Category Archives: Travel, Tourism & Homestays (wef. Oct 03rd, 2021)

Flower show at Raja Seat

Tourist footfall at Raja Seat in Madikeri has risen with the top tourist destination and one of the most visited sites in Kodagu hosting a flower show since Friday.

The flower show concludes on February 6.

Nearly 20 species of flowers and about 12,000 plants are part of the show with special floral decorations.

The highlights of the show include varieties of exhibits created in flowers, bonsai plants and others.

The Principal Secretary, Horticulture, Rajendra Kumar Kataria, visited the flower show with Deputy Commissioner B.C. Satish on Saturday.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> India> Karnataka / by The Hindu Bureau / February 04th, 2023

Burst of flavours: The Taste of Coorg with chef Shimon Nanjappa

The native cuisine uses products like jackfruit, bamboo shoots, wild honey, and Kachampuli vinegar along with locally-grown spices like black pepper and cardamom.

food
For representational purposes

Bengaluru : 

From traditional food to gourmet cuisine, food festivals and limited menus are excellent ways to explore the diverse gastronomic choices at restaurants in the city. They provide a great opportunity to sample a variety of new flavours while celebrating everything from regional cuisine to unique ingredients and food categories.

The Taste of Coorg at The Park, Bangalore celebrates the rich Kodava food with visiting guest chef Shimon Nanjappa.

Coorg, also known as Kodagu, is renowned for its hearty micro cuisine strongly inspired by local agriculture and traditional cooking techniques. The native cuisine uses products like jackfruit, bamboo shoots, wild honey, and Kachampuli vinegar along with locally-grown spices like black pepper and cardamom.

Chef Shimon’s home kitchen in Madikeri offers authentic local food based on sustainable food practices which she will recreate at this food festival together with the hotel’s executive chef Arvind Kumar. A few of the dishes available a-la-carte are the sigdi meen barthad (prawn), kummu nallamallu fry (mushroom), koli soup (chicken), koli kari (chicken), kori yerchi nallamallu fry (lamb), pandi curry (pork), kadambuttu (steamed rice dumpling), akki roti (rice flour flatbread) and tarkari palav, all accompanied with a variety of homemade pickles and chutneys. You can round off this soul-satisfying meal with bella paputtu and cardamom custard desserts. This is ongoing until February 5.

To commemorate Republic Day, Shangri-La Bengaluru along with plant-based protein brand Evolved, and conscious retail store and farm-to-table restaurant chain Go Native, have curated a locally-inspired vegetarian afternoon tea at the Lobby Lounge. This Rooted In Nature Hi-Chai brings to mind the long-gone chai nashta evening custom, in which families would gather each evening to enjoy tea, coffee, and savouries. Aloo patta sprout chaatlets, quinoa kerai vada with chutney, ghee roast plant meat samosa, and plant protein masala puffs are just a few of the delectable items on the menu.

Diners can also enjoy Mysore pak cheesecake, thinnai halwa tarts, and Coorg coffee mousse on choux paired with unlimited servings of masala chai, filter kaapi, sulaimani chai masala shikanji, or kokum cooler. This is ongoing through April.

On the other hand, foodies are in for a scrumptious pizza treat at Alba in JW Marriott Bengaluru. The La Pizzeria Limited Edition menu is served by the hotel’s chefs at the Italian fine dining establishment, and it truly embraces our love for this Italian delicacy. Giving a fresh twist, the pizzas will be topped with international flavours like the exotic 

Lebanese lamb shish kebab pizza, Japanese Teriyaki pizza, the unique sambal prawn pizza, or even the Indian paneer tikka pizza. Naturally, each of these wood-fired delicacies is hand-tossed with a choice of a modern New York-style base or a traditional Neapolitan base. This is ongoing until February 12.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Cities> Bengaluru / by Aslam Gafoor, Express News Service / January 30th, 2023

Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa Remembered

Mysore/Mysuru:

Today, Jan. 28 in Indian and World History is celebrated, observed and remembered for various reasons and one of them is the birth anniversary of Field Marshal Kodandera Madappa Cariappa, who was the first Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army. 

