Karnataka

Karnataka state was formed on Nov 1, 1973. Karnataka's total land area is 1,91,791 sq km. It accounts for 5.83 percent of the total area of the country (32.88 lakh sq km) and ranks eighth among major States of the country in terms of size. Located in the southern part of the country, it is surrounded by other states like Maharashtra and Goa in the north, Tamil Nadu and Kerala in the south, Andhra Pradesh in the east and the Arabian sea in the west. The state of Karnataka is situated approximately between the latitudes 11.5° and 18.5° North and the longitudes 74° and 78.5° East. The state's long and colourful history, and the many forts, temples, mosques and churches make Karnataka a great place. The majority of the Karnataka state lies on the Deccan Plateau. Bangalore is the state capital. Karnataka is an enchanting land abounding in scenic beauty, rich is flora and fauna. It has pomp and pageantry of glorious traditions and marvels of modern engineering. Bijapur occupies the largest geographical area of the state with 8.89 percent and Bangalore has the smallest area with only 1.94 percent. Karnataka has always been at the forefront of industrial growth in India. With its inherent capabilities coupled with its enterprising citizens, Karnataka provides the ideal choice for investment opportunities. Karnataka is well known for producing some of the country's foremost statesmen, scholars and sportspersons and is one of the major revenue rakers through its strong tourism industry. Majority of IT activity in Karnataka is concentrated in Bangalore. The state possesses six percent of the total water resources in the country as there are many rivers flowing through it.

Pattadakal

Pattadakal - a World Heritage Centre - has 10 major temples representing early Chalukyan architecture. The biggest temple here, is dedicated to Virupaksha. Besides this temple is a group of temples remarkable primarily, for representing two chief styles of Indian architecture, side by side.

Belgaum

The district Headquarters, Belgaum is a charming blend of the old and the new. In the heart of Belgaum is the Fort, Kapileshwara temple, Ananthashayana temple etc . Belgaum also has some very impressive churches.

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.

Dharwad

Dharwad, calm, peaceful with a picturesque beauty, this town still retains its old-world charm. Dotting the town are a number of beautiful churches and temples. Dharwad is also a famous educational centre.

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.

Bijapur

Think of Bijapur and the first thing that comes to mind is Gol Gumbaz, Jumma Masjid. You can spend days exploring Bijapur.

Gulbarga

Gulbarga is a unique synthesis of two cultures filled with beautiful palaces, mosques, stately buildings and bazaars.

Aihole

Famous as the "Cradle of Indian Architecture", Aihole has over a hundred temples scattered around the village. The oldest temple here is, perhaps, the Lad Khan temple dating back to the 5th century. Not to be missed is the Konthi temple Complex.

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 chapel and Jumma Masjid.

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.

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.

Srirangapatna

This island of Tipu Sultan on the Bangalore-Mysore highway was the capital of the warrior-kings Hyder Ali and his son Tipu Sultan. Ranganathittu Bird Santury, 4 km from Srirangapatna is home to several exotic species of birds. Fort, Daria Daulat Bagh, Gumbaz are not to be missed.

Jog Falls

The Jog in Shimoga District is the tallest water fall in India where the river Sharavati jumps from a height of 293 m into four beautiful cascades. The best time to visit is only during July to October

The Cauvery at Shivasamudra falls (in Mandya district) has twin jumps, Gaganachukki and Bharachukki, one km away from each other and their water has been harnessed for production of power from 1901. The river Shimsha, a tributary of the Cauvery, has its fall in Malavalli taluk in Mandya district.

Abbi Falls

5 km away from Madikeri, Kodagu district which is a perennial hill-station.

Irrupu falls

48 km from Virajpet in Kodagu District, is bounded by scenic locals.

Chikmagalur district has many water falls. The hill stations at Kemmannagundi has the Hebbe Falls jumping down from a height of about 500 feet. Manikyandhara is yet another water falls near the famous pilgrim centre Baba Budangiri Dattatreya Peetha where water spills down like small balls giving the visitors a memorable shower bath.

Kallatti Falls

100 km from Kemmanugundi at Kallattipura in Tarikere taluk is another beautiful fall with water leaping down from a height of 400 feet. There is an old Veerabhadra temple very near the falls.

Chunchanakatte Falls

The picturesque Chunchanakatte Falls in Mysore district is at the place of the same name which also has an ancient temple of a Lord Rama close by Uttara Kannada is famous for its Unchalli (Lushington) Falls. Aghanashini river creates this water cascade which screams down from a height of about 450 feet. It is near Yellapur (19 km away) in Uttara Kannada Called `Mini Niagara', Gokak Falls is another fall known for its beauty. Cascading from a height of 170 feet, it is famous for its spread and shape. Gokak Falls must be visited in July-August when it will be in full bloom.

By Air

The Indian Airlines and some private domestic airlines connect Bangalore to all the major metropolitan and other cities of India like Thiruvananthpuram, Hyderabad, Goa, Kochi, Ahmedabad and Mangalore. International flights link Bangalore directly to Singapore, Dubai, London, Oman, Hong Kong and Saudi Arabia.

By Train

A good rail network connects Bangalore to various parts of India. The major Indian cities connected with Bangalore through regular trains are Chennai, Mysore, New Delhi, Kolkata and Mumbai.

By Road

There are national highways and a number of other roadways leading to the major cities and important towns. There are regular bus services to and from Bangalore for the nearby cities and towns.