Things To Do in karnataka
The largest state in southern India, Karnataka has a culture, language and history quite distinct from its neighbours. The dichotomy of past and present is obvious when comparing the state's two main cities, Bangalore and Mysore. The former is India's IT capital - a sprawling city with every convenience (and some of the inconveniences) that you would expect to find in a major western city.
Mysore - India
City of Royale
Mysore maintains much of its colonial charm, dominated by the opulent Sultan's Palace. Life in Mysore is relaxed, the markets and bazaars are legendary and the climate cooler than on the plains below.
Aside from the main palace, the folklore Museum with a wealth of carvings, puppets and ceremonial headwear. The Jagamohan Palace and Somnathpur temples are also worthy of time here. Mysore can be used as a base to explore further Hoysala empire temples and is a gateway to hill stations and areas of natural beauty in the surrounding region.
Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary - Karnataka
Array of Exotic species
Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary is one hour's drive from Mysore on the banks of the Kaveri (Cauvery) River. There is a wide variety of birdlife here including storks, herons, cormorants, egrets, darters, kingfishers and other water birds.
Crocodiles and otters also live in the water surrounding the six islets that comprise the sanctuary. There is an option to take a boat ride down the Kaveri River to see the native and migratory birds nesting and feeding in the sanctuary.
Hassan - Karnataka
Home for Architectural Marvels
Hassan is derived from the name of the smiling goddess, Hassanamba. Hassan is a good base from which to visit the Hoysala-era temples at Halebid and Belur. These temples boast the unique architecture of this empire and time period, with these particular temples dating to the 12th century CE. Carved from local stone, both are striking examples of the artistry of the Hoysala temple builders.
Also in the area are the 18th-century Shettyhali Church, the giant Gorur dam and Sri Ranganatha Temple. From Hassan you can continue on to reach Hampi within a comfortable day’s drive.
Gomateshwara's Statue - Karnataka
“Bahubali, the First Thirthankara”
The tallest monolithic statue in the world can be found in Shravanabelagola. The status was completed in 993 CE after around 15 years of work. This took place during a period when Jainism was the dominant religion here, and dedicated to the Jain god Bahubali, this immense marble monolith is close to 20 metres tall.
Most easily visited from Hassan, the statue is around 60km from the town and about 150km from Bangalore Airport.
Hampi - Karnataka
Treasure of Culture and Heritage
Karnataka's most significant historical site is the ruined Vijayanagar city at Hampi. This was the capital of a huge empire between the early 14th and mid-16th centuries CE. The most splendid monument of Hampi is undoubtedly the Vithala Temple Complex with its 56 musical pillars but there are many other points of interest including Virupaksha Temple, the Queen's Bath and the Elephant stables. While Hampi is becoming more accessible with better roads and some air-connectivity, it’s still a place which requires some commitment of time to reach, and really any less than 2 full days will never do justice the vastness of the site.
The Caves At Badami - Karnataka
Transcendant Beauty in a Specatular setting
These are well preserved but less extensive than those at Ajanta and Ellora. The 3 main caves are dedicated to Shiva, Vishnu and Jainism respectively with detailed decorations depicting aspects of the deities. There is a good archaeological museum and good views for those who climb up to the fort. Close by are temples at Pattadakal and Aihole which can also be included in a full day tour of this area.
Coorg And The Hills - Karnataka
Pleasant change from the plains , an attractive trekking destination!
For those who like to visit places off the beaten track, you can come across from Hassan to the hill stations of Coorg (Kodagu) to visit coffee plantations and the source of the Cauvery River. This area is also home to Tibetan settlements where you can visit their temples and observe the activities of the monks and industrious people.
You can choose from a range of accommodation, some including simple home - stays on plantations, up to resorts with a range of facilities.
Beaches, Yoga, Meditation And Ayurveda - Karnataka
A relaxing stop between Goa and Kerala, one of the scenic locations in India !
Coming across to the coast at Mangalore, there are pristine beaches and the temple town of Udupi. At Gokarna, with its Om shaped beach there are places to relax (as Goa was in the early days), various accommodation offering Yoga, meditation and Ayurveda without large crowds. Further up the coast, just south of the Goan border is Karwar where you can stay in simple accommodation surrounded by white beaches and forest. From here you can access the airport at Goa.
Wildlife - Karnataka
Nature's habit at for the majestic creatures, flourishing the eco system
Home for swampland, streams, moist deciduous forests and stands of bamboo, teak and sandalwood. Flourished by the Kabini River, the Wildlife of Karnataka surprises you with Indian Bisons, Elephants, Indian wild dogs, sloth bears, leopards and an endless list balancing the ecosystem. The most biologically rich region in India is the reason why wildlife in Karnataka is flourishing. The steady growth of tiger population is what makes Karnataka and the Western Ghats one of the important wildlife zones in India.
