the success of the package to Shirdi and is coming out with rail tour packages to Madurai, Kanyakumari and Rameswaram too. Plans are also afoot to offer packages

from Bangalore to Vaishno Devi in the months to come along with the existing packages to Tirupathi, Kerala and Goa. The Tirupathi package of “Balaji darshan” will be a huge hit primarily because the Lord’s darshan is also an integral part of the package like that of the Shirdi package. It has to be said in the credit of IRCTC that it feels the pulse of the tourist before embarking on its ventures! Another wonder package from the tourism arsenal of IRCTC is the attempt at ‘jugalbandi’ between rail, road and air. IRCTC has a choice of various holiday packages and is in touch with the Airlines Industry to integrate rail packages with airways. You will soon find the list of packages on the IRCTC tourism website www.railtourismindia.com. When IRCTC was questioned about its jugalbandi packages when they were actually supposed to pursue Rail-Based Tourism, this is what Mr Gagarin had to say – “IRCTC pursues the policy of Rail-Based Tourism and not Rail-Bound Tourism. If a service provider is unable to cater to all the needs of a person on tour, such a

service provider is unworthy to be in the service sector and such compartmental attitudes are ‘anti-customer’. In India, rail is the cheapest and safest mode of transportation. But there are many places which are not covered by the rail network. Should we deprive travellers of the experience of using all possible modes of transport, including a bullock cart, in exploring India? We declare that Rail-Based Tourism is our principle and providing ‘integrated hospitality solutions’ is the means by which this principle is powered forward.” IRCTC offers a special basket for employees availing their well-earned LTC. According to this special offer, persons desirous of availing LTC can contact IRCTC and spell out their needs. IRCTC will immediately come up with a tailor-made package incorporating every conceivable need of the tourist! This is not all. Would you like to move in groups ranging 50 and above? IRCTC offers special packages for such group travellers too! Chartered coaches and chartered trains inclusive of all needs of group

travellers like boarding and lodging, etc. will be arranged. Travel Karnataka appreciates the approach of IRCTC to cater to the middle class segment. The dexterity shown in the design and implementation needs a special mention. It is bold in outline but simple in thought. After all, catering to the simplest needs often turns out to be the most complicated exercise. After seeing the enthusiasm and confidence exuded by the team of IRCTC, Travel Karnataka is convinced that the packages would be a big hit among travellers. We are sure our readers will be immensely benefitted by these packages and future ventures of IRCTC. Those interested can contact 080-22960014/17; Mob: 09741435809, 09731647952, 09731647954; Website: www. railtourismindia.com Turn to next page for a bird’s eye view of the various packages of IRCTC.

Travel Karnataka

August 1, 2009

A bird’s eye view of

IRCTC packages

Bangalore - Shirdi Shirdishanisinganapur Bangalore Class

Rate per person on twin sharing

Rate per person on triple sharing

SL (Budget)

3,100/-

2,960/-

1,770/-

3AC (Deluxe)

5,500/-

5,320/-

3,050/-

(without bed)

Duration:(2 Nights / 3 Days)

Package Tariff:

Child

Bangalore - Shirdi - Bangalore

Class

Rate per person

Rate per Child

SL (Budget)

1,500/-

1,150/-

Frequency/Tour Dates:

Departure from Bangalore-Sunday to Thursday except Friday & Saturday) Seat availability-06

Bangalore - Tirupati-TirumalaTiruchanuru-Kalahasti-Bangalore Duration:(2 Nights / 3 Days)

Duration:(3 Nights / 4 Days)

Package Tariff:

Package Tariff: Class

Bangalore - Tirupati-TirumalaTiruchanuru-Bangalore

Duration:(3 Nights / 4 Days)

Package Tariff:

Rate per person on twin sharing

Rate per person on triple sharing

SL (Budget)

2,990/-

2,860/-

1,710/-

3AC (Deluxe)

5,440/-

5,260/-

3,020/-

Child (without bed)

Class

Rate per person

Rate per Child

SL (Budget)

2,100/-

1,750/-

Frequency/Tour Dates: Departure from Bangalore-Sunday to Thursday except Friday & Saturday) Seat availability-06

Bangalore - Kochi-MunnarKumarakom-Kochi-Bangalore

Bangalore - Goa- Bangalore Duration:(4 Nights / 5 Days)

Package Tariff: Class

Rate per person on twin sharing

Rate per person on triple sharing

Rate per child (5-12 years)

Budget

4,500/-

4,116/-

2,300/-

Standard

5,900/-

5,484/-

2,950/-

Deluxe

6,800/-

6,300/-

3,450/-

Duration:(6 Nights / 7 Days)

Package Tariff: Category

Rater per person on twin sharing

Rate per person on triple sharing

Rate per child (5-12 years)

Economy

6,825/-

5,900/-

2,100/-

Deluxe

15,450/-

13,433/-

4,850/-

Frequency/Tour Dates:

Frequency/Tour Dates: Friday from Yeshvantpur junction railway station at 21:15 hrs by Train No. 7311, Chennai Vasco Express

Bangalore- Madurai-PalaniRameswaram-TiruchendurKanyakumari-Bangalore

From Bangalore at 21:45 hrs by Train No. 6526, Kanyakumari Express. (Every Friday)

Bangalore - Kovalam-Kumarakom-ThekkadyMunnar-Kochi-Bangalore

Duration:(7 Nights / 8 Days)

Package Tariff: Class

Rate per person on twin sharing

Rate per person on triple sharing

Rate per child (5-12 years)

Economy

7600/-

5900/-

2700

Standard

11550/-

9200/-

4600/-

Frequency/Tour Dates: From Bangalore at 23:30 hrs by Tr. 6221 Chennai Express (Every Sunday)

Bangalore-Chennai-PondicheryMahabalipuram-TirupathiKanchipuram-Chennai-Bangalore Duration:(5 Nights / 6 Days)

Package Tariff:

Duration:(6 Nights / 7 Days)

Package Tariff: Category

Rater per person on twin sharing

Rate per person on triple sharing

Rate per child (5-12 years)

Economy

8,475/-

7,342/-

2,600/-

Deluxe

15,425/-

13,475/-

4950/-

Frequency/Tour Dates: From Bangalore at 21:45 hrs by Train No. 6526, Kanyakumari Express (Every Friday) Package Includes:

Package Excludes:

•

• • •

Confirmed train reservation (SL for Economy and Standard) Accommodation (Non A/C for Economy and A/C for Standard) Road Transport - Car / Tempo traveler / Coach (Non A/c for Economy and A/c for Standard) Toll, parking and all applicable taxes for above services.

• • • • • •

Any personal expenses/extra like telephone, Laundry, drinks, Porterage etc. Any services not mentioned in the above list of inclusions will be additional. Still/video camera entrance charges. Any deviation from the above programme. Catering services - Food (onboard & off board). Entrance fees. Services of Tour guide.

Class

Rate per person on twin sharing

Rate per person on triple sharing

Rate per child (5-12 years)

Economy

7,700/-

5,950/-

3,300/-

For Package Details & Bookings contact:

Standard

8,550/-

6,600/-

3,550/-

BENGALURU - IRCTC : No. 2/2 CB Royal Building, Dr. Raj Kumar Road, Rajaji Nagar BENGALURU- 560010. Phone no -080-22960014,22960014. Website: www.railtourismindia. com. E-mail: tourismsbc@irctc.com, bskiran4466@irctc.com

Frequency/Tour Dates: From Bangalore at 23:30 hrs by Tr. 6221 Chennai Express (Every Sunday)

Travel Karnataka

August 1, 2009

Tirupati next door For ardent devotees of Lord Venkateshwara, a visit to Chikka Tirupati in Kolar can be as gratifying as that to Tirumala and Tirupati.

n most pilgrim centres across the length and breadth of our country, weekend rush is a common occurring. Devotees wait for hours together in long queues to catch a glimpse of their favourite God. But, not so in Chikka Tirupati near Malur in Kolar district.

Chikka Tirupati, which is about 50 km from Bangalore, is famed for its historical and cultural importance. On entering this small, dusky town, the only thing visible is the rajagopura of the temple. The birth of Chikka Tirupati can be traced back to 2nd century AD when Kolar was the capital of Gangas under the reign of Cholas. The place came into eminence during the period of successive rulers. This temple, built during the reign of Cholas, is about 900 years old. However, it was renovated recently. The main attraction of this temple is the 35 feet pillar it houses. Unfortunately, the original architectural structure dating back to the Chola period has merged with mud and a portion of the temple has collapsed by half a feet.

ghee offered by the sages during the performance of yagnas. He also loses his appetite. Lord Brahma then advises Agni to burn Khandava Vana to regain his appetite. While Agni did that with the help of Lord Krishna and Arjuna, a snake by name Takshaka escapes with burn injuries and curses Agni to lose his sheen and become dull. Meanwhile, Agni and a few sages perform a yaga in honour of Lord Vishnu who, in the form of Prasanna Venkateshwara, relieves Agni of Takshakaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s curse. Since then, Lord Vishnu, in the form of Prasanna Venkateshwara, resides in Chikka Tirupati. Devotees who come here believe that once they perform poojas to Venkateshwara all their sins will be pardoned. The specialty of this temple is that the priests are very

The temple comprises a navarang with four architecturally sculpted pillars and a nine-cornered hall. The symbols of elephant, wheel and lion are more pronounced with spiritual teachings on the pillars, while the temple entrances on the north and south sides of the temple add glitter to its beauty. Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s an interesting mythological reference to the reason behind the stay of the main deity of the place, Lord Prasanna Venkatesha, in Chikka Tirupati. According to puranas, Lord Agni once suffers indigestion due to the continuous consumption of oil and

The temple will be opened at dawn with suprabhata to the God and poojas continue relentlessly till evening. Saturday is the most significant day for poojas at this temple as a village fair is also held here on that particular day of the week. However, it is in the month of Shravana that this temple town becomes a beehive of activity with people from the villages and towns nearby assembling on all the four Saturdays of Shravana to perform special poojas to the Lord. The other auspicious occasions when special poojas are performed to the presiding deity of Chikka Tirupati are the temple car festival on Sri Krisha Janmashtami, Vishnu Deepotsava in the month of November (during Karthika Masa), Vaikunta Ekadashi when the Lord is decorated with diamond-studded jewellery and the ten-day Brahmotsava

during Chaitra Masa. Chikka Tirupati is also referred to as Kalikeri Tirupati as this place was earlier in Tamil Nadu. Of the very few people who reside here, most of them are farmers. The main occupation of the locals here is farming and the main crop grown here is mulberry. A significant number of the locals here also practice pottery. As most of the residents of this town speak Telugu, the environment here just resembles that of Tirumala and Tirupati. This place is not just a pilgrim centre. It can even double up as an interesting picnic spot, as the surroundings of this town are lush green. River Pinakini that flows just 3 km away from the temple adds to the charm of the place. Due to the monumental neglect of successive governments, many important tourist attractions in Karnataka are fading into oblivion and Chikka Tirupati is no exception. In spite of its immense tourism potential, the place has failed to attract visitors, all thanks to the apathy of the Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation.

Travel Tips Plenty of KSRTC buses ply from Bangalore to Malur. Reach Malur and change the bus to reach Chikka Tirupati. systematic in offering poojas to the Lord.

It is best to travel by your own vehicle. Carry food, water and other essentials as no good restaurants are available here.

Travel Karnataka

August 1, 2009

On top of the world

Photos by author

If the mesmerising sight of snow-capped mountains is your idea of bliss, then head to Pelling which offers fabulous views of the mighty Himalayan range, including that of Kangchendzonga, the highest peak of India. B V Prakash reports.

ome states in the northern border of the country have become little mountain kingdoms with the great Himalayan range passing through them. The tiny state of Sikkim, snugly placed between Nepal on the west, China/Tibet on the north, Bhutan to the east and West Bengal on the south, has been copiously endowed with some towering peaks including the highest peak of India and the third highest in the world, the 28,169 foot Kangchendzonga. The highlight of any visit to Sikkim invariably is the fabulous views of the mighty mountain range from fairly close quarters. And the best place to do that is Pelling in west Sikkim. Pelling, which is just another unassuming town, was nothing more than a crossroad till recent times. Its vantage position at 6,800 ft on the western edge of a high ridge affording the most panoramic view of the entire range of mountains was what made it find a place on the tourist circuit. Despite the fact that the mountains could be seen from many other towns too, Pelling is where mountain lovers and photographers head to, to get an uninhibited view and capture some of the best photographs. Of late, numerous hotels and resorts have come up rapidly to cater to the growing number of visitors each year. Most of the lodges have wide balconies strategically positioned to view the peaks. Some of them boast of glass paneled walls to offer â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Rooms with a viewâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;! The best part of viewing the Himalayas is to get yourself ready for the task at unearthly hours. Though the mountains can be viewed all through the day, it is at the crack of dawn, when the first rays of sun drench the snow white peaks in a mellow golden light that the most spectacular sight can be seen. The splendour lasts for a minute or so when viewers

look at it with dropping jaws while shutterbugs click away relentlessly. This is the moment for which tourists travel all the way to the Himalayas and wake up in the dark, cold night to view the spectacle. Very soon, the play of light will get over but the snow peaks begin to dazzle in pure white. Apart from Kangchendzonga, one can see all the other peaks too, like the Kabru North & South, Rathong, Pandim, Janu, Kumbhakarna and the needle sharp Siniolchu. Visitors would be treated to another bout of mesmerising scenery towards the evening when the setting sun casts a spell from a different angle. Mountain views are not the only attraction in

Pelling. This small township has quite a few wonderful sights spread around and conveniently reached by a car. And it would be worthwhile taking one of those organised day tours from travel agents to fill the day with activity. A typical guided trip takes one to a couple of waterfalls, a rock garden and a sacred lake. To begin with, the 12 km drive down brings you to a simple streak of a waterfall. Called Rimbi, this waterfall coming down in gentle cascades is very much on the roadside. If not impressed, go further down a few kilometers more to Kangchendzonga waterfalls. The first of the two falls near the bridge is moderate, but the second cascade reached by a series of steps is truly spectacular. The white, frothy mass of water thundering down through

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August 1, 2009 the lush green foliage and rockbands is breathtaking. You can spend enough time here appreciating the beauty of nature while sipping tea or a fruit drink from the many shops around. Back in the car, the journey goes further up to Sewaro, a unique rock garden sprawling beside the river. The numerous rocks and boulders sculpted by the river currents have been kept as objectsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;de art. The green lawns have been laid out profusely. The colourful flowers along the walkway make it more attractive. To add to the manmade beauty, the river and hills extending on the horizon complete the scenery. The next point of interest is the Khecheopalri Lake, also called the Wishing Lake. It is not only the most sacred lake for both Buddhists and Hindus, but is also well maintained. An interesting legend is linked to this lake. Once upon a time, the area was a flat grazing ground. One day, a Lepcha couple who were engaged in routine work suddenly saw a pair of conch shells come down speedily from the sky and embed into the ground. The earth shook violently and a huge lake was formed at once. People took it as Godsend and began worshipping the lake, believing it to be the abode of Tshomen Gyalmo, the protective nymph in Buddhist dharma. The shape of the lake was thought to be the footprint of Tara, the Goddess. It is also said that the birds here never allow even a leaf to float in the lake and remove it the moment it falls. The huge lake cupped in by the hills all around does have a religious appeal. The innumerable colourful prayer flags with holy scriptures flutter away constantly. Taking a leisurely stroll along one can offer obeisance at the temples and walk to the edge of the lake turning the series of prayer wheels along the path. The whole area has been kept very neat and the profound silence around

makes the atmosphere blissful. One can also visit the brightly coloured monastic house where the monks live. Khecheopalri means the Mountain of Blissful Heaven and the place deserves the sobriquet in every sense of the term. This marks the end of the first half of the tour and you drive back to Pelling for a well deserved lunch. In the latter part, tourists are taken to the Pemayangtse monastery a few kilometers away. Located on a hill, this monastery, founded by the Nyingma-pa sect, was meant for Ta-sang lamas or pure monks. The three-storeyed structure has a few sculptures and paintings. A short walk away from here are the ruins of Rabdentse, which was the second capital of Sikkim. Here, the remains of a palace complex, religious complex and a few chortens can be seen. The other monastery in Pelling is the Sanga Choeling on a high ridge and can be reached by a 40 minute trek. Though the sights can be done in a day, staying a couple of days here helps to get a better feel of the place.

FACT FILE Getting there: The nearest airport is Bagdogra from where jeeps and taxis cover the 120-odd km to Pelling. Nearest train station is Siliguri, 133 km away. Buses and shared taxis ply regularly from Siliguri. Food & Accommodation: Innumerable hotels and resorts suiting different budgets are available. Best time to visit: March to May (rhododendrons bloom but the sky may be foggy). October to December is ideal for clear skies.

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August 1, 2009

Harsil - Camper’s Bay Harsil in Uttarakhand is known for scenic landscapes and delicious apples. There’s also an interesting legend associated with the place.

arsil is a village and a cantonment area on the banks of Bhagirathi River, on the way to the Hindu pilgrimage spots of Gangotri in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand. Situated at a height of 7,860 ft (2,620 m) from sea level, Harsil is 73 km away from Uttarkashi, and 30 km away from the Gangotri National Park, spread over 1,553 sq km. Located in the mountain district of Uttarkashi is the sylvan hamlet , known for scenic landscapes and delicious apples. Sat Tal or seven lakes, which is just 2 km away from Harsil, is a not-to-be-missed attraction.

History Harsil was popular for the legend of ‘Pahari’ Wilson, or Raja Wilson. Frederick E Wilson, an adventurer, deserted the British Army just after the Sepoy Mutiny of 1857. He escaped into Garhwal and met the Raja of Tehri seeking refuge. But the Raja was faithful to the British and refused to accommodate Wilson. Hence, Wilson moved to the mountains to escape detection. Fate landed him in Harsil, a remote beautiful village on the banks of River Bhagirathi, with dense deodar slopes on either side. Wilson married a very beautiful pahari girl named Gulabi. Wilson then entered into a contract with a London-based company and built a fortune out of the export of skins, fur and musk. This was the time the British were building the Railways in India and there was great demand for quality wooden sleepers for the rails. Wilson cashed in on this and sent huge cut deodar trees floating down the river to the plains. According to journalists Hugh & Colleen Gantzer, Wilson built a double-storeyed mansion in the village of Harsil on a deodar trunk frame filled with roughly dressed stones. But the ghost part of Wilson comes with his building a swing bridge across the Bhagirathi. Wilson’s bridge has long since collapsed, but traces of it still remain. It was never rebuilt and today pilgrims walk down and cross a small

footbridge on their way to Gangotri. But, according to locals, on moonlit nights one can still see Raja Wilson galloping down the area, where the bridge had been, to make pilgrims have faith in his long vanished creation. Today, a 410 ft iron bridge spans River Jadganga.

Geography Delhi-Hardwar-Harsil Ridge (DHHR), the basement ridge, is a northerly extension of the Aravalli Mountain Belt, and stretches from Amba Mata-Deri (Gujarat-Rajasthan) to Delhi via Ajmer and Jaipur.

Demography Over the years, a small number of Jadhs, an ethnic group of the Bhotiyas, has settled here, and speak a language closely resembling Tibetan.

Pilgrimage The idol of River Goddess Ganga (Ganges) is brought down from the shrine at Gangotri in the upper Himalayas after Diwali and kept at ‘Mukhba’ village near Harsil. It remains there throughout winter when Gangotri is snowbound and inaccessible.

What to buy Ancient coins and woollens.

Eat Only local eating places (dhabas) are available. Non-vegetarian food and alcoholic drinks are prohibited in Gangotri.

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August 1, 2009

Friday is Freeday Tourists throng Sikkim R Domestic tourist inflow into Sikkim is on the rise so far this year, but there has been a drop in foreign tourists visiting the state.

adisson(R) Hotels & Resorts is making summer getaways easy and more affordable with the launch of the Friday is Freeday offer. From May 15 through September 15, 2009, guests will receive a free Friday night stay when staying two or more consecutive nights (Thursday or Saturday night required). Friday is Freeday is available for booking at participating Radisson hotels and resorts properties in North, Central, and South America; Asia Pacific; and at Radisson Edwardian Hotels in the

United Kingdom.

ccording to tourism department’s records, as many as 27,138 domestic tourists arrived in Sikkim in January 2009. This is 5,623 more than the number of tourists who visited the state last year in January. Similarly, in February, 32,038 domestic tourists visited the north-eastern state, 7,883 more than the corresponding period in 2008. The numbers are good and what is encouraging for the tourism sector is that even 2008 was a good year.

As many as 44,275, 38,415 and 32,090 domestic tourist arrivals respectively were recorded in the last three months of 2008. In 2007, 38,695, 34,143 and 29,676 domestic tourists visited the state in October, November and December respectively. According to available records, the arrival of international tourists has, however, seen a drop so far this year. In January and February 2009, only 696 and 1,053 international tourist arrivals were recorded.

Last year the numbers for these two months were 910 and 1,106 respectively. Sikkim, however, witnessed an increase in international tourist inflow in the overall winter tourist season running from October 2008 to February 2009. During this period, 9,173 foreign travellers came to Sikkim. In the same period in the previous season the figure was marginally lower at 8,811.

During their stay, guests will enjoy global Radisson hotels and resorts offerings such as free high-speed Internet access in the guest room and the brand’s notable “Yes I Can!” service. In the United States, Canada, and the Caribbean, guests may also experience a Sleep Number (R) bed that enables them to adjust the firmness of the mattress. In addition, members of the goldpoints plus (SM) guest loyalty program will qualify for the 1,000 Bonus Points Every Night goldpoints plus promotion, effective June 1 through August 31, 2009, including the free Friday. The Friday is Freeday offer must be booked a minimum of seven days in advance of the stay. Reservations can be made at www.radisson.com/freefriday, by calling 800-3333333, or by contacting a travel professional.

