Pooja's third text post: Sightseeing in India' Karnataka.

Karnataka is one of the four southern states of India. The state has three principal geographical zones: the coastal region of Karavali, the hilly Malnad region comprising the Western Ghats and the Bayaluseeme region comprising the plains of the plateau. This episode consists of mainly four places, water falls of western ghats, highest point in Karnataka called the Mullayanagiri hills in Chikmagalur district which has an altitude of 1,929 metres (6,329 ft) ,thirdly om beach which is one of the longest and cleanest beach in asia and finally Kemmanagundi.

The Western Ghats (Sahyadri Mountains) are a mountain range in the west of peninsular India. They run north to south along the western edge of the Deccan Plateau, and separate the plateau from a narrow coastal plain along the Arabian Sea. About sixty percent of the Western Ghats are located in the state of Karnataka. In the water falls I will cover three most beautiful falls. Jog falls, magod falls and unchalli falls Jog Falls is the highest untie red waterfall in India, located in Shivamoga District of Karnataka state. Created by Sharavathi River falling from a height of 253 meters (829 ft), Jog Falls is one of the major attractions in Karnataka tourism. Magod falls and unchali falls also are unbeatable.

Chikmagalur, situated in southwest region of Karnataka is around 200 km from the capital city Bangalore. From a tourist point of view, it is tough to find such a magnificent place in such solitary. Embracing lofty hills, splendorous waterfalls, religious places, and having magnificent hill stations close by; Chikmagalur is among the most visited places in Karnataka. The name 'Chikmagalur' means 'The town of younger daughter'. It is said that the land was given as dowry to the younger daughter of Rukmangada which got it the peculiar name. Chikmagalur is a well known for its tea and coffee estate. The quantity and quality of Coffee, tea from Chikmagalur has been appreciated all over the country.

Kemmanagundi, situated at a height of 1434 m above sea level, Kemmanagundi is at a distance of 55 Km from Chikmagalur. The main attraction of the hill station apart from the places to visit is the absolutely enamoring climate here. It remains the same throughout the year. The places to visit in Kemmanagundi are Hebbe falls, Kallathi falls, Rose Garden and Raj Bhavan. Trekking is the best way to move around in this pristine hill station as this lets you explore many beautiful places that are a yet untouched. The scenic beauty in and around, mesmerizing sunrise and sunsets and magical climate have all helped it being called as 'The Ooty of Karnataka.

Gokarna is situated on the west coast on India, south of goa. This place is famous for its beaches..Om beach shaped like the hindu spiritual symbol of om, this is the most famous beach in gokarna, and has got the best waves and beach-side shacks. It’s a wonderful stay in any of those shacks called cafes. The beaches in Uttar Kannada district have a peculiar landscape, being in close proximity to the Western Ghats. Mostly, they are bound by hills on all possible sides.

Reference:

[1] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Western_Ghats

[2] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jog_Falls

[3] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karnataka

[4] http://www.world66.com/asia/southasia/india/karnataka/gokarna/beaches/om...

[5] http://www.karnatakatourism.com/hill/kemman/index.htm