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Gallery India

Black Pepper –  A Spice With a Kick

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Black pepper is more than just a spice – it’s a journey from plant to plate!

Location: Kota, Udupi District, Karnataka, India.

Time and Date: Around 1 pm on 12th Dec, 2023.

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India

Mangrove Kayaking

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Imagine yourself gliding through calm and peaceful backwaters, surrounded by scenic lush green mangroves and fresh, cool breezes. The sun is shining brightly overhead, and the only sound is the gentle lapping of water against your kayak. This is the classic kayaking experience in Saligrama, a small town in the state of Karnataka, India.

Saligrama is a beautiful town located on the coast of Karnataka, India. This small town in Udupi District is known for its divine temples, friendly people, rich culture, and love for arts, especially the beautiful art form of Yakshagana. The town is home to two revered temples, Sri Gurunarasimha and Sri Anjaneya Swamy.

Kayaking in Saligrama is a great way to relax and escape from everyday busy life. It is also a great way to get some exercise and enjoy the beauty of nature. As you glide through the calm water of the Sita river surrounded by the dense verdant mangroves forests, you will be amazed by the diversity of flora and fauna. You may see kingfishers, herons, and other birds perched on the branches of the trees. So what else do you need to have a wonderful kayaking experience in Saligrama? Just a sense of adventure and a willingness to explore.

Our recent kayaking adventure at Mangrove Kayaking was simply unforgettable. Manju Prasad, our tour guide and trainer, was incredibly knowledgeable and helpful. The entire team, including the owner and staff, was friendly, skilled, and passionate about their work.

These photos capture our wonderful morning kayaking through the lush mangrove forests of Saligrama, Karnataka on 28th October, 2023.

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Quick Facts and Tips

  • Don’t miss out on the opportunity to experience the thrill of kayaking, if you are in the Udupi/Mangalore/Kundapura region in Udupi District, Karnataka, India.
  • Best time to Visit: November to February (Winter months), cool weather, less rainfall.
  • Clothing: Wear comfortable synthetic t-shirts or tank tops, swim shorts or leggings, sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses, water shoes or sandals.
  • These Kayaking servicers are located on Padukere Road (Padukere Beach Main Road-Parampalli), Saligrama in Udupi District, Karnataka, India and run by private people.
  • Tours are operated from morning session: 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM and evening session: 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM depending on the season. It is always best to contact Kayaking Services directly to confirm the timings. 
  • These services offer a variety of kayaking tours at affordable prices. Tour prices between ₹300 and ₹500 per hour for a single kayak. The price may vary depending on the type of tour, the duration of the tour, and the number of people in your group.
    • Mangrove tour: ₹300 per hour, 
    • Backwater tour: ₹500 per hour, 
    • Sunset tour: ₹300 per hour, 
    • Renting a Kayak: ₹300 – ₹500 per hour for single to double 
  • It is recommended to contact the kayaking services directly to get a quote for specific tours. 
  • The average depth of the water in the mangrove forest in Saligrama is 2 and 4 feet depending on the location and tides. 
  • Be aware of the tides when kayaking in the mangrove forest, as the water level can change significantly in a short period of time.
  • Visitors must wear life jackets for their safety.
  • Wear appropriate clothing and footwear when kayaking.
  • Be aware of your surroundings and watch out for branches and other obstacles.
  • Take extra caution not to get tangled in the mangrove roots.
  • Bring a change of clothes and towel in case you get wet. 
  • Bring water and snacks. 
  • Don’t forget to bring a camera to capture your memories.
  • Enjoy the sweet and refreshing coconut water from the local stall and then have refreshments at one of the many delicious restaurants nearby.
  • Nearby attractions: Sri Guru Narasimha Temple, Sri Anjaneya Temple, Divine Park, Padukere Beach.
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Gallery India

Purple Majesty

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Beach Morning Glory (Ipomoea pes-caprae) flowers bloom along the river, a sight of beauty and grace!

Location: Pandeshwara – Barkur Rd, Moodahadu, Udupi District, Karnataka, India.

Time and Date: Around 3:15 pm on 5th November, 2023.