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hri Anjaneya Mahila Yakshagana Sangha of Bolwar in Puttur taluk is an all-women association of Taalamaddale artistes, a rarity considering the fact that Taalamaddale (a variation of Yakshagana theatre) is traditionally a men’s art. Started in June 2005, this 11- member strong association is charting a new path in the field of Taalamaddale by proving that women can be more than just a passive audience of this art. The association is a sister concern of Sri Anjaneya Yakshagana Kalasangha which was started in the year 1969 in Puttur with an aim to serve the Yakshagana enthusiasts of the region. “In the recent years, the association felt the need to involve women in its activities with an aim to popularise the art among the younger generation and that’s how the Mahila Yakshagana Sangha was formed,” explains Bhaskara Barya, the chief trainer and co-ordinator of the Sangha who is a Taalamaddale artiste himself. Taalamaddale is an interesting variation of Yakshagana in the sense that

August 1, 2009

of dialogues, they need to ensure that they don’t wander away from the boundary of the storyline. They also have to be careful as not to stretch their dialogues unnecessarily and finish their our lines within the time limit given to them. Once the artistes have practiced their dialogues, the final rehearsal with the Bhagavatha (singer) takes place. The artistes are assigned roles keeping in mind their physical personality as well as their voice quality. While one with a soft voice and pleasing demeanour may get to play the role of Krishna, Rama, etc., the one who is physically strong and is endowed with a rich voice tone usually gets to enact tough characters like that of Ravana or Duryodhana. Care is also taken to see that everyone gets to play different roles as that familiarises them with the nuances of the art better. The first prasanga that the group enacted was Panchavati. It was so well received by the audience that on the spot they were booked for three other performances. It’s actually a well-informed

An all-women association of Taalamaddale artistes is charting a new course for this variation of Yakshagana by proving that women can be more than just a passive audience, reports Jayanthi S.

Women power to the fore while in the latter, costumes and dance along with music are the mainstay of the performance, in Taalamaddale the focus is on speech and music. The episodes to be enacted, known as prasanga in Yakshagana terminology, are usually based on the epic tales like the Ramayana, the Mahabharatha and other mythological stories. The whole performance takes place in the form of an interactive session of dialogues between different characters of the prasanga. With more than 25 performances to its credit within a span of just one-anda-half years since its formation, the Sangha is now much sought-after at the cultural events of the taluk as well as the neighbouring regions. Of late, they also get requests to perform at wedding ceremonies. They accept such offers as it gives us an opportunity to create awareness among general public about the art. If you are wondering as to how they prepare themselves for a performance, then read on: To begin with, they are given the script of the dialogues and the music that constitute a prasanga. Though there is a lot of scope for improvisation in terms

and cultured audience that brings the best out of the artistes. Besides, as Taalamaddale is mainly interactive, spirited performance by every member adds to the total success of the performance. Since one of the most important requirements for a Taalamaddale artiste is the ability to speak in chaste Kannada, this art is also serving to preserve the language in its pure form. It is very interesting to note that while offstage they hardly speak in pure Kannada, once onstage, a clear and easy flow of the language never eludes them. Uttering even one word outside Kannada would spoil the entire performance. Thanks to this team of enthusiastic artistes, there is a growing interest and curiosity among the people of Puttur and surrounding regions about this traditional art of coastal Karnataka. Like how when a woman is educated, she makes sure that the whole family is educated, similarly when women show interest in Taalamaddale it paves the way for the younger generation to appreciate and preserve this art better. And this Sangha is doing just that - keeping alive a beautiful tradition of art that is facing the threat of extinction in the modern world.

Pillar of hope A

temple in Thyagarajanagar (Bangalore) is thronged by devotees. For, at this temple is an unusually attractive pillar that goes by the name Sri Narasimha Stambha. Devotees believe that by merely touching the pillar with their heads, and standing in front of it for a few minutes with the Bootharaja stick on their heads will free them of all their worries and fulfill all their wishes. Though there are two similar pillars in India - one at Andhra Pradesh (Simhachala) and the other at Tamil Nadu (Ghatikachala) - this pillar at Thyagarajanagar is considered to be the most powerful of them all.

The mystic power of this pillar is attributed to about 108 saligramas, nadigrantha, yantras, holy water, herbs, etc., beneath it. Every Friday, special poojas are offered to the pillar.

Photo and text: Shravan Regret Iyer

Frog tales

A team of researchers from Mangalore and Japan have identified a new species of frog, Euphlyctes aloysii, in the Western Ghats and Mangalore areas. This new species, found in the paddy fields of Ayar and Bajpe villages of Mangalore taluk, is a tiny water frog with a mixture of dark brown and green colour, has a thin mid-dorsal white stripe, and

small black spots distributed randomly from beneath the eye to the forelimb base. At night, the dorsal becomes darker and greener in colour, making the frog inconspicuous. Frogs are considered the bio-indicators of environment. Unfortunately, many species of frogs are on the verge of extinction and efforts are needed to conserve them. Of the 260 species of frogs found in India, one-third is found in the Western Ghats region, signifying its rich bio-diversity.

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August 1, 2009

hikka in the name Chikkaballapur stands for small in Kannada. The town of Chikkaballapur is approximately 57 km north of Bangalore. The north-south National Highway NH-7 passes through the town. Here, the places to watch out for are:

Chintamani This town is named after its founder Chintamani Rao, a Maratha chieftain. It is famous for its gold and silver trade and its agarbathi (incense) industry. One of the oldest dargahs in Karnataka, the Murugmulla Dargah of Fakhi Shah Wali, is about 8 km from Chintamani. It draws thousands of pilgrims, particularly during the annual urs.

Gummanayaka Fort This fort, situated 16 km east of Bagepalli, was founded around 1350 by a feudatory chieftain Gummanayaka, and ruled for several years by him and his successors. It is noted for its fortified circular rock that rises 150 ft above the surrounding hilly tract.

Nandi Hills Situated 60 km north of Bangalore and 1,478 m above sea level, Nandi Hills, earlier known as Nandidurga, was the summer retreat of Tipu Sultan. He and his father Haider Ali expanded the existing fort, built by local feudatory chieftains, into twin forts. Attracted by the salubrious climate of this area, the British built spacious bungalows and laid beautiful gardens. They succeeded in converting Nandi Hills into a charming hill station. Tippu’s Drop is a 60 m cliff, offering breathtaking views. Adventure sports lovers can try their hand at parasailing. Nearby is the Yoga Nandeeshwara Temple on the hill.

Muddenahalli Muddenhalli is the birthplace of Sir M Vishweshwaraiah, visionary engineer, statesman and architect of Karnataka. Visit his home, now converted into a museum. The village

of Nandi houses the Bhoga Nandeeshwara Temple. It is a confluence of two temples and one of the finest examples of Dravidian temple architecture. The Heritage Primary School in Kandavara, about two km south of downtown Chikkaballapur, may be of interest to history buffs. Bharata Ratna Mokshagundam Vishweshwaraiah did his primary schooling here.

Kaivara This town is associated with the epic Mahabharatha. Known as Ekachakrapura, this is where the Pandavas lived in exile, incognito. Bhima, one of the Pandava brothers, is said to have killed the asura (demon) Bakasura, who was tormenting people. Myth has it that a nearby cave in the hill contains the corpse of the demon, which supposedly drips blood during Shivaratri. There is a garden complex in Kaivara, containing gardens and musical fountains. Also in the garden are five cottages named after the Pandavas and a mini zoo with a herbarium. The temples of Amaranarayana and Bhimeshwara, as well as the Yogi Narayana Ashram, are worth a visit.

Special trains

outh Western Railway has extended the services of special trains till September-end to clear summer rush. Train No. 0791 Hubli-Yeshwantpur-Kochuveli will leave Hubli at 1.45 pm on Tuesdays and reach Yeshwantpur at 9.20 pm. It will depart at 9.40 pm and reach Kochuveli at 4.30 pm on Wednesdays. The new timings which started on July 7 will end on September 29. Train No. 0792 Kochuveli-Yeshwantpur-Hubli will leave Kochuveli at 12.45 pm on Thursdays and reach Yeshwantpur at 4.30 am on Fridays. It will depart at 4.50 am and reach Hubli at 1.50 pm the same day. These timings will be applicable till October 1. Train No. 0689 Yeshwantpur-Bijapur daily express special will leave Yeshwantpur at 10.10 pm and reach Hubli at 7.25 am the next day. It’ll leave Hubli at 8.20 am to reach Bijapur at 2.10 pm. These timings are till September 30. In the return direction, it will leave Shirdi on Wednesdays at 6.20 pm and reach Yeshwantpur the next day at 8 pm. These timings are till September 30.

Ranganatha Temple The Ranganatha Swamy Temple or Rangasthala, as it is locally known, is about five km west of downtown Chikkaballapur. It is off the state highway to Gauribidanur and is well worth a visit. The stone statue of Vishnu is simply splendid. The black stone sculpture carved in the Vijaynagar style is best viewed when there are no other visitors in the temple. The temple priest is more than willing to accommodate a special viewing for a small consideration offered to the deity.

Getting around Walking is the best mode of transportation for those who like it. As to other modes of transport, autos are available, but no metered one exists as yet. Patiently negotiate the price before you get in. Local people are very helpful and may negotiate a good price for both parties. Taxis are also available, but you will have to negotiate the price before you board the vehicle. Please seek the assistance of a localite in negotiating the price. A daily rate is also available in addition to the round trip rate.

Hotel & accommodation There are guest houses and Hotel Mayura provides good lodging facilities. Mayura offers a good menu while the other “hole-in-the” wall restaurants offer some food. There is a modest “Guest House” where Mahatma Gandhi is supposed to have stayed. This has now become something of a pilgrimage centre and provides concrete evidence of Gandhi’s simple life.

It’s raining offers

ll major airlines, including Air India and Jet Airways, have come up with special fares to attract passengers on the domestic sector. Low-cost carriers SpiceJet, JetLite, IndiGo and Jet Airways Konnect have also come up with special fares for domestic fliers, despite the financial problems most of them are in.

KNOW YOUR DESTINATION

Chikkaballapur

Track matters T

he work on the much-talked railway double track between Mysore and Bangalore could be delayed as the railway authorities are yet to acquire land in Mysore and Mandya districts for the same. The double track work has come to a grinding halt as the required portion of the land between Channapatna and Naganahalli has not been acquired. Though the double track work is completed till Channapatna, the authorities are yet to take up the works up to Mysore.

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ovalam is famous for its beaches that are considered to be one among the most pristine beaches of India. It is about 17 km from Thiruvananthapuram, the capital of Kerala. Kovalam comprises three beaches, namely the Hawa Beach, the Leela Beach or the Main Beach and the Lighthouse Beach. The Lighthouse Beach, which is the southernmost, is the most popular of the three. Many hotels, restaurants, lodges and shops are located here. It is generally frequented by outsiders. The Hawa Beach is crowded on weekends and is very popular with locals, day-travellers, and tourists. It is also one among the very few beaches in India where topless sunbathing is allowed. The Tourism Department provides a vigilant life-guard service on both the Lighthouse and Hawa beaches. Those expecting a replica of Goa will be pleasantly surprised by the more relaxed atmosphere in Kovalam.

Getting there Kovalam is about 16 km (20 minutes

August 1, 2009 by taxi) from Trivandrum. Taxis can charge around Rs 400-500 to get to Kovalam. It is best to be specific about your destination and name the beach you want to visit. In an auto-rickshaw, Rs 250-300 is a fair price. Avoid paying over Rs 300. If in doubt, ask for the meter to be on. But, in reality, they really don’t work at all. It is advisable to turn down the auto that is trying to rip you off, for, they will often come back to you offering you a fair price. However, public transport like buses is the best and the cheapest mode of travel as it will cost just Rs 8 for the drive between Trivandrum-East Fort and Kovalam Beach.

Getting around Tourist taxis are the most convenient way to travel around, especially while travelling in groups. Most airports and railway stations have tourist taxi services that will take you anywhere you want to go.

A more adventurous option is to get a bike on hire. Once on the highway, drive north for the plains and drive south for the hills. Avoid driving through the Thiruvananthapuram city, as it’s congested. The old highway, also called the MC Road, is also good to drive on. The MC Road can take you deep into the hills. Try out the throaty Enfield 350 CC bikes for a truly vintage experience. Check your fuel levels before you leave.

Ponmudi - A nice semi-hill station located about 1 1/2 hours from Kovalam. Neyyar Dam – Worth visiting only if you have nothing else to do. It is a water reservoir. No other curiosities except for some crocodiles kept in cages. It is better to spend your time on the beach.

Two wheelers do not have to pay the highway toll. So, simply ride through the side lane.

Backwater Tours between Kovalam and Trivandrum – These backwater trips can be booked at Kovalam Beach itself. Each small boat meant for this trip can accommodate 4-6 persons. It is a nice experience.

See

Do’s

Varkala - Drive north on the highway for about an hour (55 km). It has a superb beach, a cliff front and the usual tourist amenities. The quiet sandy beaches and large lakes of Paravur (65 km from Kovalam) are also close to Varkala and are hidden away. Paravur is a shared secret among those seeking a more peaceful getaway.

Kovalam B e ac h Tow n o n the Arabi an S ea

Surfing - Some fine waves from time to time (0.5 - 2 m). You can hire surf boards and body boards on the beach for a day. Body boarding can be enjoyed by anyone. Surfing takes a bit more skill. It is wise to follow life-guards’ instructions as there are some strong currents that can suddenly whisk the unwary into the sea.

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August 1, 2009

It’s

adventure all the way!

Wary

G u j a ra t

he official website of the Tourism Corporation of Gujarat Limited (TCGL) carries a travel advisory that would leave any tourist apprehensive. If it has put up a host of do’s and don’ts for women tourists, the website also cautions gays and lesbians. And, it virtually admits that liquor is sold illegally in ‘dry’ Gujarat.

On the other hand, parasailing is planned to be held in the backwaters of the Vanivilas Sagar in Chitradurga.

If you hold a foreign passport, you are allowed a liquor permit. You can buy liquor from certain establishments authorised to sell liquor. But, avoid getting yourself in trouble by buying alcohol from locals, says the site. TCGL has even sent a project report to state home department on deployment of tourist police on the lines of states like Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Goa, Kerala, Maharashtra and Himachal Pradesh.

he government has resorted to adventure sports to motivate its officers. Adventure sports like white-water rafting and parasailing would be part of their curriculum in future.

In order to infuse a spirit of team play and sportsmanship among babus, the Department of Sports has organised white-water rafting for Group A officers. The event will be held in the rough Cauvery waters near Kutta in Kodagu district. Initially, this event will be organised for Group A officers in batches, and slowly other groups of officers will be allowed to take part.

Day train to

M’lore

inister of State for Railways K H Muniyappa has promised to introduce a day train between Mangalore and Bangalore via Arasikere on priority basis. Responding to the pleas by the Mangalore Railway Development Committee to introduce a day train on this route, he said he would call a meeting to discuss the matter and the date of running the train would be announced after the meeting. The present train that runs during the night to Bangalore via Mysore takes 12 hours to reach Bangalore.

Use KSRTC and avail discounts

n a bid to encourage and reward those who use public transport, Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) will introduce a frequenttraveller programme to offer attractive discounts to regular commuters. According to KSRTC sources, any traveller who frequently takes a KSRTC bus – be it Volvo, Rajahamsa or the regular ones – can avail of an instant discount of up to 20% on the ticket upon producing a card. The card, like a Radio Frequency Identification smart card, will be a photo ID card issued to individuals who wish to avail of the benefits. According to sources, the cost of the card is likely to be Rs 200, though it is yet to be fixed. The card will hold good for one year and the card holder can make use of it any number of times. For the second and

third year in a row, the card holder will be charged Rs 180 and Rs 150 respectively. This attractive scheme would be introduced at all depots under KSRTC jurisdiction in the southern parts of the state before Dasara. This scheme was inspired by a similar scheme in Australian cities where travellers could get discounts upon producing the requisite card before buying the ticket.

TN on a ‘woo-tourists’ spree

ith business down after the summer holidays, the Tamilnadu Tourism Development Corporation (TTDC) has introduced an innovative spiritual tour to woo an untapped segment – longstanding bachelors and spinsters desirous of marriage. The tour – ‘Thirumana Thiruthala Suttrula’ – will cover 11 holy places, traditionally frequented by people keen to have their wish to be married fulfilled. Launched on July 7, the tour will cover Mudichur, Thiruvidanthai, Thirumananjeri, Thirucherai, Madurai, Thirukarukavur, Thiruveezhamazhalai, Sundareswarar, Nachiyarkoil and Uppiliyappankoil. According to Tourism Department officials, the two-day package tour will cost Rs 1,800 per head. In a bid to beef up business in the slack season, TTDC is also trying to attract government employees eligible for leave travel concession (LTC) by offering custom-made packages. The department is also planning to design a couple of niche circuits that will have the potential to draw tourists round the year. Sources said plans were on to develop a Jain temple circuit.

Travel Karnataka

he yellow was stretched up to the horizon. Spring country. Millions of sunflowers held their sturdy heads up, looking straight at her. Unblinking. Her heart lit up. As she walked up to the flowers, the achy void in Smriti’s heart throbbed. How to soak up such beauty? Shantanu had a practical approach. Take photos. All he wanted was to get the right pose, the right light and the two of them centered. Looking at the photos later, Smriti always regretted that they had not captured the primal memories the place evoked, just that plaid coat or that turquoise belt.

‘Arre Smriti, turn yaar’. The camera clicked again. Smriti wished she could be alone with the flowers. Shantanu was waving to their cabbie waiting outside the car on the road. The man came running and took the camera gladly. Shantanu leapt beside her and quickly put his arm around. ‘Now just click. Are we in the centre? Where you see the cross mark? Okay then, click. Thank you.’ ‘This is so beautiful. Can we stay a bit?’ ‘Arre, there’ll be more spots like this. We’ll get down and click pictures, pucca. Chalo now.’

August 1, 2009 Smriti looked at the sunflowers from the car window. From the distance it looks like a blob of yellow on God’s palette. Untarnished. Pure. What would you say, poet? Perhaps we would talk of Daffodils. The flowers ended as the terrain rose. The car wound up the steep hill path washed clean by a sudden shower. The heat of the plains ended. Smriti rolled the window down. The air felt fresh and clean on her face and lifted her spirits. Bluebells festooned the tall oaks, their tender faces looking down at her from their tall perch. In the same scene she could catch a hurried, frothy waterfall as well as an impromptu stream flowing calmly on its pebble-speckled bed. Nature’s might and nature’s calm. What if I run into you here, poet? What if you were here too? Soon late afternoon shadows began falling into the valley below. Wispy clouds and mist started to nestle between the folds of the hills for the night. The cab driver halted at a bend. Many other vehicles were also parked along this wide turn. A huge waterfall was in sight and people stood taking pictures. She touched Shantanu’s arm lightly. He did not wake. The cabbie had already stepped out and was stretching himself. She thought for a moment and then stepped out, noiselessly.

…. Smriti longed to walk into the endless labyrinths the coffee plants created. Get lost somewhere up there where the mist was caught and where the streams started. Perhaps I’ll find you there, poet…

It seemed awkward, walking up to look at a waterfall alone but then she imagined him there. As she drew closer, a slight spray fell on her heart. He was looking at her now. A lightness descended. She smiled. On the way back to the taxi she stopped under the nearest oak and picked a leaf. A full and silver leaf to keep in her journal. The journey had been tiring and Shantanu slept as soon as he hit the bed after the sumptuous dinner buffet. ‘Look thy last on all things lovely, Every hour - let no night seal thy sense in deathly slumber…’ she recalled as she lay looking at the stars framed by her window even as the outside lights were switched off one-by-one and a night sky presented itself in its absolute glory. When she opened her eyes again, the sky was growing lighter. It wasn’t daybreak yet, but there was light in the sky and she could see mist rising in soft puffs like smoke. A bulbul with its elegant crest and the hidden red jewel under its tail hopped on the window ledge. Shantanu turned over. She waited for his sleep to anchor, and then quietly got out of bed. Pulling a woolen shawl over her night dress, she stole out of the room. Alone and free. There were no other early risers and the resort staff was not about yet. Her heart hummed. She walked to the edge of the lawn and looking at the town stretched

out below, let the smell of untouched air fill her senses. By and by a spray of pink, rouge, rose, appeared in the east. Some stray clouds caught the light of the rising sun hidden from sight and turned deep pink – the colour of dying ambers. A line of silver oaks which lined the edge of the precipice, turned away from the breeze to reveal their silver downside. Albino trees. How would you describe this beauty, poet? ‘So madam is here.’ Shantanu dropped himself heavily into the cane chair. ‘Madam, if your commune with nature is over, can you please make some tea now?’ Smriti went inside. Shantanu was talking to the Reception on phone when Smriti came out of the bath. ‘That’s fine, we’ll cover these four points today and the other three tomorrow.’ He kept the receiver down and said, ‘Let’s go for breakfast now. We should leave by nine otherwise we won’t be able to cover everything.’ ‘Shantanu, can’t we just go walking today?’ ‘Where?’ his tone changed. ‘Somewhere, where there aren’t people? Some off the beaten path…’ ‘Beaten path meaning?’

