| With its unique geographical features, Karnataka provides adventure lovers with every kind of terrain except snow-clad mountains. Thrill seekers and environmentalists can indulge in a host of outdoor activities on land, water and sky. Karnataka's jagged coastline, the Western Ghats with their beckoning peaks, incredible craggy formations, expansive water bodies, and the many rivers that crisscross the state make it a haven for adventure sports and other outdoor activities |
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| White Water Rafting |
| Experience the thrills of white water rafting on some unpredictable stretches of the Kali river at Dandeli - an experience so far unavailable this side of the Ganga. Kemphole is another popular destination for white water enthusiasts. Sitanadi (near Agumbe) and Netravati are also favourite white water rafting spots. The azure waters of the Cauvery also provide for some great river rafting |
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| Rock Climbing |
| The craggy wilderness around Ramnagar, 50km from Bangalore on the Bangalore-Mysore highway, is a climber's delight. If you can supplement your love of adventure with some time, there are other rock climbing options around the city; Bangalore and its neighbouring areas are fortified by interesting rock formations at places like Savanadurga, Kabbaldurga, Tumkur, Turahalli, and Kanakpura. Yana, famous for its unique formation, is also a favourite rock-climbing haunt. Bouldering provides yet another adventure option. Some of the best climbing areas in Karnataka are at Badami and Hampi, where you can also take a cultural tour to the ruins and cave temples. |
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| Trekking |
| With its lush tropical forests, hills and dales, caves and cascades, roaring rivers and gurgling streams, and flora and fauna, Karnataka is a trekker's paradise. Trekking trails are mostly located in the Ghat districts of Uttara and Dakshina Kannada, Shimoga, Chikmagalur, Hassan and Kodagu. Try railway-track trekking through the spectacular Western Ghats between the towns of Donigal and Kukke Subramanya. This unique activity lets you savour natural beauty while watching trains thunder by. Die-hard trekkers can explore the coastline on foot via the enchanting Golden Trek from Karwar to Gokarna. Tadiyendamol, the tallest peak in Kodagu, from where you can view the distant Arabian Sea on a clear day, is a trekker's delight. The ideal time for trekking is immediately after the monsoon, from September to December |
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| Angling |
| The Mahseer, Asia's premier sporting fish and prize catch of all committed anglers, is the pride and joy of the Cauvery. Here, intrepid anglers wait day and night in anticipation of their catch. |
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| Aerosports |
| Hang-gliding is a truly Zen experience. To experience the exhilaration and euphoria of parajumping, head for Nandi Hills. The beautiful airstrip set in 1sq. km of tall wild-grass close to Bangalore's Hebbal Lake is the focus of aerosports like parasailing and microlight flying |
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| Yana |
| The gigantic rock formations of Yana stand proud and tall among the evergreen forests of the Western Ghats in Uttara Kannada district. Located 25km from the coastal town of Kumta and 40km from Sirsi near the Chandrika river, Yana is an ideal destination for pilgrims, trekkers, and nature-lovers alike |
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| A 16km trek through the cool and breezy hills brings you to the foot of the mountain where the rock formations begin. At the top, a stunning sight awaits you: The awesome Bhairaveshwara and Jaganmohini shikharas, or peaks. A cave temple dedicated to Lord Shiva lies below these shikharas. The vagaries of time have caused these limestone structures to turn blackish brown; a profusion of beehives dots the rock surface |
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| A popular legend associated with Yana holds that Bhasmasura, an evil demon, performed penance to Lord Shiva and obtained the power of reducing to ashes anybody on whose head he placed his hand. An ungrateful Bhasmasura, however, soon decided to test the boon on his benefactor. Devotees believe that when Bhasmasura pursued Shiva with the intention of destroying him, Shiva took abode in the Bhairaweshwara peak at Yana. Legend has it that the other peak is called Jaganmohini in honour of Vishnu, who took the form of Mohini and saved Lord Shiva's life |
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| Bird Watching |
| Roam the Western Ghats to get your fill of the Malabar whistling thrush, the Malabar drogon, imperial pigeon, ruby throated bulbul and shama that rule the lush evergreen forests. Or, move down south for reserves of herons, pelicans and painted storks. Go on a bird watching spree at National Parks like Bandipur National Park, Rajiv Gandhi National Park (Nagarhole) |
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| B R Hills Sanctuary and Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary. The calls of Malabar parakeets and the songs of magpie robins echo through the forests along with more than 550 species of other birds, making Karnataka a bird watcher's paradise. If you don't want to go far into the jungles, Bangalore and its environs also provide excellent bird watching opportunities |
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