Situated on the western edge of the Deccan plateau, the coastal state of Karnataka is the 8th largest state both in terms of area and population. On the west it has a 320-kilometre-long coastline fringing the Arabian Sea. Goa and Maharashtra are its northwestern and northern neighbours, Andhra Pradesh forms its eastern border while in the south it has boundaries with Kerala and Tamil Nadu.

 Today Karnataka is better known as the state of charming contrasts, with the modern blending harmoniously with the old. It has, also, some of the most magnificent monuments, temples, palaces and beaches in the country. The innumerous temples and the beautiful architecture give it an incomparable charm. The name Karnataka comes from the Karanadu which means a lofty land.

Famous for its Vrindavan Gardens, the Shravana Belagola temple, the monuments of Hampi and Halebid, Karnataka is fast shifting form an ancient cultural heritage destination to become the Silicon Valley of India, with Bangalore its capital. The capital par excellence, Bangalore today, has become an industrial metropolis. It is also called India’s computer and science city. Sophisticated industries in the public sector employ thousands and thousands of workers.

Aircraft building, telecommunication, aeronautics, machine manufacture, etc., have taken giant strides here. Bangalore was known for its salubrious climate, which however is now being debated because of the accelerated progress of modern industry. It was also called an air-conditioned city and a pensioner's paradise until the rush of Information Technology in the 1990’s turned it into a bustling metropolis.

The state has many gardens and was once famous as the rich princely state of Mysore. Although the principal language is Kannada, another dialect Tulu and the languages of various states such Konkani from Goa and Marathi from Maharashtra are widely spoken. A wide array of vegetarian and non vegetarian food is the specialty of the state. The cuisine of Karnataka has blended its flavours with the rest of neighbouring states' food, thus creating an irresistible fare of a lip smacking food. Shopping in Karnataka is a pleasure. Fragrant incense sticks, pure sandalwood, silk sarees and objects made of wood are definitely worth the money.

Mysore, once the capital of a powerful kingdom, has a profusion of palaces and museums. Nearby Srirangapatnam is linked to the memory of one of the old states best known rulers - Tipu Sultan. Somnathpur, a few miles away, has a magnificently carved temple. As does Belur and Halebid. For perfection of finish, wealth of detail and sheer artistry, they are unrivaled specimens of the art of temple sculpture.

Culturally, Karnataka's folk theatre has an ancient and rich tradition, the two principal forms being Yakshagana and the puppet theatre. Yakshagana a powerful and vibrant spectacle is somewhat similar to the Kathakali tradition of Kerala, in the choice of its elaborate costumes.

Bhootada Kunita (Dance of the Divine Cult), Nagamandala and the demon dance are some quaint rituals prevalent only in Dakshina Kannada coastal area and they embody the profound drama of life.

Karnataka is beautiful not only in the eyes of her sons and daughters. She captivates any one who sets eyes on her. It was the great Mauryan Emperor Chandragupta who traversed all the way from Magadha to distant Sravanabelagola to lay his remains in this land before entering the Kingdom of God. The state consists of a narrow coastal strip backed by the monsoon-drenched Western Ghats and a drier, cooler interior plateau that runs arid in the far north. It's a major producer of coffee, spices and betel nut, and supplies 60% of the country's silk.

History

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. The Ashoka's rock edicts found in the state indicates that major parts of Northern Karnataka were under the Mauryas. Chandragupta Maurya, the great Indian emperor abdicated the throne and embraced Jainism at Sravanabelagola. Adding new dimensions to the cultural and spiritual ethos of the land, many great dynasties left their imprint upon the aesthetic development of Karnataka's art forms. Prominent among them were the Chalukyas, the Hoysalas and the mighty Vijayanagara Empire. The Chalukyans built some of the very early Hindu temples in India. Aihole turned up as an experimental base for the dynamic creations of architects. The Hoysalas who ruled from the 11th to the 13th century chiseled their way into the pages of glory by building more than 150 temples each one is a masterpiece in its own way.

The amazing dexterity and fluidity of expressions at Somnathpur, Halebid and Belur open themselves to the wide-eyed wonder in one's eyes. Vijayanagara, the greatest of all medieval Hindu empires and one of the greatest the world over, fostered the development of intellectual pursuits and fine arts. "The eye of the pupil has never seen a place like it and the ear of intelligence has never been informed that there existed anything to equal it in the world" is what Abdur Razaaq the Persian ambassador had to say about Krishnadevaraya's time.

Hyder Ali and his valiant son Tipu Sultan are notable figures in the history of the land. They expanded the Mysore kingdom on an unprecedented scale and by their resistance against the British, became personages of world fame. Tipu was a great scholar and lover of literature. His artistic pursuits were also many and he made rich gifts to the Hindu temples. Tipu Sultan "Tiger of Karnataka" was killed in 1799 A.D., and the Mysore throne was handed over to the Wodeyar's. The whole of 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.

Places of interest

Chikmagalur

Chikmagalur is situated in southwestern part of Karnataka. Carved against a mountainous canvas this beautiful Malnad district is full of surprises... lofty peaks... delightful dales... racing rivers... sparkling streams... captivating cascades... and the bracing mountain air - a balm to the work-weary. Climb high above the world where the mountains seem to touch the sky. Marvel at the unspoilt beauty of the snow-white coffee blossoms. To add adventure to enchantment this hilly district has some exciting trekking routes in the Western Ghats.

