Capital
: Bangalore
Area : 192,000 sq.km
Principal
Language : Kannada
Population : 44,850,000 aprrox.
Minerals
: Iron Ore, Copper, Manganese, China clay, Limestone, Chromite, Gold
Boundaries : East- Andhra Pradesh West - Goa and the
Arabian Sea, South - Kerala and Karnataka, North - Maharashtra
Crops
: Rice, Maize, Raji, Bajra, Apricot, Coconut, Cotton, Groundnut,
Chillies, Sugar-cane, Tobacco, Castor seeds, Tea
Karnataka
is situated in the southern part of India and spread over the Deccan
Plateau. Its language is Kannada & its people are known as
kannadigas. At 300B.C., it had formed the southern tip of Mauryan
empire. Its boundaries enlarged or receded swaying to the drum beats of
history & today it accounts for a sixteenth area of India & has
a population of about 45 million. The three distinct regions are a
narrow coastal area along Arabian Sea; high hills, the Western Ghats; &
sprawling plains towards the east. The name of the land Karnataka has
come from `Kari-nadu` meaning the land of black soil say the scholars, &
some others hold that `Karunadu` also means beautiful country; either
way the land is celebrated as beautiful throughout its ancient
literature.
Karnataka, called as Karunadu (elevated land) in
ancient times. The course of Karnataka's history and culture takes us
back to pre-historic times. The earliest find of the stone age period in
India was a hand axe at Lingasugur in Raichur district. Karnataka came
under the control of the British in the beginning of the 19th century.
The new state was named as new Mysore and the Maharaja of Mysore was
appointed Governor by Independent India. This unified state was renamed
as Karnataka on November 1, 1973.
Major Cities in
Karnataka
- Bangalore
The capital of Karnataka, Bangalore is
located in the south-east of the State. Rapid industrialisation has
not drastically altered the pace of life here, which is
comparitively unhurried. This, coupled with the agreeable climate,
the greenery, the cleanliness, the sense of order, make Bangalore
India's most congenial City.
- Hassan
This calm and peaceful town is a convenient
base to visit Shravanabelagola; Belur and Halebid.
- Badami
The capital of the early Chalukyas, Badami is
picturesquely situated at the mouth of a ravine between two rocky
hills. Badami is famous for its four cave temples - all hewn out of
sand stone on the precipice of a hill.
- Gulbarga
Gulbarga is a unique synthesis of two
cultures. Filled with beautiful palaces, mosques, stately buildings
and bazaars.
- Mysore
Mysore, once the capital of the Wodeyars,
still remains its old-world charm. Mysore Palace, Chamundi Hills and
Brindavan Gardens are the main attractions.
- Mangalore
Mangalore, District Headquarters of
Dakshina Kannada and a modern major port which boasts of a long
history of maritime trade. Places of interest are Kadri Hill,
Manjunath Temple, St. Aloysius College of Chapel and Jumma Masjid.
- Karwar
Karwar, the district headquarters and port
town traces its history to the time of Arab traders. It has chain of
five islands protecting it from storms.
- Hampi
"Vijayanagara is such that the pupil of
the eye has never seen a place like it...". You can still
glimpse the splendour of Vijayanagara - one of the largest empires
in the history of India - in its ruins. Hampi is full of surprises.
Fair & Festivals in Karnataka
- Pattadakal Dance Festival
- Karaga Festival
- Dasara Festival
- Hampi Dance & Music Festivals
Wildlife in Karnataka
- Agumbe
A winding ghat road and its spellbinding view
ascends to an altitude of 826 m. Here lies Agumbe, situated around
32 km from Thirthahalli in Shimoga district. The site is noted for
its alluring sunsets. Viewed from a platform the many hues of
twilight and the setting sun are at their best during the months of
November, December and January.
- Bandipur Wild life Sacntuary
Bandipur, in Karnataka,
offers a rich and varied wildlife habitat. It is a part of a larger
national park, which also includes the neighbouring wildlife
sanctuaries, of Mudumalaiin Tamil Nadu and Wynad in Kerala. This
sanctuary is one of the 15 sanctuaries selected across India for
Project Tiger, a scheme launched in 1973, by the World Wildlife Fund
for Nature, to save the tiger and its habitat.
- Bannerghatta Wild life Sanctuary
Teeming with exotic
species of wildlife, the park boasts of an astonishing variety of
trees like sandal, jalari, chujjullu, neem, tamarind, zizyphus
amongst others. The 104 sq km-park includes ten reserve forests of
Anekal Range of the Bangalore Forest Division. It is surrounded by
scenic hills, with many ancient temples perched on them.
- Nagarahole Wild life Sanctuary
Nagarahole is situated
in the picturesque districts of Kodagu and Mysore in southern
Karnataka. The Nagarahole National Park was first set up in 1955. In
1975 its area was increased to include a greater expanse of forest
reserve.
- Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary
When you take a holiday
to Ranganthittu, you're treated to some glorious sights. Yes, the
Sanctuary here is a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts. Just glance
around and you'll find a host of surprises.
- Hogenakkal Water Falls
This beautiful, quiet
waterfall is 25 km from Dharmapuri and 80 km from Bangalore towards
Salem. Here the Cauvery River enters the plains and the river
dashing against the rocks is a great sight. Hogenakkal is a
riverside spa where, according to its devotees, good health can be
had for the asking.
- Jog Water Falls
Jog (60 kms from Honnavar), a hamlet
of Kargal village is famous for its magnificent waterfalls. It is
Indias tallest water fall. The Sharavati river flowing over a rocky
bed takes a spectacular leap from a height of 292 meters and divides
into 4 smaller ones known as the Raja, Rani Rocket and Roarer
presenting a glorious view.
Hill Stations in Karnataka
- Nandi Hills
- Kermana Gundi
- Madikeri
- Biligiri Hills
- Kudremukh
Temples in Karnataka
- Cave Temple
- Vidhya Shankara Temple
- Shravanabelagola
- Iskon Temple
- Hoysaleswara Temple
- Sriomkareshwara Temple
Hotels in Karnataka
(Click below on any of the links to book your hotels)
Karnataka
Tours 
