Karnataka
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,
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 through out the World has given much more to
the World than Carnatic Music, a unique form of Classical Music patroned by many
across the continents.
Fast Facts :
- Area: 191,791 sq km
- Population: 52.7 million
- Capital: Bangalore
- Languages spoken: Kannada, Tulu, Konkani, Kodava, Hindi, English
Best
- Time to visit: September to February
- Major Cities: Badami, Bangalore, Belur, Bidar, Bijapur, Coorg, Gulbarga, Hampi, Hassan, Hospet, Mysore
Tourist Attractions :
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 ambience 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.
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 frieze around the walls
outside are all different from each other.
Badami :
Badami also
has eighteen inscriptionsranging 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.
Rock-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 sand stone 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 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, aquatherapy, aromatic
sea polish, and three body scrubs.