In Chickmagalur district, the major commercial crop is coffee. Other commercial crops are Pepper, Cashew nuts etc. Mullain Giri, the highest peak in Karnataka (viz., 6,317 feet high from Sea Level) is 12 Kms away from Chickmagalur. Number of rivers originates from the hills of Chickmagalur district and flow in all the seasons. Rivers such as, Bhadra, Tunga, Hemavathi, Netravathi & Vedavathi. Several minerals are found in the district such as iron, magnetite, granite etc. A major Iron Ore Company in Asia is located at Kudremukh in Chickmagalur district.

The district is dotted with many holy spots and abounds in legends associated with stories from the great epics, the Ramayana and the Mahabharata. Right from ancient times the numerous 'agraharas' have been lively centers of educational and cultural pursuits. Dating back to the early centuries of the Christian era are numerous epigraphs, which give a vivid pictures of the rise and fall of empires in the state.

Mysore

Mysore was the political capital of the Wodeyar dynasty, which ruled the state of Karnataka for some 150 years till the independence of the country from the British. These kings were great patrons of art and culture and Mysore was the cultural capital of the south under the rule of the Wodeyars. The Wodeyars made the Dussehra festival, an event to showcase the rich culture and heritage of the town. Even to this date this celebration of the Dussehra, which is a 10-day celebration during the month of Oct/ Nov is a spectacular event to watch.

Mysore is a city of palaces, gardens, shady avenues and sacred temples and retains some of the charm of the old world with its many institutions that propagate Carnatic Classical music and dance.

Situated in the southern part of the Deccan Plateau, Mysore District is an undulating tableland, covered in parts by granite outcrops and fringed by verdant forests. From ancient times, this district has played a significant role in the history of South India. Mysore District is a popular tourist destination, offering several attractions ranging from the royal splendour of Mysore City and its fabulous Dasara Festival to exquisite temples, pilgrimage centres and scenic spots.

Mysore city is at 770m above sea level and 140 kms from Bangalore. Also known as the City of Palaces, Mysore retains a quaint charm that never fails to enchant.

Mysore today, is a pleasant city with an old world charm; contributed by its broad shady avenues, well laid out gardens, fine buildings and a salubrious climate.

Mysore district is 770m above the sea level having an area of 6,268 sq. kms. The district has a population of 22,81,653 (1991 census). The climate is pleasant enough, which registers normal temperature between 19ºC and 30ºC.  

  Coorg

A friendly warning to all concerned: One trip to Coorg (Kodagu) and it'll haunt you for the rest of your life. You might leave Coorg, but Coorg will never leave you.

That's Coorg for you, incomparable scenic beauty, lush green valleys, coffee plantations, teak wood forests & majestic mountain ranges. Add to that- a strong, brave martial race of Coorgs (Kodavas) that reveres tradition, has a distinct culture and lives life to its fullest.

Coorg is situated on the Western Ghats of Karnataka in South India. For the adventurous at heart, it is an absolute treat. There are trekking, golfing and angling (Mahaseer too!) options available. Religious trips abound on Hindu and Buddhist circuits. Family getaways can be easily arranged. You can also relax your body and mind with special Ayurvedic massages. Coorg is also as trendy and happening as its close neighbour Bangalore.

But the predominant entity here is nature at its best. Coorg is like the dreamland of the philosopher. If you're the type who likes to mingle with nature, romance in the mountains, feel the tingle of the cool and gentle breeze, watch leaves flutter in dance-like movements and hear sounds of birds fill the air, then Coorg is just the place for you. 

Belgaum   

The District Headquarters, Belgaum is a picture of contrasts. On one side is the old town area where the cotton and silk weavers still create magic with their fingers , and on the other the modern, bustling, tree-lined Cantonment built by the British.

Belgaum is one of the fastest growing cities in the northwest part of Karnataka. The district of Belgaum borders two states, Maharashta and Goa. Belgaum is accessible via air from Bombay and Bangalore. It is about 100 km (by road) from Hubli, which is one of the bigger junctions on the South-Central Railway. Belgaum is also connected by rail (single line).

Belgaum has several large industries; important among them is the INDAL Aluminium Factory. Belgaum is famous for the sweets and locally made ice cream. Belgaum is also home to several divisions of the Indian Armed Forces. The Maratha Light Infantry has its regimental headquarters in Belgaum. The Commando School of the Indian Army is also situated in Belgaum. The Indian Air Force has a big airbase near Belgaum.

Belgaum, ancient `Venugrama' (`Bamboo village') was the capital of the Rattas who shifted to this place from Saundatti during the close of 12th century. The place has a fort inside which there is the famous Kamalabasti built in 1204. It has a fine huge protruding lotus (Kamala) in its ceiling and this beautiful structure in Chalukyan style houses Neminatha Teerthankara image. Inside the fort is another excellent structure, the Safa Mosque with three entrances decorated with floral and calligraphic designs. Two of its pillars have Kannada inscriptions in Nagari scripts, one of 1199 of Ratta King Kartaveerya IV and another of 1261 of Sevuna (Yadava) Krishna.

A few other landmarks in Belgaum are: The St. Mary's Chruch built in 1869, the Maruthi temple believed to be of Chalukyan times, the Kapileshwar temple also of Chalukyan times.

General Information

Area: 1, 91,791 sq.km

Population: 5,27,33,958

Capital: Bangalore

Languages: The official language is Kannada.Tulu, Konkani and Marathi are spoken  regionally. English, Hindi and Tamil are widely spoken in
Bangalore and other cities.

Major Cities: Mysore, Hubli, Dharwar, Mangalore, Belgaum, Bijapur and Gulburga.