Chikkamagaluru district 1543858 223270447 2008-07-03T10:04:04Z Sardanaphalus 427947 updating link using [[Project:AutoWikiBrowser|AWB]] {{Infobox Indian Jurisdiction |native_name = Chickmagalure |type = district |skyline = Kudremukh.jpg |skyline_caption = [[Kudremukh]], the "Horse-faced Peak" |district_image = distmap.png |district_image_desc = [[Taluk]]-level map of '''Chickmagalure District''' |latd=13.32 |district_lat_m= |longd=75.77 |district_long_m= |state_name = Karnataka |division_name = [[Mysore Division]] |taluk_names = [[Chickmagalure]], [[Kadur]], [[Tarikere]], [[Mudigere]], [[Shringeri]], [[Koppa India|Koppa]], [[Narasimharajapura]] |hq = [[Chickmagalure]] |leader_title = Deputy Commissioner |leader_name = Naveen Raj Singh |area_total = 7201 |population_as_of = 2001 |population_total = 1139104 |population_density = 158.19 |postal_code = |area_telephone = |vehicle_code_range = KA- 18 |district_timezone = [[Indian Standard Time|IST]] ([[Coordinated Universal Time|UTC]]&nbsp;+5:30) |website = http://chickmagalur.nic.in/ }} '''Chikkamagaluru''' ([[Kannada language|Kannada]]: ಚಿಕ್ಕಮಗಳೂರು) is a district in the [[India]]n state of [[Karnataka]]. Chikkamagaluru is where coffee was first cultivated in India. The mountains here which are a part of the [[Western Ghats]] are the source of rivers like [[Tunga]] and [[Bhadra]]. Chikkamagaluru district also contains [[Mullayanagiri]]; which is the highest peak in [[Karnataka]]. It is also a tourist's paradise containing hill stations like [[Kemmanagundi]] and [[Kudremukh]] and waterfalls like [[Manikyadhara Falls|Manikyadhara]] and ''Kallathigiri''. Chikkamagaluru district has a rich history as is seen in the [[Hoysala]] temple at [[Amrithapura]]. Wildlife enthusiasts would be interested in the [[Kudremukh National Park]] and [[Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary]] present in this district. == Etymology == Chikkamagaluru district gets its name from its headquarters of [[Chikkamagaluru]] city. It is alternatively spelt as ''Chickmagalur'' or ''Chikmagalur''. [[Chikkamagaluru]] literally means "The town of the younger daughter" in the native [[Kannada]] language. The town is said to have been given as a dowry to the younger daughter of Rukmangada, the legendary chief of Sakrepatna and hence the name<ref name="legname"> The etymology of Chikkamagaluru is discussed in the webpage developed by {{cite web|title=About Chikkamagaluru |url=http://Chikkamagaluru.nic.in/htmls/about_Chikkamagaluru.htm|author= National Informatics Centre |publisher= District Administration, Chikkamagaluru|work= The Official website of Chikkamagaluru |accessdate=2007-03-16}}</ref>.As one can guess, there is indeed a town called Hiremagaluru which means "The town of the elder daughter" which is about 5&nbsp;km from [[Chikkamagaluru]] city. == History == <!--Commented out because image was deleted: [[Image:Shimoga Amritheswara temple.JPG|thumb|left|200px|''Ekakuta'', Amriteshwara temple, 1196, [[Amrithapura]].]]--> Chikkamagaluru is the region where the [[Hoysala]] rulers started and spent the early days of their dynasty. According to a legend, it was at Sosevur, now identified with Angadi in [[Mudigere]] Taluk that Sala, the founder of the Hoysala dynasty, killed the legendary tiger, immortalised in the [[Hoysala]] crest<ref name="leg1"> Angadi village in Chikkamagaluru district, where it is believed that king Sala, founder of Hoysala dynasty killed the tiger, will be made a major tourist destination, reports the {{cite web|title=Angadi to be made a major tourist destination |url=http://www.hindu.com/2006/10/19/stories/2006101914370300.htm|author=Staff Correspondent in |publisher= 2006 The Hindu, From the publishers of the Hindu|work=Online Edition of The Hindu ePaper - Issue Thursday, October 19, 2006 |accessdate=2007-03-16}}</ref>. However, scholars have found lot of inconsistencies in this story and it seems to be more of a folklore<ref name="leg2">C. Hayavadhana Rao, J. D. M. Derrett, B. R Joshi call the Sala story a legend, {{cite web|title=History of Karnataka-Hoysalas and their contributions|url=http://www.ourkarnataka.com/states/history/historyofkarnataka27.htm|author=Arthikaje, Mangalore|publisher=1998-2000 OurKarnataka.Com, Inc|work=|accessdate=2007-03-16}}</ref>. However, it