ECHO POINT By Shefali Tripathi Mehta

Travel Karnataka

August 1, 2009

‘I meant… these tourist spots are so boring. Same at all hill stations - sunrise point, sunset point, echo point, top point…’ ‘So, why were you after my life to bring you to a hill station, baba? Okay, now don’t spoil the mood. We’ve come all the way, we must see everything. What’s there in a walk? You do that at home everyday? Look, I’m going to talk with the cab driver, you get dressed quickly and meet me at the dining hall for breakfast.’ Nothing left to argue. Smriti left her long hair wet and ruffled as she came out so it turned as it wished in the breeze. Shantanu was waiting at a table near the window that looked down at the town. ‘Arre, what’s this? ‘What?’ ‘Your hair? You haven’t combed it? ‘I like it like this.’ ‘It’ll look like a crow’s nest in the photos!’ They soon left to cover the spots marked out for the day. First the coffee plantations. Getting down at tourist brochure specified spots teeming with other tourists, they got themselves pictured with smiles, without smiles, with sunglasses, without sunglasses, with breeze in the hair, without …. Smriti longed to walk into the endless labyrinths the coffee plants created. Get lost somewhere up there where the mist was caught and where the streams started. Perhaps I’ll find you there, poet… ‘Oh, flower garden! Stop, stop. Madam likes flowers.’ Shantanu frightened the cabbie into suddenly stopping in the middle of the road. Perhaps he had sensed her mood. ‘No Shantanu, I don’t want to go in there.’ She saw the huge lines of people inside a colorful looking garden. It did not interest her. Carefully cultivated blue roses, chocolate anthuriums or powder-puff lilies bored her. ‘Come yaar, it’s awesome,’ Shantanu was already outside holding the door open for her. The flower collection was beautiful. But Smriti longed for the black-eyed susans they had driven past growing by themselves in the wilderness. ‘Chalo. Now only Sunset Point is left for today. And Echo Point. We will go to Echo Point first. Anyway, Sunset Point will be nice only at sunset. Driver, take us to some nice vegetarian restaurant for lunch and then to Echo Point.’ ‘Hello!’ Shantanu called out almost leaning out at the railing that necked out over the deep gorge below. Nothing. The majestic hills forming the background stared back silently. ‘Hello,’ he tried louder. The hills sent out a moan.

‘So madam is here.’ Shantanu dropped himself heavily into the cane chair. ‘Madam, if your commune with nature is over, can you please make some tea now?’

‘Smritieeee,’ His voice ripped and shattered the tranquility of the surroundings like no thunder could. No sound returned that resembled her name. ‘You try.’ ‘Noo…’ ‘Come yaar, it’s fun. I could hear my voice.’ Smriti did not move closer to him where he stood on the yellow dot marked Echo Point. She bent to look at the gorge below. Firs looked blue in profusion. Blue firs, green hills, oh poet come! Look at this beauty with me. Feel this silence. This soothing quietness of hills and trees. An abyss of wonder. Let no one disturb this awhile. Shantanu was pulling her arm drawing her to the yellow spot. In a daze she moved. ‘Call out my name now.’ ‘’ Poet… blue hills… green trees…serenity... I wandered lonely as a cloud, over hills… She looked at the massive, impenetrable scene in front. So grand, so inviting. It called out to her in its silence. To lose her insignificance into it. Drown in its loveliness. Get sucked into its majesty. One world before her, immense, eternal…another behind - cajoling, full, stifling… ‘Come on…call out my name…’ ‘Hemant!’ Smriti called out to the hills, the blue firs.

Where equality reigns supreme… The Annapurneshwari Devi temple in Horanadu is a temple with a difference where all the devotees are treated alike, writes Jayanthi S.

oranadu, in the Kalasa taluk of Chikmagalore district, is located in the lush green lap of nature. A unique feature of the Horanadu temple is that devotees are allowed inside the temple for the darshan of the presiding deity, Sri Annapurneshwari Devi. Also, all the devotees are treated alike, irrespective of their caste, creed, sex, religion and region. Devotees are grouped in batches of 20 to 25 and are allowed to sit before the Almighty for a few minutes and pray. The statue of Goddess Annapurneshwari Devi, which is six feet tall, is carved out of a single stone. This statue, which was carved

in a village called Shankoti in Tamil Nadu, was installed in this holy temple in 1973. Everyday, the doors of the temple are kept open from early morning till late night. While the first mangalarathi is performed at 9 am in the morning, the second one is at 2 pm and the final one is at 9 pm. Devotees to this holy place can reach the temple at any time without any fear of the availability of food and accommodation. While food is served to all devotees, irrespective of their numbers, three times a day, accommodation is also free in the temple-owned guest rooms. Even

when the devotees are large in number, especially during auspicious occasions, temple authorities make necessary arrangements to accommodate them inside the temple. The temple staff are devoted and disciplined and attend to the needs of devotees with utmost care and caution, voluntarily. The fact that there is no extortion of money or whatsoever in this holy place is worth mentioning. As part of social service, the temple authorities have been performing free marriages for nearly 30 couples a year. The Temple Trust also gifts the bride and the groom ornaments and clothes. In addition to this, free upanayanam (thread ceremony) is also held at this temple. This is not all. The temple even extends financial assistance to those in need of medical aid.

Travel Karnataka

August 1, 2009

Photos by author

Thirumakudalu

Prayag of South

Thirumakudalu, considered as the Prayag of South, is the only place in South India where Kumbhamela is held once every three years. Sudha reports.

ncient temples, holy rivers, palm groves and paddy fields. That is Thirumakudalu, located at the confluence of sacred Triveni Sangama where Kumbhamela is held once every three years. Taken to be “Dakshina Kashi”, Thirumakudalu is a picturesque pilgrim place in T Narasipura, which is just 30 km from Mysore. Thirumakudalu got its name from the confluence of the holy rivers Cauvery, Kapila and Spatika Sarovara (Guptagamini), and Narasipura is named after the riverside temple deity Gunja Narasimha. Apart from sacred rivers, shrines and prehistoric sites of archaeological importance, T Narasipura is best known for its river festival of Kumbhamela.

most auspicious of all river festivals and celebrated once in 12 years, the Purna-kumbhamela was held here for the first time in 2001.

must-see temples of Gunja Narasimha, Bhikeshwara and Agastheshwara, located on the banks of Cauvery and Kapila, coursing through the temple town.

Prehistoric Sites

Located on the banks of Cauvery and Kapila Sangama, T Narasipura Gunja Narasimha Temple is built in Dravidian style. The temple has Vijayanagar period sculptures and inscriptions. Interestingly, the temple has the presiding deity with a twig of gunja tree (Abrus Precatorius) in its right hand and hence the name Gunja Narasimha. It is said that the symbolic twig of gunja is to remind devotees of the sthala mahathme (sanctity of the place) that they would gain a gulaganji (an ancient unit of measurement) of punya (spiritual gain) more than what they hope to gain from a pilgrimage to Kashi.

T Narasipura is surrounded by numerous Neolithic or New Stone Age sites which have been discovered over the years. Beginning around ten thousand BC, the Neolithic Age is known to be that stage of social and cultural evolution when people (who were earlier used to nomadic life) started living in hamlets, took up agriculture and could make their improvised stone implements. According to the Department of Archaeology, extensive excavations done 60 years ago in T Narasipura and nearby spots unearthed numerous archaeological evidences which show that the people of the Neolithic civilisation had their settlements in the upper Cauvery locations surrounding T Narasipura.

Like the famous Kumbhamela of Prayag (Allahabad), held at the sacred confluence of Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswathi, T Narasipura is known to be the only place in south where Kumbhamela is held at the concourse of three holy rivers. T Narasipura is also known as the Thrimakuta kshetra and the Prayag of South. Kumbhamela remains to be an ageold religious and cultural tradition in pilgrim places like Thirumakudalu. The festival is celebrated on the banks of the aforementioned holy rivers after punyasnana (a holy-dip), during a rarely occuring nakshatra (star-conjunction), believed to be auspicious for a ritual bath. Kumbhamela is usually held once every three years and Purna-kumbhamela is held once in 12 years.

Puranic Temples

Gunjanarasimha Swamy

Kumbhamelas are known to have been organised in T Narasipura on a very grand scale since 1989. The

You get to see many ancient temples and shrines in T Narasipura and nearby places like Somanathapura, Talakadu, Mudukutore, Hemmige and Sosale. Famous Somanathapura is just about 10 km away and Talakadu is just 5 km away from T Narasipura.

Like Talakadu Panchalinga, T Narasipura is known for the sacred pancha lingas dedicated to Agastheshwara, Hanumeshwara, Gargeshwara, Somnatheswara and Markandeshwara. Panchalingas apart, there are the

The Agastheshwara temple in T Narasipura is an 11th century temple built during the rule of Hoysalas. The Thrimakuta Kshetra or Thirumakudulu is known to be a sacred place sanctified by the great sage Agasthya who consecrated here the holy Shivalinga made of sand.

Sri Vyasarayara Mutt Beside the Agastheshwara temple is Sri Vysaraya Mutt, where you can see the sacred brindavanas of 16th century saints Sri Raghunatha Theertharu, Srinathatheertharu and Vidyavallbha Theertharu. Apart from this, there is also a temple dedicated to the deities of Gopalakrishna, Lakshminarasimha, Ishwara and Goddess Parvathy.

For Scenic Sights Spanning across the Cauvery, T Narasipura overbridge is a much photographed spot where you can catch a panoramic view of the rural setting. It is also known to be an ideal spot to view both sunrise and sunset. The steel bridge, built some 80 years ago, has a wide carriage way for the movement of traffic in the temple town.

Travel Karnataka

August 1, 2009

Ready for a make-over

he Mysore City Corporation (MCC) is planning to give a facelift to Nishat Bagh abutting Harding Circle within the next six months. Once the work is completed, this place would be one of the most prominent tourist places in the city.

A temple to visit The Mahavishnu temple in Ananthapura may not be well-known but it is definitely worth a visit, discovers R S Acharya.

he unique lake temple of Ananthapura, situated about 40 km away from Mangalore, is charming in its own way. The picturesque landscape on the way to the temple is spellbinding and the temple is situated in the centre of a large rectangular lake. On the north-east corner of the large lake is a big cave which is said to lead up to Thiruvananthapuram,

the capital of Kerala. The entrance of the cave has a small pit which always has water in it, and is treated as the sacred theertham. It is believed that Lord Vishnu went through this cave to reach Thiruvananthapuram.

Hence the temple is known as the Moolasthana (original source) of the world renowned Sri Padmanabhaswamy of Thiruvananthapuram. The unique feature of this temple is that the seven original idols found here are made of neither metal nor stone, but of a rare combination of about 108 materials collected from Kashmir to Kanyakumari, called Kadusharkara-yogam. On the outer walls of the temple are marvellous ancient mural paintings on puranic themes. The temple is surrounded by an ageold fort sarpakattu, which means even a serpent cannot climb the structure. On the front side is an epigraph of 16th century with engravings in the Tulu script. Those who want to stay in this beautiful place can choose to do so in the Devaragudde Palace. A surprise in store for people visiting this temple is a crocodile living in the lake. Known as Babiya, this crocodile is treated as a male crocodile by the staff and

The aesthetically designed octagonal bandstand in the sprawling Bagh, known as Kuppanna Park, is in for an image make-over. The glass ceiling of the bandstand, adorned with classic paintings, is being redecorated by artist Srihari, the grandson of the person who had done it originally. The paintings on the glass ceiling depict stories from Dashaavatara. The bandstand was once meant to serve an artistic purpose and host musical evenings. Making optimal use of the State Governmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Rs 100 crore grant, the MCC will set up a musical fountain and an amphitheatre. Landscaping and fencing works will also be taken up simultaneously. The total cost of the project is estimated to be Rs 2.30 crore.

Guarding for life

he Forest Department has got permission to recruit 800 forest guards, 200 foresters and 125 range forest officers (RFOs). However, even this massive recruitment drive will fill only 50 per cent of the vacancies in the department. For instance, there are vacancies for 1,500 forest guards, but only 800 will be recruited now and they will be placed in the most remote areas which are currently not covered by regular patrolling.

pilgrims of the temple. This gentle crocodile is human-friendly and a pure vegetarian! By tradition, the lake has always been inhabited by a single crocodile and according to people living around the temple,

Acute shortage of staff and wage-related problems of daily wagers are nothing new. But, this time around, there is some hope as the number of recruits is high and the department will ensure they are given the required equipment, including double-barrel guns. However, it will take at least five to six months to make all the recruitments. The life of forest guards is quite tough. The average age of forest guards is 42 years and their job is to foot patrol beats of over 5,000 hectares. They have to cover 10-20 sq km, depending on the kind of terrain, but this keeps increasing due to the number of vacancies. Their monthly salary is Rs 6,000 and their job demands them to be physically fit to endure long hours in the forest. They also live away from families as under the government scheme, there are no additional provisions for families. Some forest guards risk their lives in insurgency affected areas too. Unfortunately, daily wagers who, at times, do not get wages for over six months, have to still slog their way. The appeal to regularise them was rejected by the Supreme Court in 2006. Though they are considered the foot soldiers of protected areas, they hardly enjoy any amenities.

Babiya is the third one they have seen. When one crocodile dies, another one inevitably appears in the lake and this continues to be an unexplained phenomenon. Interestingly, there are no other rivers or ponds nearby. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The presence of Babiya in the lake around the temple of Mahavishnu reminds one of the wellknown Gajendra Moksha stories in the Bhagavatha Purana,â&#x20AC;? says Mr Karunakara Ananthapura, one of the trustees of the temple.

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he Nagarhole National Park, also known as the ‘Rajiv Gandhi National Park,’ is located 94 km from Mysore. Spread between Kodagu and Mysore districts, the Nagarhole National Park is located to the north-west of Bandipur National Park, where

August 1, 2009

Encounters the Kabini reservoir separates the two. The exclusive hunting reserve of the former rulers of Mysore, the park has rich forest cover, small streams, valleys and waterfalls. It stretches over 640 sq km, protecting the wildlife of Karnataka. Together with the adjoining Bandipur National Park (870 sq

km) and Mudumalai National Park (320 sq km), it forms the largest protected area in southern India. Nagarhole derives its name from ‘naga’ meaning snake and ‘hole’ referring to streams. Set up in 1955, it is one of the best-managed parks in the country, with the

office of the Deputy Conservator of Forests situated in Hunsur, about 47 km away from Nagarhole. The climate is tropical; summer is hot and winter is pleasant. The park has a healthy tiger-predator ratio, and tigers, bisons and elephants are much more populous here than in Bandipur.

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August 1, 2009

The park is part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. The Western Ghats, Nilgiri Sub-Cluster (6,000+ sq km), including all of Nagarhole National Park, is under consideration by the UNESCO World Heritage Committee for selection as a World Heritage Site.

Terrain Mostly moist, mixed deciduous forest (Tectona grandis, Dalbergia latifolia) in the southern parts, dry tropical forest (Wrightia tinctoria, Acacia) towards east, i.e., Bandipur, and sub-mountain hill valley swamp forest (Eugenia).

Flora and Fauna Mammals: Elephant, Jackal, Tiger, Panther, Gaur, Muntjac, Sambar, Spotted deer, Elephant, Mongoose, Civet cat, Hyena and Bison. Reptiles: King Cobra, Krait, Python, Viper, Tortoise, Monitor Lizard, Toads, etc. The main trees found are Rosewood, Teak, Sandalwood and Silver oak.

Climate Temperature during summer would be around 32째C. Winter is brief from November

to January and has the temperature dipping to 12 째C and rains from June to October.

Tourism Nagarhole boasts of a luxury resort, Kings Sanctuary, designed for nature lovers and eco-tourists. Entry to the National Park is free and does not require any permit. You have to enter a few details such as name, vehicle registration number, and number of visitors at the gate.

Lodging No private lodging or accommodation

is available. However, you can stay in the Nagarhole Forest Guest House with prior booking from the Wildlife Department either in Bangalore or Mysore. A number of private resorts and guest houses are available at Kutta, just outside the park, on the way to Irrupu Falls. You can also stay at Murkal which is situated within the Nagarhole Park.

Camping Camping is not allowed inside the park since it has a fairly good number of tigers and such other wild animals.

Travel Karnataka

August 1, 2009

The ruins of Hampi relate the silent tale of grandeur and splendour that the city once stood for. They also speak for infinite talent and creativity of the men who created this city.

ampi was once the capital of the powerful Vijayanagar Empire, one of the most powerful and glorious empires in Indian history. In fact, it was once said to be “the best provided city in the world”. The Vijayanagar Empire reigned supreme under Krishnadevaraya. Although in ruins today, this capital city once boasted of riches known beyond the shores of India. It is said that the empire was so wealthy that gold, silver, pearls and precious stones were sold on the streets of Hampi by the `ser’ measure. The destruction of Vijayanagar by the combined armies of Bijapur, Golconda and Ahmednagar was absolute. In search of its legendary wealth, they reduced the glorious and beautiful city to ruins with senseless destruction. The ruins of Hampi lie scattered in about 26 sq km area, amidst giant boulders and vegetation. These tell a silent tale of the grandeur and splendour that the city once was, of infinite talent and creativity of the men who created this city, and of ruthless destruction that man is capable of. Without the assistance of a guide, a tour of Hampi is to the eyes of the uninitiated broken stone monuments and faded frescoes, `Haalu Hampi’ as it is sometimes referred to. A good guide can bring alive some of the wonders of the Vijayanagar empire. The Virupaksha temple was a modest structure which grew to its present proportion under the Sangama and Tuluva dynasties. It is located at the foot of the Hemakuta Hill and is the core of the village of Hampi. According to the guide, this is one of the structures which was not destroyed by the invaders because of the royal ensign at the entrance of the temple which has a boar, a knife and the sun and moon, all of which bear a significance in Islam. The gopura of this temple called Bistappa’s gopura is made of stone, brick and lime paste. It has nine stories and at 165 feet, it is the fourth tallest gopura in India. On an inner wall of the temple, one can see an inverted image of the gopura all through the day. This image is formed by the use of pinhole camera effect,

showing how advanced the people of this kingdom were. The temple contains the shrines of Lord Shiva, Pampa and Bhuvaneshwari. An interesting feature of the temple is the pure gold mask of Lord Virupaksha, weighing 5 kg, presented by Krishnadevaraya. This is now brought out only on special occasions. The Bhuvaneshwari temple has beautifully worked door frames, pillars and chiselled ceiling. At the entrance to the temple is an unusual three-headed Nandi. This Nandi was once inside the temple but as one of the heads is broken, it has been placed at the entrance. The three heads, the guide tells us, signify the Hindu trinity of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. It is also considered as `thrikalasuchaka’, that abhisheka is done in the temple thrice a day. On the slope of the Hemakuta Hill are two huge stone images of Ganesha. First one is the Sasivekalu Ganesha, which is about 2.4 m tall and ironically named as sasivekalu or

mustard seed on account of his nails. The God is seated in a large open mantapa with plain rough square pillars. The right hand holds the ankusha and a broken tusk, while the upper left holds a looped noose. The lower left hand and the trunk are broken. The belly is tied with a snake. This Ganesha is fashioned out of a single boulder. The next one is the Kadalekalu (gram seed) Ganesha. He gets this unusual name on account of his stomach that resembles the gram seed. The huge idol of God in seated position is carved in the round out of a massive boulder. It is about 4.5 m tall and is housed in a large shrine with a fine, open-pillared mantapa in the front. The royal family worshipped this Ganesha while common people worshipped the Sasivekalu Ganesha. The mantapa is classical in its architectural proportions and has been admired by many architects and critics. The temple also forms an important vantage point from where a good and picturesque view of Hampi monuments can be had.

The image of Ugranarasimha is what comes to mind when one thinks of Hampi. He is seated on the coils of snake Adisesha who rises behind him with seven hoods, which serve as a canopy. The entire image is set within an arch, with a lion-mask above the hoods of Adisesha. The sight of the broad chest and bulging eyes of this colossal image is fascinating. The original idol had a smaller image of Lakshmi seated on his lap - now only the arm of Lakshmi is seen. The entire icon was carved out of a single stone. The invaders mutilated this colossal idol and the figure of Lakshmi is entirely damaged. This figure is now in the Kamalapura Museum. Adjacent to the Ugranarasimha is the Badava Linga, which is 3 m tall, making it the second biggest Linga in India. It is surrounded by water from an ancient canal which flows nearby. The inner sanctum has no roof. On the Linga is a line drawing depicting the three eyes of Lord Shiva. It is said that vexed about not being allowed by the rich to worship at other temples, a poor

Travel Karnataka

August 1, 2009

The Virupaksha temple was a modest structure which grew to its present proportion under the Sangama and Tuluva dynasties. It is located at the foot of the Hemakuta Hill and is the core of the village of Hampi.

old lady collected money from other poor people and had the temple constructed. The invaders of Hampi overlooked this temple, as they were sure there would be no riches under a temple built by the poor. The Lotus Mahal is a graceful two-storied pavilion located in the `Zenana’ enclosure. The palace is a beautiful synthesis of Hindu and Islamic styles of architecture. It was cooled by a labyrinth of pipes made of mud on the ceiling - one of earliest forms of airconditioning. The queen’s maids fed water into the pipes from the well nearby. This palace was built for Krishnadevaraya’s queen Thirumala Devi. Next to this palace stood the Jal Mahal for queen Chinnadevi. This palace was kept cool by the water that surrounded the base. Only the platform that the palace stood on remains today. The third palace, made of

sandalwood, was for Jaganmohini, daughter of Gajapathi, the king of Orissa who was defeated by Krishnadevaraya. Sandalwood filled the palace with its sweet perfume and also kept the palace cool. The queens visited these palaces when the king was away at war or on hunts. There are three watch towers on the high walls of the enclosure which were manned by women soldiers – the first of their kind in Karnataka.

of hunting scenes, dance postures and mythological figures. The king is said to have witnessed Mahanavami festivities seated on this platform and hence the name.

Located outside the Zenana Enclosure, on the East is a large oblong structure - the elephant stables, which is a fine example of Indo-Islamic style of architecture. The building consists of 11 large rooms with very high ceilings. Large domes crown 10 of these. These domes are of brick and mortar, and are of different shapes - drum-shaped, ribbed and octagonal. The superstructure of the central upper pavilion no longer exists. It probably had a Hindu shikhara in consonance with Indo-Islamic architecture. The rooms were used as elephant stables. Elephants were tied to chains hanging from the centre of the ceiling as can be made out from the iron hooks embedded in some parts of the ceiling. These were not military elephants but ceremonial ones which were used by the royal household.

