The state of Karnataka lies on the south-western coast of India where the Arabian Sea slaps onto the Karavali, the coastline of the state. Besides miles or tropical beach, Karnataka boasts two other geographical features; a massive plateau and hilly upcountry. The Western Ghats, forests, dried lava beds and a intricate river system all contribute to the variety of landscape and rich biodiversity that is only matched by the region’s long and colourful history.
Almost 75,000 square miles make up the state and that is a whole lot of Karnataka, especially considering how there is within it to see besides the prosperous capital of Bangalore. There is plenty to fill the plates and equally satisfy the nature lover, the trekker, the historian, the ethnic devotee as well as the typical tourist. The uncomplicated matters, I’m going to split up Karnataka’s most appealing attractions into two categories. Bear in mind though, that it is very, very hard to avoid the beautiful scenery or rich history of the land, almost no matter where you go which means that the Karnataka tourist is usually given the best of both worlds.
Historical Hotspots
Raichur
Archaeological findings take this zone back to the Stone Age, but more popular sights are the many forts (especially fort Raichur) and ancient temples. The Vijayangara Empire in particular, has left quite a legacy here.
(Geo: wedged between the rivers Tungabhadra and Krishna)
Archaeological findings take this zone back to the Stone Age, but more popular sights are the many forts (especially fort Raichur) and ancient temples. The Vijayangara Empire in particular, has left quite a legacy here.
(Geo: wedged between the rivers Tungabhadra and Krishna)
Mysore
Filled with relics of the Wodeyar dynasty, this is the cultural capital of Karnataka. Contains the Ambavilas Palace, centre of a 10-day Dasara festival, a score of museums, magnificent monuments and Brindavan Gardens. Visit Somanathapura for its famous temple and Hoysala architecture.
(Geo: Chamundi Hills and Karanji lake)
Filled with relics of the Wodeyar dynasty, this is the cultural capital of Karnataka. Contains the Ambavilas Palace, centre of a 10-day Dasara festival, a score of museums, magnificent monuments and Brindavan Gardens. Visit Somanathapura for its famous temple and Hoysala architecture.
(Geo: Chamundi Hills and Karanji lake)
Bijapur
Architecture here is mainly Islamic and features the massively domed Gol gumbaz, many other notable monument-tombs, a 16th century tower with external spiralling stairs and much more. Also impressive is Malik-e-Maidan, the world’s oldest medieval cannon.
Architecture here is mainly Islamic and features the massively domed Gol gumbaz, many other notable monument-tombs, a 16th century tower with external spiralling stairs and much more. Also impressive is Malik-e-Maidan, the world’s oldest medieval cannon.
Geographical Desires
Uttara Kannada
Characterised by the jagged Sahyadri Range and beautiful beaches between which lie sandwiched a range of flat-topped hills. Home to 4 major rivers and waterfalls such as the Magod, Unchalli and the famous Jog falls. Elephants, tigers, panthers and more roam the lusher regions while scrub jungle is equally rich in wildlife.
(Hist: A ruined mosque, plenty of ancient temples, architecture and sculptures from a variety of eras)
Characterised by the jagged Sahyadri Range and beautiful beaches between which lie sandwiched a range of flat-topped hills. Home to 4 major rivers and waterfalls such as the Magod, Unchalli and the famous Jog falls. Elephants, tigers, panthers and more roam the lusher regions while scrub jungle is equally rich in wildlife.
(Hist: A ruined mosque, plenty of ancient temples, architecture and sculptures from a variety of eras)
Shivamogga
A selection of rivers, dams, waterfalls (Barkana, Jog…) and hills add thrills to an already diverse and challenging terrain. Pack your binoculars for treks through the many wildlife sanctuaries which house far too many species to even summarise right here, which is a good thing for Shivamogga. The district is filled with diverse towns from many different Kingdoms.
(Hist: Plenty of history here, since almost every great kingdom fought for a hold here. Keep an eye out for the Shivamogga Palace, Museum and Fort as well as ancient temples and monuments.)
A selection of rivers, dams, waterfalls (Barkana, Jog…) and hills add thrills to an already diverse and challenging terrain. Pack your binoculars for treks through the many wildlife sanctuaries which house far too many species to even summarise right here, which is a good thing for Shivamogga. The district is filled with diverse towns from many different Kingdoms.
(Hist: Plenty of history here, since almost every great kingdom fought for a hold here. Keep an eye out for the Shivamogga Palace, Museum and Fort as well as ancient temples and monuments.)
Chikkamagaluru
Home to Karnataka’s highest peak, this district has magnificent trekking potential. The hills are laced with rivers and waterfalls while Kudremukh National Park and the wildlife sanctuary draw in the nature lovers. Scenic hill stations provide great rest stops for those that journey through the terrain.
(Hist: Amruthapura is rich in architectural treasures and relics of the Hoysala Kingdom)
Home to Karnataka’s highest peak, this district has magnificent trekking potential. The hills are laced with rivers and waterfalls while Kudremukh National Park and the wildlife sanctuary draw in the nature lovers. Scenic hill stations provide great rest stops for those that journey through the terrain.
(Hist: Amruthapura is rich in architectural treasures and relics of the Hoysala Kingdom)