is known that [[Veera Ballala II]] (1173 - 1220 CE), the great king of [[Hoysala]] empire, has built the Amriteshwara temple at [[Amrithapura]] in [[Tarikere]] Taluk. Coffee was introduced into India through the Chikkamagaluru district when the first coffee crop was grown in the [[Baba Budan Giri Range|Baba Budan Giri Hills]] during 1670 AD. According to the article [[Origins of coffee|Origins of Coffee]], the saint [[Baba Budan]] on his pilgrimage to [[Mecca]] travelled through the seaport of [[Mocha, Yemen]] where he discovered coffee. To introduce its taste to [[India]], he wrapped seven coffee beans around his belly and got them out of [[Arabia]]. On his return home, he planted the beans in the hills of Chikkamagaluru, which are now named [[Baba Budan]] Hills in his honour. In recent history, [[Chikkamagaluru]] was the centre of global attention in the year 1978 when the former Indian Prime Minister, [[Indira Gandhi]] stood for elections here and got elected to [[Lok Sabha]], the Indian Parliament. == Geography == [[Image:KarnatakaChikmagalur.png|thumb|180px|right|Highlighted area denoting Chikkamagaluru district in the state of [[Karnataka]].]] Chikkamagaluru, the district head quarters of Chikkamagaluru district is 251&nbsp;km from the state capital of [[Bangalore]] and surrounded by the [[Baba Budan Giri Range|Baba Budan Giri]] hills and dense forests. The district is situated between 12° 54´ 42´´ and 13° 53´ 53´´ north latitude and between 75° 04´ 46´´ and 76° 21´ 50´´ east longitude. Its greatest length from east to west is about 138.4 kilometers and from north to south 88.5 kilometers. The district receives normal average rainfall of 1925 mm. The highest point in this district is [[Mullayanagiri]], 1926 mts. above sea level which is also the highest point in the state of [[Karnataka]]. 30% of the district (2108.62&nbsp;km²) is covered with forests<ref name="legfor"> Geographical details of Chikkamagaluru district are discussed by {{cite web|title=Perspective Industrial Plan of Chickmagalur District | url=http://chickmagalur.nic.in/htmls/dic_main.htm|author= National Informatics Centre |publisher= District Administration, Chikkamagaluru|work= The Official website of Chikkamagaluru |accessdate=2007-03-18}}</ref>. The district borders [[Shimoga]] district to the north, [[Davangere]] district to the north-east, [[Chitradurga]] and [[Tumkur]] districts to the east, [[Hassan]] district to the south, [[Dakshina Kannada]] district to the south-west and [[Udupi]] district to the west. The rivers [[Bhadra River|Bhadra]], [[Tunga River|Tunga]], [[Hemavathi River|Hemavathi]], [[Netravati River|Netravati]], and [[Vedavathi River|Vedavathi]] flow all year round. The district is rich in [[iron]], [[magnetite]] and [[granite]] deposits. Black soil is found around [[Baba Budan]] Giri Hills where as Red and Gravel soil are found in the southern parts of the district. == Demography == According to 2001 census, Chikkamagaluru district has a total population of 1139104 of which 654275 are males and 564829 are females<ref name="legpop"> The population of Chikkamagaluru district as per the 2001 census is discussed in detail by {{cite web|title=General Population of Chickmagalur District (As per 2001 Census)|url=http://chickmagalur.nic.in/htmls/stati_population.htm|author= National Informatics Centre |publisher= District Administration, Chikkamagaluru|work= The Official website of Chikkamagaluru |accessdate=2007-03-17}}</ref>. 81% of the population resides in rural area with the remaining 19% being the urban population. Among Taluks, [[Sringeri]] taluk has the least population whereas [[Chikkamagaluru]] Taluk has the highest population. == Administration == Chikkamagaluru district falls under the [[Mysore]] Division of [[Karnataka]]. It is divided into two Revenue Sub-divisions, Chikkamagaluru Sub-Division and [[Tarikere]] Sub-Division. Chikkamagaluru Sub-Division comprises the taluks of Chikkamagaluru, [[Koppa India|Koppa]], [[Mudigere]] and [[Sringeri]] whereas the [[Tarikere]] Sub-Division comprises the taluks of [[Tarikere]], [[Kadur]] and [[Narasimharajapura]]. The Deputy Commissioner (also the District Magistrate) is the functional head of the district. Each Sub-Division has Assistant Commissioners and