The Kodava Samaja, Mysuru, Kodava Samaja Cultural and Sports Club, Mysuru and Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa Fans Club celebrated the 124th birth anniversary at Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa Circle (Metropole Circle) in the city this morning. The statue of the celebrated supreme commander was decked up for the occasion.

MLAs L. Nagendra and G.T. Devegowda, MLC C.N. Manjegowda, Mayor Shivakumar, MUDA Chairman Yashaswi S. Somashekar and ex-Mayor M.J. Ravikumar were the chief guests.

Field Marshal Cariappa was appointed as the Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army on Jan. 15, 1949. Army Day is celebrated on that day every year. He had adopted the slogan ‘Jai Hind’, which means ‘Victory to India’”.

MLA Nagendra recalled the dedicated and committed service of the Field Marshal and described him as the true patriot. “His time sense, patriotism, dedication, punctuality and discipline are worth emulating. Field Marshal Cariappa was instrumental in preventing many foreign invasions,” he said. G.T. Devegowda and Manjegowda also spoke.

Mayor Shivakumar too recalled the services of the disciplined Commander-in-Chief and hailed Kodagu that has produced and is still producing stalwarts who made India proud. “His distinguished military career spanned almost three decades. The Mysuru City Corporation will take steps to further beautify the Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa Circle so that it becomes a landmark and a visual attraction,” he assured.

Yashaswi Somashekar noted that the MUDA has received an application for a site from the Kodava Ex-Servicemen Association. “We will discuss the issue at the MUDA meeting on Feb. 4 and decide on the allotment,” he said.

Corporators M.U. Subbaiah, Rangaswamy, Ravindra and Pramila Bharat, Vidya Vikas Educational Trust Secretary Kaveesh Gowda, Kodava Samaja President Mechanda Shashi Ponnappa, Vice-President Malachira Ponnappa, Kodava Samaja Cultural and Sports Club President Kuttimada D. Muthappa,  Fans Club President Nayakanda Thimmaiah and others were present.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / January 23rd, 2023

Spices Board to hold buyer-seller meet in Madikeri on Jan. 24

It will provide a common platform for buyers and sellers of the spice industry to interact directly and establish effective business linkages.

The Spices Board of India will be holding a buyer-seller meet for spices at Hilldale resorts in Madikeri on January 24.

A press statement from the Assistant Director of Spices Board of India’s Divisional Office in Madikeri said the buyer-seller meet, which will be held between 10.30 a.m. and 5.00 p.m., will provide a common platform for buyers and sellers of the spice industry to interact directly and establish effective business linkages.

The Spices Board India, which functions under the Ministry of Commerce, Government of India, in its statement, pointed out that Karnataka holds a significant position in spice production in India by being a major producer of ginger and black pepper.

Karnataka also produces other spices such as cardamom, chillies, turmeric, garlic, coriander, nutmeg, clove, tamarind etc. During the year 2021-22, the State produced 7,09,546 metric tonnes of spices from an area of 3,75,082 hectares, the statement added.

Spices Board India, a flagship organisation for the development and worldwide promotion of Indian spices, said India’s spices exports with “a volume of 15,31,154 metric tonnes, valued at ₹30,576 crore during 2021-22, scaled the landmark level of USD 4.102 million in value realisation, besides recording a growth rate of 26.76 per cent, 38 per cent in rupee terms and 32 per cent in dollar terms, compared to 2019-20, despite the global pandemic situation”.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> India> Karnataka / by The Hindu Bureau / January 21st, 2023

Meet Rashmika Mandanna Parents: Suman Mandanna And Madan Mandanna

Rashmika Mandanna was born into a middle-class family in Virajpet (Virajapete), Kodagu, Karnataka.

She is the daughter of Suman Mandanna and Madan Mandanna and has a sister named Shiman Mandanna.

