The District is one of the pioneers in implementing Rotary International programmes. It was originally called District 318 and was a Composite District of Mysore (now Karnataka) , Kerala, Tamilnadu, Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra states and the then Union Territory of Goa, for long.But, in 1970, the District was bifurcated and the revenue districts of Mysore , Coorg(now Kodagu), Hassan , Chikmangalur, Shimoga and South Kanara (now Dakshina Kannada) were grouped into a separate R.I.District , covering nearly 36 Rotary Clubs. In 1991, the District was renamed as R. I District 3180, and in August 1997, with the formation of new districts in Karnataka, 2 new names began to figure in its list of districts covered : Chamarajanagar and Udupi .

A Matter of Pride

R.I District 3180 feels proud to have so far contributed 3 District Governors from the erstwhile Composite District, and 23 District Governors from its current jurisdiction to the Rotary International movement. Today, it commands an impressive strength of 4,200 Rotarians from about 130 Rotary Clubs, in the 8 revenue districts in which it operates , 80 of them being in rural areas. District 3180 has successfully implemented some of the District projects like School Support System, Book Bank, Cleft Lip Palate Surgery, Polio Surgery Camps and has Provided Artificial Limbs to the needy since 1994-95, under Matching Grants .

GEOGRAPHY

R.I.District 3180 is located in the southern part of the south Indian state of Karnataka, and covers an area of 49,100 sq.km., with a population of about 10.9 million.The District consists of a flourishing coastal area, the ecologically mind-boggling Western Ghats and a portion of the upland plains of the Decan plateau. Its climate is essentially tropical, with heavy to very heavy rainfall in the Ghats and coastal belt, and moderate rainfall in the plains, during monsoon.

MYSORE

Rejuvenating Ground with Regal Glory Importance Historical place celebrated for the Maharajas of Mysore. It is also noted for its educational and R&D institutions. Also known for silk, sandal, rosewood and ivory products and agarbathies.Tourist Spots Mysore city: idyllic urban setting with palace crowning it all), lavis h gardens, towering temples and natur e sports including the Chamundi Hills . The 10-day Dasara festival that culminates in the world-famous Jamboo Savari procession attracts tourists from around the world.The city offers a great shopping experience, particularly in silks and handicrafts. Other tourist destinations: Talakadu , Somanathapura, Nanjanagudu , Nagarahole wildlife sanctuary , Bylakuppe Tibetan camp, Kabini dam , Kakanakote reserve forest...Mustsee places in neighbouring district: The farfamed Brindavan Gardens , Ranganathittu bird sanctuary , Srirangapattana, Sivasamudram.. .

KODAGU

Little swizerland of Great Heroes Importance known the world over as much for its military heroes as for its typical European climate and coffee estates and orange groves . Tourist Spots Raja's Seat (in Madiker i town), Omkareshwara temple, Abbe Falls,Talacauvery (where river Cauvery originates), Nisarga Dhama (forest resort), Harangi dam, parts of Nagarahole National Park... .

HASSAN

Poetry on Stone Importance Heartland of Hoysalas, one of the most distinguished dynasties in Indian history, Half the district is hilly and half plain.Tourist spots Sculptural wonders of Belur and Halebeedu(built by the Hoysalas in early 12th century A.D.) , the giant Jain monolith Gommateshwara (late 10th century A.D.)at Shravanabelagola and other less known temples and monuments of extraordinary sculptural and architectural beauty .

CHIKMAGALUR

-Walking Tall in Western Ghats Importance Widely known for its peaks of pristine beauty in the Western Ghats range, as also for its plantation products such as coffee and cardamom. Tourist sports Kemmannugudi (hill station) , Babadudangiri, Kudremukh, Sringeri.. .

SHIMOGA

Natural Summit of Culture and Agriculture Importance heartland of Kannada culture, connected with the earliest times of Karnataka's history,the peak being the Keladi regime(16th-18t h century A.D.)known for its fertile soil , perennial rivers and flourishing agriculture-area nut being the prime crop. Bhadravati is one of the foremost industrial towns of the state.Tourist Spots the worldbeating Jog Falls , histrical Keladi, archaelogical Balligave, the unmatchable nature spot Agumbe, several dam sites and bird sanctuaries .

DAKSHINA KANNADA

Strength of the sea and self-sustenance Importance the hub of coastal Karnataka, with the educational and commercial abilities of its people being its chief characteristics. Noted for its unique folk culture and customs.Tourist spots lovely beaches and historical temples .

UDUPI

Devout and Down to Earth Importance Principal seat of one of the major branches of Hinduism-Dvaitha. Widely acknowledged for the educational and entrepreneurial achievements of its people. (They run vast networks of hotels, banks , hospitals, schools & colleges and other institutions.) It was carved out of the Dakshina kannada district in August 1997.Tourist Spots Virgin beaches and wonderful temples .

CHAMARAJA NAGAR

Tip of Karnataka with Top Hill-ranges Importance carved out of the district of Mysore in August 1997, the district is in the southern most part of Karnataka , and is at the tri-junction of karnataka , Tamilnadu and Kerala. The area is endowed with extensive forests and attracts anthropologists because of its exclusivetribal culture.Tourist sport Bandipur National Park, BR hills, M M hills, Gopalaswamy hills .