AGRI TOURISM IN KARNATAKA Agri tourism CONCEPT: Agro-Tourism and Eco-Tourism are closely related, although in reality Agro-Tourism is something all farms could have, while Eco-Tourism seems to have been Green washed by the tour companies. Agro Tourism is when a native person or local of the area offers tours to their Agriculture Farm to allow a person to view them growing, harvesting, and processing locally grown foods, such as coconuts, pineapple, sugar cane, corn, or any produce the person would not encounter in their home country. Often the farmers would provide a home-stay opportunity and education Rural tourism focuses on letting the rural population of the country promote tourism. Along with the creation of an alternative source of income, rural tourism contributes to the revival of folk art and handicrafts. It is an ideal and natural method of rural and urban economic exchange. Rural tourism can be a viable economic component in rural community development. The benefits are many, ranging from sustainable livelihood, poverty alleviation, uplifting rural artists/ art forms, empowerment particularly for women and higher standard of living. Anegundi in North Karnataka Anegundi is a small, traditional village set in the background of an ancient cultural heritage site in the Koppaldistrict of Karnataka, across the Tungabhadra river from the Hampi World Heritage Site. It was linked with the first administrative centres of Vijayanagara which was an empire of the golden age of India, reaching its zenith during 1510-1542 AD. It has a population of 3018, most of whom live in small whitewashed houses with wooden pillars lining the street. The small cosmos like valleys created by boulder hills are full of paddy and banana fields which are fed by the canals constructed during the Vijayanagara period that still function. Anegundi, home of the Devarayas, is located right onthe banks of river Tungabhadra, which flows to the south and to the east of the village. It is surrounded by granite hills on three sides and is bordered by river Tungabhadra on the other. The river curves many times flowing from the west to east. According to the ancient scripture of the Purana, this location is called scared land or Punya Bhoomi. Anegundi was also the cradle city of Kishkinda, the monkey kingdom mentioned in the Ramayana, and Hanumans birth place. SriRanganatha, a form of lord Vishnu in his cosmic sleep is the presiding deity of the village Anegundi Village, District: Koppal State: Karnataka Distance from District HQ - 45 km Distance from State Headquarters - 351 km Travel Season: This region is warm and dry it never really gets very cold but the best time to visit is between June and January. The tourist season is from September to February. June is a windy month. In July one can expect colorful skies and a few showers. The monsoon really arrives in August when it rains mostly at night. This is a fresh time to visit. September to December has cool weather. Mid January sees all round good weather and provides the best light for photographers. Interested Feature An interesting feature of the village is its white washed houses and the labyrinth that takes you on a lovely intimate journey through it, giving an insight on the way of life in the village. These humble yet regal houses have beautifully carved wooden pillars, and line the main streets proudly. As they walk around, visitors can get a peek at any artisans of banana fibre, women grinding chutney by rolling huge stones, others using lime hand prints for decorating doorways and doing coloured Rangoli in front of their houses. The coracles or bamboo basket boats are yet another attraction giving the visitor an incredible experience of the river full of boulders. The landscape made up of huge granite boulders, rice paddies and banana plantations have mantapas scattered around them reminding one of a miniature painting. The irrigation systems from 14th. Century irrigate and maintain lush agricultural landscape. The rides in the basket boat, coracles is a must that takes one on an enchanted journey. Various walks that take you on mythical journeys of the Kishkinda the ancient monkey kingdom. are full of stories and references.Visitors consist of those extending their tour of Hampi World Heritage Site. There are also religious/pilgrim visitors attracted by the mythology of Kishkinda and outdoor/ecotourism including low-impact cycling tours. Natural Heritage: The region has numerous monuments, and this ancient beautiful landscape draws visitors from all around the world. The area is made up of granite boulders in varying tones of gray and ochre which glow pink at sunset. The geological base of this region is the Deccan Plateau which is one of the most ancient and stable surfaces found anywhere on earth. It is estimated to be about four billion years old and believed to be one of the first places on earth to have solidified when the planet was still in a liquid state. A unique and astonishingly beautiful area of natural wilderness, the region has been called the playground of the gods and is home to crocodile, leopard, great owl, sloth bear, langur, several species of turtles and nearly 300 varieties of birds. Many endangered species of flora are also found here. The vegetation is an example of “dry deciduous scrub jungle” indigenous to the Deccan plateau and is highly underrepresented in todays Indian National Parks Systems. Art & Craft The non-traditional artisans of Anegundi are pioneers in new and nnovative low-waste methods of banana fibre production. Products created by the banana fibre are widely accepted all over the world. The existing crafts in the region are Quiliting Lambadi embroidery Stone and Wood Carving Black Pottery Traditional masonry Bamboo crafts a new jewelry is being developed with beautiful tear drop like white and dyed seeds. a new jewelry is being developed with beautiful tear drop like white and dyed seeds. Local Culture Fairs and festivals: The annual fair during the month of April and the Anegundi Utsav in November are a must do for visitors. An added attraction in the same period is Hampi Utsav. Fairs and festival and festivals are celebrated through out the year. There is no communal difference during these celebrations. Both communities, Hindu and Muslim participate actively during Mohram, Deepavali, the annual fair & the Utsav. Folk traditions: The region has a rich folk performing traditions which include Kolata, Hagalu Vesha - Burra Kathe, Rana Modi & Raja Modi, Bayalata, Kinnari Jogi, Devadasi, Deity Dance, Dasara Songs, Lambadi, Veshagare. Oral Traditions include Folk songs such as Suggi Padagalu, Sobane Padagalu, Gondali Aata, Malerayana Haad etc. Cuisine: A range of sweet and savory rice preparations, sambars, sweets with coconut, sesame, millet rotti made on an open fire, a variety of non vegetarian spicy meats, various sweet and spicy chutneys, both dry and wet, Banana fritters, a range of health foods made of Ragi, a variety of locally baked breads, Jilebi, Baloosha etc. Popular breakfast: Mirchi and Oggarani, Holigi. Seasonal fruits like Targola, Papaya, Mango and dates are popular too. How to Reach By road: The 40km road from Hospet crosses the Tungabhadra river at Kampli in Bellary District, carrying bus-borne domestic pilgrim traffic from North India to the site. Travelers can also connect by road from Goa via Dharwar, Hubli, Gadag and Koppal on NH-63. By train: The nearest train station is at Hospet, 18 Kms from Anegundi. Take a train from Bangalore station to Hospet station, Hire a rickshaw or a taxi to Talawarghatta, cross the river Tungabhadra by Coracle, to reach Anegundi. By air: Take a flight to Bellary -Torangallu from Bangalore and drive from Bellary to Anegundi (aprox. 35 km).
Posted on: Sun, 21 Dec 2014 19:10:55 +0000
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