Water from the Kamalapura tank feeds the main stone aqueduct running east to west in the royal enclosure. It first feeds the large public tank and then the stepped tank. Later the main stone aqueduct branches off to north and west, which in turn feed 19 other small and big tanks all over the royal enclosure. The stepped tank or Pushkarani is one of the beautiful remains in the durbar area. Built in chlorite schist, it was used by the royals and for religious purposes. The small but neat tank is about 22 sq m wide and about 7 m deep. It has five distinct tiers, each fitted with steps set in a lovely pattern. The layout of this stepped tank was well thought out in advance and all the different block stones were prepared in accordance with the plan elsewhere and assembled on the site later. This tank was discovered during recent excavations. Another interesting and unique display here is the plates made of stone which were placed near the water canals. These were used by palace guards and were very easy to wash using water from the canal!

The royal enclosure was once subdivided into smaller areas. The area had a distinctive door made of stone which was barred by large iron bolts, probably never found elsewhere. The door was opened and closed with the help of elephants! The door was shattered while the rest of the area was destroyed and now lies on display just outside the royal enclosure. The Mahanavami Dibba in this area is a very imposing structure which, presumably, supported massive wooden columns which were burnt when the city was ransacked. The platform which is in tiers has carvings

Any number of words would fail to describe the Vijaya Vittala temple. Legend has it that Lord Vishnu found it too grand to live in and thus returned to his own humble home. The temple has no idol now. The idol of Rukmini was completely destroyed and Vittala now stands in the courtyard of the Pandarapur temple and is referred to as Kannada-Vittala. There are three halls in the temple - the Sabha Mantap, the Kalyana Mantap and the Sangeeta Mantap. The latter is a magnificent though much damaged open mantap. It is raised on an ornate basement with carvings showing Arabians leading horses, dancing girls, and the avatars of Vishnu. The glory of the mantap is in the pillars carved from single stones which

emit a musical sound when tapped. Entry into this mantap is now restricted as these pillars were damaged by visitors. Some of the unique carvings in the temple are of a beast with two bodies and one head. From one angle, these carvings look like a bull with a raised head and from another, like an elephant. Another carving on the basement of the temple can be seen in five different angles - a monkey sitting and feeding, lifting, jumping, a cobra-headed linga, and Anjaneya jumping. At the corner of the eaves of the temple are rings for lamp chains, which could have also been used for decorating the temple with flowers. In place of the Garuda stambha found in most temples, Garuda is found here in the stone chariot situated to the east of the temple hall. The chariot resembles the rathas that were used to take the temple idols in procession. It is said that the stone wheels could then turn, but are now cemented. This is, by far, the most amazing monument in Hampi and is portrayed as the icon of Hampi.

How to reach Hampi is well connected by road and rail. The nearest railway station and bus stand is Hospet. There are buses to Hospet from all corners of Karnataka. State Government buses run between Hampi and Hospet from six in the morning till eight in the evening.

Where to stay Decent accommodation is available in the many hotels in Hampi, but one has to be prepared for dust from the iron-rich red soil found everywhere.

Travel tip If you want to see each monument in great detail, then a stay of at least three days is advisable.

Travel Karnataka

August 1, 2009

ages from History text books coming alive… describes my Hampi experience the best. Thinking you know and have heard everything about the hot seat of the Vijayanagar empire, well, you should still try Hampi.

Stone Chariot

Be it the Vitthala Temple, Lotus Mahal, Pushkarni or the Mahanavami Dibba, where the world famous Dasara was celebrated… Hampi is all about splendour in ruins. In this journey to the bygone era, my first stop was the Vitthala Temple Complex. Dedicated to Lord Vitthala, the complex got a facelift during Krishnadevaraya’s reign. The idol of the God was however shifted to Pandrapura fearing that the sultans may destroy it during the battle. Their fears were well justified as the statues of guardians of the Lord, Jaya and Vijaya, were destroyed. The temple complex further houses bhajan and community halls, and a ranga mantap. The pillars of the mantap, when tapped, used to produce the seven notes of music. Each and every structure is adorned with carvings that speak of the life and administration that prevailed in the kingdom. Horse trade that assumed importance then has been carved in detail. Sequences from Ramayana have also been etched. The complex has two entrances and during those days, one was used by the royal family and the other by commoners. It is also in this courtyard that the renowned stone chariot is placed. The chariot signifies

Slice of

Dasara the moment you enter this enclave. Not only was our State festival celebrated here but guests were also housed in this area. The remains of a secret chamber and stone plates on which food was served are also yours to see. The use of black stone in the construction of the entire structure denotes the kind of wealth the Vijayanagar kings had. The structure, on which the royalty sat and watched the festival, has been carved with several images including that of women, foreigners, hunting and mythological scenes. Pushkarni, the sacred water body, is also located in the Dibba.

the victory of Krishnadevaraya over the king of Orissa.

connected Anegundi (the previous capital of Vijayanagar) and Hampi.

From the temple complex you can also catch a glimpse of the Anjanadri Parvatha, where Hunuman is believed to be born.

On your way to the mantap, don’t forget to check out the king’s balance. It is here that the kings weighed themselves against food and jewellery and later distributed the same among the poor. The guides will also tell you that the balance was used to weigh the gifts received from other kings and travellers. Next to the balance is a structure that resembles a granary.

Step out of the complex and the once upon a time open jewellery market is what you’ll see. The people of Vijayanagar had separate markets for vegetables, fruits, essential commodities and luxury items. Each of these markets was located in front of temples that adorn Hampi. Your next stop will be the Purandara Mantapa situated on the banks of Tungabhadra. It is believed that Purandaradasa spent a few days here. In front of the mantap are towers from which the markets were monitored. From the mantap you can also see the bridge that

Queens Bath, a swimming pool that boasts of Jain, Hindu and Muslim architecture, is another attraction. The bath comes with an underground drainage system. Water for the pool came from the Kamalapura Lake. Further ahead is the Mahanavami Dibba. You can feel the festive spirit of

history

Next on the map was Hazara Rama Temple. The temple dedicated to Rama, Lakshmana and Sita has been severely damaged. The cause being the invaders’ assumption that jewels were hidden inside the idols. The carvings in the temple and on the ceiling depict Gods, Goddesses, dancing girls, Dashavatara and Ramayana among others. The ceiling of the temple is high as kings used to arrive on elephants inside the temple. It is believed that this temple was closest to the palace. The Lotus Mahal or the Queen’s quarters was next on the itinerary. A water body constructed in the centre kept the atmosphere cool. Only the king was allowed entry to this two-storied palace. Elephant stables, where Dasara elephants were kept, mahouts’ houses and a treasury are near the mahal. Even as you tour these sites it becomes obvious that while most of the plundered structures used

Hampi is all about splendour in ruins, writes Shruti I L, as she explores Hampi and its surroundings.

Travel Karnataka

August 1, 2009

Ugranarasimha

Hindu architecture styles, those with Muslim styles have been mostly left unharmed given that the invaders were sultans. Anyway, a Kannada adage says that one should be fit enough to explore Hampi, for that’s how much it has on offer. So the strong ones can continue their trip by walking or cycling towards the two different images of Ganesha and a monolith, Lakshminarasimha, that depicts the man-lion form of Vishnu. However, the face has been damaged and also the hand of Goddess Lakshmi sitting on His lap has been cut off. There is also the Badavalinga, that was built by a beggar using the alms he had collected. Water is found around this linga as a canal passes through the area of its location.

Sisters’ Rock also makes for an interesting sight. Two boulders leaning on each other are said to be two sisters who were turned to stone after making derogatory comments about Hampi. A Krishna Temple built by Krishnadevaraya for his queen and daughter of Gajapathiraya of Orissa, to keep her Lord Krishna idol, is also a must-see. But your visit is incomplete without offering prayers at the Virupaksha Temple that stands tall with its nine-storied gopura. A market that sells memorabilia is just outside the temple and you can take home a slice of history back home. Not ready to end your ‘historic’ journey yet? Well, then travel to villages around

Hampi. Anegundi is also worth a visit. It lies in the mythical kingdom of Kishkinda. The handicraft centre there is worth a visit. When on your trip you can’t help but notice that these parts of Bellary district are sans development. The regional imbalance is apparent. We can also sense the prevalence of Devadasi system is some parts. Still have time on hand? Then, visit the Kannada University. Designed keeping in mind the heritage tag of Hampi, the campus is a world in itself. The Tribal Studies Department and Shilpa Vana, that houses different kinds of sculptures, are unique. Each lane and section inside the campus is named after great Kannada litterateurs.

The Daroji Bear Park is also an option. The excitement of spotting bears, however, may be shortlived once you reach the sanctuary as there are no proper directions or personnel to guide you to the tower from where you get to see the animals. However, if you are a wildlife enthusiast, you would want to give the place a shot. When there are so many things to see in Hampi, the next time you have a long weekend you know where to head!

Travel Tips The best way to reach Hampi is to take the Hampi Express that goes from Bangalore to Hospet. November is a good time to visit Hampi as it hosts the Hampi Utsava.

Boganandishwara Temple

Travel Karnataka

Revel in the spirit of

August 1, 2009

freedom

Here, dawn is greeted with the chirping melody of birds and nights are lit by hurricane lamps. A delightful experience in a perfect jungle setting. Welcome to the Biligiriranga Hills.

unique blend of a wildlife sanctuary and a hill station, the Biligiriranga Hills is a haven for a variety of wild animals and birds. It is a ‘must-see’ for those who love the jungle in its pristine glory.

B R Hills their home, including the scarlet minivet, velvet-fronted nuthatch, gold-fronted chloropsis, lorikeet, blossom-headed parakeet, heart-spotted woodpecker and Malabar whistling thrush among numerous others,

Here, one is welcome to unwind and enjoy nature’s gifts unfettered by civilisation. Jungle Lodges and Resorts offer an experience of a lifetime where you can only expect the unexpected, the untamed and the unexplored. The Kyathadevara Gudi (K Gudi) Camp is located inside the Biligiriranga Temple Wildlife Sanctuary and thus becomes the base for various wildlife expeditions in the park. Opentop jeep rides with trained naturalists to interpret the sightings twice everyday, once at dawn and once just before dusk, are the major attractions of this camp. Trekking inside the sanctuary is another exciting activity that the camp offers to its guests. There are many well-marked trails leading out of the camp, which offer various degrees of physical challenge. Trekking offers a plethora of wildlife viewing opportunities and bird watchers would be delighted at the number of birds one can sight in these trails. Evenings are for unwinding after a “hard day’s work”. Sit around a campfire or watch a wildlife movie at the audio-visual room. The deciduous, evergreen and grassland vegetation types existing here offer refuge to a variety of wildlife. Commonly sighted animals here are leopard, elephant, tiger, gaur, wild dog, sloth bear, barking deer, spotted deer, sambar, wild boar, porcupine, python and Malabar giant squirrel, to name a few. Over 270 species of birds have also made

making it an ornithologist’s delight. The forest is green and at its best from June to November while wildlife is sighted round the year. A unique feature of the camp is that there

Travel Karnataka

August 1, 2009

is no electricity in the tents and log-huts. Electricity, however, is provided in the hunting lodge between 7 pm and 10.30 pm. As night falls and stars shine, the resort lights up with hurricane lamps. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a truly magical transformation.

Maharajaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Hunting Lodge. K Gudi can easily accommodate about 35 to 40 guests at a time and also provides an ideal setting for hosting meetings and conferences. The well-stocked bar serves drinks and snacks to guests.

Accommodation at the K Gudi Wilderness Camp is clean, comfortable, homely and non-ostentatious. It merges with the surrounding environment. The camp has eight twin bedded tented cottages, three newly built log huts and four well-furnished rooms at the

The camp is open throughout the year. Situated at an altitude of 3,300 ft to 5,000 ft, the sanctuary offers salubrious climate all the year round. Wildlife sighting is excellent at all times, irrespective of the season.

Watch the nimble hands of workers at the coffee estates around, view sunset from the top of the mountain, visit the Biligiri Ranganathaswamy Temple, and discover the kingdom of butterflies and insects. Carry on with your safari and trekking to many different areas. Or, simply take a snooze on a hammock, amidst the chirping of birds.

Getting there Kyathadevara Gudi is located just 86 km from Mysore (via Nanjangud

and Chamarajnagar) and 225 km from Bangalore (via Mysore and Chamarajnagar). K Gudi Camp is also close to Coimbatore in Tamil Nadu, just 175 km away (via Sathyamangalam and Chamarajnagar). For reservation and booking, contact: Jungle Lodges & Resorts Limited; Ph: 080-25597021/24; or visit www. junglelodges.com

Travel Karnataka

August 1, 2009

cuisine Pineapple & Mango Punch Ingredients •

6 pineapple slices

•

6 tbsp castor sugar

•

½ cup raw mango pieces

•

A few mint leaves

•

½ tsp pepper

•

1 tsp black salt

Method Mix the sugar with the raw mango pieces. Caramelise in a non-stick pan and add a little water. Blend all the ingredients in a blender and serve chilled.

Mango Magic The season of mangoes is almost over. But, there are a few varieties still available on the shelves of supermarkets. So, why not feast on the few remaining mangoes while we look forward to the next mango season next year?

Mango Mood Ingredients

•

1 cup raw mango pulp •

150 gm sugar

• • •

½ tsp black salt

½ tsp red chilli powder

1/2 tsp cumin seeds (roasted) •

1 tsp dry mint powder •

Salt to taste Method

Blend all the ingredients in a blender. Add enough water to get chutney consistency. Cook for 5-10 minutes in a heavy bottomed pan. Cool and store. Serve with any snack.

Mango Appetiser

Tangy Mango

Ingredients

•

1 cup raw mango pulp or raw mango (grated)

•

1 cup small pieces of raw mango

•

100 gm sugar

•

½ tsp black salt

•

1 tsp dry mint powder

•

½ tsp red chilli powder

•

½ tsp red chilli powder

•

½ tsp mustard powder

•

1 tsp cumin (roasted)

• •

seeds

•

Some gram flour boondis

•

Salt to taste

Blend all the ingredients in a blender. Add 2-3 cups of water. Serve cool with crushed ice.

•

½ tsp black salt

1 tsp salt Method

Mix all the ingredients well and a spicy instant pickle is ready to eat.

Mango Mazaa

Ingredients

2 tbsp mango pulp

2 tbsp honey •

Mango Mint •

2 green chillies (chopped)

powder

Method

1 tbsp ginger (grated)

Ingredients

• •

50 gm fenugreek seeds

100 gm raw mango (grated)

•

1/4 tsp red chilli powder

•

1/4 tsp pepper powder

•

½ tsp turmeric powder

•

1/2 tsp cumin seeds (roasted)

•

2 tsp fenugreek seeds (coarsely ground)

•

A pinch of asafoetida

•

1 tsp mustard powder

•

2 tbsp mint leaves

•

1 tsp red chilli powder

•

1 tsp salt

Method Grind to a very fine paste all the ingredients except the mango pulp and the boondis. Mix with the mango pulp and pass the mixture through a fine sieve. Mix with half a litre water and top with raita boondis. Serve cool with crushed ice.

•

Mustard oil

•

10 gm salt Method

Mix well the fenugreek seeds and the other ingredients except the mustard oil. Cover with mustard oil for 3-4 days or till the fenugreek seeds absorb the moisture. Once the moisture is gone, store in a glass jar.

Travel Karnataka

August 1, 2009

Alcohol abuse and dependence cuts short the life span by a decade in both genders.

lcohol is consumed by over 80 per cent of the population. At low doses, alcohol can have some beneficial effects. But, the consumption of more than two standard drinks per day increases the risk of health problems. Heavy repetitive drinking as is seen in alcohol abuse and dependence cuts short the life span by an estimated decade in both genders, irrespective of cultural groups and socio-economic strata. There is a large variety of alcoholic beverages. About 340 ml of beer, 115 ml of non-fortified wine, 43 ml of 80 proof beverages, each contain 10 to 15 gm of ethanol. While alcohol supplies calories (a single drink contains 70-100 kcal), these are devoid of nutrients such as minerals, proteins and vitamins. It can also interfere with the absorption of vitamins in the small intestine and decrease their storage in liver.

Behavioural effects of alcohol The level of alcohol in the blood is expressed as mg/dl or gm/dl. Eventually, legal intoxication requires a blood-alcohol concentration of at least 80-100 mg/dl, leading to behavioural, psychomotor and cognitive changes which, however, are seen at levels as low as 20-30 mg/dl (i.e., after one or two drinks). Ethanol is a central nervous system depressant that decreases neuronal activity, although some behavioural stimulation is observed at low blood levels. Decreased inhibition, apparent excitation and euphoria, decrease in complex cognitive functions, drowsiness, slurred speech, lack of motor co-ordination and irritability are the other ill-effects.

The effects of alcohol on the organ system At higher doses, alcohol is toxic to most organ systems.

1. Central Nervous System Approximately, 35 per cent of drinkers may experience a blackout, an episode of temporary amnesia, in which the person forgets all or part of what occurred during the time of drinking. Chronic high doses cause peripheral neuropathy in 5-15 per cent of alcoholics and patients experience bilateral limb, numbness, tingling paresthesias, Wernicke’s Syndrome (ophthalmo paresis, ataxia and encephalopathy) and Korsakoff’s syndrome seen in less than 10 per cent of alcoholics as a result of thiamine deficiency.

2. Gastrointestinal tract Acute alcohol intake results in epigastric distress and gastrointestinal bleeding. Chronic heavy drinking is associated with violent vomiting, can produce a Mallory-Weiss lesion – a longitudinal tear in mucosa at the Gastro esophageal junction. Incidence of acute pancreatitis (25/100 per year) is almost three-fold higher than in

general population. Alcoholic hepatitis, fatty liver and cirrhosis of liver are seen in 15-20 per cent of alcoholics.

3. Cancer Drinking as few as 1 to 5 drinks per day increases a woman’s risk of breast cancer four-fold. For both genders, four drinks per day increases the risk of oral and esophageal cancer. 4. Cardiovascular System Ethanol decreases myocardial contractivity, resulting in mild decrease in blood pressure. Chronic heavy drinking can cause cardiomyopathy, with left ventricular impairment, leading to heart failure. Moderate intake of alcohol in limited doses will have some beneficial effects. A maximum of 1 to 2 drinks per day decreases the risk of cardiovascular deaths through an increase in high-density lipoprotein. However, even moderate drinking in pregnancy has been found to produce ‘fetal alcohol syndrome’, resulting in intra-uterine and post-natal growth retardation, low birth weight, facial changes, low IQ, mental retardation, cardiac, atrial septal defects, ventricular septal defect, increased incidence of miscarriage and still birth.

By Dr Bhavitha R

Travel Karnataka

August 1, 2009

Baraguru Ramachandrappa has taken Ekalavya to all the districts of Karnataka and has completed a 100-day journey across the length and breadth of the State. S Srikanth reports.

Epic saga

f writer-director Baraguru Ramachandrappa organised a jatha to take his earlier film Shanti to the masses from Bengaluru right up to Belgaum in 30 days, his latest directorial venture Ekalavya went a step further in completing a 100-day journey across Karnataka, covering 100 places and with more than 100 shows in all the districts put together. Director Baraguru says Ekalavya is a contemporary interpretation of the Mahabharatha and that which celebrates hard work, involvement and will power. He says Ekalavya is an attempt to turn the spotlight on the existing inequalities in education, given the socio-economic milieu of the nation. Says Baraguru, “All children are born with a heart of gold and purity. But, money power takes away that purity as only a privileged few are able to afford quality education and sport. This is one of the primary reasons for the divide that exists in our society.” In the great Indian epic of Mahabharatha, Ekalavya, a tribal, wanted to learn archery but was denied the same by Rajguru Dronacharya. However, Ekalavya silently anointed Dronacharya as his guru and with great determination and dedication, learnt archery on his own. Ekalavya was finally asked to donate his thumb as guru dakshina as Dronacharya did not want Ekalavya to compete with his best students.

Similarly, the movie Ekalavya focuses on tribal life and conveys the message that with persistent effort and some encouragement, even children from the tribes can reach dizzying heights. These tribes live in thatched huts outside a township over a hillock. The tribe has a leader, his wife, a priest, Hanumanna, daughter Lakshmi and a 12-year-old son Ramu. These tribals earn their livelihood weaving baskets. The story goes like this:

Ramu observes athletic training being imparted to MLA Sahukar Siddappa’s son Anand by Dronacharya awardee Kaverappa. Ramu nurses the secret desire of becoming like Anand by getting trained under Kaverappa. Ramu’s sister

Lakshmi stands by him but poverty comes in their way. However, Ramu is full of dreams that refuse to die. One day, Ramu watches all the action that unfolds on the athletic field from a distance and settles down in a corner. Akshara, a young man, who is involved in spreading literacy awareness, is on a visit to the region. He takes Ramu to Kaverappa. But Kaverappa refuses to train Ramu as he

feels that he is obliged to train Anand for he gets paid for it. Akshara goes to the extent of throwing a physical fit at the coach but this disappoints Ramu. Ramu and his friends discuss about how the coach can be convinced into coaching Ramu. With tears in his eyes, Ramu goes to Kaverappa and pleads. But, Kaverappa rejects him. Ramu looks at Kaverappa’s photograph hanging on the wall and requests him to give him at least his photo, to which Kaverappa relents. Ramu returns with the photograph which he promptly hangs on the wall. With support from his sister Lakshmi, his friends and Akshara, Ramu, who practices on his own, achieves some recognition on the athletic field. As he grows up on the hillside, he begins to coach other tribal children and rural children in athletics. A few years later, Ramu is bestowed with the Dronacharya award himself. But his sister Lakshmi asks him to choose between being a Dronacharya and an Ekalavya, which puts Ramu in a fix. Lakshmi leaves the decision to the children who are trained by Ramu. The film is written and directed by Baraguru Ramachandrappa. V Manohar has scored the music and Nagaraja Adavani is the cinematographer. Suresh Urs has edited the movie. The movie stars Master Likith, Shruthi Naidu, Raghav, Sunderraj, Radha Ramachandra, Sunderraja Urs, Hulimavu Ramachandra, R Nagesh, H M T Narayan, Shobhina, Master Ankush, Kashyap and Gubbi Prakash among others. The film is produced by a group of seven people under the banner Abhiruchi Chitra.