Rashmika Mandanna born 5 April 1996, is an Indian actress who works mainly in Telugu and Kannada films, in addition to Hindi and Tamil films. She has won four SIIMA Awards and Filmfare Awards South. She made her acting debut in the Kannada film Kirik Party (2016) and she appeared in the Telugu film Chalo (2018), Tamil film Sulthan (2021), and the Hindi film Goodbye (2022).

Who Are The Parents Of Rashmika Mandanna?

Rashmika Mandanna was born in a middle-class family in Virajpet (Virajapete), Kodagu, Karnataka. She is the daughter of Suman Mandanna and Madan Mandanna.

Rashmika Mandanna’s Dad: Who Is Rashmika Mandanna’s Dad

Madan Mandanna is the father of Rashmika Mandanna. Rashmika’s father Madan Mandanna reportedly owns a coffee estate and a function hall called Serenity in Virajpet, Karnataka. The actress hasn’t revealed much about her father or family hence there isn’t enough to be said about him.

What Does Rashmika Mandanna’s Father Do For A Living?

Rashmika Mandann’s father is a businessman who owns a coffee estate and a function hall which we believe is been patronized in Virajpet.

Rashmika Mandanna’s Mom: Who Is Rashmika Mandann’s Mother?

Suman Mandanna is the mother of Rashmika Mandanna and she’s reportedly a homemaker/housewife.

What Does Rashmika Mandanna’s Mom Do For A Living?

Rashmika Mandanna’s mom is a homemaker and which means she takes care of the house and probably helps her husband at the coffee shop.

Does Rashmika Mandann Have Siblings?

Yes, Rashmika Mandanna has a sister named Shiman Mandanna and based on their relationship, the age gap between them seems to be wide.

source: http://www.ghgossip.com / GH Gossip / Home / by Juan / January 13th, 2023

Ferns Estates and Developers setting up resorts in Coorg, Chikballapur

To expand existing resort in Sakleshpur.

Errol Fernandes, CMD, Ferns Estates and Developers

Bengaluru-based real estate company, Ferns Estates and Developers, which has entered the luxury hospitality business, is establishing properties that are close to nature and easy to reach.

The company estimates revenue of Rs 363 crore in five years from the hospitality segment alone, according to Errol Fernandes, CMD, Ferns Estates and Developers.

“We started our first resort in 2021 in Sakleshpur – a luxury property spread over 100 acres, with an investment of Rs 160 crore. At present, there are 126 keys and we plan to expand the resort by adding another 76 keys. The estimated investment for this expansion is around Rs 50 crore,” said Fernandes.

Going forward, two more resorts are being set up in Coorg, which is spread over 25 acres of coffee plantation, with an investment of Rs 60 crore, and another in Chikballapur, spread over 7 acres. “The best part is that all these locations are within a day’s drive from Bengaluru, which was one of the goals in establishing them,” he added.

The company is also acquiring a resort in Goa. “In Goa, we have acquired a 100-key property for Rs 150 crore. It is on the verge of being completed. We should be able to start operations in September 2023,” Fernandes said. The property would be funded with debt to the tune of about Rs 100 crore, and Rs 50 crore from internal accruals.

Real Estate

The company, which has been in the real estate business for the last 34 years, has built gated communities, apartments, and office spaces in Bengaluru.

“For our real estate arm, we don’t intend to venture outside Karnataka; however, we plan on going to tier-two cities such as Mysore, Mangaluru, and Hubli Dharwad. Initially, we plan to set up gated communities and then get into apartments later. As of now, we are scouting for land. We are developing another vertical called branded plots in Sakleshpur,” said Fernandes.

In the case of gated communities, it expects to grow by 20 per cent every year, and typically do around 5 lakh sq feet of sales annually. Similarly, it sells around one lakh of sq feet of apartment space annually and expects to grow by 20 per cent, said the CMD.

Ferns Estates and Developers expects to end FY23 with a revenue turnover of Rs 185 crore, of which Rs 40 crore would come from its hospitality arm.

source: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com / The Hindu Business Line / Home> News / by Isha Rautella / January 06th, 2023

Talacauvery is South India’s top ‘star party’ destination

The source of Cauvery is also among the most ideal locations to gaze at the sky.

