Karnataka - The King of The States
What can you expect from a state which was ruled for centuries by some of the most powerful kings and dynasties, Emperor Ashoka, the Kadambas, the Chalukyas, the Cholas and the Hoysalas, Tipu Sultan and the British Raj.
Yes, it was an era of grandeur filled with heritage, culture, art, music and literature. Karnataka has contributed significantly to both forms of Indian classical music, both the Carnatic and Hindustani traditions. The most number of Jnanpith awards have been received by writers from Karnataka.
Welcome to a trip that will transport you in time as well as give you a glimpse of the future, for in Karnataka lies India’s fabled ‘silicon city’ –Bengaluru. Also called the garden city of India for many years, its luscious foliage is the perfect complement to some of the world’s most advanced technology and biotechnology companies. With a cosmopolitan population, it is a city that is packed with beautiful homes, malls, and a very hip nightlife. Bengaluru is also the seat of many educational and research institutes besides historic monuments, and traditional arts and crafts stores.
There is no better place better than Mysore to relive the past glory of a golden era. A visit to the Mysore Palace will leave you spell bound at the sheer opulence and, style of some of the finest works of art and culture, which reaches its zenith during the Dussehra Festival. While in Mysore, don’t forget to visit the many palaces, some of which have been converted into deluxe hotels, the most notable being Lalit Mahal Palace Hotel.
For the religious, a visit to Chamundeshwari Temple atop the Chamundi Hills as well as a visit to the 52 foot statute of Bahubali at Sravanabelagola are a must. Here once in 12 years, Maha Mastakabhisheka is held where the entire statue is bathed in milk, sandalwood, vermillion, curd. And you have the famous Brindavan Gardens where some of the most popular songs of old Bollywood movies were filmed.
The twin relics of Hampi and Halebidu give a picture post description of a golden era gone by. Once visited by the Portuguese, Arabs, Persians and the Orientals, the capital city of Vijayanagarahas become one of the heritage destinations for tourists. Not far from Bengaluru and Mysore are the picturesque and alluring mountains of Coorg. Visits to the coffee plantations, the waterfalls, Dubare Elephant Camp, Namdroling Nyingmapa Tibetan Monastery and Golden Temple and Raja’s Seat area must see. Situated on the borders between Shimoga and North Kanara, Jog Falls, falling from a height of 900 ft, is the highest waterfall in India. You can see four distinct cascades hurtling down with a mighty roar.
Murudeshwar Temple is famous for the world's second-tallest Shiva statue, Murudeshwara beach town lies on the coast of the Arabian Sea .The nearest airport to Murudeshwar is Mangalore International Airport at a distance of 160 kms.
Kudremukh, literally means 'horse-face' and refers to a spectacular picturesque view of a side of the mountain that looks like the face of a horse. It is a small town in Chikamagalur district in Karnataka. Kudremukh, a part of the majestic Western Ghats, is famous for bio-diversity conservation and is identified as one of the twenty-five hot spots in the world, noted for its scenic beauty rich in wildlife surrounded by natural dense forests. Spotting wildlife here is challenging. One has to go deep into the forest and only daring enthusiast are welcomed. The drive through these dense forest ranges is highly enjoyable and enchanting.
And for the adventure in you, Karnataka offers you plenty. You have white water rafting. The Bandipur Tiger Reserve situated in Mysore gives you close encounters with tigers, elephants and deer. The Kabini Jungle Lodge is a must before you head back home. This is where the famous Orange County Resort is situated, voted by Lonely Planet as one of the world’s top holiday resorts. Here you get to see tigers, rich flora and fauna.