Travel Karnataka

August 1, 2009

Singer, model, VJ, pop band member – there are several hats this spunky youngster has donned. The voice behind many chart busters from movies like From Chandni Chowk To China, 13B, Victory, Golmaal Returns and Kites, among others, Anushka Manchanda speaks exclusively to Bindu Gopal Rao on her travel experiences.

ow many places have you travelled over the last year?

My work takes me all over the country on a regular basis. Besides several visits to Bangalore and Delhi, I’ve also been to Jaipur, Udaipur, Ahmedabad, Kolkatta, Meerut, Dehradun, Chennai, etc. in the last year. I spent two weeks in Nepal bungee jumping, riding through the mountains and chilling in Pokhara. I had shows in San Francisco and Florida and I travelled to New York a couple of times as well. Singapore, Dubai and Malaysia were short trips. Thailand was a long one where I spent time in Bangkok, Koh Phnyan and Koh Samui, doing some basic diving in Koh Tao. Just recently, I spent three weeks in Cape Town as well. What has been your best travel experience? Undoubtedly, my road trips across India. During my time as a VJ with a music channel, I hosted a travel show

I love Bangalore. The people are great, the food is good, there are some really nice places to hang out and, most importantly, the city loves absolutely all kinds of music. Bangalore audience is possibly one of the best audiences to play to. I’ve also spent some time in Hampi. Hampi has a strange mystical quality about it. With its landscape colours of brown and ochre with some green thrown in for good measure, you feel like you’ve stepped into the past. There are all these big rocks balancing on these little rocks around the city’s ruins. It all looks like a giant child’s playground. There’s also a sunset point, which you have to climb up to. You huff and you puff and you get there to experience one of the most beautiful and peaceful sunsets you could possibly imagine. I’ve heard that there is some intensive restoration taking place there and I don’t know how I feel about that. Do you experiment with food during travel?

live there give the best advice. Besides that, one should never ever leave for a trip without a warm jacket. Most airports are freezing! Also, when you’re not using the jacket to keep yourself warm, you can use it as a pillow or something to sit on in an overcrowded airport. Do you have any interesting travel memory to share? Once, driving to the Tawang Monastery, after crossing Sela Pass, our car skidded off the road because of the ice and landed in a little ditch on the side. Luckily, we were in the valley at that point, and though we were shocked, none of us were hurt. At that point, twenty soldiers from the Indian army came out of their barracks to help us. They pulled our car back up on the road, gave us tea and got some locals to make us some mindblowing Maggi, the best I’ve ever had. Maybe it was something about fresh mountain air! Those soldiers could not let us take pictures of them but I will

Travel to evolve

where we drove through the length and the breadth of the country. It was unreal! There are possibly only two or three states in India that I haven’t been to. India is magnificent! We met the locals, drove through fields of gold, ice and rain. We travelled up to the north-eastern part of the country, which is absolutely stunning and possibly the best part of the entire trip. It wasn’t a comfort-based trip. We were sleeping in random little guesthouses and eating at dhabas with truckers. Is there a destination that you have not visited yet but want to? There are so many places in the world with so many different cultures, so much to see, but so little time! When I visit a place, I can’t just tick mark visits to tourist attractions. I like to spend some time there to soak in the vibe of a city. I’d love to go to South America and spend a month-and-ahalf just travelling. Also, Mexico, Cuba, Venezuela, Rio and more. I want to eat the food there, meet the people and make friends, walk around the city and party! Have you seen Karnataka? If yes, which is your favourite place?

Absolutely! I love food! One of the most important parts of my trips is experimenting with food. I love to try the local food and enjoy the experience thoroughly. Most times, I’m happy with the results, but there have been times where I’ve bit off more than I can chew (pun intended!) How do you travel? Heavy or light? My packing completely depends on where I’m going and whether I’m taking a luxury trip or roughing it out. More often than not, I have a tendency to over-pack. I always carry extra clothes and something warm, no matter where I go. Then, besides my clothes and shoes, I have to carry some books. I devour books and will never ever travel without them. What is your advice to travelers? Any tips? Since we have access to networking sites like Facebook and Orkut, you should try and get in touch with people from the place you plan to visit. They offer you the best advice about where to go and what to see. I also do a lot of internet research on hotels before I travel, but people who

never forget some of those mustached smiling faces! What is your favourite holiday destination? Goa! I love being on the beach, and have been to several beaches around the world. But, Goa is truly where my heart is. Whether it’s an action packed night or time I want to spend on an isolated beach, I can find it all in Goa. There are different types of music, different types of food and people of various nationalities. More than anything else, it’s the vibe. Goa has this energy about it. Once you get there, is sucks you in, gently, and clichéd as it may sound, all your stress just melts off your back! Besides Goa, I love the high energy in New York. Anything else about travel that you want to share? I think it’s important for every individual to travel. The more you see the world, the more you evolve as a person. You learn about various cultures and ways of life, and I believe it presents you with an option to take the best of everything and make it your own. It’s awe-inspiring!

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Travel Karnataka

August 1, 2009

e loves travelling all over India and shooting wildlife armed with a sophisticated device. Well, it’s not a gun or an automatic rifle but a “camera trap”. Meet Dr Andre Pittet, Project Advisor and Faculty at the Centre for Electronics and Design Technology (CEDT) at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore. When Dr Pittet and his colleagues accidentally overheard the faculty and students from the Centre for Ecological Sciences (CES) lamenting on the poor quality and overweight camera trap unit they had bought locally, they decided to help. Thus began the quest to develop a better and more reliable camera trap system, incorporating the latest in sensing devices and electronic circuitry. Essentially, camera trap units are used by forest officials, researchers,

picked up when on a visit back home in Switzerland and simple electronic circuitry rigged up with resistors and transistors. The experimental device was housed in a jerry can and taken to the forest for testing, and they ‘shot a tiger’ on film. The early lab prototype was a good learning experience but there were problems galore that needed to be solved. So it was back to the lab. Dr Pittet and his group spent days researching, field testing, checking the results and getting a feedback from users. After developing several versions using various combinations of systems, what has emerged from the lab is a portable, lightweight, affordable state-of-the-art camera trap device. His colleagues at the Centre for Ecological Sciences, non-governmental organisations (NGO’s) in the country and Forest Department officials are extremely happy using the IISc camera trap unit. Dr Pittet narrates how his team tackled and

solved many of the problems relating to the development of the camera trap unit. “The most important component of the device was the camera. After initial trials with the photo film camera - which eventually went out of date - he switched to trying out digital cameras. Though compact and expensive, they have several drawbacks. For example, they would switch off quickly – go onto the “power saving mode” or as Dr Pittet says, they would “go to sleep”. Since they were going to be used in the wild for long periods of time, they needed to be on or ‘always awake’. Dr Pittet and his group designed and developed special electronic circuitry or ‘keep awake signal system’ that

researched, designed s ar ye l ra ve se er ov s r Pittet at CEDT, IISc, ha for wildlife studies. it un ap tr a er m ca A small group led by D le ab able, rugged and afford rt po ry ve a d pe lo ve and de Sharath Ahuja reports. Photos by Dr Pittet

! n o i t c A , a r e m a C , s t h Lig wildlife conservationists and non-governmental organisations to conduct wildlife census, scientific ecological investigations and wildlife conservation. Camera traps are nothing new as their usage has already been reported as early as 1906. Neither are they very original as you can buy them from a number of companies abroad. A typical camera trap consists of: (1) The Sensor/ Detector - which is a passive type that senses the body heat of the animal or an active type that uses an infra-red beam to sense motion/ movement of the animal. (2) The Camera: to record the image – digital these days and (3) Associated electronic circuitry, battery unit and a sturdy box to house them all.

Photos by author

Expensive camera trap systems are commercially available abroad but Dr Pittet feels that it has been a challenge for his team to develop an indigenous unit, with electronic circuitry developed at IISc which is reliable, tried, tested and affordable. He is happy to say that ever since he began researching and developing camera traps, his lab has delivered about 220 film-based units to conservationists, NGO’s and forest officials all over the country. The camera trap group has currently switched to digital cameras as part of their systems and these have been successfully tested both by wildlife conservationists and forest officials. He hopes that his scientific contribution will help save the dwindling population of several endangered wildlife species in India – especially the magnificent tiger.

A small group led by Dr Pittet at CEDT, IISc, has over several years researched, designed and developed a very portable, rugged and affordable camera trap unit for wildlife studies. Dr Pittet adds, “To be effective for wildlife studies, it can be very advantageous to have scientists who understand the technology and work closely with species specialists. This will, in turn, result in the development of a device that will suit their requirements and meet their specifications”. Their first experimental attempts way back in 2002 were with a camera that recorded images on photographic film with motion sensors that Dr Pittet

kept the camera ‘always on’. Several new electronic circuit designs have been developed at IISc for the camera trap unit integrating signals from the sensors/ detectors and for several features of the camera operation.

Over the years, Dr Pittet has enjoyed taking his camera trap unit into the wild, collaborating with several scientists, conservationists and forest officials and treasures his vast collection of about 25,000 photographs of Indian wildlife that he has ‘CAPTURED’.

(Above right) Dr Pittet with the first prototype camera trap; Camera Trap Unit developed at CEDT, IISc.

Dr Andre Pittet and his team can be reached at: camtrap@cedt.iisc.ernet.in.

Travel Karnataka

August 1, 2009

BENGALURU INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT DOMESTIC AIR TIMINGS - ARRIVAL AIRLINE FLIGHT NO. Kingfisher (IT) 2454 Indigo (6E) 153 Spice Jet (SG) 524 Kingfisher (IT) 4426 Kingfisher (IT) 3446 Kingfisher (IT) 3446 Indigo (6E) 275 Jet Airways (9W) 445 Jet Airways (9W) 465 Jet Airways (9W) 485 Jet Airways (9W) 532 Jet Airways (9W) 802 Jet Airways (9W) 3525 Jet Airways (9W) 3525 Alliance Air 7915 Indian (IC) 312 Indian (IC) 316 Indian (IC) 318 Kingfisher (IT) 2402 Kingfisher (IT) 2404 Kingfisher (IT) 2406 Kingfisher (IT) 2408 Kingfisher (IT) 2410 Kingfisher (IT) 2412 Kingfisher (IT) 2414 Kingfisher (IT) 2741 Jetlite (S2) 271 Jet Airways (9W) 3512 Indian (IC) 910 Indian (IC) 910 Kingfisher (IT) 4420 Kingfisher (IT) 4430 Jetlite (S2) 282 Kingfisher (IT) 2906 Kingfisher (IT) 3103 Kingfisher (IT) 3109 Kingfisher (IT) 4454 Kingfisher (IT) 4458 Jetlite (S2) 234 Indigo (6E) 101 Indigo (6E) 103 Indigo (6E) 105 Indigo (6E) 107 Indigo (6E) 121 Indigo (6E) 123 Indigo (6E) 131 Indigo (6E) 137 Jet Airways (9W) 801 Jet Airways (9W) 811 Jet Airways (9W) 815

ORIGIN ARRIVAL DAYS OF AIRCRAFT TIME OPERATION TYPE Agatti 1750 1234567 AT7 Ahmedabad 1830 1234567 320 Ahmedabad 0900 1234567 738 Belgaum 1230 1234567 AT7 Bhubaneswar 1410 1234507 320 Bhubaneswar 1510 0000060 320 Chennai 1140 1234567 320 Chennai 1050 1234567 738 Chennai 2205 1234567 738 Chennai 1805 1234567 738 Chennai 0845 1234567 73G Chennai 0645 1234567 734 Chennai 1230 1034507 AT7 Chennai 1210 0000060 AT7 Chennai 2210 1234567 732 Chennai 0945 1234567 319 Chennai 1825 1234567 319 Chennai 230 1234567 319 Chennai 0820 1234567 AT7 Chennai 0950 1234567 AT7 Chennai 1200 1234567 AT7 Chennai 510 1234567 AT7 Chennai 1830 1234567 AT7 Chennai 2000 1234567 AT7 Chennai 2130 1234567 AT7 Chennai 0700 1234567 AT7 Chennai 0600 1234567 738 Cochin 0945 1234567 AT7 Cochin 1440 1234507 319 Cochin 1510 0000060 319 Cochin 2150 1234567 AT7 Cochin 0855 1234567 AT7 Cochin 2020 1234567 738 Coimbatore 2305 1234567 AT7 Coimbatore 0930 1234567 320 Coimbatore 2255 1234567 320 Coimbatore 2040 1234567 AT7 Coimbatore 0825 1234567 AT7 Coimbatore 1220 1234567 734 Delhi 0910 1234507 320 Delhi 1040 0000060 320 Delhi 1830 1234507 320 Delhi 1840 0000060 320 Delhi 1210 1234567 320 Delhi 1840 1234567 320 Delhi 2315 1234567 320 Delhi 1510 0000060 320 Delhi 0910 1234567 73H Delhi 2030 1234567 738 Delhi 1310 1234507 73G

AIRLINE FLIGHT NO. Jet Airways (9W) 815 Jet Airways (9W) 815 Jet Airways (9W) 815 Jet Airways (9W) 834 Indian (IC) 904 Indian (IC) 403 Indian (IC) 803 Kingfisher (IT) 201 Kingfisher (IT) 203 Kingfisher (IT) 205 Kingfisher (IT) 207 Kingfisher (IT) 212 Kingfisher (IT) 214 Jetlite (S2) 231 Jetlite (S2) 233 Jetlite (S2) 235 Spice Jet (SG) 223 Spice Jet (SG) 501 Indigo (6E) 277 Jet Airways (9W) 502 Jet Airways (9W) 502 Indian (IC) 919 Indian (IC) 920 Kingfisher (IT) 432 Spice Jet (SG) 527 Kingfisher (IT) 2432 Indigo (6E) 151 Indigo (6E) 352 Jet Airways (9W) 3542 Jet Airways (9W) 3548 Jet Airways (9W) 3550 GO Air (G8) 193 Indian (IC) 916 Kingfisher (IT) 2424 Kingfisher (IT) 2431 Kingfisher (IT) 2434 Kingfisher (IT) 2438 Kingfisher (IT) 2440 Kingfisher (IT) 4424 Kingfisher (IT) 4440 Kingfisher (IT) 611 Kingfisher (IT) 611 Jetlite (S2) 631 Spice Jet (SG) 283 Kingfisher (IT) 4436 Jet Airways (9W) 511 Jet Airways (9W) 515 Indian (IC) 771 Kingfisher (IT) 434 Kingfisher (IT) 3435

ORIGIN ARRIVAL DAYS OF AIRCRAFT TIME OPERATION TYPE Delhi 1500 0000060 73G Delhi 1230 1234567 73G Delhi 1250 0000060 73G Delhi 2225 1234567 73G Delhi 2230 1234567 320 Delhi 1900 1234567 321 Delhi 0845 1234567 319 Delhi 0930 1234567 321 Delhi 1230 1234567 321 Delhi 2000 1234567 321 Delhi 2315 1234567 321 Delhi 1740 1234567 320 Delhi 2120 1234567 320 Delhi 0945 1234567 734 Delhi 2015 1234567 738 Delhi 2125 1234567 738 Delhi 1540 1234567 739 Delhi 0940 1234567 739 Goa 1500 1234567 320 Goa 1705 1234507 73G Goa 1735 0000060 73G Goa 1600 1234507 320 Goa 1600 0000060 320 Guwahati 2135 1234567 321 Guwahati 1820 1234567 738 Hubli 1630 1234567 AT7 Hyderabad 0920 1234567 320 Hyderabad 2040 1234567 320 Hyderabad 1650 1034567 AT7 Hyderabad 2250 1234567 AT7 Hyderabad 0955 1234567 AT7 Hyderabad 2055 1234567 320 Hyderabad 1040 1234567 320 Hyderabad 0850 1234560 AT7 Hyderabad 0800 1234567 AT7 Hyderabad 1300 1234507 AT7 Hyderabad 1950 1234567 AT7 Hyderabad 2105 1234567 AT7 Hyderabad 1925 1234567 AT7 Hyderabad 2315 1234567 AT7 Jaipur 1435 1234507 320 Jaipur 1500 0000060 320 Jaipur 1605 1234567 738 Jaipur 2000 1234567 738 Vidyanagar 1735 1234567 AT7 Kolkata 1740 1234567 738 Kolkata 0835 1234567 73W Kolkata 2215 1234567 320 Kolkata 1020 1234567 320 Kolkata 2240 1234567 320

AIRLINE FLIGHT ORIGIN ARRIVAL DAYS OF AIRCRAFT NO. TIME OPERATION TYPE Jetlite (S2) 364 Kolkata 1940 1234567 73G Kingfisher (IT) 4460 Madurai 0905 1234567 AT7 Kingfisher (IT) 4466 Madurai 2215 1234567 AT7 Jet Airways (9W) 520 Mangalore 1025 1234567 73G Jet Airways (9W) 528 Mangalore 2020 1234567 73G Kingfisher (IT) 442 Mangalore 1000 1234567 AT7 Kingfisher (IT) 2444 Mangalore 2100 1234567 AT7 Indigo (6E) 411 Mumbai 0750 1234567 320 Indigo (6E) 415 Mumbai 2255 1234567 320 Indigo (6E) 417 Mumbai 1000 1234567 320 Jet Airways (9W) 411 Mumbai 0815 1234560 73H Jet Airways (9W) 411 Mumbai 0700 0000007 73H Jet Airways (9W) 417 Mumbai 1535 1234567 738 Jet Airways (9W) 441 Mumbai 1845 1234567 738 Jet Airways (9W) 443 Mumbai 1205 1234567 738 Jet Airways (9W) 447 Mumbai 1725 1234567 73H Jet Airways (9W) 449 Mumbai 1035 1234560 738 Jet Airways (9W) 477 Mumbai 2145 1234507 73G Jet Airways (9W) 483 Mumbai 1945 1234567 738 Jet Airways (9W) 2411 Mumbai 0530 1234567 AT7 Air India (AI) 620 Mumbai 0500 0234507 320 Indian (IC) 105 Mumbai 0745 1234567 319 Indian (IC) 107 Mumbai 1900 1234567 321 Indian (IC) 109 Mumbai 1040 1234567 320 Kingfisher (IT) 101 Mumbai 0820 1234560 320 Kingfisher (IT) 103 Mumbai 1030 1234567 320 Kingfisher (IT) 105 Mumbai 1245 1234567 320 Kingfisher (IT) 107 Mumbai 1745 1234567 320 Kingfisher (IT) 109 Mumbai 1950 1234567 320 Kingfisher (IT) 111 Mumbai 2210 1234567 320 Jetlite (S2) 601 Mumbai 1430 1234507 73G Alliance Air 7916 Nagpur 0520 1234567 732 Kingfisher (IT) 3453 Nagpur 1640 1234567 320 Kingfisher (IT) 2102 Nasik 1830 1234567 AT7 Jet Airways (9W) 446 Pune 1455 1234567 738 Kingfisher (IT) 410 Pune 0910 1234567 321 Kingfisher (IT) 416 Pune 2010 1234567 321 Spice Jet (SG) 227 Pune 0815 1234567 738 Spice Jet (SG) 209 Srinagar 2020 1234567 739 Kingfisher (IT) 4408 Tirupati 1505 1234567 AT7 Jet Airways (9W) 3538 Trivandrum 1810 1234567 AT7 Kingfisher (IT) 2732 Trivandrum 1000 1234567 AT7 Kingfisher (IT) 2738 Trivandrum 2220 1234567 AT7 Kingfisher (IT) 4732 Trivandrum 1830 1234567 AT7 Kingfisher (IT) 4452 Vijayawada 1305 1234507 AT7 Kingfisher (IT) 4452 Vijayawada 1255 0000060 AT7 Paramount Airways (I7) 464 Vishakhapatnam 1125 1234567 E70

DOMESTIC AIR TIMINGS - DEPARTURE AIRLINE FLIGHT NO. Kingfisher (IT) 453 Spice Jet (SG) 529 Kingfisher (IT) 4425 Kingfisher (IT) 3445 Jet Airways (9W) 486 Jet Airways (9W) 446 Jet Airways (9W) 466 Jet Airways (9W) 803 Jet Airways (9W) 531 Jet Airways (9W) 3531 Alliance Air 7916 Indian (IC) 317 Indian (IC) 311 Indian (IC) 315 Kingfisher (IT) 2403 Kingfisher (IT) 2405 Kingfisher (IT) 2409 Kingfisher (IT) 2407 Kingfisher (IT) 2411 Kingfisher (IT) 2413 Kingfisher (IT) 2415 Kingfisher (IT) 2401 Jetlite (S2) 272 Jet Airways (9W) 3511 Indian (IC) 909 Kingfisher (IT) 2481 Kingfisher (IT) 4419 Kingfisher (IT) 4429 Jetlite (S2) 281 Kingfisher (IT) 4453 Kingfisher (IT) 4457 Jetlite (S2) 231 Indigo (6E) 104 Indigo (6E) 108 Indigo (6E) 122 Indigo (6E) 132 Indigo (6E) 138 Indigo (6E) 106 Indigo (6E) 124 Jet Airways (9W) 812 Jet Airways (9W) 833 Jet Airways (9W) 804 Jet Airways (9W) 816 Air India (AI) 804 Indian (IC) 804 Indian (IC) 404 Indian (IC) 505 Kingfisher (IT) 213 Kingfisher (IT) 204

