1. The High Five Interchange, The USA: It is located in Allas, Texas. This 5 level flyovers reaches as high as a 12 story building. It was competed in December 2005. Read more ……

2. Highway 1, Iceland: Highway 1 is like outer ring road of Bangalore. Completed in 1974 it circles the whole Iceland.

3. The Atlanterhavsveien, Mxre Og Romsdal, Normay: This road is located in the Artic region of Norway which connects an archipelago of 8 islands. It was completed in 1989 and is around 5.4 mile. Read more …..

4. Karakoram Highway, Gilgit – Baltisan, Pakistan: This 800 mile highway connected Pakistan and China through the Karakoram and Pamir mountain ranges. It opened in 1986. Read more …..

Refer more: http://karakoramhighway.blogspot.com

5. Hana Highway, Maui, Hawaii: This stretch is said to be one of the most scenic drives in the world. It runs along the northern cost of Maui. Read more ….

6. Passo Dello Stelvio, Lombardy, Italy: This road on the Alps of Italy is one of the most dangerous roads with sharp turns. Read more ….

7. Trollstigen Rauma, Norway: Opened in 1936, this road passes thorough scenic mountain ranges of Norway.

8. Yungas Road, La Paz, Bolivia: Yungas road on the Andes mountain range is also known as the road of death. Roads are very narrow at places and accidents are common. Read more …..

9. Capulin Volcano road, Capulin, Mexico: This road just ascends the mouth of a previously erupted volcano called Capulin in Mexico. The road is so narrow that even passing a vehicle is difficult.

10. The Magic Roundabout, Swindon, London: The junction was earlier know as Country Island ring Junction but was later names as Magic Roundabout Junction. Opened in 1972 it lets over 1000 cars to pass in an hour. Read more ….

Related posts:

1. Top 10 Adventurous Places in The World
2. Top 10 Bicycle Friendly Cities in The World
3. Top 10 Happiest Places in the World

1. Mustique, The Grenadines: This is a privately owned island and offers one of the most pristine beauty you might have ever seen.

2. Canouan Island, St Vincent, the Grenadines: The Caribbean islands are a combination of Sun, Sand and beauty.

3. Mauritius: A beautiful island nation famous for honeymoon makers. It has a homogeneous culture of Creole, India, China and Europe.

4. Fernando De Noronha: It is located in an archipelaho of 21 island off the cost of Brazil. It is protected as a national park and requires permission to visit there.

5. Lipari: The volcanic island of Lipari off the cost of Italy as in entertainment packed place along with pristine beauty.

6. Harbour Island, Bahams: A gem in the island of Bahamas.

7. Kangaroo Island, Australia: Good place to see native Australian animals.

8. Hvar: An island off the cost of Croatia in the Mediterranean sea. Along with peaceful pristine beauty, one can see vineyards etc

9. Muhu Island: Muhu island is located off the cost of Estonia, a former Soviet republic in the Baltic sea.

10. Culebra: It is one of the islands of the the stunning Puerto Rico.

Related posts:

1. Gate 1 Travel’s World’s Top 10 Travel Destinations in 2010
2. Top 10 Bicycle Friendly Cities in The World
3. Top 10 Happiest Places in the World

Bicycling is getting popular again. This time with environmental concerns all over the world many people are turning to bicycle. Bicycle not only helps the environment, it also helps your health. Cycling is a popular mode of transport in Villages and 3 tier towns in India. But Indian cities are definitely not bicycle friendly. This is not the same in other parts of the world. Developed countries are giving special attention for this mode of environment and health friendly transport. Some have even developed dedicated bicycle lane. Lets check a list of top 10 bicycle friendly cities in the world:

1. Amsterdam, capital of the Netherlands
2. Copenhagen, capital of Denmark
3. Bogota, Colombia
4. Curitiba, Brazil
5. Montreal, Canada
6. Portland, Oregon, US
7. Basel, Switzerland
8. Barcelona, Spain
9. Beijing, Capital of China
10. Trondheim, Norway

Related posts:

1. Top 10 Happiest Places in the World
2. Top 10 Adventurous Places in The World
3. World’s Top 10 Island Destinations Off The Beaten Trail

If you are adventurous at heart and thrill seeker at heart. Then you are going love what I am going to share with you now. A list of Top 10 adventurous places in the world. It provides a list of 10 beautiful places from Mexico to New Zealand. Let me know, if you agree with this list or you have a different list.

Related posts:

1. Top 10 Happiest Places in the World
2. Top 10 Bicycle Friendly Cities in The World
3. Wonder Roadways in the World

Distance: Around 52 km from Bangalore and Ramnagaram is around 48 km from Bangalore.