each Taluk has [[Tahsildar]]s who work under the control and supervision of the Deputy Commissioner. The current administrative setup of the district can be viewed [http://www.chickmagalur.nic.in/htmls/dc_main.htm here]. == Economy == [[Image:Coffee berries fresh.jpg|200px|thumb|right|Fresh beans of [[Coffee]] [[Robusta]]. Coffee is the cornerstone of Chikkamagaluru district's economy.]] Agriculture is the economical back bone of the Chikkamagaluru district with [[coffee]] cultivation forming the major part of it. Agricultural production in the district is spread over three seasons - namely [[Kharif crop|Kharif]], [[Rabi crop|Rabi]] and Summer. Important crops grown are cereals, i.e. rice, [[ragi]], [[jowar]], maize and minor millets, pulses like [[red gram]], [[horse gram]], [[green gram]], ''avrekai'' ([[hyacinth bean|Hyacinth Beans]]), [[black gram]] and [[Bengal gram]]. Oil seeds like [[ground nut]], [[sesamum]], sunflower, castor and commercial crops like sugarcane, cotton, and [[tobacco]] are also grown here<ref name="legagri"> Agriculture forms the major part of Chickmagalur's economy; as discussed by {{cite web|title= Agriculture |url=http://chickmagalur.nic.in/htmls/dept_agri.htm|author= National Informatics Centre |publisher= Dept. of Agriculture, District Administration, Chikkamagaluru|work= The Official website of Chikkamagaluru |accessdate=2007-03-18}}</ref>. Coffee Board is the department located in Chikkamagaluru town that oversees the production and marketing of coffee cultivated in the district. Coffee is cultivated in Chikkamagaluru district in an area of around 85,465 hectares with [[Arabica]] being the dominant variety grown in upper hills and [[Robusta]] being the major variety in the low level hills. There are around 15000 coffee growers in this district with 96% of them being small growers with holdings of less than or equal to 4 hectares. The average production is 55,000 MT comprising of 35,000 MT of [[Arabica]] and 20,000 MT of [[Robusta]]. The average productivity per hectare is 810 kg for [[Arabica]] and 1110 kg of [[Robusta]], which are higher than the national average<ref name="legcof"> Coffee cultivation in Chikkamagaluru is discussed by {{cite web|title= Coffe board |url=http://chickmagalur.nic.in/htmls/cb_main.htm|author= National Informatics Centre |publisher= Coffe Board, Chikkamagaluru|work= The Official website of Chikkamagaluru |accessdate=2007-03-18}}</ref>.. == Industries == Chikkamagaluru district unfortunately has not made good progress in terms of Industrial Development. Inadequate infrastructure, poor roads, poor rail network and investors preferring non-industrial ventures over industrial ones are quoted as some of the reasons for the backwardness of Industrial Development in this district<ref name="legpoor"> Poor development of Industries in Chikkamagaluru district is discussed by {{cite web|title=Present Industrial Scenario of the district and SWOT analysis |url=http://chickmagalur.nic.in/htmls/dic2.htm |author= National Informatics Centre |publisher= District Administration, Chikkamagaluru|work= The Official website of Chikkamagaluru |accessdate=2007-03-18}}</ref> <ref name="legpoor1"> Glaring imbalances with respect to investments in the districts of [[Karnataka]] is discussed by {{cite web|title=Glaring regional imbalance in industrial investment|url=http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/2006/04/30/stories/2006043019520100.htm |author=Nagesh Prabhu |publisher= 2006 The Hindu, From the publishers of the Hindu|work=Online Edition of The Hindu ePaper - Issue Sunday, April 30, 2006 |accessdate=2007-03-18}}</ref>. There is only one Large Scale industry in this district, i.e. M/s [[Kudremukh]] Iron Ore Company Ltd. (KIOCL) in [[Kudremukh]] area of [[Mudigere]] Taluk. KIOCL was established in 1976 to develop the Kudremukh mine and to produce 7.5 million tonnes of concentrate per year. The facilities were commissioned in 1980 and the first shipment of concentrate was made in October 1981. A pelletisation plant with a capacity of 3 million tonnes per year was commissioned in 1987 for production of high quality blast furnace and direct reduction grade pellets for export<ref name="legkiocl"> The history of Kudremukh Iron Ore Company Ltd. is discussed in {{cite web|title=KIOCL: Company Profile | url=http://www.kudremukhore.in/profile.html|publisher= Kudremukh Iron Ore Company Ltd.