Honnavar

Honnavar is a complete offbeat destination in Uttara Kannada district of Kerala. Jog Waterfalls is 56 km from Honnavar. The prime attraction of Honnavar is the incredible natural beauty of the Western Ghats. View of sunset from Honnavar is mesmerizing. The rail bridge at Honnavar is the longest of all the bridges of Konkan Railway. You can hire a car or autorickshaw to see all the attractions of Honnavar. Some of the notable attractions are Apsara Gold (8 km), Idagunji Ganapati Temple (14 km) and Karikanamma Temple (12 km). One can also hire a boat from Adakar or Korani village to visit Haigund Island. This island is 3 km from Honnavar. If you've time you can visit Basavaraja Fort Island. The ruins of an ancient fort can be seen here.

Honnavar

How to Reach

Margaon and Mangalore are the nearest railway stations from Honnavar. Mangalore and Margaon stations are well connected to major cities of the country by rail.

Where to Stay

Kamat Executive Inn. Tariff - Rs. 881-2210. Tel: (08387) 222030/10

Lepakshi

Lepakshi is an offbeat pilgrim destination in Anantapur district of Andhra Pradesh. The name Lepakshi is derived from the words Le meaning Fly and Pakshi meaning Bird. The main attraction of Lepakshi is the Birbhadra Temple. The temple was constructed during the reign of the Bijoynagar Kings in 1538 A.D. This temple hosts the largest Mural Painting in Asia. The biggest idol of Nandi in India is also situated at Lepakshi. You can also visit Bengaluru and Penukonda Fort from here.

How to Reach

The nearest railway station from Lepakshi is Hindupur. Hindupur is well connected to other cities of India by rail. Bengaluru is the nearest airport which is connected to major cities of India.

Where to Stay

Maruti Lodge. Tariff - Rs. 500. Tel: (08556) 222293.
Tourist Lodge. Tariff Rs. 400. Tel: (08586) 221854.
Palla Residency. Tariff - Rs. 600-1000. Tel: (08556) 224959.

Srikakulam

Srikakulam is located between Vamsadhara and Nagavali rivers in the state of Andhra Pradesh. The main attraction of Srikakulam is Arasavalli Temple dedicated to the Sun God. The Buddhist stupa in Salihundam is worth a visit. View of the Nagavali River from the top of the hill is awe inspiring. On the way to Kalingapatnam you can see Srikurmam Temple. The sea beach and lighthouse of Kalingapatnam is another attraction. You can also visit Srimukhalingam Temple situated on the banks of River Vamsadhara.

Arasavalli Temple

How to Reach

Vishakapatnam is the nearest airport at a distance of 105 km from Srikakulam. Srikakulam also has a railway station which is well connected to Kolkata, Chennai and other cities of India.

Where to Stay

Hotel Nagavali. Tariff - Rs. 1250-2900. Tel: (08942) 222916.
Varam Residency. Tariff - Rs. 995-2495. Tel: (08942) 227843.
Hotel Vijetha Inn. Tariff - Rs. 1295-4495. Tel: (08942) 227691.

Penukonda

Penukonda is a fort town in Anantapur district of Andhra Pradesh. In Telegu language, 'Penu' means big and 'Konda' means hill. Penukonda was once the capital of Vijayanagar Kingdom. The prime attraction of this town is the Penukonda Fort. Gaganmahal the summer residence of the kings of Vijayanagar is situated inside the fort. Other attractions inside the fort include Narsingh Temple, Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Adi Laxmi Temple and Sher Khan Mosque. Hindupur, a Hindu pilgrimage destination is 35 km from Penukonda.

Penukonda Fort

How to Reach

Bengaluru and Guntakal are located close to Penukonda. Guntakal and Bengaluru are well connected to major cities of India by rail and air. Trains are running from Guntakal to Penukonda. Buses are plying from Bengaluru to Penukonda.

Where to Stay

If you're going on a tour to Penukonda, it will be better to stay at Hindupur.
Maruti Lodge. Tariff - Rs. 500. Tel: (08556) 222293.
Palla Residency. Tariff - Rs. 600-1000. Tel: (08556) 224959.

Sirpur

Sirpur is a small town located close to Raipur. Situated in Mahashmund district of Chhattisgarh, Sirpur was once the capital of the kingdom of Mahakoshal kings. In 639 A.D. the famous explorer Hiuen Tsang had visited Sirpur. The prime attraction of Sirpur is the Laxman temple made of bricks. The exquisite carvings and precise construction of this temple is awe inspiring. Other attractions of Sirpur include the Gandheshwar Temple on the bank of Mahanadi River, Buddha Vihar, Ram Mandir and the Archaeological Survey of India Museum.

Laxman Temple, Sirpur

How to Reach

Raipur is the nearest city from Sirpur. The city of Raipur is well connected to other major cities of India by air, rail and road. From Raipur one can get bus or car to travel the distance of 85 km to reach Sirpur.

Where to Stay

Chhattisgarh Tourism Hiuen Tsang Resort. Tariff - Rs. 1500. Tel: (0771) 4066415.