Journey Time: 1 and 1/2 hour

How to reach there: Best to take your own vehicle. However, you can board a KSRTC bus for Mysore and get down at Ramnagaram. From here you hire a auto to Ramadevara Betta.

Route: Bangalore – Mysore road – Kengeri – Bidadi – Ramnagaram – Take left after KSTDC yellow signboard – Ramadevara Betta

Where to eat: There is no proper place to eat at Ramadevara Betta. So if you want to eat, bring eatables. Do take water along with you. You can also have something at Ramnagaram town or at the highway dhabas.

Where to stay: There is no place to stay at Ramadevara Betta.

Ramadevara Betta (Hill) is a Hindu shrine rising more than 3000 feet. Lord Ram is said to have visited here during his 14 years exile. There is a Ram temple at the top of the hill. Once to you take left from Bangalore – Mysore highway at Ramanagaram for Ramadevara Betta, you will be riding on a narrow winding road. It will give you an awesome feeling as you approach the hill. It is here the 1975 super hit movie Sholay was shot. At the base of the hill, there are security and watchman employed by Karnataka government. Here, you can park your vehicle for a fee. For two wheelers parking fee is Rs 5.

Ramadevara Betta is a very nicely maintained. At the entrance there is a big colorful gate followed by stone carved steps leading to the top of the hill amidst greenery. There are around 300 steps. After climbing around 250 steps you will see a Anjaneya (Hanuman) temple. If you are tired you can take rest here in shade. Climb little further to reach the top. Here, it is like a little valley with trees and shades made by the rock nearby. On the left you can climb little further to reach the view point. From here one can get a awesome view of the surrounding. One can see the small hills around, rugged terrain, moving vehicles on Bangalore – Mysore highway, country side etc. Also, a great place for photography. From here you can see Saptarishi betta which resembles 7 idols from different angles.

Besides this place is a natural pond between two hills called Ram tirtha. I assume rain water get accumulated here and one can take bath here. Hereon, we went to Ram temple. Here, you can see deity of Ram, Lakshman and Sita. I was told by the temple priest that the temple is over 1000 years old and it was built my Magadi chieftain Kempegowda. Besides, Ram temple there is a way to trek to the top of the rock cliff behind Ram temple. From the top one can get good view, no doubt. But may be wise to do so if you reach there early morning. I enjoyed thoroughly. Remadevara Betta offers much more than I expected.

Note: The security there and the temple priests advises to just see the temples and not to venture anywhere else. I assume some incidents might have happened in the past.

There are some other hills in Ramnagaram which may be explored like Yatirajagiri, Somagiri, Krishnagiri, Shivaramagiri, Revanna Siddeshwara Betta, Sidilakallu Betta and Jala Siddeshwara Betta.

Related posts:

1. Trip to Omkar Ashram at Omkar Hill
2. Trip to Devarayanadurga, Namada Chilume, Sri Veerbhadra Shankara Swamy Temple, Siddaganga Temple and Tumkur
3. Adventure Day Outing at Ramnagaram

Gate 1 Travel headquartered in Fort Washington, Philadelphia is a travel company targeting North American travelers. Recently, they have released a list, what they think to be the top 10 travel destination in the world for 2010. Lets check the list below:

1. Peru
2. Costa Rica
3. China
4. India
5. Germany
6. Israel and Jordan
7. Egypt
8. Greece
9. Turkey
10. Italy

Website: Gate1travel.com

Related posts:

1. Top 10 Happiest Places in the World
2. World’s Top 10 Island Destinations Off The Beaten Trail
3. Mysore and Mumbai in 31 Places to Go in 2010 Compiled by New York Times

District Headquarter: Kasaragod

Distance: 50 from Mangalore, 350 km from Cochin, 550 km from Trivandurm, 152 km from Coorg, 320 km from Mysore and 380 km from Bangalore

Journey time: Around 1 hour from Mangalore, 9 hrs from Bangalore.

How to reach there: You can reach there by KSRTC bus from Bangalore, Mysore, Mangalore and Coorg. By train you can go upto Mangalore and then by bus upto kasaragod. If you would like you can also hire your own transport.

Route: Bangalore – Srirangapatna bypass – coorg – mangalore – Kasaragod or Bangalore – Hassan – Mangalore – kasaragod

Where to stay:

In Kasaragod — Apsara Regency, Hotel City Tower, Holiday Inn, Poinachi
In Bekal — Eeeyam lodge at Palakkunnu,Udma – Fort land Tourist Home at Udma, Rajan Rest inn at Palakkunnu, Udma
In Kanhangad — Green land lodge atKanhangad, Hotel City Palace at Hosdurg, Elite Tourist Home at Kottachery, Bekal International at Kottachery
In Nileshwar — Nalanda Resorts (3 star), Near Nileshwar river, Happy Tourist Home, Nileshwar

Where to eat: You may try the restaurants in these hotels or try local eatries.