|work= The website of KIOCL|accessdate=2007-03-17}}</ref>. KIOCL received a massive setback when its mining licence expired and operations were stopped by the Supreme Court with effect from 31 Dec, 2005.<ref name="legjudge"> The Supreme Court permitted KIOCL to mine iron ore in Kudremukh area only till 31 Dec, 2005 reports {{cite web|title=Press Release| author= Ministry of Steel | url=http://pib.nic.in/archieve/lreleng/lyr2002/rdec2002/02122002/r021220027.html|publisher= 2002, Press Information Bureau, Govt. of India |work= The website of Press Information Bureau, Govt. of India, December 2, 2002|accessdate=2007-03-18}}</ref>. With many of the employees losing their jobs and the social backlash that may result thereof, efforts are being made to generate jobs for these workers in other areas<ref name="legfut"> Faced with the threat of losing jobs due to impending closure of Kudremukh mines, the workers and management have appealed for allotting them an alternative mining site to eke out a living reports {{cite web|title=Workers, Management of Kudremukh mines seek alternative mine| author= PTI | url=http://www.newkerala.com/news.php?action=fullnews&id=2072 |publisher= 2007, Press Trust of India |work= Mar 09, 2007 NewKerala.com|accessdate=2007-03-18}}</ref>. There is only one Medium Scale Industry, i.e. M/s Vignyan Industries Ltd. located in [[Tarikere]] town. A subsidiary of [[BEML]], it produces steel castings. There are 2 Industrial Estates in Chikkamagaluru district, one located near Chikkamagaluru town and the other near [[Birur]] in [[Kadur]] Taluk. The Chikkamagaluru Industrial Estate is spread over 13.20 acres of land where the one at [[Birur]] is spread over 11.1 acres. [[Karnataka]] Industrial Area Development Board (KIADB) is also developing an Industrial Area of over 145 acres near Amble village of Chikkamagaluru Taluk<ref name="legind"> Industrial Estates and Industrial Areas in Chikkamagaluru district are reported by {{cite web|title=Present Industrial Scenario of the district and SWOT analysis |url=http://chickmagalur.nic.in/htmls/dic2.htm |author= National Informatics Centre |publisher= District Administration, Chikkamagaluru|work= The Official website of Chikkamagaluru |accessdate=2007-03-18}}</ref>. == Education == According to 2001 census, the percentage literacy rate of Chikkamagaluru district is 72.63% with 80.68% of males and 64.47% of females being literate. The literacy rate of Chikkamagaluru is higher than the average literacy rate of [[Karnataka]] state which is 67.04%. [[Sringeri]] Taluk has the highest literacy rate of 80.78% and [[Kadur]] Taluk with 68.33% being the least literate one. ===Primary and secondary education=== As of 2001, there are 1620 primary schools (with 151923 students) and 235 secondary schools (high schools with 34607 students) in Chikkamagaluru district<ref name="legedu"> Statistics related to schools in Chikkamagaluru district are discussed by {{cite web|title=Annexures. |url=http://chickmagalur.nic.in/htmls/dic5.htm|author= National Informatics Centre |publisher= District Administration, Chikkamagaluru|work= Annexure IX, The Official website of Chikkamagaluru |accessdate=2007-03-19}}</ref>. [[Chikkamagaluru]] Taluk with 414 primary schools (42774 students) has the most number of primary schools with [[Sringeri]] Taluk having the least number of 80 primary schools (5822 students). [[Kadur]] Taluk with 74 secondary schools (9990 students) has the most number of secondary schools with [[Sringeri]] Taluk having the least number of 9 secondary schools (1492 students). ===Higher secondary education=== As of 2001, there are 46 colleges (with 4711 students) offering Higher Secondary (Pre-University) education in Chikkamagaluru district<ref name="legedu"> </ref>. [[Kadur]] Taluk with 12 Higher-Secondary colleges (1324 students) has the most number of Higher-secondary colleges with [[Sringeri]] Taluk having the least number of 2 Higher-secondary colleges (160 students). ===Graduate education=== As of 2001, there are 13 degree colleges (with 4615 students) offering graduate education in Chikkamagaluru district<ref name="legedu"> </ref>. Chikkamagaluru