BANGALORE: Jnanpith awardee and scholar of international repute Dr Kota Shivarama Karanth’s dream home ‘Balavana’ in Puttur is the perfect destination to enjoy a weekend.
Amidst lush greenery, Balavana is recognised by the government as a centre for promoting sports and cultural activities. An open air theatre, a museum of Shivarama Karanth’s works and collections, a printing press, dance school, library and many more attractions at the centre promises to keep visitors engaged for days together. Though the centre has suffered neglect, the place is still an ideal location for those keen on spending a day in a village-like environment. The swimming pool and play area attracts children like bees to flowers. Visitors with a literary bend have plenty of opportunities to understand and get to know Karanth’s fascinating interests. Karanth had made Balavana his home for 40 years and produced his best literary pieces in this tranquil place. Before his return to Saligrama in Udupi taluk, he developed the area as an attractive centre for visitors of all ages.
Frequent visitor and theatre artiste Padmanabha Madakatte explains why Balavana is unique when compared to other tourist spots. Besides being an ideal place to promote cultural, sports and literary activities, the environment attracts everyone, he points out.