Devaramane is a small Village/hamlet in Mudigere Taluk in Chikmagalur District of Karnataka State, India. It comes under Kogile Panchayath. It belongs to Mysore Division . It is located 30 KM towards South from District head quarters Chikmagalur. 248 KM from State capital Bangalore. The village is renowned for its Kalabhairaveshwara temple.

Devaramane is surrounded by Chikmagalur Taluk towards North , Belur Taluk towards East , Chikmagalur Taluk towards North , Sakleshpur Taluk towards South.

History

The legend tells that Lord Shiva sends his vehicle Nandi to help the people (farmers) on the earth, Nandi first came to a place on a hill of western Ghats (shola forest) and today’s Devaramane, Kalabhairava is known as the incarnation of Shiva. The temple has the long history and culture.

Trekking

Devaramane Trek brings you close to the nature and its an exhilarating experience. A trekker climbs the peaks, walks across the grasslands, crosses gurgling streams, and views magnificent waterfalls. The area is lush green even in summers.

Devaramane offers a number of variations that makes it an ideal Trekking spot for both beginners and hardcore trekkers. There are number of hillocks to climb, the Ettina Bhujha- Bulls Hump-back, also known as Shishila gudda, towers over the rest of the peaks in the area. From a height of 3000 ft, the roar of the river flowing beneath can be heard. The famous Kapila fishing camp is located nearly 15+ km from Devaramane.

Ettina Bhuja is a hill which is shaped like the back of an ox (ettu=ox in kannanda, bhuja=shoulder). This is in Mudigere Taluk of Chikmagalur, accessible from a Mudigere town near to Byrapura village.

The trek to Ettina Bhuja is one of the most popular treks in the Bangalore area, and takes place in a lush landscape in a hilly area, where the views are quite spectacular, as hikers will see panoramic and beautiful views of both hills and valleys in the area. The gorgeous views, as well as the accessibility of the area are the main attractions of this hike, since this makes it suitable both for newbies and seasoned hikers. The hike starts in Chikmagalur, and after passing the Bhyrapura stream, you will go into a dense forest, where you start your climb up the hills. You will be able to see the famous peak of Ombattu Gudda (at a distance), as well as the Alekhan Waterfalls (up close). The trail ends near the Kapila River, near Shishala, and most hikers spend around 7 hours on this trail, sometimes divided into two days, as there is a campsite around half way of the trail. It is however possible to finish this trek in just one day as well, with some effort.

Jamalabad Fort is an old hilltop fortification in Killoor road, Belthangady, Dakshina Kannada District, Karnataka, India. It is located in the Kudremukh range of hills, 8 km north of Beltangady town and 65 km from the city of Mangalore. The fort is 1700 ft above sea level and was formerly called Narasimha Ghada, which refers to the granite hill on which the fort is built. It is also referred locally as “Jamalagadda” or “Gadaikallu”.

History

The fort was built by Tipu Sultan in 1794 and named after his mother, Jamalabee. He decided to build a fort there, as he was impressed by the massive granitic rock which was suitable for the construction of a strong fort. The fort was built over the ruins of an older structure.

The fort is inaccessible other than via a narrow path, with around 1876 steps to the fort that are cut out of the granite hill and lead all the way to the top. This would mean that a small but well-armed group could indefinitely block a much larger force from entering the fort.

Inside the fort, there is only one tank to store water. Remains of a single cannon lie at the top. Nothing much of the fortifications remain but hints of the fort wall with parapets are visible. The fort was captured by the British in 1799 during the 4th Mysore war. Legend has it that those out of favor with Tipu were hurled down the edge to their death. (Such ‘Tipu drop’s are a feature in most hill-top forts built by Tipu.)

Trekking

Jamalabad is a trekking destination, with the climb up to the fort being classified as ‘medium difficulty level’ and the top of the structure offering good views of the surrounding landscape and the Kudremukh range.

At the base of the hill is a forest check post where visitors have to pay a nominal entry fee. Visitors should carry plenty of water since there is no potable fresh water available on top. The nearest town with any communication and medical facilities is Beltangady.