Taluk has the maximum 4 graduate colleges (with 1648 students) whereas [[Koppa India|Koppa]], [[Mudigere]], [[Narasimharajapura]] and [[Sringeri]] taluks have only 1 graduate college each. ===Technical education=== * [[Engineering]]: There is one Engineering College located in Chikkamagaluru city, i.e. Sri Adichunchanagiri Institute of Technology. The courses offered here are Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science Engineering, Electronics and Communication Engineering, Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Information Science and technology, Industrial producation Engineering, Environmental Engineering and Civil Engineering. This college is affiliated to Visweswariah Technological University located at [[Belgaum]]. * [[Polytechnics]]: There are 3 polytechnics offering diploma courses to students in Chikkamagaluru district<ref name="legtech"> Colleges offering Technical Education in Chikkamagaluru district are discussed in {{cite web|title=Socio-Economic Infrastructure |url=http://chickmagalur.nic.in/htmls/dic1.htm|author= National Informatics Centre |publisher= District Administration, Chikkamagaluru|work= The Official website of Chikkamagaluru |accessdate=2007-03-19}}</ref>. They are: ** Adichunchanagiri Polytechnic, Chikkamagaluru: Offering Diploma courses in Electronics and Communication and Computer Science ** DACG Polytechnic, Chikkamagaluru: Offering Diploma courses in Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering and Automobile Engineering ** SJMM Vidyapeeta Polytechnic, [[Birur]]: Offering Diploma courses in Civil Engineering and Telecommunication Engineering. * Industrial Training Institutes: There are 7 Industrial training institutes in Chikkamagaluru district<ref name="legtech"> </ref>. They are: ** Government Industrial Training Institure, Chikkamagaluru ** Government Industrial Training Institure, [[Kadur]] ** SDM Industrial Training Institute, Samse, [[Mudigere]] Taluk ** SJR Industrial Training Institute, Balehonnur, [[Narasimharajapura]] Taluk ** SJM Industrial Training Institute, [[Birur]], [[Kadur]] Taluk ** [[Karnataka]] Industrial Training Institute, Chikkamagaluru ** Lakshmisha Industrial Training Institute, Devanoor, [[Kadur]] Taluk. ** Maruthi Industrial Training Institute, [[Kadur]] ===Medical education=== The only source of medical education in the Chikkamagaluru district is Arror Laxminarayan Rao Memorial [[Ayurvedic]] Medical college in [[Koppa India|Koppa]]. This college offers the Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicene and Surgery (BAMS) degree. == Transport == ===Road=== Chikkamagaluru district is not known for well maintained roads.<ref name="legroad1"> The damage to roads in the district, including State highways and municipal roads is unprecedented reports the {{cite web|title=BJP threatens stir over bad roads in Chikmagalur |url=http://www.hindu.com/2005/09/25/stories/2005092508910300.htm|author=Correspondent in |publisher= 2005 The Hindu, From the publishers of the Hindu|work=Online Edition of The Hindu ePaper - Issue Thursday, September 25, 2005|accessdate=2007-03-18}}</ref> <ref name="legroad2"> Deplorable condition of Chickmagalur roads and money being released to address the issue is reported by {{cite web|title=Chikmagalur district gets Rs. 27 crore for road repairs |url=http://www.hindu.com/2007/01/05/stories/2007010513840300.htm|author=Correspondent in |publisher= 2007 The Hindu, From the publishers of the Hindu|work=Online Edition of The Hindu ePaper - Issue Thursday, Jan 05, 2007|accessdate=2007-03-18}}</ref>. The poor state of the roads has hampered development of this district to some extent; more so because of the absence of even a good rail network in this district<ref name="legroad3"> In absence of good rail network, the roads play an important part for the industrial development. However, most of the roads in Chikkamagaluru district needs proper maintenance. Report by {{cite web|title=Present Industrial Scenario of the district and SWOT analysis |url=http://chickmagalur.nic.in/htmls/dic2.htm |author= National Informatics Centre |publisher= District Administration, Chikkamagaluru|work= The Official website of Chikkamagaluru |accessdate=2007-03-17}}</ref>. The total length of roads in this