A “star party” organised by the Bangalore Astronomical Society recently at Talacauvery in Kodagu district of Karnataka. Photo: Special Arrangement

Talacauvery in Kodagu district, which is the source of Cauvery river, has emerged as South India’s Hanle, as astronomers have been hosting “star parties” there for some time now. Hanle, located in Ladakh, and known for its pristine skies and minimal light pollution, is also India’s first Dark Sky Reserve.

A Dark Sky Reserve is a designation given to a place that has policies in place to ensure that a tract of land or region has minimal artificial light interference.

In south India, most dark sky locations are in the Western Ghats or some hill ranges nearby, and according to astronomers, Talacauvery is the most ideal location to gaze at the sky and have a star party.

Voluntary work

The Bangalore Astronomical Society (BAS), a group of volunteers working for the promotion of astronomy as a hobby as well as a science, is now hosting star parties at Talacauvery. IT professionals Sudhash Natarajan, Vishwanath S.K. and Keerthi Kiran have been volunteering to conduct the star parties for BAS.

“We at BAS usually arrange star parties on New Moon weekends (Friday-Saturday-Sunday) format as it is the ideal time to observe the celestial objects which we are looking for. We inform people who are interested in joining us for the star party eight to days in advance. Members of the sky party after arriving at the dark sky location set up their equipment like telescopes, binacolours etc and the observation goes on until 4.45 am,” said Sudhash Natarajan.

Mr. Natarajan said that the group which attends the star parties are of all walks of life and that they are a mix of experienced astronomers as well as students and newbies to astronomy. He added that star parties have also been conducted in Koratagere, Hoshalli, Kavalur, and Yercaud in the past.

Less light pollution

“However, Talacauvery is possibly the best dark night location in south India due to less light pollution. In astronomy, there is something called the Bortle scale which measures the night sky’s brightness of a location on a nine level numerical scale. The lesser the numerical scale it qualifies for a better dark sky location. For example, Hanle skies would qualify as Bortle one skies, Talacauvery as Bortle two, and Bengaluru as Bortle nine,” he added.

The star parties are usually conducted in the winter months between December to March as the skies are clearer during these months which is very important for stargazing.

Mr. Natarajan said a star party was conducted between December 23 and 27, 2022, and the next one would be between January 20 and 24.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> India> Karnataka / by Hemanth C S / January 04th, 2023

Cave found at Kallembi village in Dakshina Kannada could be that of Megalithic period, says historian

The cave was found accidentally while levelling the land for plantation purpose.

Potteries collected from a cave found at Kallembi village in Kadaba taluk of Dakshina Kannada | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

The study of potteries, which were found in a cave at Kallembi village under Yadamangala gram panchayat, Kadaba taluk in Dakshina Kannada some time ago, indicated that the cave could be that of the iron age-Megalithic period, according to T. Murugeshi, Associate Professor in Ancient History and Archaeology, Mulki Sundarram Shetty College, Shirva, Udupi district.

“They resembled grave potteries of Mudukonaje near Moodbidri, and burial potteries of Heggadehalli and Siddalingapura of Kodagu. In addition, they were more akin to the Kerala Megalithic burials in construction and style. But side opening and underground passage with top opening, which is a common feature of Kerala burials, are not traced. It will be known by excavation only,” he said in a statement.

Mr. Murugeshi said that the small particles of husk, most probably of ragi, found inside surface of red potteries were carefully collected, and they will be sent to a laboratory for further studies.

He said that one-legged red jar of about 10 inch in height, large red lid of about 7.5 inch in diameter, another large black lid of about 8.5 inch in diameter, three red potteries of about 19 cm, 22 cm and 23.5 cm in height respectively, one small black pot of about 9 cm in height having small mouth of about 2 cm, one small red lid with knob, and black and red bowl pieces with flat bottom, lamps of red and black colour with round base were collected from the site.

