Kokkare Bellur Travel Guide

A comprehensive guide to Kokkare Bellur, including places to visit, hiking routes, things to do, where to eat and stay, local culture and customs, and transportation options.


Introduction to Kokkare Bellur

Located in the Mandya district of Karnataka, Kokkare Bellur is a small village famous for its bird sanctuary. The village has been declared as a protected area for storks and other migratory birds. Apart from the bird sanctuary, Kokkare Bellur is also known for its temples and cultural heritage. In this travel guide, we’ll explore the different places to visit, the best things to do, and the local culture and customs of Kokkare Bellur.

List of Places to Visit in Kokkare Bellur

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Sri Venugopalaswamy Temple: Built in the typical Hoysala style of architecture, this temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna.
  • Janapada Loka: This folk museum showcases the art, artifacts, and cultural heritage of various regions of Karnataka.
  • Melukote: An important pilgrimage center for Hindus, this town has many ancient temples and monuments.

Natural Attractions of Kokkare Bellur: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Kokkare Bellur Bird Sanctuary - A protected area for the storks, pelicans, and other migratory birds that flock here.
  • Veeranarayana Lake - a popular picnic spot, this lake is located near the Kokkare Bellur Bird Sanctuary and offers beautiful views of the surrounding areas.
  • Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary - located nearby, it’s another popular bird sanctuary.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Kokkare Bellur

  • Gumbaz Betta Trek: A moderate trek to the Gumbaz Betta peak, which offers beautiful views of the surrounding countryside.
  • Bheemeshwari Nature and Adventure Camp: A beautiful nature camp located on the banks of the Cauvery river. One can indulge in activities like river rafting, kayaking, and trekking.

Best Things to Do in Kokkare Bellur: Activities and Tours

  • Bird Watching: The Kokkare Bellur Bird Sanctuary is a must-visit location for birdwatchers, especially during the migratory season.
  • Cycle through the countryside: Rent a bicycle and explore the beautiful countryside of Kokkare Bellur.
  • Visit a Silk Farm: Visit a nearby Silk farm to learn about the silk production process in India.

Week-Long Itinerary for Kokkare Bellur

Day 1:

  • Visit the Kokkare Bellur Bird Sanctuary in the morning
  • Explore the Sri Venugopalaswamy temple.
  • Enjoy a picturesque sunset at the Veeranarayana Lake.

Day 2:

  • Trek to Gumbaz Betta peak.
  • Explore Melukote and its temples.

Day 3:

  • Visit Janapada Loka - the folk museum
  • Relax at the Bheemeshwari Nature and Adventure Camp.

Day 4:

  • Visit the Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary
  • Indulge in water activities like rafting and kayaking

Day 5:

  • Explore nearby villages and their traditional handicrafts.
  • Visit a Silk Farm.

Day 6:

  • Explore the local food scene.
  • Visit nearby towns like Srirangapatna and Mysuru.

Day 7:

  • Relax and unwind at your accommodation or go cycling through the countryside.

Food and Drink Scene of Kokkare Bellur

Must-Try Dishes

  • Maddur Vada - a crispy snack made with semolina, onions, and spices.
  • Mysore Pak - A sweet delicacy made with ghee, sugar, and gram flour.
  • Dosa - A South Indian staple, made using a fermented batter of rice and black lentils.

Local Beverages

  • Filter Coffee - A strong and aromatic coffee with a distinct South Indian flavor.
  • Buttermilk - A refreshing drink made with curd, water, and spices.
  • Sugarcane Juice - A sweet and refreshing juice made from freshly squeezed sugarcane.

Where to Stay in Kokkare Bellur: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • Jungle Lodges and Resorts: An eco-friendly resort located near the Kokkare Bellur Bird Sanctuary.
  • Hoysala Village Resort: A traditional resort that offers a luxurious stay in the lap of nature.
  • Guesthouses and Homestays: For a more authentic and budget-friendly experience, opt for a guesthouse or homestay.

What to Buy in Kokkare Bellur: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Mysore Silk - A luxurious and elegant silk fabric famous throughout India and the world.
  • Sandalwood products - Soap, incense sticks, and perfumes made with sandalwood, a fragrant and valuable wood found in Karnataka.
  • Wooden handicrafts - Intricately carved wooden figurines, toys, and sculptures make for great souvenirs.

Local Culture and Customs of Kokkare Bellur

The locals of Kokkare Bellur are predominantly farmers, and agriculture is the primary occupation. The village is known for its music and dance traditions and is home to many artists and performers. Kokkare Bellur is also known for its handloom silk, which is famous for its quality and intricacy.

Best Time to Visit Kokkare Bellur

The best time to visit Kokkare Bellur is from November to February. During this time, the weather is pleasant, and the migratory birds flock to the bird sanctuary. Avoid visiting during the monsoons (June-September) as the sanctuary remains closed during this time.

Do’s and Don’ts of Kokkare Bellur

Do:

  • Respect the local customs and traditions.
  • Dress modestly while visiting temples and religious places.
  • Try the local cuisine and interact with the locals to learn more about their culture.

Don’t:

  • Litter or damage the natural surroundings.
  • Pluck or disturb any plants, animals, or birds.
  • Display public affection, as it is considered inappropriate in India.

Safety and Health

Safety in Kokkare Bellur

Kokkare Bellur is considered a safe place for tourists. However, it’s always recommended to be cautious of your surroundings and keep your valuables safe, especially while traveling alone.

Health in Kokkare Bellur

It’s advisable to carry insect repellents and sunscreen during your visit to Kokkare Bellur. The region is known to have malarial outbreaks, so taking the necessary precautions is essential.

Getting to Kokkare Bellur: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Kokkare Bellur

The nearest airport is in Bangalore, which is approximately 135 km away from Kokkare Bellur. From here, you can take a taxi or a bus to reach Kokkare Bellur.

Bus Stations Near Kokkare Bellur

Mandya is the nearest bus station, located approximately 25 km away from Kokkare Bellur. Regular buses ply to and from Mandya to Bangalore and other nearby towns and cities.

Other Options

You can also hire a taxi or a private car to reach Kokkare Bellur from Bangalore or other nearby locations.

How to Get Around in Kokkare Bellur

The best way to get around in Kokkare Bellur is by hiring a bicycle or a motorcycle. You can also take a local auto-rickshaw or a taxi to reach nearby locations.

Where to Go Next from Kokkare Bellur: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Mysuru - Known as the city of palaces, Mysuru is famous for its rich cultural heritage, magnificent palaces, and beautiful gardens.
  • Srirangapatna - A historical town known for its ancient temples and monuments.
  • Coorg - A beautiful hill station known for its coffee plantations, waterfalls, and wildlife sanctuaries.

Conclusion

Kokkare Bellur offers a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and adventure. From birdwatching to cycling through the countryside, from exploring temples to visiting museums and silk farms, Kokkare Bellur has something for everyone. So pack your bags and visit this beautiful village to experience the best of Karnataka’s historic and natural attractions.

Spottbilled Pelican at Kokkare Bellur Spottbilled Pelican at Kokkare Bellur