Kundapura

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?Kundapura Karnataka • India
Image:Karnataka locator map.svg Image:India Karnataka locator map.svg Image:Locator Dot.svg Kundapura
Coordinates: 13°37′59″N 74°42′00″E / 13.633, 74.7
Time zone	IST (UTC+5:30)
Area • Elevation	11.84 km² (5 sq mi) • 8 m (26 ft)
District(s)	Udupi District
Population • Density	28,595 • 2,415.11/km² (6,255/sq mi)
Codes • Pincode • Telephone • Vehicle	• 576 201 • +08254 • KA-20

Coordinates: 13°37′59″N 74°42′00″E / 13.633, 74.7

Kundapura is a town in Udupi district in the Indian state of Karnataka. It is the headquarter of the Kundapura taluk and is about 36 kilometres from Udupi.

1 Name
2 History
3 Getting There
4 Demographics
5 Places of interest in Kundapura taluk
6 References

[edit] Name

This name can be traced to the Kundeshvara temple built by Kundavarma in the vicinity of the Panchagangavalli river. Kundapur is also described as the 'town of the sun'. The name may be derived from Kunda, meaning jasmine, owing to the abundance of jasmine-trees in the area. According to others, Kunda means 'pillar', and here refers to the traditional method of constructing houses. Kunda has another meaning, indicating a high place. Up to 18th century, nearby Basrur was important town and Kundapura (a place in high place) was built later, particularly during British period. Kundapur town is surrounded by water from three sides (North - Panchagangavali river, East - Koni back water, river, West - Kodi back waters, and further west, Arabian sea), leaving south side as main connecting land mass.

[edit] History

It was the principal port of the Rajas of Baindoor who came to prominence after the decline of the Vijayanagara power. The Portuguese and German Missionaries settled here in the 16th century and built a fort. A well-built redoubt constructed by Hyder Ali commands the entrance to the river. After the fall of Tipu Sultan in 1799, the town was taken over by the British.

[edit] Getting There

Kundapur is connected by Road to Udupi, Mangalore,Bhatkal, Karwar,Shimoga. Roads are of average quality. Kundapur is also connected by Konkan Railway which runs through Mumbai, Mangalore. Kundapur Railway station is about 4 km from town. Although this town is surrounded three sides by water, there is no reliable water transport to this place, except local boats which run between Gangolli, Kodi and other villages.

[edit] Demographics

As of 2001 India census^[1], Kundapura had a population of 28,595. Males constitute 49% of the population and females 51%. Kundapura has an average literacy rate of 79%, higher than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 84%, and female literacy is 74%. In Kundapura, 9% of the population is under 6 years of age. The town consists of Kannadigas, Konkanis (Hindus and Christians), Tuluvas, (Hindus and Jains) and Muslims.The Goud Saraswat Brahmins who fled Goa during the Portuguese arrival in 16th Century arrived by Boat in Basrur and some settled in Kundapura and surrounding villages.

[edit] Places of interest in Kundapura taluk

Kundeswara temple is within the town, with big arches. Kundapura town is surrounded on three sides by water / back water - and as such one can find good scenes of water and coconut trees all around. The boat point to Gangolli is one such beautiful place, with vast area of back waters of Haladi river, which joins Arabean Sea nearby. From this point, the range of Western Ghats at a distance of 20 km, including highest peak Kodachadri is a beautiful sight. The three-sides- water- town concept of Kundapur is not exploited to develop tourism industry in this area. There are good number of lodges in this town and well connected by Highway to Mumbai, it has good potential to develop as a scenic place.
Sri Vinayaka (Ganesh) Temple at Anegudde, between Kota and Koteshwar towns. The area where the temple stands is called Kumbhashi. Among the several temples in Kumbhashi Anegudde, Sri Vinayaka Temple is the oldest, and it is also the most popular in this region.
Mekekattu Nadhikeshwara temple is also very beautiful. It is very near to Barkuru chowlikere temple. It is considered as the creation of sage Parashurama. With the passage of time the area where the temple is situated has been called in different names. According to the legends, when drought hit this area sage Agastya came here to perform Yajna to please the rain god. During the yajna, the Asura Kumbha started bothering the sages. To rescue the sages Bhima killed the demon with the help of the sword gifted by lord Ganesha. It attracts several thousand visitors every day.
Holy Rosary Church - A centuries old church which has stood testimony to many interesting events.
Basrur - Many temples are located here on the southern banks of the river Varahi.
Uppinakudru - Uppinakudru or salt island is located at 6Km towards north of Kundapura which is a taluk headquarters in Udupi District (Karnataka , India) .
Hoovinakere - It is the birthplace of the philosopher Vadiraja, who preached Dvaita philosophy after Madhvacharya.
Koteshwara - The Koteshwara temple is a historical and religious centre.
Saligrama Village - A small village with a historic temple of Narasimha(Gurunarasimha) and hanuman
Hattiangadi has another well-known temple of Lord Ganapatti (Ganesh), and many other ancient temples besides.
Kirimanjeshwara - Located about 22 km from Kundapur, it has the Kirimanjeshwara temple amidst beautiful surroundings. There is another old temple called the Agastyeshwara temple, named after Sage Agastya.
Shankaranarayana - Located about 32 km to the east of Kundapur, it is traditionally called Krodha Kshetra and is one of the seven places of pilgrimage in the region mentioned in the Skanda Purana.
Trasi - Located about 12 km to the North of Kundapur, Trasi has a beautiful 1 km long beach with Turtle Bay and Beach Resort.
Kollur is one of the Shakti Pithas established by Shankaracharya. Souparnika river flows here midst of dense forest. Several lodges are available in Kollur, which would make a memorable stay almost within forest. Kodachadri hill with a height of about 3800' at the backdrop is trekkers' paradise. Trekkes can start trekking from Nagodi village near Kollur and reach Kodachadri peak after about three hours trek. Thick forest, sholas, grass lands and cool air are speciality of this place. There is moola stana (original place) of Kollur Goddess at Kodachadri. An Iron pillar, said to be ancient weapon used by Goddess Mookambika to kill Kolasura, a demon, stands in front of small temple near Travellers Bungallow and the antiquity of this Iron pillar makes interesting sight. Kodachadri is one of the most beautiful spots of Western Ghats, as described by Dr. K. Shivarama Karantha. Sunset from Kodachadri Peak during winter is most beautiful and interesting sight.
Ottinene - This is a sunset point on the seashore, near Byndoor village on the National Highway. The Kshitija Nature Resort, a beach, and sunset point are the favourite spots with travellers here. Byndoor is also a beautiful village near sea.
Kodi Beach This is a nice beach located about 4 km from Kundapur. The Kinara Restaurant is a nice place to spend the time , while enjoying the beauty of Arabian Sea
Maravanthe One of Karnataka's most beautiful beaches. It is about 55 km from Udupi. National highway 17 runs right next to the beach and the Suparnika river flows on the other side of the road, creating a spectacular scenery. A boat ride from Maharajaswami temple of Maravanth to Padukone is enjoyable. The river Souparnika, which almost touches Arabian sea hear, makes a U turn and goes eastward to join the Sea only after a journey of more than 10 kilometers, which is a geological wonder.
Koteshwara town is 4 km from Kundapur and is famous for Koti Lingeswara temple and annual fare. Noteworthy is beautiful Kotitheertha near the temple.
Bhandarkars college is a first grade university located in Kundapura.