DESTINATION DEPARTURE DAYS OF AIRCRAFT TIME OPERATION TYPE Agatti 1100 1234567 AT7 Ahmedabad 1850 1234567 738 Belgaum 0915 1234567 AT7 Bhubaneswar 0700 1234567 320 Chennai 1925 1234567 738 Chennai 1535 1234567 738 Chennai 2245 1234567 738 Chennai 0950 1234567 73H Chennai 0635 1234567 73G Chennai 1730 1234567 AT7 Chennai 0555 1234567 732 Chennai 1945 1234567 319 Chennai 0645 1234567 319 Chennai 1545 1234567 319 Chennai 0850 1234567 AT7 Chennai 1020 1234567 AT7 Chennai 1730 1234567 AT7 Chennai 1540 1234567 AT7 Chennai 1900 1234567 AT7 Chennai 2030 1234567 AT7 Chennai 2200 1234567 AT7 Chennai 0725 1234567 AT7 Chennai 2055 1234567 738 Cochin 1015 1234567 AT7 Cochin 1130 1234567 319 Cochin 0600 1234567 AT7 Cochin 1840 1234567 AT7 Cochin 0550 1234567 AT7 Cochin 1725 1234567 738 Coimbatore 1810 1234567 AT7 Coimbatore 0600 1234567 AT7 Coimbatore 1020 1234567 734 Delhi 1130 0000060 320 Delhi 1920 0000060 320 Delhi 1720 1234567 320 Delhi 0600 1234567 320 Delhi 1540 0000060 320 Delhi 1930 1234507 320 Delhi 1105 1234567 320 Delhi 1845 1234567 738 Delhi 0945 1234567 73G Delhi 0725 1234567 734 Delhi 1600 1234567 73G Delhi 0615 1000060 320 Delhi 0615 0234507 320 Delhi 1950 1234567 321 Delhi 0930 1234567 319 Delhi 0750 0000060 320 Delhi 1000 1234567 321

AIRLINE FLIGHT DESTINATION DEPARTURE DAYS OF AIRCRAFT NO. TIME OPERATION TYPE Kingfisher (IT) 206 Delhi 1730 1234567 321 Kingfisher (IT) 208 Delhi 2045 1234567 321 Kingfisher (IT) 202 Delhi 0645 1234567 321 Kingfisher (IT) 213 Delhi 0750 1234507 320 Kingfisher (IT) 211 Delhi 1200 1234567 320 Jetlite (S2) 234 Delhi 1255 1234567 734 Jetlite (S2) 232 Delhi 0700 1234567 738 Jetlite (S2) 236 Delhi 2055 1234567 738 Spice Jet (SG) 216 Delhi 2050 1234567 739 Spice Jet (SG) 504 Delhi 1730 1234567 739 Indigo (6E) 275 Goa 1215 1234567 320 Jet Airways (9W) 501 Goa 1425 1234507 73G Jet Airways (9W) 501 Goa 1500 0000060 73G Indian (IC) 919 Goa 1130 1234507 320 Indian (IC) 919 Goa 1255 0000060 320 Kingfisher (IT) 431 Guwahati 0630 1234507 321 Kingfisher (IT) 431 Guwahati 0930 0000060 321 Spice Jet (SG) 528 Guwahati 0930 1234567 738 Kingfisher (IT) 2431 Hubli 0830 1234567 AT7 Indigo (6E) 416 Hyderabad 1940 1234567 320 Indigo (6E) 152 Hyderabad 1910 0000060 320 Jet Airways (9W) 3549 Hyderabad 0625 1234567 AT7 Jet Airways (9W) 3541 Hyderabad 1320 1034507 AT7 Jet Airways (9W) 3541 Hyderabad 1245 0000060 AT7 Jet Airways (9W) 3547 Hyderabad 1920 1234567 AT7 Indian (IC) 915 Hyderabad 1700 1234567 320 Kingfisher (IT) 2423 Hyderabad 0920 1234560 AT7 Kingfisher (IT) 2432 Hyderabad 1730 1234567 AT7 Kingfisher (IT) 2435 Hyderabad 1330 1034507 AT7 Kingfisher (IT) 2435 Hyderabad 1410 0200000 AT7 Kingfisher (IT) 2437 Hyderabad 2030 1234567 AT7 Kingfisher (IT) 2439 Hyderabad 2200 1234567 AT7 Kingfisher (IT) 4817 Hyderabad 0725 1234567 AT7 Kingfisher (IT) 4439 Hyderabad 1500 1234567 AT7 Kingfisher (IT) 3452 Indore 1010 1234567 320 Indigo (6E) 152 Jaipur 1910 1234507 320 Indigo (6E) 154 Jaipur 1000 1234567 320 Kingfisher (IT) 612 Jaipur 1530 1234567 320 Jetlite (S2) 632 Jaipur 0805 1234567 738 Spice Jet (SG) 284 Jaipur 0845 1234567 738 Kingfisher (IT) 4435 Vidyanagar 1500 1234567 AT7 Indigo (6E) 277 Kolkata 1535 1234567 320 Indigo (6E) 351 Kolkata 0825 1234567 320 Jet Airways (9W) 512 Kolkata 1820 1234567 738 Jet Airways (9W) 516 Kolkata 0915 1234567 73W Indian (IC) 772 Kolkata 0605 1234567 320 Kingfisher (IT) 433 Kolkata 1900 1234567 320 Kingfisher (IT) 3434 Kolkata 1710 1234567 320 Jetlite (S2) 402 Kolkata 2010 1234567 73G

AIRLINE FLIGHT DESTINATION DEPARTURE DAYS OF AIRCRAFT NO. TIME OPERATION TYPE Kingfisher (IT) 4469 Madurai 0635 1234567 AT7 Kingfisher (IT) 4465 Madurai 1935 1234567 AT7 Jet Airways (9W) 519 Mangalore 0820 1234567 73G Jet Airways (9W) 527 Mangalore 1820 1234567 73G Kingfisher (IT) 2441 Mangalore 0730 1234567 AT7 Kingfisher (IT) 2443 Mangalore 1830 1234567 AT7 Indigo (6E) 412 Mumbai 2120 1234567 320 Indigo (6E) 402 Mumbai 0555 1234567 320 Jet Airways (9W) 412 Mumbai 0855 1234560 73H Jet Airways (9W) 412 Mumbai 0740 0000007 73H Jet Airways (9W) 418 Mumbai 1625 1234567 738 Jet Airways (9W) 444 Mumbai 1300 1234507 738 Jet Airways (9W) 444 Mumbai 1300 0000007 738 Jet Airways (9W) 448 Mumbai 1805 1234567 73H Jet Airways (9W) 450 Mumbai 1125 1234560 738 Jet Airways (9W) 478 Mumbai 0700 1234507 73G Jet Airways (9W) 442 Mumbai 2030 1234567 738 Jet Airways (9W) 484 Mumbai 2130 1234567 738 Jet Airways (9W) 2412 Mumbai 2325 1234567 AT7 GO Air (G8) 194 Mumbai 2130 1234567 320 Air India (AI) 621 Mumbai 0100 1234060 320 Indian (IC) 106 Mumbai 0835 1234567 319 Indian (IC) 108 Mumbai 2000 1234567 321 Indian (IC) 110 Mumbai 1125 1234567 320 Kingfisher (IT) 104 Mumbai 0900 1234560 320 Kingfisher (IT) 106 Mumbai 1115 1234567 320 Kingfisher (IT) 108 Mumbai 1535 1234567 320 Kingfisher (IT) 110 Mumbai 1820 1234567 320 Kingfisher (IT) 112 Mumbai 2030 1234567 320 Kingfisher (IT) 102 Mumbai 0650 1234507 320 Kingfisher (IT) 104 Mumbai 0900 0000060 320 Kingfisher (IT) 3104 Mumbai 0540 1234567 320 Kingfisher (IT) 3106 Mumbai 1625 1234567 320 Jetlite (S2) 602 Mumbai 1500 1234507 73G Alliance Air 7915 Nagpur 2245 1234567 732 Kingfisher (IT) 2101 Nasik 1030 1234567 AT7 Indigo (6E) 102 Pune 0950 1234507 320 Jet Airways (9W) 445 Pune 1130 1234507 738 Jet Airways (9W) 459 Pune 2130 1234567 73G Kingfisher (IT) 415 Pune 1700 1234567 321 Kingfisher (IT) 411 Pune 0600 1234567 321 Spice Jet (SG) 228 Pune 2100 1234567 738 Spice Jet (SG) 224 Srinagar 1005 1234567 739 Kingfisher (IT) 4407 Tirupati 0850 1234567 AT7 Kingfisher (IT) 4731 Tirvandrum 1500 1234567 AT7 Jet Airways (9W) 3537 Trivandrum 1025 1234567 AT7 Kingfisher (IT) 2737 Trivandrum 1900 1234567 AT7 Kingfisher (IT) 2731 Trivandrum 0630 1234567 AT7 Kingfisher (IT) 4442 Vijayawada 0930 1234567 AT7 Paramount Airways (I7) 465 Vishakhapatnam 1155 1234567 E70

Flight schedules are subject to change. Please call the respective airlines for exact schedule

Travel Karnataka

August 1, 2009 INTERNATIONAL AIR TIMINGS - ARRIVAL

AIRLINE

FLIGHT NO.

ORIGIN

ARRIVAL TIME

DAYS OF OPERATION

AIRCRAFT TYPE

AIRLINE

FLIGHT NO.

ORIGIN

ARRIVAL TIME

DAYS OF OPERATION

AIRCRAFT TYPE

Indian (IC) Gulf Air (GF) Thai Airways (TG) Thai Airways (TG) Jet Airways (9W) Singapore Airlines (SQ) Air India (AI) Srilankan Airlines (UL) Srilankan Airlines (UL) Srilankan Airlines (UL) Emirates (EK) Emirates (EK) Emirates (EK) Emirates (EK) Indian (IC) Indian (IC) Indian (IC) Lufthansa (LH) Lufthansa (LH) Lufthansa (LH) Dragon Air (KA) Indian (IC) Indian (IC)

362 272 325 331 131 7383 126 171 171 171 564 566 566 568 950 950 350 754 754 8412 152 961 977

Abu Dhabi Bahrain angkok Bangkok Brussels Brussels Chicago Colombo Colombo Colombo Dubai Dubai Dubai Dubai Dubai Dubai Dubai Frankfurt Frankfurt Frankfurt Hong Kong Hyderabad Hyderabad

0700 0300 2315 0230 0005 0855 0500 2005 0910 0910 0850 1715 1715 0300 1445 1520 0540 0125 0005 0030 0140 1930 1800

1234567 1234567 1234567 0204007 1234567 1000000 1000060 0004560 1230000 1000000 1234567 1234007 0000500 1234567 1234507 0000060 1234567 1234567 0000007 0204067 1234567 0204067 1030500

320 320 333 AB6 332 74Y 320 320 343 320 772 332 772 332 320 320 320 744 744 M1F 333 320 320

Malayasia Airlines (MH) Malayasia Airlines (MH) British Airways (BA) Kingfisher Airlines (IT) Singapore Airlines (SQ) Transmile (TH) Indian (IC) Air Mauritius (MK) Air Mauritius (MK) Air Mauritius (MK) Indian (IC) Oman Air (WY) Air France (AF) Air Arabia (G9) Indian (IC) Indian (IC) Singapore Airlines (SQ) Singapore Airlines (SQ) Singapore Airlines (SQ) Singapore Airlines (SQ) Singapore Airlines (SQ) Singapore Airlines (SQ) Tiger Airways (TR)

192 192 119 002 7879 4121 966 746 746 746 978 811 192 497 962 958 500 502 7378 7378 7378 7378 628

Kaula Lumpur Kaula Lumpur London London Los Angeles Malaysia Male Mauritius Mauritius Mauritius Muscat Muscat Paris Sharjah Sharjah Singapore Singapore Singapore Singapore Singapore Singapore Singapore Singapore

2315 2315 0450 1335 1100 1100 1530 0230 0605 0345 0235 0520 0035 0355 0500 0930 0850 2155 0310 0445 0125 1850 2300

0200567 0030000 1234567 1234567 0000500 0234560 1234567 0200000 0200000 0200000 0204060 1234567 1234567 1234567 1030507 1234567 1000560 1234567 0000060 0200000 0004000 0030000 1030507

333 332 744 332 74Y 72Y 320 332 332 332 320 738 332 320 320 320 772 773 74Y 74Y 74Y 74Y 320

AIRLINE Indian (IC) Singapore Airlines (SQ) Singapore Airlines (SQ) Singapore Airlines (SQ) Singapore Airlines (SQ) Gulf Air (GF) Thai Airways (TG) Thai Airways (TG) Jet Airways (9W) Air India (AI) Srilankan Airlines (UL) Srilankan Airlines (UL) Emirates (EK) Emirates (EK) Emirates (EK) Emirates (EK) Indian (IC) Indian (IC) Air India (AI) Lufthansa (LH) Lufthansa (LH) Dragon Air (KA)

FLIGHT NO. 361 7378 7378 7378 7378 273 326 332 132 127 172 172 565 567 569 569 349 949 199 755 755 153

ORIGIN Abu Dhabi Amsterdam Amsterdam Amsterdam Amsterdam Bahrain Bangkok Bangkok Brussels Chicago Colombo Colombo Dubai Dubai Dubai Dubai Dubai Dubai Frankfurt Frankfurt Frankfurt Hong Kong

ARRIVAL TIME 0800 0510 0645 0325 2050 0350 0030 0405 0135 0100 2115 1020 1025 1830 0415 0415 1945 1600 2055 0325 0205 0240

DAYS OF OPERATION 1234567 0000060 0200000 0004000 0030000 1234567 1234567 0204007 1234567 0000507 0004560 0230000 1234567 1234507 0234507 1000060 1234567 1234567 0000060 1234567 0000007 1234567

ORIGIN Kaulalampur London London London London Malaysia Male Mauritius Mauritius Mauritius Muscat Muscat paris Sharjah Sharjah Singapore Singapore Singapore Singapore Singapore Singapore

ARRIVAL TIME 0030 0745 1130 1305 1230 1155 1030 0335 0705 0445 1840 0620 0215 0440 2015 0005 1000 2310 1100 1300 2350

DAYS OF OPERATION 0230567 1234567 1030060 0200507 0004000 0234560 1234567 0200000 0200000 0200000 1030500 1234567 1234567 1234567 0204067 1234567 1000560 1234567 1000000 0000500 1030507

AIRCRAFT TYPE 333 744 332 332 332 72Y 320 332 332 332 320 738 332 320 320 320 772 773 74Y 74Y 320

INTERNATIONAL AIR TIMINGS - DEPARTURE AIRCRAFT TYPE 320 74Y 74Y 74Y 74Y 320 333 AB6 332 320 320 343 772 332 332 772 320 320 31Y 744 744 333

Flight starting from Mangalore - Kingfisher Sector

Flight

Dep

Arr

Days of Operation

Bengaluru Bengaluru Bengaluru Bengaluru Calicut Chennai ( via ) Calicut / Cochin / Trivandrum Cochin ( via ) Calicut Goa Trivandrum ( via ) Calicut / Cochin Vijayawada ( via ) Bengaluru

IT2442 IT2444 IT4442 IT4444 IT2883 IT2883 IT2883 IT2882 IT2883 IT4442

0800 2100 1025 1800 1700 1700 1700 1405 1700 1025

0855 2200 1125 1900 1755 2220 1900 1505 2015 1340

Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily

AIRLINE Malayasia Airlines (MH) British Airways (BA) Kingfisher Airlines (IT) Kingfisher Airlines (IT) Kingfisher Airlines (IT) Transmile (TH) Indian (IC) Air Mauritius (MK) Air Mauritius (MK) Air Mauritius (MK) Indian (IC) Oman Air (WY) Air France (AF) Air Arabia (G9) Indian (IC) Indian (IC) Singapore Airlines (SQ) Singapore Airlines (SQ) Singapore Airlines (SQ) Singapore Airlines (SQ) Tiger Airways (TR)

FLIGHT NO. 193 118 001 001 001 4122 965 747 747 747 977 812 191 498 961 957 501 503 7383 7879 629

Flights starting from Hubli Sector

Flight

Dep

Arr

Days of Operation

Bengaluru Mumbai

IT2432 IT2122

1505 1020

1630 1205

Daily Daily

Flights starting from Belgaum Sector

Flight

Dep

Arr

Days of Operation

Bengaluru

IT4426

1100

1225

Daily

Flight(s) operating from Mangalore (IXE) to Mumbai (BOM) - Jet Airways

Flight(s) operating from Mumbai (BOM) to Mangalore (IXE)

Flight No.

Origin

Dep. Time

Destination

Arr. Time

Via

Days

Flight No.

Origin

Dep. Time

Destination

Arr. Time

Via

Days

9W434 9W432 9W432

Mangalore (IXE) Mangalore (IXE) Mangalore (IXE)

1105 1505 1525

Mumbai (BOM) Mumbai (BOM) Mumbai (BOM)

1225 1620 1640

- - -

Daily Daily except Fri Fri

9W433 9W431 9W431

Mumbai (BOM) Mumbai (BOM) Mumbai (BOM)

0920 1310 1335

Mangalore (IXE) Mangalore (IXE) Mangalore (IXE)

1035 1425 1450

- - -

Daily Daily except Fri Fri

Flight(s) operating from Mangalore (IXE) to Bengaluru (BLR) Flight No.

Origin

Dep. Time

Destination

Arr. Time

Via

Days

9W520 9W528

Mangalore (IXE) Mangalore (IXE)

0940 1940

Bengaluru (BLR) Bengaluru (BLR)

1025 2020

- -

Daily Daily

Railway Timing

From Mysore

ARRIVALS Ahmedabad Exp Thu 6501 Arasikere Pass (Exc 7) 224 Azmer Exp Sun, Tue 6209 Blr-Bangarpet Pass 531 Blr-Chickballapur Pass (Exc 7) 552 Blr-Hubshimoga Fast Dly 588/573 Blr-Kaki Seshadri Exp Dly 7210 Blr-Chennai Brindavan Exp 2639 Blr-Delhi-Karnataka Exp 2628 Blr Niz-Rajdhani Ex 1,3,4,7 2430 Blr Ernakulam Exp (1,4) 2683 Blrcity-Kochuveli Exp (1) 6316 Blr city Bangarpet Pass 6521 Blr Mumbai CSTMudyan 6529 Blr-GandhidamWklyEx(4) 6505 Blr-Chennai Wkly Exp(6) 2691 Blr-Hubli Hospet Pass Dly 584 Blr-Hubli Hampi Exp Dly 6591 Blr City-Chennai Mail Dly 2657 Blr-Chitradurga-Dharwad 582 Blr-Shimoga Exp Dly 6228 BlrDarbangaBhagmati (4) 2577 BhubaneshwarPrasanthi 8463 Cauvery Exp 6222 Chennai Shatabdi (Exc 2) 2027 Ernakulam Intercity 2678 Chennai Exp Dly 2609 Chennai Pass Dly 101 Coimbatore-KurlaExp Dly 1014 Chikkaballapur Pass (Exc 7) 596 Coimbatore kongu Sun 2647 Gorakhpur Exp Mon 2591 Guwahati Exp 2,3,4 2510 Hindupur Pass Exc Sun 594 Hubli-Janashatabdi (Exc 2) 2080 Hubli Intercity Exp Dly 2726 Jaipur-Mysore Exp 2976 Jodhpur Exp (1&6) 6507

Train Name

4.45 am 9.15 am 4.00 am 2.25 pm 6.15 pm 8.40 pm 12.35 pm 1.20 pm 1.40 pm 6.35 pm 4.20 am 8.35 am 11.25 pm 8.50 am 4.00 am 5.55 am 5.55am 6.10 am 5.10 am 7.30 pm 4.30 am 8.40 pm 11.30 am 4.10 am 10.30 pm 8.15 pm 7.50 pm 7.00 pm 3.05 pm 9.45 am 10.55 pm 5.55 am 11.50 pm 9.20 am 9.10 pm 1.50 pm 12.50 pm 4.00 am

Jolarpettai Exp Dly Kuppam Blr Memu Exc 7 KonguNizamudddin (5) Kacheguda Exp Dly Kanyakumrai Exp Dly Kurla-Coimbatore Exp Kholapur Ranichennamma Lalbagh Exp Daily Mysore Pass Daily Mayiladuthurai Mys Exp D Marikuppam Pass Daily Mysore Pass (Exc Sun) Mysore-Jaipur Exp (4,6) Mys-Shatabdi Exp (Exc2) Marikuppam Pass (Exc7) Mysore Tippu Exp Dly Mys-ChennaiShtdbdi (Exc 2) Mysore Passenger Dly Marikuppam Swarna Pass Mys-ChamundiExp (D) Mysore Pass (Exc Sun) Mys-Mayiladuthurai Exp Mys-tirupati FastPass Dly Mysore-Tuticorn Exp Dly Mysore Chennaicauvery Mysore Pass Dly Rajendrasangmitra Shimoga Town Pass Dly Salem Pass Daily Tuticorn-Mysore Exp dly Tirupati-Mysore Exp Dly Tumkur Pass (Exc 7) Tumkur Pass (Exc Sun) Trivandrum Exp (4)

6519

Train No529

2648 2785 6525 1013 6590 2607 229 6231 525 231 2975 2007 512 2613 2008 233 523 6215 237 6232 213 6732 6221 235 2296 228 571 6731 214 222 2265 6322

8.00 am 9.30 am 1.05 am 6.25 am 7.00 am 9.55 pm 7.30 am 9.30 am 11.50 pm 5.35 am 4.55 pm 9.10 am 12.55 pm 10.50 am 10.30 am 1.30 pm 4.15 pm 10.15 pm 9.15 pm 9.40 pm 6.00 pm 6.45 pm 8.15 pm 9.05 pm 11.25 pm 4.00 am 8.40 pm 12.10 pm 6.45 pm 6.10 am 7.10 am 1.15 pm 5.40 pm 9.45 am

Chennai-Ypr-Hubli Exp (7) Hubli-Ypr-Chennai Exp (7) Niz-Sampark(Hubli) 5&7 Smpark (Sc’bad) 1,2,3,5&7 Vasco-Ypr-ChennaiExp(5) Ypr-DadarChalukya (Exc3) Yeshwantpur-HatiaExp(4) Ypr-Bhubneshwar Exp (1) Ypr-Guntur Pass Dly Ypr-Tatanagar Exp Sun Ypr-Vascodegama Ex (2,7) Ypr Kacheguda Exp Dly Ypr-Salem Fast Pass Dly Ypr Bagalkot Exp (2,5,7) Ypr-Howrah Exp Dly Ypr-CannanoreExp (1,3,5) Ypr-Muzafarpur Exp (3)

Schedule

Flight schedules are subject to change. Please call the respective airlines for exact schedule

7313 7314 2630 2650 7312 1017 2835 2845 434 2889 7310 7603 573 6514 2863 6528 5228

9.15 pm 5.00 am 6.20 am 7.00 pm 5.00 am 8.45 am 5.00 pm 11.10 am 4.55 pm 5.00 am 10.50 am 10.30 am 10.40 am 10.00 am 8.10 am 7.00 am 11.25 am

ChennaiShatabdiExp (Exc2) Coimbatore-intercity Exp ChickballapurPass (Exc7) Chennai Exp Daily Chennai Pass Daily Chenai-MyshtbdkiExc 2 Coimbatore-Kurla Exp Chennai BrindavanExp Dly Chikkaballapur Pass (Exc 7) Chennai Wkly Exp Sun Coimb-Niz-Kongu Exp (7) Gorakhpur Exp Mon Gandhidam Wkly Exp (6) Guwahati Exp (3,4,5) Hub-JanashatbdiExp (Exc 2) Hubli-Shimoga Pass Hubli-intercity Exp Daily Hindupur Pass (Exc Sun) Hubli Hampi Exp Dly JaipurMysore Exp (3,5) Jolarpet Exp Dly Jodhpur Exp Mon, Wed Kakinada Sheshadri Exp Kochuvely Wkly Exp (1) Kanyakumari Exp Dly Kurla-coimbatore Exp Lalbagh Exp Dly Mysore Pass Dly MayiladuthuraiMysoreEx Mysore Pass (Exc Sun) Mys-jaipur Exp (4,6) Marikuppam Pass (Exc 7) Marikuppam Pass Dly Mysore Tippu Exp Dly Mys ChennaiShtdbdi (Exc2) Mysore Pass Dly Marikuppam-SwarnaPass Mys-Chamundi Exp Dly Mys-Mayiladuthurai Exp Mumbai CSTM UdyanExp Mys-TirupatiFastPassDly Mysore Pass (Exc Sun) MysoreTuticorn Exp Dly Mys-ChennaiCauvery Exp Mysore Pass Daily

Destination

Arri.

