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Idugunji is a small temple town located in the Uttara Kannada (North Canara) district of Karnataka. The town is surrounded by forest of western ghats. The temple receives huge number of visitors and is very popular in this region. It is around 15 km from Honavar town.

How to reach there: One can use KSRTC buses from Sirsi, Kumta, Honavar etc. On the way from Honavar town to Murudeshwar, on the left hand side you can see Iduganji temple arch, take left here and drive for another 4 km to reach Vinayaka temple.

Where to stay: Devotees can stay at Idagunji temple. Otherwise one should stay either in Sirsi, Kumta or Murudeshwar.

Where to eat: At Idagunnji temple. Free food is provided at Mayura Prasada Bhojanalaya. Otherwise Hotels or restaurants are not available. One can try highway dhabas.

Language spoken: Kannada. Hindi is understood and spoken.

Note: Photography is prohibited inside the temple.

We reached Idagunji Ganesha (Vinayaka) temple around 1 pm. It was very hot then and the sun was scorching. The temple typically closes around that time for the afternoon. We wanted to perform pooja so me and one of my friend hurriedly bought pooja materials (Rs 25). You will have to hand over the pooja materials to a person at the entrance of the temple. He will break the coconut and after draining the coconut water he will give it back to you as prasad.

The Idagunji Vinayaka temple is said to be more than 1500 years old. The Ganesha idol in unique as it has only two hands. The black colour is beautiful and is said to fulfill devotee’s wishes. The structure of the temple is typical Mangalorean style with small gombuz in the middle. There is some Hindu mythology associated with this temple.

You can buy local crafts like caps and Ganesha idol made of coconut shoots and fiber. The road leading to the temple are lined with shops. Try to bargain but they may not reduce much. As I bought one medium sized Ganesha for Rs 90 with just Rs 5 discount.

To view more pictures of Iduganji Vinayaka temple visit, Travelingbeats Photo Gallery.

Official website: http://www.idagunjidevaru.com/

Filed under : Karnataka

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Location: Unchalli falls is located in Uttara Kannada district of the Indian state of Karnataka.

Distance: 30 km from Sirsi

Journey Time: Around 1 hour from Sirsi

How to Reach there: Best by private transport. You can hire a car or an Auto. You can also use public transport like KSRTC bus upto Heggarani and from there a few km of trek through forested land.

Route: Sirsi – Aminhalli (14 KM from Sirsi, on Kumta Road) – Heggarane – Unchalli Falls

Where to stay: There is no place to stay. One should stay either in Sirsi, Kumta or Gokarna.

Where to eat: No restaurants available there. However, a tea and snacks shop is there at the entrance. Have your food in Sirsi, Kumta or a road side dhaba.

Unchalli falls is also know as Lushington Falls as it was discovered by the then District Collector of British raj, J D Lushington in 1845. As part of my recent weekend trip I visited there. Not many people visit here, so you can spend time peacefully with nature and enjoy the sight of Unchalli falls descending from a height of 116 meters. This falls is formed by river Aghanashini which flows through thick forest. We reached there around 3 pm. From the entrance gate you will have to walk around 500 meters downhill in forest surrounding to reach the view point. There are two view points there. First view point gives you a birds eye view of the falls and surrounding forest. Besides the first view point there are newly built cement chairs where you can seat and relax. From the second view point you can get a closer look of Unchalli falls and the stream below. To reach the second view point you will have to descend through more than 100 steps. As the background is very nice, do take pictures of yourself. Do walk around and enjoy yourself.

We were wondering why there is no monkey and meanwhile a Langur appeared. One specialty I felt about this falls is when the water was cascading it looked like milk. The best time to visit the falls here is in the month of August. However, note that during monsoon be careful about leeches and snakes.

To view the complete set of pictures of Unchalli Falls visit, TravelingBeats Photo Gallery.

Filed under : Karnataka

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