Language spoken: Malayalam, Tulu, Beary, Hindi, English

Kasaragod become a seperate district on 24 May 1985. Kasaragod is bounded by western ghat hills in the east and in west by Arabian sea. Earlier Kasaragod used to be a trade center with export to Maldives and Arab countries. A large part of Kasaragod used to be the part of the Tulu kingdom and has been ruled by Vijaynagara empire, Ikkery Naiks, Hyder Ali/Tipu Sultan and finally Birtish.

What to see:

1. Bekal Fort: Bekal fort is the biggest fort in kerela and was built by the Ikkeri Nayakas. The fort is located at the shore of Arabian sea. It located around 14 km from Kanhangad and 11 km from Kasaragod town. The nearest railway station is Bekal fort railway station.

2. Ranipuram: Ranipuram is a small hill station located around 48 km away from Kanhangad town. Here you can watch wildlife, flora and fauna. The proposed Ranipuram wildlife scantuary will be boon to tourism. Ranipuram is also popular for trekking. Bus services are available from Kanhangad and jeep service is available from Panathady. KTDC cottages are available for hire. Contact – KTDC.

3. Kareem forest park – Kareem forest park is India’s first and only private scantuary. The only man made forest in the Kerala is spread over 32 acres. The forest had diverse species of trees, birds, insects, reptiles etc. The park is situated at Puliyamkulam, near Parappa (near Nileswar) around 23 km away east of kanhangad town.

4. Thalangara Children’s Park – The parts is located around 4 km from Kasargod town near a fishing harbour. You can see many birds and few animals.

5. Anandashramam and Nithyanandashramam: Anandashramam is located around 5 km from Kanhangad Railway Station, was founded in 1939 by Swami Ramadas, a great Vaishnava saint of modern times. Nityanandasramam is located around 1/2 km from Hosdurg town and is situated on hillock. It was founded by Swami Nityananda. You can check the Hosdurg fort nearby.

You can also visit some other places if you have time like – Malik Deenar Masjid, Valiyaparamba backwater, Chandragiri fort, Kanjan Junga (a artist village located around 16 km from Kasaragod), Kanwateertha Beach Resort, Kottencheri hills (30 km from Kanhangad town), Maipady Palace ( 8 km from Kasaragod), Ananthatpuram Lake temple, Madhur Temple in Kasaragod.

There are also some forest reserves which may be explored namely -

Malom wildlife sanctaury – Located around 28 km from Kanhangad town.

Adoor wildlife sanctuary – Located around 35 km from Kasaragod town.

Parappa wildlife sanctuary – Located around 22 km from Chervathur town.

Kammadam sacred grove wildlife sanctuary – Spread over 50 acres and located around 25 km from Kanhangad town.

Related posts:

1. Things to See in Hassan District, Karnataka
2. Dakshina Kannada, Karnataka
3. Kukke Subrahmanya

Address:

Innovative Film City
#24 & 26, Bidadi,
Bangalore- 562 109
Karnataka- INDIA
Tel: +91-080-220 999 99

How to reach Innovative Film City: It is wise to visit Innovative Film City in your own vehicle. However, you can visit there by using BMTC bus. Board a bus for Bidadi from Majestic and get at the junction mentioned below. From here you will have to hire an Auto. Bargain and settle for Rs 20 – 25. (Note: If you do not get a direct bus to Bidadi from Majestic then you may have to Kengeri and board a bus for Bidadi.

Route: If you are traveling from Bangalore look out for Innovative Film City board on the left hand side at a junction just before Bidadi. We need take left deviation here. Now follow the sign-boards to reach there. For more details check the map.

As of today I have visited Innovative Film City two times. I have wrote about Innovative Film City on BangaloreBeats.com 2 years ago but it is not yet complete. There are still some shops to open and some tweaking going on.

Today I visited there as part of a family outing. We reached there around 11.30 am.

