Karnataka tourism is all about exploring history, culture & natural beauty. Travel to Karnataka state in India & explore tourism destinations.
Monuments
The tradition and culture have always flown freely in the veins of Karnataka. The vast regional diversity ranging from Bangalore, the Silicon Valley of India,
Gol Gumbaz | Mysore Palace |
Pilgrimage
There are a number of famous temples at Karnataka besides the spots sacred to various faiths of the country. However, Hinduism and Jainism have a profound influence on the region.
Gokarna | Sravanabelagola |
Wildlife
The exotic colorful birds, splendid flora varieties and numerous species of fauna constitute the Karnataka's greens and wildlife sanctuaries that accommodate thousands of mammals, birds,
Bandipur National Park | Nagarhole National Park |
Temples
The religious fervor of Karnataka is evident in the number of temples here that are living examples of Hoysala architectural style and have an aura of peace and serenity surrounding them.
Badami Cave Temples | Somnathpur Temple |
Beaches
The mesmerizing and enchanting world of gentle Arabian sea, swaying palm trees, a number of silvery beaches, clear blue skies and huge playful waves that splash you with waters and beautiful crimson sunset marks the 320 km coastline of Karnataka that offers respite from the strenuous urban life, peace and serenity.
Malpe Beach | Maravanthe Beach | Murudeshwar Beach |
Hassan
Though an important archeological site in itself, Hassan is more popularly known as a convenient base to the architectural ans sculptural wonders of Belur, Halebid and Sravanabelagola.
How to Reach | Tourist Attractions |
Mysore
Mysore is believed to be the corrupted form of 'Mahishasurana Ooru', which means 'the town of Mahishasura'. According to a legend, Mahishasura was a wicked demon
How to Reach | Tourist Attractions |
Hampi
Said to be 'Kishkindha', the kingdom of Sugriva, the ape-friend of Lord Rama as mentioned in the epic of Ramayana, the historic origins of Hampi dates back to 14th century,
How to Reach | Hampi Sightseeing |
Mangalore
Nestled amidst the Western Ghats of Karnataka, Mangalore is a hilly city, 357 km away from Bangalore. Its long winding streets and cool breezes during winters attract the attention of the tourists to the place.
How to Reach |Tourist Attractions |
Bangalore
'Garden city' of Bangalore is the seventh largest city in India. Named so because of its number of gorgeous blooming gardens and parks, it is also a most progressive metropolitan at par with the latest developments of the world and is also known as 'Silicon Valley' because of its booming IT industry
How to Reach | Bangalore Sightseeing |
State Capital: |
Bangalore |
Location: |
Stretches from 11.5o N to 18.5 o N and 74o E and 78.5o E longitude. |
Neighboring States: |
Maharashtra and Goa to the North,
Arabian Sea to the West,
Kerala and Tamil Nadu to the South, and
Andhra Pradesh to the East. |
Area: |
1,91,791 sq. km. |
Population: |
52,733,958 (according to the 2001 census) |
Regional Language: |
Kannada |
Climate: |
Semi-tropical |
Seasons: |
Summer - March to May,
Winter - December to March, and
Monsoon - (South-West) June to August,
(North-East) October to December. |
Physiography: |
Karavali (Coastal Plain), Sahyadris or Western Ghats, Malnad (Transitional Belt), Southern Plateau, Northern Plateau and Eastern Ghats. |
Karnataka arouses and titillates all our five senses at once with classical Carnatic Music famous throughout the World pleasing our ears. Known as the Capital of Agarbatti (incense sticks), Karnataka is also known for the aromatic coffee, arecanut and sandalwood plantations and the fragrant cool breezes of the land that blows across its beaches. The soft touch of the Silk and the unique cuisine of the region of Karnataka make it hold a special place in India. The rich culture, the traditional grandeur, the blessings of nature, the land of poets and literary artists and musicians, Karnataka has been a Culture Centre of the Past and the fastest growing Industrial State of the Present. Stretching about 750 km from North to South and 400 km from East to West, Karnataka is well endowed with monuments, wildlife and temples.
Spotlights:
Karnataka is a tourist's delight with wildlife sanctuaries at Bandipur, Nagarhole and Dandeli and Ranganathittu bird sanctuary near Srirangapatna, a well-known tourist center. A land of great religious figures like Shankaracharya, Ramanujacharya and Madhwacharya, social reformers like Sri Basaveshwara, revolutionary mathematicians like Bhaskaracharya, saint-poets such as Purandaradasa and Kanakadasa and noteworthy authors such as Pampa, Harihara and Kumara Vyasa, Karnataka has a rich heritage at display.
There are temples of Bijapur that are an artist's delight while temples of Halebid, Belur and Somanathapur are great architectural highlights. The skilful profusion of Indian sculpture can be seen at Hampi while Ibrahim-Roza at Bijapur, the Daria Daulat Bagh (Summer Palace) of Tippu Sultan at Srirangapatna, the Khwaja Bandenawaz Dargah at Gulbarga are celebrated examples of Muslim architecture while Christian architectural wonders can be seen in the churches of Mysore, Mangalore, Bangalore and Bijapur.