Karnataka Travel Guide
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
Fact File
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.
