Karnataka – Elevated Land
Unfurl the great heritage of Karnataka as you plan to explore the fascinating state. Encompassing some of the great temples and monuments, Karnataka promises a fulfilling experience.
As a kaleidoscope to various activities, your Karnataka tour will definitely be a retreat for you all. With attractions like Badami Caves, Nagarhole national park, and Vidhan Soudha, the Karnataka tour is definitely a delight for tourists.
Spice, sandal, silk, and scenery merge to present a state enmeshed in a glorious blend of the old and new Karnataka, formerly known as Mysore. Home to 48.6 million people, it has been able to preserve its past heritage and embrace the vision of the future with equal elan. Set against the Arabian Sea with the Deccan plateau in the background, the state consists of a narrow coastal strip backed by the monsoon-drenched Western Ghats and a drier, cooler interior plateau that turns arid in the far north.
The state of Karnataka is the Lofty Land, formerly known as Mysore which is flanked by Goa and Maharashtra and lies to the west of Andhra Pradesh, to the north-west of Tamil Nadu, and to the north of Kerala. It lies majorly in the Deccan Plateau and in the rain-shadow areas. Karnataka is a state of charming contrasts, the modern blending harmoniously with the old.
The hustle-bustle of industries nestling comfortably with the easy-going, relaxed pace of life. It also has some of the most magnificent monuments, temples, palaces, and beaches in the country. Karnataka popularly known for Carnatic Music throughout the World has given much more to the World than Carnatic Music, a unique form of Classical Music patronized by many across the continents.
Fast Facts :
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Area: 191,791 sq km
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Population: 6,11,30,704
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Capital: Bangalore
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Languages spoken: Kannada, Tulu, Konkani, Kodava, Hindi, English
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Best Time to visit: September to February
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Major Cities: Badami, Bangalore, Belur, Bidar, Bijapur, Coorg, Gulbarga, Hampi, Hassan, Hospet, Mysore
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State Emblem: Emblem of Karnataka
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State Animal: Asian elephant
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State Bird: Indian roller
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State Tree: Sandalwood
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State Flower: Lotus
- Culture and Tradition of Karnataka
Tourist Attractions of Karnataka:
Hampi
Hampi is famous for its ruins belonging to the erstwhile medieval Hindu kingdom of Vijayanagar and it has been declared a World Heritage site. The temples of Hampi, its monolithic sculptures and monuments, attract the traveler because of their excellent workmanship. The Hindu style of architecture found at Hampi reflect the splendor of the Vijayanagar Empire. The rugged landscape adds to the historic ambiance of this site.
Mysore
The erstwhile capital of Karnataka, Mysore is a city of palaces, people, and smells. It has a clean, light, and easygoing environment and retains its serenity and old-worldly charm. Full of ancient and rich aromas, the word Mysore expands to ‘Mahishasurana Ooru‘, which means the town of Mahishasura. According to the legend, goddess Chamundeshwari atop the Chamundi hill near Mysore killed the demon Mahishasura. Ever since the Mysore royal family has worshipped Chamundeshwari as the palace deity. Hills dedicated to her stand at the eastern end of Mysore town today.
Suggested Read: Formation Dates of Indian States
Belur
Belur is known as the Dakshina Varanasi or Southern Banaras. The serenity of Belur is attributed to the celebrated temple of Channakeshava, built by the Hoysala Kind Vishnuvardhana in 1117 A.D. to commemorate his conversion from Jainism to Vaishnavism. The main structure of the temple, which is star-shaped, is a homogenous architectural unit on a raised platform. Everything is carved in black stone, looking like metal. Facing the temple, at the entrance, stands the winged figure of Garuda, Lord Vishnu’s carrier. The 650 charging elephants on the frieze around the walls outside are all different from each other.
Badami
Badami also has eighteen inscriptions ranging from the sixth to the sixteenth century. After you have exclaimed over the beautiful sculptures and admired the exquisite carvings, stop by at the museum set up by the Archaeological Survey of India.
BestRock-cut cave temples, gateways, forts, inscriptions, sculptures that seem to come alive under your eyes… Badami has to be seen to be believed. Climb a flight of steps to reach the ancient caves all hewn out of sandstone on the precipice of a hill. The capital of the Early Chalukyas, Badami (also known as Vatapi), is picturesquely situated at the mouth of a ravine between two rocky hills.
Golden Palms Spa
The Golden Palms Spa, near Bangalore, is located on a lush coconut palm grove. Some 75,000 square feet are dedicated to the spa, beauty, cosmetic surgery, diagnostic, and fitness programs. Built-in the rugged grandeur of the Moorish-Spanish casitas, the Spa is steeped in luxury. Nestling among acres of lush foliage, sprawling lawns, lagoon, and waterfalls, the exquisite architecture and landscaping create a perfect recreational paradise. On offer are ayurvedic treatments, aqua therapy, aromatic sea polish, and three body scrubs.