Entry to the fort is restricted to between 6am to 6pm and overnight stay at the fort is prohibited. This hillock fort has one room at the top.

There is also an unmanned microwave repeater station on top of the hill.

The old Agrahara settlement, 92 kms south – west of Chikmagalur and situated on the banks of the river Bhadra, is surrounded by lofty hills of the Western Ghats and is looked upon as one of the pancha-kshetras on the banks of the Bhadra.

Close by are the pancha theerthas, the five sacred ponds. On a small hillock here is the Kalaseshwara temple dedicated to Ishwara, with a Kshetrapala shrine of soap stone nearby. The Madhawacharya Bande, a large boulder at one of the theerthas here, is supposed to have been placed by Shri Madhawacharya the founder of the Dwaitha school of philosophy. A statue of this Acharya is carved on the upper portion of the rock.

Western Ghats has an unique identifications and hided many more natural beauties in it which a common man can’t reach the place. Bandaje Arbi Falls is one of those places which flow 365 days in a year. Bandaje Arbi Falls located in Charmudi ghat in Dakshina Kannada district, around 12km away from Ujire (close to Dharmasthala) and trek base point is Mundajje. One need to have strong determination and strength to reach this falls and enjoy the Mother Nature glory.

Charmadi Ghat is one of the most scenic and dangerous (to drive) Ghats of Karnataka. Charmadi Ghat is part of Western Ghats and located in Belthangady taluk of Dakshina Kannada district.
Charmadi Ghat is a unique place as it is a rich biodiversity spot with a variety of rare medicinal plants and rare animal species in the world. But for a nature lover, this Ghat is just a package of unlimited natural beauty. The real beauty of Charmadi can be seen only during in rainy season.

Charmadi Ghat is one of the points in Western Ghats where it connects Chikmagalur district to Dakshina Kannada district. It is one of the beautiful scenic drives through Charmadi Ghat section when on tour to Mangalore from Chikmagalur. The 25 Km stretch starting from Kottigehara (lies in border of Dakshina Kannada and Chikmagalur) to Charmadi Village is awesome, calm and peaceful. Anyone who drives on this Ghat enjoy the natural beauty, it seems like the road is covered with lush green blanket all over. Each and every curves of Charmadi Ghat are has got its unique attraction and it is really amazing. These curves make you stop your vehicle, invites you to enjoy the natural beauty.

The real beauty of Charmadi lies in its small waterfalls which come alive during monsoon. Most of the waterfalls are beside the highway. When you reach the top of Charmadi Ghat you can find a milky waterfall in between the thick forest.

Once you enter Charmadi village from Kottigehara via Charmadi Ghat, you will experience a drastic change in the climate. You miss cool climate of Chikmagalur (a hill station) and feel hot and humid.

Charmadi Ghat is also heaven for the trekking activity.

Endless miles of lush green Shola forests stretched out in front of me, a million clouds (some pregnant with rain) slowly wafted down the hills, and a lonely Nilgiri Tahr made his way home. A sudden calm enveloped me as I stood there watching the sun go down. If this wasn’t heaven I did not know what was!

Kudremukha National Park

The Kudremukh (literally meaning Horse Face) Range gets its name from the unique shape of its main peak. The broad hills overlook the Arabian Sea and are chained to one another by deep valleys and steep precipices. It is believed that Kudremukh served as a landmark for sailors on the western coast for over 2000 years. As yet ‘undiscovered’ by tourists, Kudremukh is a trekker’s paradise, apart from the main trek to Kuduremukha Peak, other trekking trails are Kurinjal Peak, Gangadikal Peak, Seethabumi Peak, Valikunda, and Narasimha Parvatha. Let the wonderland of lush green forests interspersed with rivers, grassy slopes, captivating cascades, caves, and ruins amaze you as you trek your way through it. The best time to visit is after the monsoon when everything is lush green and the rivers, streams, and waterfalls like Kadambi waterfalls, Hanuman Gundi Falls are at their best. Ganga Moola is a scenic place located in the Bhagawathi forest where the three rivers Tunga, Bhadra, and Netravati originate. A shrine to Goddess Bhagavathi and a 1.8m high Varaha image inside a cave are the chief attractions here.

