A land blessed with many fascinating worlds.discover ageless monuments ,world heritage sites , lush green forests,amazing wildlife,spectacular waterfalls, romantic hill stations , timeless temples, pristine beaches , exhilarating adventure sports and vibrant art and culture.and,as you traverse through the length and breadth of Karnataka,be spellbound by every facet of this amazing land. Religions, cultures and kingdoms galore have sashayed through Karnataka, fromIndia’s first great emperor, Chandragupta Maurya, who in the 3rd century BC retreated to Sravanabelagola after embracing Jainism, to Tipu Sultan who stood up against the encroaching British empire.
In the 6th century the Chalukyas built some of the earliest Hindu temples near Badami. Dynasties such as the Cholas and Gangas played important roles in the regions history, but it was the Hoysalas (11th to 14th centuries), who have left a lasting mark with their architecturally stunning temples at Somnathpur, Halebid and Belur. In 1327, Mohammed Tughlaqs Muslim army sacked the Hoysala capital at Halebid, but in 1346 the Hindu empire of Vijayanagar annexed it. This dynasty, with its capital at Hampi, peaked in the early 1550s, then fell in 1565 to the Deccan sultanates. Bijapurthen became the prime city of the region. With Vijayanagars demise, the Hindu Wodeyars (former rulers of Mysore state) quickly grew in stature. With their capital at Srirangapatnam, they extended their rule over a large part of southern India.
OVERVIEW OF KARNATAKA
If you’re looking for variety in your Indian travel experience, Karnataka fits the bill nicely. The state’s capital and international entry point is the IT powerhouse of Bengaluru (Bangalore), a modern, energetic city best savoured for its restaurants and shops. Ancient architectural gems are abundant, including the World Heritage–listed monuments of Hampi and Pattadakal.
Practically untouched beaches and devout temple towns dot Karnatakas quiet tropical coast, while in the cool highlands of Kodagu (Coog) you can trek between lush coffee and spice plantations along paths trampled by migrating elephants
Bedecked in dazzling finery, elephants are also the stars of the show in Mysore justly famous Dussarah celebrations. The royal city is the jewel in Karnataka’s crown, home to a spectacular palace and an atmospheric fresh produce and spice market, as well an internationally renowned centre for yoga.
Nearby are superbly crafted Hoysala temples dating from the 12th century and enormous Jain sculptures of Gomateshvara, not to mention the wildlife havens of Bandipur and Nagarhole National Parks, both part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve and home to elusive tigers.
The best time for touring is October to March, when the monsoon ceases lashing the coast and baking temperatures ease in far-northern interior towns such as Bijapur,
with its beautiful South Indian Islamic architecture. And although the only thing that Karnataka lacks is snow-covered mountains, youd still be wise to pack some warm clothes to beat off the winter chill in Bengaluru.
Karnataka is a state prosperous in almost every aspect of tourism. Be it the natural beauty in forms of beaches, hill stations and waterfalls or man made miracles like temples, palaces, forts, churches & mausoleums. Nowhere else in India you can such a profusion of monuments as in Karnataka. The wealth and antiquity of its heritage is such that, Karnataka has been called the Cradle of stone architecture. Karnataka is a leading centre of traditional arts & crafts, music, dance and literature. The state’s vibrant culture is reflected in its myriad art forms.
Karnatakas unique topography has endowed with several lesser-known hill stations. Blessed with breathtaking views, overlooking dense forests, deep valleys and heavenly sunsets, each of these hill stations has their own unique appeal. The southern districts of Karnataka are abounding with numerous awe- inspiring waterfalls. Lush forests cover approximately 22 percent of Karnatakas land area. Karnataka enjoys some of the largest and most diverse tracts of unspoiled ecosystems south of the Vindhyas. From the dense tropical rainforests of the Western Ghats to the scrub forests of the plains, the wide varieties of habitats teem with flora and fauna. With its unique geographical features, Karnataka provides adventure lovers with virtually every kind of terrain. Thrill seekers can indulge in a host of outdoors activities on land, water and in the air.
Karnataka is famous for its many shrines, temples, mosques, churches and jain basadis as it is for its natural gradeur. Temples of Karnataka symbolizes the typical Dravidian style of architecture. The temples here are not only for pilgrimage but these architecturally splendid temples appeal to architecture lovers. The numerous fascinating carnivals and festivals of Karnataka are a celebration of life in all its infinite variety. Most of them are exclusive to the state and resonate with colour and gaiety. Every major hamlet, town and city has its own calendar of events to be celebrated.
The state is a best place to shop for finest quality silks, sandalwood and rosewood carvings, and exquisite handicrafts. With dazzling shopping arcades and shopping malls spread all around the state, Karnataka has become a shopping paradise in India