2028 2677 551 2610 102 2007 1014 2640 595 2692 2647 2592 6506 2509 2079 587/575 2725 593 6592 2976 6520 6508 7209 6315 6526 1013 2608 230 6231 232 2975 513 526 2614 2008 234 524 6216 6232 6530 213 238 6732 6221 236

6.00 am 6.15 am 8.40 am 8.15 am 9.20 am 11.00 am 15.25 pm 2.30 pm 6.05 pm 11.00 pm 11.15 pm 4.40 pm 9.50 pm 11.30 pm 6.00 am 6.25 am 2.30 pm 6.45 pm 10.30 pm 01.15 pm 5.30 pm 9.50 pm 1.15 pm 5.15 pm 9.45 pm 10.15 pm 6.30 am 5.25 am 6.25 am 10.00 am 01.05 pm 12.10 pm 7.00 am 2.15 pm 4.25 pm 4.25 pm 6.05 pm 6.15 pm 7.05 pm 8.10 pm 8.30 pm 6.15 pm 9.20 pm 11.45 pm 11.55 pm

Dep.

Niz-CoimbatoreKonguEx (5) Niz-Rajdhani Exp 1,3,4,7 Rani Chennamma ExpDly RajendraSangamitra (2,4) Salem Pass Daily Shimoga Town PassDaily Tuticorn-MysoreExp Dly Tirupati-Mysore Fast Pass Tumkur Pass (Exc Sun) Trivandrum Exp Thu

2648 2429 6589 2295 572 227 6731 214 225 6321

1.35 am 8.20 pm 9.15 pm 9.00 am 7.15 am 3.40 pm 7.00 am 7.30 am 1.45 pm 6.50 pm

From Bangalore YESHWANTHPUR Garib Nawaz Ex (5) 6532 5.35 pm Ahmedabad Express 6501/6502 Thu, Sun Ahmedabad 04:45 13:30 Ajmer Ypr-Korba-Wainganga (2) 2251 11.40 pm Chennai-Ypr-VascoExp (5) 7311 9.40 pm Bangalore-Coimbatore Chennai – Ypr-Hubli Exp (7) 7313 9.40 pm Inter City Express 2677/2688 Daily Coimbatore 17:15 04:20 BYPASS TRAINS AT KRISHNARAJAPURA Hub-Ypr-Chennai Exp (7) 7314 5.15 pm Coimbtr-Rajkot Exp (5) 6614 7.27 am Niz-Sampark (Hubli) 2&4 2629 1.30 pm Brindavan Express 2639/2640 Daily Chennai 13:20 14:30 MumnagarcoilEx (1,4,5,6) 6339 10.40 am Sampark (Sc’bad) 1,3,5,6,7 2649 10.20 pm MumbaiTrivandrumEx (2) 6331 10.40 am Vasco-Ypr-Chennai Exp (5) 7312 5.15 am Chatrapati Sahu Maharaj Nagrcoil-Mumbai (1,2,3,5) 6340 9.45 pm Ypr-DadarChalukya (Exc4) 1018 6.30 am Rajkot-Coibatore Exp (1) 6613 5.00 pm Bangalore Ypr-Hatia Exp Fri 2836 8.30 am TrivandrumMumbaiEx (6) 6332 9.20 pm 8.00 am BangarpetKrishnarajpuram 533 7.30 pm Rani Chennamma Express 6589/6590 Daily Mumbai 14:05 07:30 Ypr-BhubaneshwarExp (2) 2846 Ypr-Guntur Pass Daily 433 8.15 am DEPARTURES Chennai Express 2609/2610 Daily Chennai 19:50 08:15 Ypr-Tatanagar Exp Mon 2890 8.30 am Ahmedabad Exp Sun 6502 1.30 pm (7,2) 7309 3.15 pm Arasikere Pass (Exc 6.15 pm Chikballapur Passenger 596/595 Except SunSun) 223 Chikballapur 09:50 18:05 Ypr-Vasco-de-gama Ypr-Kacheguda Exp Dly 7604 4.15 pm Ajmer Exp Tue, Thu 6209 4.30 am 4.05 pm Blr-Bangarpet 9.40 am Coimbatore Kurla Express 1014 Daily Pass (Exc 7) 530 Kurla 15:05 15:25 Ypr-Sa;e, Fast Pass Dly 574 Blr-Tumkur Pass (Exc Sun) 221 9.20 am Ypr-Bagalkot Exp Daily 6513 5.25 pm Darbanga Express 2578/2577 Daily Pass Dly Darbanga 20:40 09:00 Ypr-Howrah Exp Daily Blr-Bangarpet 532 2.45 pm 2864 7.35 pm Blr-Kachiguda Ex Dly 2786 6.20 pm Ypr-CannanoreExp (1,3,6) 6527 8.00 pm Gandhidahm Express 6506 Sun Exp (1,4) 2684 Gandhidham 04:00 21:50 Ypr-Muzaffarpur Exp (3) 5227 11.55 Blr-Ernakulam 5.15 pm pm Blr-Bangarpet Pass Dly 6522 7.35 pm Gorakhpur Express 2592/2591 Only Mon, Gorakhpur 05:55 16:40 BYPASS TRAINS AT KRISHNARAJAPURAM Blr-Hubli Hospet Passdly 583 10.00 pm Blr-Chennai Mail Dly 10.45 pm 7.32 am 23:30 Coimbatore-Rajkot Exp (5) 6614 Guwahati Express 2509/2510 Wed,Tue, Thu,Fri2658 Guwahati 11:50 Blr-Chitradurga/Dharwad 581 7.50 am Mum-Nagarkoil (1,4,5,6) 6339 10.45 am Blr-delhi Karnataka Exp 2627 7.20 pm Hindupur Passenger 594/593 Except Sun Hindupur 09:20 18:45 Mum-TrivandrumExp (2) 6331 10.45 am Blr Shimoga Exp Dly 6227 11.40 pm Exp (1) 6613 5.05 pm YESHWANTPUR Blr-Patna Super Fast Exp 2295 9.00 am Jolarpettai Express 6520 Daily Jolarpettai 17:30 20:50 Rajkot-Coimbatore Trivandrum-Mum Exp (6) 6332 9.25 pm Ajmer Garib Nawaz Ex (3) 6531 6.00 am Blr Darbanga Bhagmati (6) 2578 9.00 am YprKorbaWaingangaExp (6) 2252 1.30 pm Bubaneshwar 9.50 pm 8464 Kachiguda 2.00 pm Kachiguda Express 2785/2786 Daily Prasanti 06:50 17:55 Nagarcoil-Mum (1,2,3,5) 6340 Chennai-Ypr VascoExp (5) 7311 9.00 pm Chennai-MysCauvery Exp 6222 5.00 am Bangarpet-KRPuram 534 7.40 pm Kakinada Shesadri Express 7210/7209 Daily Kakinada 12:35 13:15 Note: 1= Mon,Express 2= Tue, 3= Wed, 4=Thu, 5=Fri, 6=Sat, 7=Sun. Daily Timings are subject to change notice. For all railway enquiries, Contact : 139. Karnataka 2627/2628 New Delhi without 10:35 19:20 Kanniyakumari Express 6526 Daily Kanniyakumari 18:00 21:45 Kochuveli Express 6315/6316 Daily Kochuveli 08:35 17:15 Lalbagh Express 2607/2608 Daily Chennai 21:25 06:30

Travel Karnataka

August 1, 2009

Arrival: Gulbarga

Railway Timing

From Mysore Train NameTrain timings – Mysore Train No

Train No.

Name

Dep-Mys

231/232 6215/6216 2975/2976 229/230 2613/2614 2008/2007 237/238

Mysore-Bangalore Passenger (except Sunday) 0555 Chamundi Express 0645 Jaipur Express 1015 Thu, Sat Mysore-Bangalore Passenger 0830 Tipu Express 1100 Shatabdi Express (Except Tuesdays) 1420 Mysore-Bangalore Passenger (Except Sunday) 1435

Arr-B’lore

Dep-B’lore

09201000 0950 1255 Thu, Sat 1215 1325 1615 1755

1345 1815 1300 Wed, Fri 0530 1415 1100 1850

Train

Arriving From

Hyderabad Express/7031 Mumbai CST Chennai Express/1041 Mumbai Express/7032 Karnataka Express/2628 Ahmedabad Express/6502 Konark Express/1019 Mumbai Express/1042 Hyderabad Bijapur Passenger/0330 Kanyakumari Express/6381 Lokmanya Tt Express/1014 Coimbatore Express/6613 Secunderabad Express/7017 Basava Express/6513 Bhavnagar Kakinada Express/7203 Karnataka Express/2627 Chennai Egmore Express/2163 Hussain Sagar Express/2701 Coimbatore Express/1013 Udyan Express/6530 Mumbai Express/6340 Nagercoil Mumbai Express/6352 Mumbai Express/6332 Madurai Express/1043 Chennai Mail/1027 Mumbai Mail/1028 Bangalore Express/6501 Konark Express/1020 Cape Mumbai Express/6382 Udyan Express/6529 Rajkot Express/7018 Bhavnagar Express/7204 Lokamanya Tt Express/1044 Rajkot Express/6614 Dadar Express/2164 Hussain Sagar Express/2702 Basava Express/6514 Nagercoil Express/6351 Trivandrum Express/6331 Nagercoil Express/6339 Hyderabad Passenger/0329

Mumbai CST/CSTM Mumbai CST/CSTM Hyderabad Deccan/HYB New Delhi/NDLS Bangalore City Junction/SBC Mumbai CST/CSTM Chennai Central/MAS Hyderabad Deccan/HYB Mumbai CST/CSTM Coimbatore Junction/CBE Rajkot Junction/RJT Rajkot Junction/RJT Yesvantpur Junction/YPR Bhavnagar Terminus/BVC Bangalore City Junction/SBC Dadar Central/DR Mumbai CST/CSTM Lokmanya Tilak Terminus/LTT Bangalore City Junction/SBC Nagercoil Junction/NCJ Nagercoil Junction/NCJ Trivandrum Central/TVC Lokmanya Tilak Terminus/LTT Mumbai CST/CSTM Chennai Central/MAS Ahmedabad Junction/ADI Bhubaneswar/BBS Kanyakumari/CAPE Mumbai CST/CSTM Secunderabad Junction/SC Kakinada Town/CCT Madurai Junction/MDU Coimbatore Junction/CBE Chennai Egmore/MS Hyderabad Deccan/HYB Bagalkot/BGK Mumbai CST/CSTM Mumbai CST/CSTM Mumbai CST/CSTM Bijapur/BJP

Schedule

Arr-Mys 2115

Destination

Arri.

TIME

Dep.

12:28 01:08 01:21 01:51 01:52 02:33 02:34 03:00 02:58 03:19 04:51 04:51 04:54 04:51 05:39 06:08 07:33 08:43 08:49 09:41 09:42 09:42 10:38 11:28 15:44 16:51 16:54 18:17 18:43 19:27 19:29 19:29 19:29 19:54 18:48 21:44 22:18 22:18 22:18 23:50

1610 Wed, Fri From Bangalore 0855 1645 Thu, Sun Ahmedabad Express 6501/6502 Ahmedabad 04:45 13:30 1300 2220 Bangalore-Coimbatore 6232/6231 Mysore-Mayiladu Thurai Express 1545 1845 0630 0930 Inter Fast CityPassenger Express 2677/2688 Coimbatore 17:15 04:20 213/214 Tirupathi 1700 2015 0735 1045 Daily 6732/6731 Mysore-Tuticorin Express 1800 2100 0700 1000 Brindavan Express 2639/2640 Chennai 13:20 14:30 233/234 Mysore-Bangalore Passenger 1830 2210 1630 2000 Daily 6221/6222 Cauvery Express 2005 2300 0510 0805 Chatrapati Passenger Sahu Maharaj 2330 235/236 Mysore-Bangalore 0400 2355 0400 MB-1/BM-1 Mysore-Bangalore Special 1200 1445 1510 1755 Bangalore Express Hassan-Arasikere Rani Chennamma 6589/6590 Daily Mumbai 14:05 07:30 Trains Towards Train No. Name Dep-Mys Arr-A’kere Dep-A’kere Arr-Mys Chennai Express 2609/2610 Daily Chennai 19:50 08:15 6217/6218 Mysore-Nizamuddin (New Delhi) Chikballapur Passenger 596/595 Except Sun Chikballapur 09:50 18:05 Swarna Jayanthi Weekly Express 2010 Fri 2305 Wed 0300 0620 Coimbatore Kurla Express Daily Kurla 15:05 15:25 1036/1035 Mysore-Mumbai Sharavathi Express 0650 Thu, Wed1014 1005 Thu, Wed 1700 2110 262/261 Mysore-Arasikere Passenger 0730 1135 1750 2150 Darbanga Express 2578/2577 Daily Darbanga 20:40 09:00 268/267 Mysore-Shimoga Town Passenger 1015 1330 1345 0705 266/265 Mysore-Arasikere Passenger 1820 2215 0530 0925 Sun Gandhidahm Express 6506 Gandhidham 04:00 21:50 6201/6202 Mysore-Dharwad Express 2040 1200 0250 0600 Gorakhpur Express 2592/2591 Only Mon, Gorakhpur 05:55 16:40 Train timings - Hubli 23:30 Guwahati Express 2509/2510 Wed,Tue, Thu,Fri Guwahati 11:50 Train No Train Name Arrival Departure Days Hindupur Passenger 594/593 Except Sun Hindupur 09:20 18:45 6509 Ajmer-Bangalore City Express 17.50 18.00 Fri Jolarpettai Express 6520 Daily Jolarpettai 17:30 20:50 1018 Bangalore Cantt - Mumbai Chalukya Exp 14.40 14.50 Mon,Tue,Fri 6589 Bangalore City - MirajExpress Rani Chenamma Express 05.05 Daily Kachiguda 2785/278605.15 Daily Kachiguda 06:50 17:55 6508 Bangalore City - Jodhpur Express 07.05 07.15 Sun Kakinada Shesadri 7210/720907.15 Daily Kakinada 12:35 13:15 6510 Bangalore City - Ajmer Express Express 07.05 Tue 2725 Bangalore City - Hubli Inter City Express 22.00 - Daily Karnataka 2627/2628- Daily New Delhi 10:35 19:20 6592 Bangalore City - HubliExpress Hampi Express 11.00 Daily 1098 Ernakulam Jn Pune Express 17.00 17.10 Wed Kanniyakumari Express 6526 Daily Kanniyakumari 18:00 21:45 6218 Hazrat Nizamuddin - Mysore Swarna Jayanti Express - 23.25 Mon 2726 Hubli - Bangalore CityExpress Inter City Express - 6315/6316 06.20 Daily Kochuveli Daily Kochuveli 08:35 17:15 7301 Hubli - Miraj Express - 22.30 Daily Lalbagh Daily Chennai 21:25 06:30 6591 HubliBangalore Express City Hampi Express - 2607/2608 17.00 Daily Departure: Gulbarga 7305 Hubli - Londa Express - 15.45 Daily Marikuppam Passenger 525/526 18.00 Daily Marikuppam 16:55 07:00 6507 Jodhpur-Bangalore City Express 17.50 Wed Train Going To Sch. Time 7316 Kolhapur Tirupati Haripriya Express 19.55 20.05 Daily Nizamuddin Rajdhani 7306 Londa - Hubli Express 05.10 - Daily Hyderabad Express/7031 Hyderabad Deccan/HYB 12:30 Express 2427/242813.05 Mo,Tu F,Sa Nizamuddin 06:35 20:50 7226 LondaVijayawada Amaravati Express 12.55 Daily Mumbai CST Chennai Express/1041 Chennai Central/MAS 01:10 6590 Miraj –Bangalore City Rani Chenamma Express 21.50 22.05 Daily Sangamitra 2295/2296- Except Thu Patna 19:55 17:30 7302 Miraj - Hubli Express Express 07.10 Daily Mumbai Express/7032 Mumbai CST/CSTM 01:23 1017 Mumbai – Bangalore Cantt Chalukya Express 14.50 15.00 Wed,Sat,Sun Shimoga Town Express 6227 Daily Ahmedabad Express/6502 Shimoga Town Ahmedabad 06:15 23:40 Junction/ADI 01:53 1035 Mumbai - Mysore Sharavati Express 14.50 15.00 Tue Karnataka Express/2628 Bangalore City Junction/SBC 01:53 6217 Mysore HazratNizamuddin Swarna Jayanti Express - 04.10 Fri Thiruvananthapuram 6321 Thu, Fri Thiruvananthapuram 12:00 18:50 1036 Mysore - Mumbai Sharavati Express 14.40 14.50 Sat Konark Express/1019 Bhubaneswar/BBS 02:35 From Yeshwanthpur 1097 Pune – Ernakulam Jn Express 11.45 12.00 Mon Mumbai Express/104 Mumbai CST/CSTM 02:35 7315 Tirupati - Kolhapur Haripriya Express 07.45 07.55 Daily Bagalkot-Yeshwanthpur Hyderabad Bijapur Passenger/0330 Bijapur/BJP 03:05 7225 Vijayawada - Londa Amaravati Express 13.50 14.00 Daily Kanyakumari/CAPE 03:00 Basava Express 6513/6514 Mo,Th,SaKanyakumari Express/6381 Bagalkot 10:00 13:45 Lokmanya Tt Express/1014 Lokmanya Tilak Terminus/LTT 03:20 Train timings - Shimoga Cannore Weekly 6528/6527 Except Mon,Sat Cannore 07:40 20:00 Coimbatore Express/6613 Coimbatore Junction/CBE 04:53 TRAIN NO Chennai ROUTE Arrival Except Sun Weekly 7314Departure Chennai 05:45Junction/SC 06:00 Secunderabad Express/7017 Secunderabad 04:53 877/878 Shimoga to Birur 18:10 09:50 Basava Express/6513 Kolkatta Bagalkot/BGK 04:55 Howrah Express 2863/2864 Daily 08:10 19:35 879/878 Shimoga to Birur 08:20 19:45 Bhavnagar Kakinada Express/7203 Kakinada Town/CCT 04:53 (With connectionMangalore to Bangalore thro’ InterExpress City train at Birur) 6517 Daily Karnataka Express/2627 Mangalore 08:05 20:35 New Delhi/NDLS 05:40 288A/287A Shimoga to Bangalore 14:00 13:00 Fast Express 573/574 Daily Chennai Egmore Express/2163 Salem 10:40 16:15 284A/283A Salem Shimoga to Bangalore 22:30 04:55 Chennai Egmore/MS 06:10 (Fast passenger) Hussain Sagar Express/2701 Hyderabad Deccan/HYB 07:35 Ajmer Garib Nawaz 6531/6532 Except Wed Ajmer 06:00 17:35 RC1/RC2 Shimoga to Talguppa 06:00 13:20 Coimbatore Express/1013 Coimbatore Junction/CBE 08:45 RC3/RC4 Shimoga to Talguppa 14:30 21:55 Bhubaneshwar 2845/2846 Except Mon Bhubaneshwar Mumbai11:30 07:45 Udyan Express/6530 CST/CSTM 08:50 Bilaspur Starting WaigangaFrom Mangalore 6512/6511 Except Sat 23:40 Station Mumbai Express/634 Bilaspur WaigangaMumbai04:00 CST/CSTM 09:43 Nagercoil Mumbai Express/6352 Mumbai05:00 CST/CSTM 09:43 YeshwanthpurHatia 2835/2836 Except Thu Hatia 08:30 Train Name Destination Time Mumbai Express/6332 Mumbai CST/CSTM 09:43 Yeshwanthpur-Kachiguda Trivandrum 7603/7604 Daily Madurai Express/1043 Kachiguda 10:30 16:10 Parashuram Express 04:15 Madurai Junction/MDU 10:40 Mangalore - Cannore Express Cannanore 05:00 Yeshwanthpur-Muzaffarpur Trichy 5228/5227 Except Wed 23:01 Chennai Mail/1027 Muzaffarpur Chennai11:25 Central/MAS 11:30 Trichy Express 06:00 Madgaon Passenger Madgaon 06:50 Mumbai Mail/1028 Mumbai CST/CSTM 15:45 Nizamuddin Delhi Expres Coimbatore 2630/2629 Except Thu Delhi 06:40 09:35 Fast Passenger 07:45