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India

Kallu Ganapathi Temple – A Cave Temple

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Kallu Ganapathi Temple is a cave temple nestled amidst giant boulders, lush green hills, and a cool stream in Shiriyara, a small town in Udupi district in Karnataka, India. The word “Kallu” means “stone” in Kannada (a regional language in Karnataka state), so the name of the temple literally means “Stone Ganapati”. The temple is dedicated to Lord Ganesha, Shiva, and Parvathi; it is located inside a cave of rocks, which is a natural wonder. According to history, boulders have been here for thousands of years, and the Kallu Ganapathi Temple is over 500 years old and was built by King Bhootala Pandya of Barkur. The scenic views, refreshing cool breeze, and the soothing sound of the nearby stream, create a mesmerizingly tranquil and serene atmosphere, making it a truly special place. It is a place where you can find peace, solace and inspiration. If you are ever in Udupi, be sure to visit the Kallu Ganapathi Temple.

These photos are from our visit to serene Kallu Ganapathi Temple on 1st August, 2019.

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Quick Facts and Tips

  • The Kallu Ganapathi Temple is located approximately 30 kilometers north of Udupi city, a popular pilgrimage site known as the Udupi Sri Krishna Matha, and 20 kilometers south of Kundapura, a popular coastal town. It is also about 9 kilometers off NH 66 from Kota. 
  • The physical address of the temple is GQJ6+GXJ, Shiriyara, Udupi District, Karnataka, India.
  • It is better to hire a local taxi or rickshaw than to go by bus for convenience.
  • Best time to visit: June to September (monsoon season) when the surrounding area is lush and green. 
  • The temple is open from 6:00 AM to 12:00 PM and from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
  • There is parking, but no restroom facilities.
  • Be aware of surroundings and be careful when walking inside a cave and stepping on boulders, as they may be slippery.
  • There is no dress code for visiting the temple, but it is recommended to dress respectfully.
  • Visitors are welcome to make a donation at the small donation box at the temple entrance. Any amount is appreciated.
  • Take your time to explore the temple and its surroundings, and enjoy the peace and tranquility of the place.
  • Be sure to visit the serene temples in the area
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Gallery India

Pride Peacock

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Pride Peacock : A moment of stillness and beauty in the natural world!

Location: Kota, Udupi District, Karnataka, India.

Date: Around 11 am on 6th October, 2023

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Gallery India Land of Flowers

Ratha Pushpa: A Jewel in the Garden

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Ratha Pushpa, also known as the Pagoda flower, is a reminder of the beauty of nature and the power of flowers!

Location: Kota, Karnataka, India.

Date: Around noon on 10th October, 2023.

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Gallery India

Serene Temple

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A serene temple in the midst of nature, a place of peace and reflection!

Location: Chikkamagaluru – Sringeri Rd (passes through NH 27), Near Aldur, Karnataka, India.

Date and Time: Around 8:45 am on 3rd September, 2023.

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Gallery India

Birds as Architects

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A pair of bird nests hang from a branch of a tree, swaying gently in the breeze!

Location: Kota, Karnataka, India.

Date and Time: Around 2 pm on 30th September, 2023.

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Gallery India

Lord Anjaneya Statue

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The 27 feet tall Sri Anjaneya Swamy Statue at Srikshetra Hariharapura, located at the banks of holy River Tunga!

Location: Near Hariharapura Bus Stand, State Highway 65, Via Kundapura-Agumbe Hwy, Hariharapura, Karnataka, India.

Date and Time: Around 10:10 am on September 3rd, 2023.

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Gallery India Land of Flowers

Sevanti – Chrysanthemum Fields

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A golden sea of Sevanti, broadly known as Chrysanthemum, swaying in the breeze!

Location: NH 173, Near Chikkamagaluru, on the way to Aldur, Karnataka, India

Date and Time: Around 7:55 am on 3rd September, 2023.

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Gallery India

Guru Narasimha Temple, Saligrama

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The Guru Narasimha Temple (ಶ್ರೀಗುರುನರಸಿಂಹ ದೇವಸ್ಥಾನ ಸಾಲಿಗ್ರಾಮ) is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Narasimha, one of the avatars of Vishnu!

Location: Saligrama, Udupi District, Karnataka, India.

Date and Time: Around 5:30 pm on July 14th, 2022.