Accidental find

The cave was found accidentally while levelling the land for plantation purpose. The site is located on the slope of a small hillock and watered by Kumaradhara river. It is about 16 km away from Yadamangala and just 1.5 km away from Dola. The cave was opened on eastern side by an earthmover, the historian said.

“It looks like a hemispherical dome having a central pillar. Pottery base impressions are visible on the inside surface of the cave. A heap of soil on either side of the pillar was found. Without clearing the debris proper study is difficult, and rain is also an obstacle to continue the examination. There was no trace of metals inside the cave,” he said.

According to the land (site) owner, Vishwanath Gowda Balladka, the cave was found in the afternoon on August 19, 2022. The materials were collected after conducting ‘panchaname’ in the presence of the village accountant. The study team led by Mr. Murugeshi had reached the site on August 21 after the he was informed about the finding of the cave on the evening of August 20.

Adjoining areas of Kallembi like Dola, Yenmakaje, and others are well known in the Tulu folklore, belonging to twin heroes of Tulu Nadu Koti and Chennaya and their sister Kinnidaru, he said.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Mangaluru / by The Hindu Bureau / November 08th, 2022

Karnataka Travel: Heard Of Chiklihole Dam In Coorg? Here’s Why It’s An Undiscovered Beauty That You Can’t Afford To Miss

Chiklihole Dam, a modest reservoir in Coorg is located within Karnataka’s Cauvery basin. For those seeking some solitude and serenity away from the crowd, the hidden spot is the best choice!

Chiklihole Reservoir Coorg
Karnataka Travel: Heard of Chiklihole Dam in Coorg? Here’s Why It’s an Undiscovered Beauty That You Can’t Afford to Miss (Picture Credit: A_Lasting_Impression_43/Instagram)

Coorg’s Undiscovered Beauty: 

Nature lovers that take the chance of travelling from distant locations merely to experience nature’s grandeur are drawn to the lush green surrounds, the freshness of the rain, and also the splendour of the waterfalls.

The Chiklihole Dam in Coorg, a man-made reservoir, is one of the undiscovered beauties in Karnataka’s Coorg.

Coorg is a captivating hill town in the Karnataka region that is home to expansive coffee fields, towering hills, and fascinating waterfalls. Coorg is situated in idyllic surroundings and presents countless opportunities to get personal with nature and its beauties. Coorg’s hidden gem – Chiklihole Reservoir is truly a sight to behold!

The Chiklihole Dam in Coorg is a great illustration of how natural and man-made buildings can coexist. The water reservoir is surrounded by lush vegetation on all sides, still water in the centre, and an enormous grand dam on the opposite side between Kushalnagar and Madikeri.

Chiklihole Reservoir
Chiklihole Reservoir is surrounded by gorgeous scenery, making it a delight to witness. (Picture Credit: Integrity Wellness/Twitter)

The dam is round in shape and has no crest gates. Travellers are drawn in by the dam’s distinctive shape alone. They are treated to an amazing sight as the water overflows like foam on the curved structures due to the increased input. This water body’s breathtaking surroundings are majestic and extremely pleasing to the eye. The reservoir has lush green woodlands on one side and a grassy meadow on the other, which adds to the area’s tranquillity.

Chiklihole Dam in Coorg, Karnataka, has breathtaking natural beauty. (Picture Credit: Sixth Element/Twitter)

Chiklihole Dam: Know The Ticket Price And Timings

Chiklihole Dam is Coorg’s undiscovered beauty that offers tranquillity from the hustle and bustle of the city. The location is rural, thus there are no shops. If visitors intend to unwind for a day or even a few hours by the dam, they should bring their own snacks and water.