district is 7264&nbsp;km<ref name="legfor"> </ref>. There are only two National Highways that pass through this district. The National Highway NH-13 ([[Sholapur]] to [[Mangalore]]) passes through the towns of [[Koppa India|Koppa]] and [[Sringeri]] where as the National Highway NH-206 ([[Bangalore]] to [[Honnavar]]) passes through the towns of [[Kadur]], [[Birur]] and [[Tarikere]]. There is a proposal to upgrade the existing state highways [[Tarikere]]-[[Belur]], [[Sringeri]]-[[Hassan]] & [[Kadur]]-[[Mangalore]] to national highway status<ref name="legroadup"> Plans to upgrade some roads in Chikkamagaluru district is presented by {{cite web|title=Socio-Economic Infrastructure|url=http://chickmagalur.nic.in/htmls/dic1.htm |author= National Informatics Centre |publisher= District Administration, Chikkamagaluru|work= The Official website of Chikkamagaluru |accessdate=2007-03-18}}</ref>. ===Rail=== The [[Kadur]] and [[Tarikere]] taluks have railway lines passing through them. The total length of railway line passing through the district is 91&nbsp;km of which 51&nbsp;km is in [[Kadur]] taluk and 40&nbsp;km is in [[Tarikere]] taluk. [[Birur]] station is a major junction in this district where the railway line from [[Bangalore]] bifurcates into two, with one line going towards [[Hubli]] and the other towards [[Shimoga]]. The district headquarters, Chikkamagaluru city does not have a railway station which is one of the reasons for the isolation of Chikkamagaluru city from the rest of the state. A new line is being laid between [[Kadur]] and [[Sakleshpur]] in [[Hassan]] district which should pass through Chikkamagaluru city<ref name="legrail"> Isolation of Chikkamagaluru city from the rest of the state because of it not having a railway station and plans to correct this is discussed in {{cite web|title=Socio-Economic Infrastructure|url=http://chickmagalur.nic.in/htmls/dic1.htm |author= National Informatics Centre |publisher= District Administration, Chikkamagaluru|work= The Official website of Chikkamagaluru |accessdate=2007-03-18}}</ref>. ===Air=== Chikkamagaluru district does not have an airport. Airports at [[Mangalore]], [[Bangalore]] and [[Hubli]] can be used as an alternative. However, there are plans to develop an airport near Marle village about 10&nbsp;km from Chikkamagaluru city<ref name="legair"> Proposal to construct an airport in Chikkamagaluru district is discussed by {{cite web|title=Socio-Economic Infrastructure|url=http://chickmagalur.nic.in/htmls/dic1.htm |author= National Informatics Centre |publisher= District Administration, Chikkamagaluru|work= The Official website of Chikkamagaluru |accessdate=2007-03-18}}</ref>. == Tourist spots == ===Hill stations=== [[Image:Kemman.JPG|thumb|200px|right|An example of the scenery en route to[[Kemmangundi]].]] * '''[[Kemmangundi]]''': 55&nbsp;km north from Chikkamagaluru town is [[Kemmangundi]], a scenic hill station on the [[Baba Budan Giri Range|Baba Budan Giri]] range of hills. [[Kemmangundi]] is also known as K.R. Hills after the Wodeyar King, Krishnaraja Wodeyar, who had made it his favourite summer camp. [[Kemmangundi]], at a height of 1,434 meters, is surrounded by thick forests and a salubrious climate through out the year. It is surrounded by the [[Baba Budan Giri Range|Baba Budan Giri]] range and blessed with silver cascades of mountain streams and lush vegetation. Its beautifully laid out ornamental gardens and enchanting mountain and valley views are a treat to the eye. Spectacular sunsets are a must see from various locations in the district, even from the Raj Bhavan. For the adventurous, Kemmangundi offers many peaks to scale and intricate jungle paths to explore. This place has a beautiful rose garden and other attractions. There is a place called Z-point at about 10 minutes walk from this main place which gives a nice arial view of the [[Shola]] grass lands of the [[Western Ghats]]. * '''[[Kudremukh]]''' and '''[[Kudremukh National Park]]''': 95&nbsp;km southwest of Chikkamagaluru town is [[Kudremukh]] range (in Kannada ''Kudure'' = horse and ''mukha'' = face), so named because of the unique shape of the [[Kudremukh]] peak. Overlooking the [[Arabian sea]], the broad hills are chained to one another with deep valley & steep precipices. Situated at 