The Kudremukh National Park is spread across 600.57 sq km. in Chikkamagaluru and Dakshina Kannada districts, houses a variety of wildlife such as the leopard, Malabar giant squirrel, sloth bear, gaur, sambar, jackal, mongoose, tiger, wild dog, common langur, porcupine, spotted deer, barking deer and giant flying squirrel. The park is home to a variety of birds such as the Malabar trogon, Malabar whistling thrush, and the imperial pigeon.

At 1892 meters, Kuduremukh is the second highest peak in Karnataka (after Mullayyanagiri). Kuduremukh is declared one of 34 biological hotspots of the world because of its tropical biological richness. It is one of the best places to visit in Karnataka.

Kudremukh Township was primarily developed as an iron ore mining town where the Government ran Kudremukh Iron Ore Company Ltd., (KIOCL)

Things to do in Kudremukh National Park:

Bird-watching in Kudremukh: Over 200 species of birds reside or visit during the migratory season to the forests of Kuduremukh.

Trek to Kudremukh Peak: With permission from forest officials, day treks can be undertaken in the hills of Kuduremukh. Camping is not allowed. Hence, hikers need to return before sunset. Besides the popular trek to Kuduremukh peak, other trekking trails are Kurinjal Peak, Gangadikal Peak, Seethabumi Peak, Valikunda, and Narasimha Parvatha.

Top places to visit:

Kadambi Falls

Lakya Dam

Hanumangundi Falls

Gangamoola Hill

This ‘World Heritage Site’ is the point of origin of three rivers – Netra, Tunga and Bhadra. To arrive at Ganga Moola (also called Varaha Parvata), one has to cover a distance of 32 km on Kudremukh, by driving. Hereafter, the Kudremukh forest authority grants permission to trekkers to visit Ganga Moola. The Bhagawati forest is dense and inhabits a number of wild creatures. The origin of trekking begins from a dark cave underneath huge rocks. Water trickles at several places in between rocks inside the cave and it is advisable to carry a torch, even during the day. A temple of Goddess Bhagawati and a statue of Varaha (6 ft. or 1.8 m high) are present inside the cave at Ganga Moola. A visit to Kudremukh is generally complemented with a visit to see this holy sight of origin of 3 rivers.

Origin of rivers

Gangamoola is the origin of three rivers, Tunga, Bhadra and Netravathi.

Tunga

From its origin, the Tunga flows in a north-easterly direction passing the towns of Sringeri, Thirthahalli and Shimoga. A dam has been constructed across it at Gajanur. After covering a total distance of 147 km., it joins the Bhadra at Koodli near Shivamogga and forms the Tungabhadra river.

Bhadra

From its origin, the Bhadra river first flows east and then north-east passing the town of Bhadravathi. After travelling a distance of 178 km., it joins the Tunga at Koodli.

Netravathi

From its origin, the Netravathi flows west, passing the towns of Dharmasthala and Mangalore before joining the Arabian Sea.

Best time to visit Kudremukh

Summers and winters are both good times for visiting Kudremukh in Karnataka. Temperatures are mild and weather is quiet pleasant in summers. Kudremukh actually forms a great summer getaway in south India to escape the scorching heat. Summers are great for trekking and wildlife spotting. Winters are equally nice though it can get chillier. So, it is a good idea to carry your winter clothes.

I would advise not to visit during monsoons because the region experiences heavy showers and maneuvering through hilly roads during these times can be a tough task. In short, between October to May is a great time to visit Kudremukh.