Chiklihole Dam Timings: 8 AM to 5 PM

Chiklihole Dam Ticket Price: Free Entry

From the dam, you may enjoy a beautiful sunset view. Unfortunately, there isn’t a single store or business that provides amenities for tourists due to the location’s remoteness. The monsoon and winter season i.e from June to March are the greatest times to visit the dam since the weather is comfortable, the water level in the dam rises, and the scenery is beautiful.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of India.com. The writer is solely responsible for any claims arising out of the contents of this article. All the products are independently selected by the author. For any such reviews, please contact himanshu.shekhar@India.com

source: http://www.india.com / India.com / Home> Travel / by Travel Staff , edited Tanya Garg / September 11th, 2022

Karnataka Shifts 13 Elephants In Batches To Madhya Pradesh

Mahouts, Kavadis unhappy as they are emotionally attached to pachyderms

Siddapur (Kodagu):

The Karnataka Forest Department has begun the transfer of 13 elephants in batches from various elephant camps in the State to Madhya Pradesh. The purpose is to assist the Forest Department of that State in reducing the human-animal conflict and also ease the pressure on the identified elephant camps of Karnataka.

The camps that are giving the elephants are in Mysuru, Kodagu and Shivamogga. Following a letter from the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) and Chief Wildlife Warden, Madhya Pradesh, seeking transfer of camp elephants from Karnataka to Madhya Pradesh, the Karnataka Forest Department initiated the process to shift the identified elephants. 

A team of Forest Department from Madhya Pradesh visited the elephant camps at Ramapura in Bandipur Tiger Reserve in Gundlupet taluk, Dubare Elephant Camp at Siddapura in Kodagu and Sakrebyle Elephant Camp in Shivamogga where they identified the 14 elephants (12 male and 2 female). Though 14 elephants were identified for transfer, one male elephant died, reducing the number to 13 — 11 male and two female.

Subsequently, they submitted a detailed report to the Madhya Pradesh Government for consideration of their transfer from Karnataka. Following up on the matter, the Karnataka Government sought the opinion of field officers who approved the transfer and later, the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change permitted the shifting.

The name of the selected elephants are: Krishna (21 yrs), Gaja (7 yrs), both male elephants, Marsiha (7 yrs) and Pooja (9 yrs), both female elephants — all four lodged in Ramapura camp of Bandipur Tiger Reserve; General Thimayya (8 yrs), Field Marshal (General) Cariappa (8 yrs), Valli (40 yrs), Lava (21 yrs) and Maruthi (20 yrs), all five male elephants from Dubare camp; Ravi (25 yrs), Shiva (6 yrs), Manikanta (35 yrs) and Bengaluru Ganesha (36 yrs), all four male elephants of Sakrebyle camp.

As per the agreement and the orders, yesterday, the five elephants were shifted from the Dubare Elephant Camp in trucks and the Madhya Pradesh Forest Department took possession of the elephants. They will subsequently reach Bhopal. The shipment includes Mahouts and Kavadis who will stay in Madhya Pradesh for some time till the elephants are acclimatised with new surroundings and new handlers.

The Ramapura camp gave four elephants instead of five as the male pachyderm Ganesha (17 yrs) that was identified to be shifted died due to illness. The remaining four elephants have already been sent to Madhya Pradesh.

Now with the shifting, the Ramapura Elephant Camp has been left with 14 elephants, Dubare Camp with 27 and Sakrebyle Camp has 15 elephants.

Kodagu Chief Conservator of Forests B. Niranjan Murthy said that there are elephant camps at Dubare, Harangi, Mathigodu, Bheemanakatte and Balle in Kodagu with a total of 70 tamed elephants and two of them from Mathigodu camp have been sent for capture and taming of wild elephants and other departmental purposes.

Mahouts, Kavadis unhappy

Even as the process of shifting began, the Mahouts and Kavadis have opposed it as they are emotionally attached to the elephants. This apart, they are scared of losing their livelihood as they will be left with no job after the elephants are shifted.

Pointing out that they are not permanent staff, Dobi, State Vice-President of Mahouts and Kavadis Association, said that it is the Mahouts who have captured and tamed these elephants in deep forests and their livelihood is now under threat.

Urging the Government to regularise their service and also to hike their wages, he wanted the Government to address the issues concerning daily wage Mahouts and Kavadis, who are serving the Forest Department for years without any job security.

source: http://www.staromysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / December 23rd, 2022