Karnataka – One state. Many worlds
Karnataka is a state in southwest India with Arabian Sea coastlines. This state is rich in culture and heritage as famous for diversity of its landscape. Karnataka state is characterized by ancient sculpted temples, cosmopolitan cities, evergreen forests, and scenic beaches.It is home to 507 of the 3600 centrally protected monuments in India, the largest number after Uttar Pradesh. Karnataka also has many nationally protected monuments and a total of 34,000 temples. Hampi – UNSECO heritage site, being capital of Vijayanagar Empire, houses the maximum of them. Shravanabelagola is famous for world's largest monolith structure that houses the statue of Lord Gomteshwar, thousands of pilgrims visit this place duringMahamastakabhisheka festival held every 12 years. The state is renowned for its ancient ruins, temples, monuments, food, silk, sandalwood, etc. Karnataka is a culturally prosperous and naturally compelling state with a combination of urban jungles, glittering palaces, wildlife sanctuaries, ancient ruins, and yoga centers.Moreover, the state is home to many tourist hotspots such as Coorg, Hampi, Gokarna, Bengaluru, Mysore, Chikmagalur, Bandipur National Park, Nagarhole National Park, Shivanasamudra Falls, Pattadakal, Jog Falls, Badami, and Aihole etc.
Karnataka state has a bouquet of attractions to offer to tourists. Expanded from Belgaum in the North to Bangalore in the south, it has something to offer to everybody - from gorgeous landscapes to rich cultural heritage, tranquil beaches and delicious food, Karnataka is indeed a world in itself. There are many religions such as Malayalis, Tamilians, Konkanis, Kannadigas, Muslims and Christians. Beside of history, Karnataka state is also well-known for nature's abundantly and wildlife. It has 05 National Parks and over 25 wildlife sanctuaries of which Bandipur and Nagarhole national parks are most famous.
Its capital city Bengaluru is famous all over the world for information technology and is known as Silicon Valley.
Rich Heritage site
Karnataka is a state of million stories which aretold through its forts, palaces, and ancient towns. They standdemonstrated to its splendidhistory. You can visit historical palaces like the Mysore Palace, Bangalore Palace and Tipu Sultan’s Summer Palace. Also visit forts like Gulbarg, Raichur, Mirjan&Bidar. These forts are enriched with splendidhistory & are architectural splendours as well.
Wildlife Tourist sites
Karnataka state is enriched with wildlife such as Royal Bengal Tigers, Elephants, Sloth Bears, Leopards, or reptiles. You can enjoy bird watching during your wildlife safari. Some of the famous national parks & wildlife sanctuaries in Karnataka are Bandipur National Park, Nagarhole, Someshwara, Bhimgad&Daroji Sloth Bear Sanctuary. Spot birds of all shapes, colours and sizes at bird sanctuaries like Bonal, Attiveri, Bonal and Hornbills of Dandeli.
Thrill at hill stations
You can visit hill stations during your tour in Karnataka. The Western Ghats - a UNESCO World Heritage Site, spread through Karnataka. These ghats has the most beautiful hill stations in India. You may enjoy trekking trails, waterfalls, coffee plantations, temples and wildlife. Chikmagalur was the first hill station in India where coffee was introduced. Other famous hill stations are Madikeri, Chikkamagaluru, Kodachadri, Nandi Hills and Kogadu.
Adventure tourism & Water sports
Karnataka state is also famous for adventure tourism. Scuba diving, white water rafting, rock climbing and trekking offer adventure enthusiasts the adrenaline rush. Skydiving in Mysore, rock climbing in Ramanagara, microlight flying in Bangalore & scuba diving in Netrani Island are much popular. Battling the waterfalls at Bheemeshwari and parasailing at Malpe&Gokarna beaches are also famous for adventure activities. Trekking is a highly recommendable adventure activity. Famous treks are Kudremukh, Kumara Parvatha, Narasimha Parvata, Kanoor, Kodachadri and Coorg Plantations.
Best time to visit
The best time to visit Karnataka is from October through March. During this time of the year, post-monsoon greenery brings life to hill stations and national parks, and also the weather is ideal for sightseeing in Karnataka.
- Temples : Many of the temples in Karnataka were built in the 10th century and are dedicated to Lord Shiva. You will come across different styles of temples. For example, the Hoysalas built the temples on raised complex star shaped platforms. The Badami Chalukyas, on the other hand, were masters of rock cut caves and temples. Two of the most famous temples in Karnataka are Virupaksha and Vitthala. Both of them are located in Hampi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Some of the famous temples are Omkareshwara, Someshwara, Shri Kadri Manjunatha and Marikamba.
- Mosques : There are an equal number of mosques in Karnataka which evoke admiration with their architecture. Many of these were built during the reigns of the Bahmani & Deccan Sultanates. Jama Masjid, Jamia Masjid, Ek Minar Mosque & Zanana Masjid.
- Churches : The churches in Karnataka are some of the oldest in India. They belong to Roman Catholics, Syrian, Mar Thoma, Protestant and other Christain communities.
- Jain Temples : There are also a lot of Jain temples in Karnataka, which is not surprising. Jainism enjoyed royal patronage in Karnataka under various historic kingdoms, from Chalukyas to Kadambas. One of the most famous Jain temples is located in Shravanabelagola in Hassan district. It consists of a massive 18 feet tall black granite statue of Gomteshwara, the first Tirthankara.
- Buddhist Monasteries : Buddhism also enjoys a strong presence. The settlements at Mundgod in Uttara Kannada & Bylakuppe in Mysore are very “Tibet-like.” Some of the famous monasteries are Namdroling, Bylakuppe and Manjunatha in Kandri.
- Gurudwaras : There are two famous gurudwaras in Karnataka. One is Gurudwara Nanak Jhira and the other is Gurudwara Guru Nanak Prachar Sabha. Of these, Gurudwara Nanak Jhira in Bidar holds a special significance. It is associated with a major legend.