“Sri kshetra Horanadu” is situated on the banks of river Bhadra in a remote corner of Chikkamagaluru dist, Karnataka, surrounded by the natural vegetation, forest, green lands, and natural beauty of the Western Ghats. The great deity of Adishakthyathmaka Sri Annapoorneshwari’s Prathistapana was done by his holiness Agasthya Maharishi several centuries back. The hereditary Dharmakartharu of our family started 400 years back. Till the 5th Dharmakartharu, the temple was having a very small structure surrounded by full of natural vegetation and forest. Even then at least one or more people used to visit the temple, have pooja and were provided with free food {annaprasadam} and shelter and it is continued till date.

Temple

Every visitor to the Annapoorna temple at Hornadu, irrespective of their religion, language, caste, or creed, is provided with a three-course vegetarian meal (including a dessert made from BeLe or Lentils). Male visitors to the temple have to remove their shirts and banians and preferably cover their shoulders with a towel or a shawl, as a symbol of respect and humility in front of god.

The main deity of Annapoorna is made of gold. It is believed that a person who seeks the goddess’ blessings would never have any scarcity for food in life. It is believed that Lord Shiva once had a curse and that this curse was reversed when the lord visited Goddess Annapoorna and sought her blessings.

Mahamangalarathi prayer will be offered every day at 9:00 am, 1:30 pm and at 9:00 pm. Kunkumarchana pooja starts every day at 11:00 am and at 7:00 pm.

The route to the temple traverses ghats, dense forests and vegetation. A trip to the Hornadu Aadishaktiyatmaka Annapoorneshwari temple would be most fulfilling if all pilgrimage spots en route to the temple are also included in travel plans. Some of the places that will be encountered in that order would be Kukke Subrahmanya, Dharmasthala, Sringeri, Udupi Krishna temple and Kollooru Mookaambike, Kalaseshwara temple in Kalasa, and then the Horanaadu Annapoorneshwari temple.

River Bhadra skirts around the hills of Chikmagalur, gushing and bouncing in places, making it an apt spot for white water rafting. Besides providing a wonderful backdrop to parts of Chikmagalur, the River Bhadra is perfect to add an adventure twist to the holiday. Outdoor company, Capture, led by Krishna, is the only (and reasonable) option for a rafting experience. The company is well known in the region with well trained instructors and appropriate equipment. June to October is the best season to hit the rapids when the monsoons are in full swing, swelling the river to its most thrilling form. The Magundi to Balehole segment is the most popular and filled with ample rapids to manoeuvre. One can choose between day trips or longer rafting expeditions that may involve camping by the riverside. Once the rains have subsided and the water is calmer, the river is also conducive to kayaking trips.
Many homestays and hotels collaborate with Capture to offer day trips for rafting beginners and amateurs. The rafting spot lies far from the Mullayangiri sector of Chikmagalur, so plan accordingly if this is the main highlight of your trip.

The salubrious climate of this state is famous for making some of the finest sprawling tea estates in India. Kelagur Tea Estate has gained fame and popularity in Karnataka for producing organic tea. The old traditional methods used by the estate are becoming the foremost attraction for tea enthusiasts.

History

Four Generations of the Mathias family have been directly involved in the cultivation and processing of coffee and tea. Kelagur Estate was acquired by S L Mathias (1868-1940), himself the son of a coffee planter, in 1927. His son E J Mathias (1913-1992) carried on the family tradition for five decades and developed the estate further, planting coffee, clonal tea and progressively improving the social welfare of the workers.

In 1980, Peter Mathias joined the organization and in 1989 assumed the role of Managing Partner. In the last 25 years, Peter Mathias and his loyal and hard working team have transformed Kelagur Estate into one of India’s premier Tea and Coffee plantations. Currently Kelagur Mathias Coffee and Tea Plantations is spread over a thousand acres and the output is in excess of 7,50,000 Kgs of premium quality finished produce annually. As the major employer of over 500 employees, their credo has always been people first!

The United Planters Association of Southern India (UPASI) – a 120 year old organization formed by the three Southern states of Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu elected Peter Mathias as President of UPASI for the year 2013-14.

Coffee Board has been reconstituted by the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, Government of India for the period of 3 years from Jan 2014 to Jan 2017, Peter Mathias has been nominated as Eminent Personality in the field of Research/ Marketing/ Management / Promotion of Coffee.