Puttur - Mangalore

Balavana - Probably more than temple for me  

What would be your feeling when you visit the house of the greatest thinker of Modern India. It was not my first time visit to Puttur. But this time it was special for 2 reasons. Firstly it was my best friend's marriage. Secondly I got an opportunity to visit Balavana,where Jnanapeeta awardee Padma Bhushana Dr Shivaram Karanth lived.Dr Shivaram karanth was not only a writer and poet. He was environmentalist, Yakashagana artist, film maker and greatest thinker of Modern India. His Mukkajjiya Kanasugalu is one of my favourite novel.

Balavana is nearly 2 km from Puttur bus stand. 3 years back Govt of India took initiative to reshape this great place and they added swimming pool and made it educational centre for children. Visiting timing is in between 9:30 AM - 6 PM. But swimming pool is available till 9:30 PM

It was Pooji's marriage. Our Nest Gang minus Mithun and Naseer Bhai was there. I and Vinay went for a walk and after so much enquiry about the route, finally we reached Balavana.  First we went to museum. Here are some of the glimpses of museum. This museum will clearly will give you brief idea about the life of Shivaram Karanth and his achievements. 

Then we moved towards the library which started with some of the art by kids and some wall paintings. Library had collection of books.

I suggest you to read this article about Balavana 

http://www.deccanherald.com/content/9545/balavana-nursery-ideas.html

After attending marriage and reception, we went to Kasargodu next day and came back to same hotel Rama in Puttur. I will write about Kasargodu in next post. Third day we went to Kadri temple, Mangalore.

Kadri Manjunatha Temple, Mangalore

This temple has the oldest Shiva idol in south India. Though there are so many historical debate on the temple, it is proved that it was once Buddha Vihar. After the downfall of Buddhism in this region, it is converted into temple.

You leave the historical debate and enjoy the architecture of the temple. One of the beautiful temple in coastal Karnataka, it has architecture similar to the one you find in Kerala.It has natural spring which is source of water for the ponds below.

Tannir Bhavi beach

After Kadri temple, we reached Tannir bhavi beach, one of the best beaches in Karnataka. It is clean and calmer than the Goan beaches. Since it was very hot in the afternoon, I was enjoying atmosphere sitting in the shades of the tree.

You find very delicious fish curry in the small hotel near the beach. I had brown rice with vegetables curry and others had fish.

There are plenty of places to visit around Mangalore. I have covered most of the places but there are few hidden places also. Even if you plan for a week it is not enough. The beaches, the temples, the churches, the basidis, the forts, waterfalls and the coastal food will definitely excite you.

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