The glorious state of Karnataka is enchanting in its duality of attractions. On one hand, the state is home to the IT industry of India and on the other, you will find the heritage of ancient dynasties and empires.
Its capital, Bengaluru is home to the burgeoning software and biotech industries of India. Modernity has enveloped this city and is spreading quickly to the other cities. Malls and pubs are found easily here. At the same time, Karnataka has taken care of its heritage. Here, you will be presented with scenes that seem to have stepped out of a history book. Magnificent palaces, ancient forts and historic monuments dot the landscape of Karnataka. The cities of Mysore and Hampi showcase the rich history of the region.
Nature is also an essential part of the landscape of Karnataka. You can roam around the fantastic beaches while being bathed in the cool breezes and pristine waters that flow from the Arabian Sea. Some of them include the Om Beach, Ullal Beach and the Panambur Beach. A rich cover of emerald forests hide some pretty and majestic animals such as the tiger. The enchanting jade forests of Coorg and the sanguine red rocks of Badami are some of the vistas created by nature for you to revel in.
You can enjoy an amazing time in Karnataka. The spectacular beaches, the enchanting nature, the profound history of the state make an enthralling experience. Of course you can delight yourself with modern comforts here as well.
Bangalore, or as it is now called, Bengaluru, is considered to be the best city down in south India. The climate is cool and the atmosphere is extremely friendly. You can enjoy dining and shopping at the modern locales of Bangalore.The city is the center of the IT industry of India which is booming and expanding rapidly. This has allowed the city to become one of the most progressive cities in India. However, the city has not allowed itself to forget its heritage in its race to progress. Here you will find greeneries preserved beautifully amidst towering skyscrapers. The colonial heritage of the city is also protected and maintained quite nicely.Bangalore offers a modern outlook while taking care of its rich past.
Tipu Sultan’s Palace
Bull Temple
Lalbagh Botanical Gardens
At Hampi, forlorn ruins lie ensconced within an emerald forest. The unreal sight seems to have been magically lifted from some fairytale.The ruins are scattered over a spellbinding landscape. The undulating terrain is decorated with giant boulders that seem to be lging to the landscape quite precariously. There dull shades contrast with the jade and emerald hues of the banana plantations, paddy fields and palm groves while the blue skies shine overhead with snowy clouds. The scenic Tungabhadra River flows around the area. Enchantment exudes from this picture perfect area.In Hampi, you can let yourself go and get lost in the fascinating ruins. The other option is to just stand, stare and wonder about the magical place created by nature. Hampi is an echo to the magnificent past of India and has been given a world heritage status by UNESCO. Currently a small and quaint village, Hampi was once the glorious capital of the Vijaynagar Empire. The magnificent empire once stretched from the west coast to the east coast of India. Hampi, however, does not offer only a splendid history; it is an important religious site.
Virupaksha Temple
Daroji Sloth Bear Sanctuary
Matanga Hill
Lakshmi Narasimha Temple
If you wish to see and feel South India, a trip to Mysore is necessary. It is not an overstatement at all. The ancient city has a history that stretches back to nearly 600 years of glory and legacy.Flamboyancy is a byword in Mysore. The royal heritage glitters in the cityscape like stars while monuments stand regally. The markets here bustle with activities and the culture is cosmopolitan. Mysore is the capital of culture in Karnataka. A plethora of scenic views are available in the city both natural and historical. The city has been blessed with a rich biodiversity.Once you have experienced the beauty of Mysore in all its forms, it will haunt you forever. Mysore has a powerful charm after all.
The Mysore Palace
The Brindavan Gardens
Chamundi Hills
St. Philomena’s Church
Once it was the majestic capital of the magnificent Chalukya Empire, now Badami is a small but interesting town. An atmosphere of tranquility envelopes the area while a spiritual aura is radiated by the many temples. Apart from the holy temples, Badami has cultural heritages and majestic monuments. The red soil of the land creates a sanguine effect on everything it touches.The rule of the Chalukya dynasty has left a strong mark on the landscape of Badami. Widely considered to be one of the best architects of their age, the people of the Chalukya Empire have left behind some of the most spectacular buildings in the area. The incredible temples built by them were inspired from Dravidan style principles. The Chalukya dynasty was, however, famed for their ability to create these stunning temples by carving out a single huge rock. These temples have elaborate designs and magnificent idols and add to the beauty of the surrounding landscape.
Badami Fort
Bhutanath Temple
Cave temples
Nestled amidst timeless emerald hills and deep jade valleys, Coorg is a natural wonder. An enchanting atmosphere lies over the scenic city. This is a place of picturesque views.The awesome natural wonders of Coorg are just the icing on a very rich cake. After all, the place is possessed a rich cultural background and deep history. The story of Coorg dates back to the 2nd century. It has been the witness to bloody wars and glorious empires and dynasties. Your attention will be constantly attracted to the various places of interest dotting the landscape of this beautiful hill station.The hills of Coorg are famed around the world for the plantations of spice and coffee. As your travel around this emerald land, you will be intoxicated by the fragrance that rises from these places. As you languidly wander around, you are going to come face to face with some amazing birds. At the end of the day, the area will rejuvenate you with its refreshing beauty.
Raja’s Seat
Omkareshwara Temple
Madikeri Fort
Abbey Falls
The beautiful town of Gokarna lies on the shores of the Arabian Sea. It is widely known as a pilgrimage site for Hindus but contains spectacular beaches as well.The temples of Gokarna are incredible in their beauty. They are filled with artistic treasures and their sculptures have been fantastically created. The temple dedicated to Lord Mahabhaleshwara, an avatar of Lord Shiva. The rich beauty of Gokarna however lies in its natural vistas. Here, the two rivers, Aghanashini and Gangavali have their confluences. As they flow towards their respective confluences, they create the shape of a cow’s ear. This has given rise to the name Gokarna, which means cow’s ears in the native tongue.
The shorelines of Gokarna have been blessed by a number of spectacular beaches. These beaches are filled with the glorious sight of golden sands being greeted by the azure waters of the Arabian Sea. Some of the more beautiful beaches here are the Om Beach, Paradise Beach and the Nirvana Beach.
Mangalore offers an alternating vista for you to enjoy. Sometimes it seems like a relaxing coastal town while at other times it may seem you have reached a hectic commercial hub. This variation in the atmosphere is a different experience altogether.There is a decidedly off the beaten path feel to the city of Mangalore. The beautiful rivers, Gurupur and Netravathi have their estuaries here which are a fascinating sight to behold. As a port city, Mangalore has been an important spot for trade routes which date back to the 6th century. You are going to love the spicy dishes here which use fresh seafood as their main ingredient.There can be no denying the natural beauty of Mangalore. It is simply superb. The tranquil surroundings can make even the most tired traveller feel delighted. Here you will find slender streets that wind around picturesque homes with gable roofs. Tall coconut trees line the stunning beaches while the energetic smell of the sea washes over you. The many temples and churches add a dash of spirituality to the atmosphere of Mangalore.
Kadri Manjunath Temple
St. Aloysius Church
Mangalore Beach