1,894.3 meters above sea level, [[Kudremukh]] is rich in iron ore deposits. The [[Kudremukh]] Iron Ore Company conducts mining operations, benefaction and transportation of the ore as slurry through pipelines to the port at [[Panambur]] near [[Mangalore]]. * '''[[Mullayanagiri]]''': [[Mullayanagiri]] is part of the [[Baba Budan Giri Range|Baba Budan Giri]] Hill Ranges here. It stands 1930 meters tall and is the tallest peak in [[Karnataka]]. Its height is famous mostly for watching sunsets from. It is 16&nbsp;km from Chikkamagaluru town. Driving to [[Mullayanagiri]] is worth taking a risk. On the way is Sitalayanagiri where the water in the [[Shiva]] temple neither increases nor decreases. The road to [[Mullayanagiri]] is very narrow with a views from steep cliffs. Driving to the peak is not possible and includes a trek up the hill from the half way point. There is a small temple on top of the hill. From the topmost point of the hill the [[Arabian sea]] is visible on clear days. The small hillock in the temple compound is the highest point in [[Karnataka]]. The narrow road to the temple makes two way traffic immpossible. It is a great trekking spot in [[Karnataka]]. * '''Datta peeta (Baba Budan Giri)''': To the north of Chikkamagaluru town is the [[Baba Budan Giri Range]] or ''Chandra Drona Parvatha'' as it was known in the ancient times, which has one of the highest mountain peaks between the [[Himalayas]] and the [[Nilgiris]]. The peak takes its name from the Muslim saint, Baba Budan, who resided here more than 150 years ago. [[Image:Manikyadhara.JPG|thumb|200px|right|[[Manikyadhara Falls]] near ''Baba Budan Giri Dattatreya Peetha''.]] ===Waterfalls=== * [[Manikyadhara Falls]] is a waterfall near the famous pilgrim centre ''Baba Budan Giri Dattatreya Peetha'' where water spills down like small pearls giving the visitors a memorable shower bath. * Kallathigiri Falls: Just 10&nbsp;km away from [[Kemmangundi]] is Kallahathigiri falls, also known as Kalahasti falls. Water cascades down from the top of the Chandra Drona hill from a height of 122 meters amidst fascinating scenery. There is an old Veerabhadra temple dedicated to Lord [[Shiva]], constructed in a gap between rocks. This temple can be approached after crossing the waterfall. * Hebbe Falls: This beautiful waterfall is over 10&nbsp;km away from the famous hill station, [[Kemmangundi]]. Here water streams down from a height of 168 meters in two stages to form ''Dodda Hebbe'' (Big Falls) and ''Chikka Hebbe'' (Small Falls). * Shanti Falls: This is a beautiful waterfall on the way to Z-Point in [[Kemmangundi]]. * Hanumana Gundi Falls: Located 32&nbsp;km. from the [[Kalasa]], the waterfall has water falling on to Natural rock formations from a height of more than 100 feet. * Kadambi Falls: This is a waterfall located in the [[Kudremukh]] National Park. [[Image:Hanumanagundi Falls.jpg|thumb|200px|left|Hanuman Gundi Falls]] ===Temple towns=== * '''[[Sringeri]]''': 90&nbsp;km west of Chikkamagaluru town is [[Sringeri]] situated on the banks of Tunga, a Vedic Peetha established by Sri [[Adi Shankara]], the exponent of the [[Advaita]] philosophy in 9th Century A.D. It is famous for Vidyashankara Temple originally constructed by the [[Hoysala]]s and later completed by the founders of the [[Vijayanagar Empire]] and Sharada temple, an early 20th. century addition. In the Vidya Shankara shrine, there are 12 zodiac pillars, which are so constructed that the rays of the sun fall on the pillar corresponding to the month. [[Image:000086'.jpg|thumb|200px|Horanadu]] * '''[[Horanadu]]:''' Horanadu is 100&nbsp;km southwest of Chikkamagaluru and has an ancient [[Annapoorneshwari Temple]], which has been renovated recently. With the installation of the new image of Adi Shakti, now the temple is called [[Annapoorneshwari Temple|Adi-Shaktyatmaka Shri Annapoorneshwari]]. The place attracts lots of pilgrims who are provided free boarding and lodging by the temple. [[Image:Sringeri1.JPG|thumb|200px|left|Vidyasankara temple in [[Shringeri]].]] [[Image:Horanadu.jpg|200px|right|thumb|The ''mahadwara'' (main door) to Annapoorneshwari temple in Horanadu.]] * '''[[Kalasa]]''': [[Kalasa]] is 92&nbsp;km southwest of Chikkamagaluru and situated on the banks of the river [[Bhadra]]. It 