Entry fee: Rs 50 / person
Parking is free
Still Camera fee: Rs 100
Professional camera not allowed

Timings: Weekdays – 10 am – 6 pm
weekends and holidays – 10 am – 7.30 pm

They have various packages like Rs 399 featuring some rides and options. Rs 699 includes all. Today was a republic day holiday and it was quite crowded. Today everywhere flowers were in full bloom. It was event right from the entrance gate where a particular species of flower in different colour and shades made a spectacular display. Once your tickets are checked, you will pass through a walled passage. On both the sides of the passage you have conference room, shops etc. After a little walk you will reach a shaded place, from here the entertainment center starts. Here, you can see a demon and a gunman made of iron. Proceed further to see Wannado ( a new section from kids), Repley’s Believe it or not, Madame Tussuad’s wax house, Hunted house, Aqua kingdom offers artificial beach and water experience at Rs 100, fossil museum, dinosaurs park, mini golf course, mini go karting ( normal car – 30 km/hr – Rs 150 for 4 laps, sports car – 80 km/hr rs 200 for 4 laps), skating, a few rides like roller coaster, revolving horse ride, a film studio which offers – Film academy, Production house and Film shooting, amphitheater etc.

Some good news. Bangalore is soon going to have its first snow park here. It will be a followed by Guinness World Records Museum, a giant wheel, bungee jumping, bumper ball, bob spacer and a multiplex with 21 screens.

One thing that bothered me through out my stay there was the heat. It is advisable to visit there late after noon or in the evening. Also, good eateries were missing. One can spend some good time at Innovative Film City with family or friends. Because of the immense heat we left early at 2 pm. Do carry sun glass, hat or sun screen lotion.

Related posts:

1. Go karting at Grips and Lake on Mysore Road
2. Trip to Devanahalli and Bangalore International Airport
3. Madiwala Lake, Bangalore

Last Sunday The New York Times has compiled a list of 31 places to visit in 2010. Sri Lanka stole the first spot. But the good news is that India’s Mumbai (13th position) and Mysore (4th position) featured on the list. Mumbai being the financial capital of India is always beaming with tourists. Mysore the city of royals in the state of Karnataka is a popular destination in almost all foreign tourist’s itinerary. The article has praised Mysore for good Yoga teaching and training. Most people in Bangalore may not be aware of this. NYT also talked of Mysore place which receives the second largest number of visitors in the world after Madame Tussuad in London. Apart from Mysore city, the Mysore district and surrounding has many places to explore.

This is great news for Mysore Travel industry as this listing of Mysore by NYT will send a lot more tourists to Mysore this year. So they should be geared up to meet the expectations. And tourists should try their best to book a hotel before visiting Mysore particularly before or after any event.

Check the complete list of 31 places to Visit in 2010 by NY Times.

Related posts:

1. Gate 1 Travel’s World’s Top 10 Travel Destinations in 2010
2. Top 10 Adventurous Places in The World
3. Top 10 Happiest Places in the World

First we quickly saw St Philomena’s church which around half a kilometer from Sadar bus stand (KSRTC). Then we head on to Karanji lake. It is located around 6 km from Sadar bus stand. Auto charge should not be more than Rs 45 and city bus is also available.

Ticket cost: Rs 10 per head
Still camera fee: Rs 10

Karanji kere (kere means lake in Kannada) is a natural lake with a total area of 90 hectares. Water area is 55 hectares. Karanji lake is administered by Mysore Zoo authority. With huge green cover and the shady water front is a great place to spend time. Boating is available in the lake. I read that the park has been restored sometime back and looks like it is well maintained. The ideal way to see Karanji lake is to stroll through the shore line and see whatever comes on the way. It is a great heaven for migratory birds like herons, Painted storks etc. There were also a large number of Neer Kagi (bird name in Kannada, not sure what it is called in English).

Bird enclosure: This is probably one of the best place to watch bird. Inside the enclosure the birds are free. Peacocks, white peacocks, hen, duck and lots more variety to be seen.

Watch tower: You can get the best view of the lake from the watch tower.

Butterfly park: The butterfly park here is created on an artificial island in the lake on the lines of Butterfly park at Bannerghatta National Park, Bangalore.

There is also an aviary and a museum. Karanji lake is located just besides Mysore zoo.

To view more pictures visit, TravelingBeats Photo gallery.

Note: This days the hotels have become little conservative in renting out rooms. Many of them like Gupta Hotel, Hotel Sangeetha etc do not wish to give rooms to unmarried couples. However, you can check in to other hotels like SK residency in Devaraj Mohalla (single room Rs 350 and double room Rs 800 plus).

Guys can stay at Jaya chandra lodge (2428509) at Kothwal Ramaiah road, Devaraja Mohalla for Rs 300 – 350. Do bargain with them. But the hotel did not look like to have a healthy environment. Not advisable for families and couples.

Dinner at Sreedevi Restaurant (Devaraja Mohalla)
Launch at Kairali Restaurant opp Sadar bus stand (Maharaja complex). Had mussels for the first time there.

For more info visit my earlier articles.

1. Mysore

Related posts:

1. Go karting at Grips and Lake on Mysore Road
2. Mysore
3. KR Puram Lake – Fantasy Lagoon