Chennai Mail Navayug Express Matsyangandha Express Malabar Express West Coast Express Maveli Express

Chennai Jammu Tawi Mumbai Trivandrum Chennai Trivandrum

12:00 15:00 (Mon) 14:50 09:25 21:15 22:00 (Fri)

Passing through Mangalore Station Train Name

Destination

Time

Mangala Express Nethravathi Express Hapa - TVC Express GIM - NJC Express Okha - Ernakulam Express Rajadhani Express Poorna Express Maru Sagar Express

Ernakulam Trivandrum Trivandrum Nagercoil Ernakulam Trivandrum Ernakulam Ernakulam

02:30 04:40 13:35 (Fri) 13:35 (Mon) 13:35 (Tue & Sun) 17:20 (Mon & Wed) 19:15 (Sun) 19:30 (Sat)

Bangalore Express/6501 Konark Express/1020 Cape Mumbai Express/6382 Udyan Express/6529 Bhavnagar Express/7204 Lokamanya Tt Express/1044 Rajkot Express/6614 Rajkot Express/7018 Dadar Express/2164 Hussain Sagar Express/2702 Basava Express/6514 Nagercoil Express/6351 Trivandrum Express/6331 Nagercoil Express/6339 Hyderabad Passenger/0329

Bangalore City Junction/SBC Mumbai CST/CSTM Mumbai CST/CSTM Bangalore City Junction/SBC Bhavnagar Terminus/BVC Lokmanya Tilak Terminus/LTT Rajkot Junction/RJT Rajkot Junction/RJT Dadar Central/DR Mumbai CST/CSTM Yesvantpur Junction/YPR Nagercoil Junction/NCJ Trivandrum Central/TVC Nagercoil Junction/NCJ Hyderabad Deccan/HYB

16:53 16:55 18:18 18:45 19:30 19:30 19:30 19:30 19:55 18:50 21:45 22:20 22:20 22:20 23:55

Travel Karnataka

August 1, 2009

KSRTC Bus Timings

From Bangalore Bus Stand - DEPARTURE TIME DESTINATION

KBS OPP. END

AIRAVATHA (VOLVO) Belgaum 22:00 Bellary 23:15 Bidar 19:00 Bijapur 21:00 Chennai 21:30 Chennai 23:00 Chennai 11:15 Chennai 22:10 Chennai 21:50 Chennai 23:10 Chennai 14:00 Chennai 13:00 Chennai 22:30 Chennai 22:00 Chikkamagalur 23:30 Chikkamagalur 18:00 Coimbatore 22:45 Ernakularm 21:00 Ernakularm 19:30 Gangavathi 20:30 Gulbarga 20:00 Hyderabad 19:45 Hyderabad 22:15 Hyderabad 21:15 Hyderabad 20:15 Hyderabad 21:45 Hyderabad 21:00 Kolhapur 20:30 Lingasur 22:30 Madurai 22:00 Mumbai (Borivili) 17:00 Mumbai Central 15:00 Mumbai Central 20:00 Mysore Every half an hour Palghat 20:30 Panaji 18:00 Pondicherry 8:00

21:30 23:15 17:00 20:30 21:45 10:00 23:00 22:10 21:30 12:30 23:10 22:30 9:00 23:20 13:30 5:00 22:45 20:15 19:30 22:00 20:00 21:00 22:15 19:15 20:30 19:45 20:00 18:30 20:30 21:30 16:30 15:00 18:30 20:30 19:00 22:30

DESTINATION

KBS OPP. END

Pondicherry Poona Poona Puttaparthy Raichur Shimoga Shimoga Shimoga Shirdi Sriharikota Tiruchi Tirupathi Tirupathi Tirupathi Tirupathi Tirupathi Tirupathi Tirupathi Tirupathi Tiruvananthapuram Vijayawada Virajpet Virajpet

22:30 19:00 21:00 9:00 21:00 23:50 14:00 10:00 13:00 21:30 22:30 22:10 15:00 7:30 10:00 22:30 13:30 10:45 23:10 16:00 19:00 15:30 23:30

8:30 16:00 21:00 13:30 21:45 14:00 23:30 23:00 13:00 20:30 22:45 9:00 0:00 14:00 17:00 7:00 22:15 23:15 12:15 16:00 19:00 5:30 11:15

CORONA Mysore 06:10/13:10 09:25/16:25 Mysore 06:15/13:30 09:30/17:00 Mysore 07:00/13:45 10:00/17:15 MAYURA Chennai 21:35 Chennai 22:15 Srikalahasthi 11:15 Srikalahasthi 21:50

22:50 22:15 21:30 7:00

RAJAHAMSA Agumbe 22:00 Calicut 9:00 Calicut 21:00

20:00 21:00 9:00

DESTINATION Calicut Cannanur Cannanur Cannanur Chennai Chennai Chennai Chennai Chennai Chennai Chennai Chickmagalur Coimbatore Coimbatore Coonoor Coonoor Dharmasthala Ernakularm Ernakularm Ernakularm Ernakularm Gangavathi Hampi Horanadu Hyderabad Hyderabad Hyderabad Kasargod Kodaikanal Kottayam Kottayam Kumbakonam Kumata Hubli Linganamakki Madurai Mantralaya Mysore Mysore

KBS OPP. END 22:00 22:30 21:00 21:00 22:00 22:00 20:00 20:00 22:20 21:15 22:55 22:55 21:55 22:05 21:45 18:00 10:00 22:45 22:45 8:00 23:40 22:25 14:00 23:30 20:00 21:00 21:00 22:30 9:15 21:30 22:30 10:00 22:00 22:45 17:05 17:05 20:00 19:00 18:00 17:45 18:00 18:00 22:00 21:30 23:00 20:45 22:25 21:15 20:40 17:30 20:00 19:00 6:30 6:30 21:30 19:15 21:15 18:00 19:00 17:00 17:00 14:00 20:30 20:00 21:15 18:00 22:30 21:55 21:45 19:30 20:30 20:30 19:30 18:00 06:25/13:25 09:40/16:40 06:45/13:45 10:10/16:55

DESTINATION

KBS OPP. END

Mysore 07:25/14:00 10:45/17:05 Napoklu 22:00 19:15 Nyveli 22:00 21:45 Ooty 10:00 22:30 Ooty 21:45 Ooty 22:15 21:00 Ooty 22:00 8:20 Ooty 22:50 Panaji 15:30 15:30 Panaji 16:45 17:30 Pudukotai 20:00 21:00 Puttaparthy 8:00 12:30 Puttaparthy 7:00 11:15 Puttaparthy 10:45 16:15 Puttaparthy 12:15 18:15 Sagara-Heggodu 22:15 20:30 Sindanoor 21:30 20:15 Sringeri 21:30 21:00 Sringeri 22:00 20:30 Sringeri 21:30 21:30 Tiruchi 21:00 20:30 Tirupathi 17:00 0:30 Tirupathi 13:00 23:45 Tirupathi 21:05 10:15 Tirupathi 9:40 22:30 Tirupathi 22:40 13:00 Tirupathi 8:20 15:10 Tirupathi 12:00 23:00 Tirupathi 9:15 16:15 Tiruvananthapuram 16:00 16:00 Vijayawada 14:00 17:00 Semi-Deluxe Trissur 14:30 Trissur 16:30 Vellore 15:15

14:30 22:05 22:30

Mysore KSRTC Bus Schedule Airavatha Serices (Volvo) Towards Departure Tirupati 19.30 Hyderabad 16.30 Chennai 16.30, 19.00 Shimoga via 20.45 Bangalore Panjim 15.30 Virajpet 12.30, 18.30 Mangalore 10.00, 23.00, 23.30 Madikeri 17.00 Bangalore For every 15 min (5.30 to 21.00) Bellary 20.15 Pune 13.45 Other services Towards Bangalore Bijapur Chennai Coonoor Coimbatore Kottayam Kumbakonam Ernakulam Gokarna Horanadu Madurai Mantralayam Manipal Puttaparthi Sringeri Tirupathi Sirsi Udupi Trissur Ooty Panaji

Departure Every Five Minutes 13.00 15.30, 17.00, 18.30 13.45 06.00, 06.45, 07.15, 08.10, 09.00, 10.15, 11.45, 12.30, 13.00, 14.00, 15.00, 16.00, 16.15, 19.00, 20.30, 22.00, 22.45, 23.10, 23.30, 00.30, 01.00, 01.45 20.15 19.00 17.45, 19.30, 20.30, 21.30, 22.30 06.00 09.15 20.00, 21.00, 22.30 16.00, 16.30 10.00 15.45 13.00, 21.15 08.00, 10.30, 11.15, 21.00 21.15 08.00, 10.00, 21.00, 22.00 08.00, 20.00 07.00, 08.00, 09.00, 10.00, 11.15, 12.15, 12.45, 13.15, 14.15, 15.00, 15.30, 00.00, 00.30, 01.00 16.00

Yellapura 21.00, 22.30 Srirangapatna Every Five Minutes Mandya Every Five Minutes Maddur Every Five Minutes Chennapatna Every Five Minutes Ramnagar Every Five Minutes Ghatisbramanya 07:00 Vidurashwatha 05:30 Chikaballapur 09:00, 13.00, 14,00, 14.45, 16.00, 19.00 Bagepalli 09:45 Shidlaghatta 15:30 Kolar 08:30 Chintamani 06:15, 12.30, 14.00, 14.45, Srinivaspura 05:15, 09.15, 10.30, 18.00, 18.15, K.G.F 04:30, 07.00, 10.00, 10.15, 10.30, 11.00, 11.45, 12.30 Baikoor 05:30 Anekal 11:30, 15.15, 16.00 Kunigal 15:15 Dhonimali 17:00 Bangalore Every Thirty Minutes Tumkur Every Thirty Minutes (05:15 to 18.30) Melkote 09:00, 12.45 Hospet 08:00, 07.30, 19.30, 20.00 Tiptur 07:00, 11.45, 17.45, 19.00 Nagamangla 19:45, 08.30 Kunigal 13:45 Davanagere 09:30, 02.15, 10.00, 11.00, 23.00 Shiralakoppa 21:30 Sira 08:30 Chitradurga 06:00, 09.30, 12.45, 02.00, 15.00, 19.30, 21.30, 02.15 K.R.Pet 07:20, 08.05, 08.15, 08.25, 08.40, 09.00 Channarayapatna 10:30, 12.30, 13.15, 15.15, 16.15, 17.00, 17.15, 17.30, 17.45, 18.45, 19.45, 20.15 Arsikere 11:45, 12.15, 13.15, 15.15, 16.15, 17.00, 17.15, 17.30, 17.45, 18.45, Kadur 06:30, 10.00, 10.45, 11.30, 12.00, 13.00,

15.00, 16.00, 19,00, 20.00, 22.15, 23.00 Birur 06:30, 10.00, 10.45, 11.30, 12.00, 13.00, 15.00, 16.00, 19,00, 20.00, 22.15, 23.00 Bhadravathi 06:30, 10.00, 10.45, 11.30, 12.00, 13.00,15.00, 16.00, 19.00, 20.00, 22.15, 23.00 Harihara 08:00, 10.30, 18.45 Haveri 08:00, 10.30, 18.45 Hubli 08:00, 10.30, 18.45 Dharwad 06:15, 16.15, 20.15, 21.00 Belgaum 06:15, 16.15, 20.15, 21.00 Gokak 05:30 Meraj 16:15 Davanagere 10:00, 11.00, 23.30 Chitradurga 14:00 Kudaliga 08:00 Hospet 04:30, 07.00, 13.00, 14.15, 19.30, 20.00 Bellary 08:00, 21.00, 22.00 Gadag 09:00 Shravanabelagola 07:15, 07.45, 08.25, 09.35, 12.30, 13.00 Dharmasthala 09:15 Sirsi 06:45, 21.15, 22.30 Karwar 08:30 Tiptur 07:00, 08.00, 11.00, 13.30, 14.30, 16.15, 19.30 K.R. Nagara Every half an hour 04:00 to 22.00 Sakleshpur 11:00, 12.15, 12.30, 13.00, 13.15, 14.15, 15.15 Dharmasthala 05:45, 10.00, 10.45, 12.45, 20.30, 21.30, 22.00 22.30, 23.00 Chickmagalore Every half an hour (04:00 to 22.00) Mudigere 08:00 Sringeri 13:00, 21.00 Horanadu 13:00, 21.00 Kudremukh 11:00, 19.00 Arakalgudu 06:00, 06.45, 12.00, 13.45 Hulikal 07:00, 14.30, 17.45 Somwarpet 09:00, 13.00, 15.45, 16.30,

Kananoor 06:45, 09.30, 10.00, 12.00, 13.45, 14.45, 15.45, 18.30, 19.00, 20.30 Channagiri 19:00 Hunasoor 05:00, 08.00, 08.15, 09.00, 11.00, 11.45, 13.00, 13.45, 16.30, 18.15, 19.30 Periyapatna 13:00 Kushalnagara 09:45, 10.00, 15.30 Madikeri 01:30, 02:15, 03:15, 05:20, 06:45, 09.45, 10.00, 11.30, 12.00, 12.30, 13.00, 13.45, 14.30, 14.45, 15.00, 16.00, 16.30, 17.00, 18.00, 19.00, 20.00, 23.00, Somwarpet 07:45, 08.45, 09.30, 11.00, 12.30, 14.30 Hongravalli 07:00 Veerajpet Every hour (05:00 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 22.30) Nagrahole 09:15, 13.30 Nagraholli 13:30 Birunani 09:15, 10.30 Napakollu 08:45, 14.00 Kanoor 07:45, 15.15, 18.00 Bagamandala 06:20, 12.15, 13.00, 15.00, 15.45, Shaniwarasanthe 07.30, 18:30 Kukkesubramanya 07:30, 11.15, 22.30 Puttur 06:30, 10.30, 11.30, 13.00 Mangalore 04:45, 05.30, 07.00, 08.30, 10.15, 10.30, 11.45, 12.00, 12.30, 13.45, 17.00, 22.00, 22.15, 22.30, 23.00 Kunigal 01:50 Manipal 10:00 Udupi 22:00 Kundapura 07:40, 09.00, 09.15, 20.45 Gokarna 06:00 Siddapura 07:00, 09.00, 10.00, 11.30, 13.30, 14.00, 15.00, 16.30 Bhatkal 21:00 Murdeshwara 21:00 Kutta 02:15 Jayapura 06:30, 07.30, 08.30, 09.00, 10.30, 11.30,

12.00, 14.30, 15.45, 17.30, 21.45 Hampapura 06:30, 07.30, 08.30, 09.00, 10.30, 11.30,12.00, 14.30, 15.45, 17.30, 21.45 H.D.Kote 06:30, 07.30, 08.30, 09.00, 10.30, 11.30, 12.00, 14.30, 15.45, 17.30, 21.45 Saragoru 05:00, 17.15, 08.00, 08.45, 09.50, 14.45, 20.15, 22.00 Karwar 05:55 Manandawadi 05:55, 08.30, 09.30, 16.00 Veerajpet Every 30 minutes - (07:30 to 21.30) Gadag 06:00, 06.30, 07.00, 07.30, 08.00, 08.15, 09.00, 09.30, 13.45, 14.10, 15.00 Anoor 08:30, 14.45, 19.30 Banoor 07:00, 16.00 Kiruguvalu 07:30, 10.15, 13.45, 17.00, 20.30 Malavalli 06:15, 07.00, 08.00 Narsipur 09:30, 09.40, 13.05, 14.50, 16.35, 17.20, 18.50 Shimsha 08:45, 14.00 Kollegal 09:00, 13.00, 17.00, 17.30 Talakad 09:30 Santa Kodihalli 17:30 Mahadeshwara Betta 07:45, 12.45 Kanakapura 05:30, 07.30, 08.45, 10.45, 11.00, 12.15, 14.00, 14.45 Nanjanagud Every Ten minutes (06:00 to 22:00) Gundlupet Every Thirty minutes (06:00 to 21:00) Kabhalli 15:30, 19.00 Kalale 07:00, 20.20 Devanoor 19:00 Huluhalli 07:00 Hura 09:00, 12.15, 15.00, 19.15 Bandipura 09:00 Biligiri Ranga Hills 06:45, 09.00, 15.00 Chamarajanagar Every half an hour 06:15 to 23.00

Travel Karnataka

August 1, 2009

KSRTC

Bus Timings

Gulburga KSRTC Bus Schedule

Airavata (Volvo) Towards Mangalore Bangalore Hyderabad Rajahamsa To Hubli Davanagere Bangalore Hospet Belgaum

Departure 10:30 19:30 00:05, 15:45, 23:00

Departure 22:00 20:00 17:00 22:45 20:00

Hyderabad

00:30, 06:15, 06:45, 12:00, 17:00, 13:30

Other Services (Non-stop) To Departure Sedam 07:00, 10:00, 11:30, 16:00, 17:30, Bijapur 08:15, , 09:15, 10:15, 13:45, 14:45, 15:15, 17:15 Other Services (Express) To Departure Poona 16:00, 18:30, 21:00

Bijapur Panaji Latur Sirdi Udgir Omerga Aland Nanded Sedam Pandarpur Nanded Solapur Latur

10:00 , 11:30, 19:00 15:00 06:30 09:30 07:45 09:30 15:45 05:30, 20:00 08:15, 08:45, 11:45, 14:30, 16:00 06:00 05:30, 20:00 08:30 08:00

Bangalore Hospet Hyderabad Raichur Nasik Hubli Sindhoor Ilkal Vasco Belgaum

11:00, 12:00, 13:00, 14:00, 15:00, 16:00, 16:30, 09:30 07:00, 08:00, 08:45, 13:00, 14:00, 14:30, 22:00 06:00, 07:30, 10:30 05:00 06:30, 08:00, 07:45 07:00 13:00 13:30 6:30

Indi

07:45, 11:15, 13:15,

13:30, 20:30

Bellary

21:00,

Latur

08:30

Parli

14:15

Shimoga

17:30

Sindhnoor

07:45, 09:00

Davanagere

7:15

Solapur

10:30

Kolhapur

07:30

Badami

11:15

Mangalore KSRTC Bus Sc hedule To Airavata (Volvo) Bangalore Rajahamsa Bangalore Mysore

Departure 09:30, 11:00, 12:05, 14:00, 21:00, 21:05, 14:00, 21:01, 21:05, 21:47, 22:10, 22:29, 22:50, 23:00, 23:20 07:45, 11:30, 19:50, 20:00, 21:30, 21:40, 22:25, 22:50, 10:30, 14:00, 22:15,

08:30, 12:30, 19:58, 20:45, 21:10, 22:15, 22:30, 23:10 11:00, 20:30, 22:30,

10:30, 13:30, 21:00, 22:06, 13:00, 21:15,

K.G.F Udupi-Kundapur Chennai Panaji Semi Delux Chickmagalore Gokarna Madurai Coimbatore Ernakulam Bagalkot Badami Belur-Hassan Elikal Dharwad

22:45, 21:20 03:45, 05:15, 06:00, 06:45, 14:30 21:30

23:00, 23:45 04:00, 05:00, 05:30, 05:45, 06:30, 15:30

09:30 13:30 15:00 16:00 22:00 05:30, 15:45 16:00, 17:00, 19:00 12:30 18:00, 20:45 20:30

Gulburga Gadag Kushtagi Mudhabehal Rona Meraj Raichur Belgaum Hubli Hubli Hubli Hubli Panaji 19:30 Sangli Mysore

14:30 20:00 17:30 16:45 20:00 16:30 15:00 7:30 09:30 10:00 10:30 22:30 07:00, 08:30, 09:00, 14:00 05:00, 06:30, 08:00, 10:00, 15:30,

05:30, 07:00, 08:15, 12:00, 22:00

06:00, 07:30, 09:30, 13:15,

Mandya-Bangalore Kushalnagar Madiker Birur Karwar Udupi-Kundapur 11:30 Tiptur-Tumkur Puttpathi Bangalore Sindagi Thalikote

06:05, 17:00, 11:30 10:45, 14:30, 15:45 12:00, 11:30 05:15, 20:00 07:30 06:00, 08:00, 09:10, 11:00, 14:30, 19:30, 15:30 16:15

06:32, 16:30, 18:00, 20:03 13:50, 14:15, 14:45, 15:15,

19:30

Honuganda

19:00

Lingasur

19:15

Hospet

19:45

Kudalasangama 17:45

16:00 06:00, 07:15,

06:30, 09:10, 09:40, 12:00, 16:00, 21:40

Dandeli

07:00, 09:40, 10:15, 19:00,

Bilagi