History and Geography

Karnataka has a recorded history of more than 2,000 years. Apart from its subjection to the rule of Nandas, Mauryas and the Satavahanas, Karnataka came to have indigenous dynasties like the Kadambas of Banavasi and the Ganges from the middle of the 4th century AD. The world renowned Gomateshwara monolith at Sharavanabelagola was installed by a Ganga minister Chavundaraya. The Chalukyas of Badami (500-735 AD) reigned over a wider area, from the Narmada to the Kaveri from the days of Pulikeshi II (609-642 AD) who even defeated the mighty Harshavardhana of Kanauj. This dynasty created fine, everlasting and the most beautiful monuments of Badami, Aihole and Pattadakal, both structural and rock-cut. Aihole has been one of the cradles of temples architecture in the country. The Rashtrakutas (753-973 AD) of Malkhed who succeeded from heaped tributes on the rulers of Kanauj successively in the so-called 'Age of Imperial Kanauj'. Kanada literature developed during this period. Outstanding Jain scholars of India lived in their court. The Chalukyas of Kalyana (973-1189 AD) and their feudatories, the Hoysalas of Halebidu built exiquisite temples, encouraged literature and various fine arts. Noted jurist Vijnaneshwara (work:Mitakshara) lived at Kalyana. The great religious leader Basaveshwara was a minister of Kalyana. Vijayanagar empire (1336-1646) patronised and fostered indigenous traditions and encouraged arts, religion and literature in Sanskrit, Kannada, Telugu and Tamil. Revolution in transport, communication and industries was ushered in. The urban middle-class emerged. Mysore dynasty initiated and helped industrialisation and cultural growth.

Freedom Movement was followed by the movement for the unification of Karanataka. After Independence, the Mysore State was created in 1953, wherein all the Kanada dominant areas under different dispensations were unified and the enlarged Mysore state carved in 1956 and was renamed Karnataka in 1973. Karnataka State is situated between 11031' and 18014' north latitudes and 74012' and 78010'.

Tourist Attraction in Karnataka

Bangalore :

Capital of the Southern state of Karnataka, Bangalore today is Asia's fastest growing cosmopolitan city. It is home to some of the most high tech industries in India. The I.T industry views Bangalore as the 'byte-basket' of India. Bangalore is also home to some of India's premier scientific establishments. Blessed with a salubrious climate, gardens & parks, natural lakes, architectural landmarks, shopping malls, the best restaurants and pubs in this part of the globe, business opportunities, Bangalore is the ideal gateway to India and beyond. Bangalore offers something for everyone-music and dance concerts (Western and Indian), dramas, exhibitions, carnivals, conferences and more.

Mysore :

Mysore is the second biggest City in the State of Karnataka. It lies 130 kms from the State Headquarters, Bangalore. It is the erstwhile capital of the Mysore Maharajas, who ruled Mysore State from this royal city. Mysore has still an old world charm which have not given way to modern amenities. In addition to its beautiful silk sarees and sandalwood oil, Mysore is famous for sandalwood and rose wood carved articles... Mysore silk is well known for its quality and everlasting lustre. Mysore is a city of palaces, gardens, shady avenues and sacred temples and retains some of the charm of the old world with its many institutions that propagate Carnatic Classical music and dance. Mysore District is an undulating table land, covered in parts by granite outcrops and fringed by verdant forests.

Hassan :

The mere mention of Hassan resonates with the names of Belur-Halebeed and Sravanabelagola. The temples at Belur & Halebeed are the mute testimony to the highest peak of Sculpting skills, that man has ever achieved.

Coorg / Madikeri Madikeri :(

at Coorg) is a well known hill station for tourists in Karnataka. It is situated 252 km from Bangalore, and it is the headquarters of the district Kodagu. It has mesmerizing mountain ranges all over with luscious greenery and the tranquil waters of the Cauvery River flowing through the hilly area. Madikeri gives a rejuvenating feel to those who visit this place, hence attracting a lot of tourists. It is known for its beautiful coffee, tea, and cardamom plantations. It is referred to as the Scotland of India and is said that its scenic beauty dragged the British to this tourist spot nearly 100 years ago. The hill resort also has a lot of ancient history attached to it with the Great Madikeri Fort.

Chikmagalur :

Chikmagalur is most suitable hill station, if you are wanderlust and love to walk along the rocky cliffs, drinking in the pristine beauty of the surroundings, enjoying the whiff of cool breeze and revelling in the beauty of the resplendent valley. Chikmagalur Hill Station Karnataka is full of scenic surprises. Located at a height of 1900 meters, Chikmagalur fascinates one with its looming mountains, captivating cascades, silver streams and verdant valleys.

Bandipur National Park :

Bandipur Tiger Reserve situated in Mysore District of Karnataka State of India was among the first nine Tiger Reserves created in India at the launch of Project Tiger in 1973. It is contiguous to Madhumalai Wildlife Sanctuary in Tamil Nadu state to south and Wynad Wildlife Sanctuary in Kerala state to the south-west. To the north-west lies Nagarhole National Park. The highest peak is Gopalaswamy hill. A Sanctuary of 90 sq. km. area was created in Bandipur Reserve Forest in 1931. Venugopala Wildlife Park was constituted in 1941, extending over 800 sq. km. The Park was named after the deity, Venugopala of the shrine atop this hill. Bandipur Tiger reserve was formed by including most of the forest area of the then Venugopala Wildlife Park and its sanctum sanctorum at Bandipur, in the year 1973 and named Bandipur National Park. All the forests included in the Reserve are reserved forests notified prior to independence. Notification for proposed Bandipur National Park was issued in 1985. . The area is an abode of endangered species like Tiger, Leopard, Elephant, Gaur, Sambar, Spotted deer, Sloth bear, Mouse deer, Wild dog, four horned Antelope.

Nagarhole National Park :

Covering an area of 644 sq km, the Nagarhole National Park is situated between the Kabini River and the Bandipur National Park. The Nagarhole National Park mainly consists of moist deciduous forest in the northern and western parts and dry deciduous forest in the south-eastern part. Nagarhole is among a few wildlife sanctuaries in India, which are considered to be safe haven for elephants. If there is anything you would enjoy watching (besides other things) in the park is the great elephant show. Nagarhole National Park is primarily an elephant territory. The Nagarhole National Park derives its name from two words 'Naga' meaning snake and 'hole' meaning streams. The Nagarhole National Park is also home to tiger, sloth bear and hyena, leopard, wild dog, spotted deer, sambar, barking deer, four-horned antelope, wild boar and gaur. The big cat may be as elusive as it is in many national parks across the country but you can certainly get a glimpse of other animals like sambar, wild boar, gaur, wild dog and spotted deer. Among the 250 bird species found in the park, the most common are the common bulbul, babbler, bee-eater, crested serpent, dove, hornbill, alexandrine, peacock, woodpecker, Malabar pied, warbler, great Indian reed, crested hawk, eagle, golden-back parakeet, and the southern tree pie.