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 in dedicated to [[Ishwara]], with a Kshetrapala shrine of soap stone in [[Hoysala]] style 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 [[Dvaita]] school of philosophy. A statue of this acharya is carved on the upper portion of the rock. * '''Guru Dattatreya Bababudanswamy Darga''': Situated on the [[Baba Budan Giri Range|Baba Budan Giri]] is the Inam Dattatreya Peetha venerated by the Hindus and the Muslims alike. A laterite cave here is believed to have been sanctified by the residence of Dattatreya Swami as well as Hazrat Dada Hayat Mir Khalander. The worship here is conducted by a fakir and the annual ''jatra'' or ''urs'' is attended by both Hindus and Muslims with great fervors. * '''[[Amritapura]]''': 67&nbsp;km north of Chikkamagaluru, Amrithapura is known for the Amritheshwara temple built in 1196 A.D by Amriteshwara Dandanayaka, a general of the [[Hoysala]] ruler [[Veera Ballala]] II. Delicacy of touch, originality of design and fine features have made this temple one of the notable structures of the [[Hoysala]] period. * '''[[Belavadi]]''': Located 29&nbsp;km southeast of Chikkamagaluru town on the Chikkamagaluru-Javagal road and 10&nbsp;km north west of [[Halebidu]], [[Belavadi]] is famous for Ornate temple of Veeranarayana. [[Belavadi]] is also famous for the temple of 'Udbhava [[Ganapathi]]'. ===Wildlife=== [[Image:Bhadra rivertern nestling.JPG|thumb|200px|left|[[River tern]] nestling in the [[Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary]].]] * '''[[Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary]]:''' Occupying 495 km². of wildlife sanctuary and Project tiger reserve, this region is an important watershed of the [[Tungabhadra river]]. The huge reservoir here is the main [[water supply]] to several districts in the rain shadow regions of south [[Karnataka]]. The forests here are rich in [[Bamboo]] and birds species unique to both the [[Malabar]] and [[Sahyadri]] ranges. * '''[[Kudremukh National Park]]:''' The Kudremukh National Park (latitudinal range 13°01'00" to 13°29'17" N, longitudinal range 75°00'55' to 75°25'00" E) is the largest declared Wildlife Protected Area (600 km²) of a tropical wet evergreen type of forest in the Western Ghats. The [[Western Ghats]] is one of the twenty-five hot spots identified for bio-diversity conservation in the world. Kudremukh National Park comes under the Global Tiger Conservation Priority-I, under the format developed jointly by Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) and World Wide Fund-USA. == See also == {{Chikkamagaluru topics|left}} == Gallery == <gallery> Image:Profile of Amrutesvara Temple in Chikkamagaluru district.jpg|Profile, Amrutesvara temple (1196 C.E.) in [[Amruthapura]], Chikkamagaluru district Image:Chikkamagalur Amritheswara navaranga.jpg|Navaranga, Amrutesvara temple in [[Amruthapura]] Image:Wall Carving at Amrutesvara Temple in Chikkamagaluru district.jpg|Wall carvings, Amrutesvara temple in [[Amruthapura]] Image:Wall Carving1 at Amrutesvara Temple in Chikkamagaluru district.jpg|Wall carvings, Amrutesvara temple in [[Amruthapura]] Image:Wall Sculpture at Amrutesvara Temple in Chikkamagaluru district.jpg|Wall carvings, Amrutesvara temple in [[Amruthapura]] Image:Mountainstream Sringeri.jpg|Mountain stream near [[Sringeri]] Image:Fishes Tunga.jpg|Fishes in Tunga river at Vidyashankara temple, [[Sringeri]] </gallery> == Notes == {{reflist}} == External links == *[http://chickmagalur.nic.in/ Official Chikkamagaluru District web site] *[http://www.censusindiamaps.net/page/India_WhizMap/IndiaMap.htm Indian Census report 2001] *[http://www.mapsofindia.com/maps/karnataka/districts/chikmagalur.htm Chikkamagaluru District Map, MapsOfIndia.com] *[http://www.wunderground.com/global/stations/43260.html Chikkamagaluru Weather Forecast, Wunderground.com] *[http://www.sringeri.net Sringeri on the net] *[http://www.bangalorepedia.org Bangalore city wiki project] *[http://www.onlinechikmagalur.com '''Chikmagalur's Techy-Savvy Website'''] {{Karnataka topics}} [[Category:Districts of Karnataka]] [[es:Chikmagalur]] [[hi:चिकमगलूर जिला]] [[bpy:চিকমাগালুর]] [[it:Distretto di Chickmagalur]] [[kn:ಚಿಕ್ಕಮಗಳೂರು]] [[nl:Chikmagalur (district)]] [[te:చికమగలూరు జిల్లా]] [[zh:奇克马加卢尔]]