Planning a quick getaway from Manipal? Take your pick from these choices.
Manipal in Karnataka is located in the rocky hinterland of the West
Coast of South India, a few kilometres from the Arabian Sea. From its
location on a plateau, it commands a view of the Arabian Sea to the west
and the Western Ghats to the east. There are plenty of interesting
places nearby, some popular and some not quite...but all worth a visit.
Jog falls
India's highest falls are not too far from Manipal. The best time to
visit is from August to September as the flow is restricted by the dam
during the rest of the year. The Sharavati jumps from a height of 875 ft
forming a glorious waterfall, splitting into four different tracks. In
summer when the water level is low, one can actually walk down to the
bottom of the falls. One must also visit the Linganamakki Dam; about six
km away from Jog Falls has a major hydro electric power plant in
Karnataka. The height of the dam is 1819 ft above sea level. The dam is
constructed across the Sharavathi river.
Info: About 175km from Udupi. Many package tours are available from Udupi.
Honnemaradu
Honnemaradu is for the adventure seekers. Situated on the backwaters of
the Sharavathi, it is famous for kayaking, surfing and other watersport.
Note: alcohol, gutka and non-vegetarian food are banned.
Info: About 125 km from Manipal
Murdeshwar
Murudeshwar can be visited on the way to Gokarna or Goa and is famous
for the huge statue of Shiva. The sea surrounds the temple on three
sides. Two life-size elephants stand guard at the steps leading to the
temple. The Murudeshwar temple dates back to a few centuries.
Info: About 100 km from Manipal
St. Mary's Island
The group of islands are accessible by ferry from Malpe. The islands are
just a few scattered projections of rock rising out of the Arabian Sea
around Malpe. It's a place to relax with facilities for swimming,
boating or fishing.
Info: Malpe is about six km from Udupi
Kaup Beach
Not very far from Manipal, this is not a very crowded beach. The
lighthouse is the main attraction here. Built by the British in 1901, it
is constructed on a rock with an 89 ft tower.
Info: About 15 km from Manipal; 10 km from Udupi
Kudremukh
Some 30 km from Karkala is Kudremukh. The name, meaning “horse face”, is
derived from the mountain ranges that resemble a horse's face. This is
the largest tropical evergreen forest in Karnataka. A hilly region
situated 1894 m above sea level, it overlooks the Arabian Sea. The drive
through the forest can be both intriguing and exhilarating.
Info: About 160 km from Manipal
Agumbe
Agumbe is a hill station and is one of the highest peaks of the Western
Ghats and can be reached by road. The best part of the trip is the
beautiful scenery enroute. Plenty of waterfalls — the more popular being
Onaki Abbi, Barkana , and Jogigundi — can be seen once you enter the
forests. If you enjoy driving, then the drive can be exhilarating as you
need to negotiate 18 hairpin curves. You can also spot lion tailed
black macaque. The more adventurous can try river rafting on the Sita, a
30-minute drive from Agumbe.
Info: About 45 km from Manipal and 60 km from Udupi
Turtle Bay
Turtle Bay is just a beach resort but if you go a little ahead on the
highway, there is a beautiful stretch of road with the sea on one side
and backwaters on the other. The scenic beauty of the Arabian Sea, the
calm backwaters of the Sowparnika, breathtaking nature walks, treks
along the scenic coast, clean water for snorkelling, scuba diving and
swimming; that about sums up what Turtle Bay is all about! The resort
gets its name from the sea turtles that inhabit the beach during the
nesting season from October to December every year.
Info: 150 km from Manipal
Gokarna Falls
Located on the way to Goa just a few kilometres off the highway is the
beautiful ‘OM' beach. The name comes from its shape. With narrow
streets, traditional houses and temples, Gokarna is the favourite haunt
of Hindu pilgrims, Sanskrit scholars and beach buffs. Literally meaning
“cow's ear”, this village is formed by the ear-shaped confluence of two
rivers. Four other beaches lie towards the south of Gokarna. Kudle and
Omam and are around six km from Gokarna along a muddy hill. They are
accessible by rickshaw or by foot. Half Moon and Paradise are beyond Om
beach and are accessible only by foot or boat.
Info: 170 km Manipal.
Karkala
Karkala is a famous Jain pilgrim centre. The single stone 42-foot statue
Gomateshwara is located close to the centre of the town. Located atop a
huge 300-feet high granite rock, the statue overlooks a picturesque
little lake. Just opposite is a Jain ‘Basadi' known as Chaturmukha
Basadi. It is also built of granite. The monolith formed the nucleus
around which Jain maths and basadis developed. They draw three kinds of
visitors: devotees, students of history and art lovers.
Info: About 40 km from Manipal.
Info: About 40 km from Manipal.
The photo courtesy goes to the THE HINDU photographers K.Murali Kumar, Sampath Kumar and Nagesh Prabhu
