Karnataka

Karnataka is made up of a series of uplands with an average height of 610 meters above sea level. The Bababudan range in the western ghats has one of the highest mountain peaks between the Himalayas and the Nilgiris. Boasting of one of the wettest regions in India at Agumbe are the western ghats rich in teak and rosewood as also the world famous sandal wood. These wildly beautiful locales where tuskers still thrive have paved the way for the legendary craftsmanship of Karnataka in sandalwood, rosewood and ivory. The varied and tumultous history coupled with architectural excellence and religious fervour have turned Karnataka into a tourist bonanza. Nature has also not lagged behind in bestowing her bounties on the land with the result Karnataka abounds in awe-inspiring waterfalls, exotic beaches, wildly beautiful thick forests and game sanctuaries. The state also offers excellent facilities for trekkers, anglers and golfers. In short it caters to every need of the tourists. 

The language spoken here is kannada and occupation is craft work and agriculture. 

Bangalore is the capital city of Karnataka. Termed as the fastest growing city in India and hailed as an air conditioned  city it is also regarded as the garden city. Bangalore delights visitors with its charm and beauty. Its salubrious climate complements the beautifully laid out parks and gardens and pays a fitting tribute to the gracious lifestyle of the populace.

 Sight seeing 

Vidhana Soudha modern and magnificent, this building is Bangalore's well known land mark. Built in Neo-Dravidian style using solid granite, it was the brainchild of Late Sri K Hanumanthaiah, a former chief minister of the erstwhile mysore state. The state secretariat and the legislatures are housed in this five storey building. The entrance is an ornately carved sandalwood door.

Cubbon Park a sprawling and aesthetically laid out park is across the Vidhana-Soudha and covers an area of 300 acres. Conceived by Lord Cubbon in 1864, it is an oasis of tranquility amidst the hustle and bustle of the metropolis.The red Gothic structure of the city's High Court against the back drop of the green of the Cubbon Park is a riot of colours. Besides this building the public library with its attractive rose garden, the Jawahar Bal Bhavan with its bumper attractions for the children are located in the park. The bal bhavan is closed on Mondays and 2nd Tuesdays of the month. 

Lalbagh a famous botanical garden was laid out by Hyder Ali and developed by his son Tipu Sultan. One of the towers set up by Kempegowda can be seen on a hillock here. Huge old trees with their canopy of green foliage and rare species of plants vie for attention along with the flaming red of the Gulmohar trees. The Glass House where flower shows are held twice a year is also impressive. Lalbagh has an attractive floral clock also.

Badami Cave complex of temples located at Badami,a town in the Bagalkot District in the north part of Karnataka. They are considered an example of Indian rock-cut architecture, especially Badami  Chalukya Architecture. This was capital of the Early Chalukyas,who ruled  Karnataka from middle of 6th till the middle of 8th centuries. 

Other important places to visit: Bull temple, Tipu's palace, Government Museum, Whitefield, Bannerghatta National Park, Mutyala Madavu, Nandhi Hills, 

Mysore is the Royal city, the jewel of Karnataka, and the sandalwood city,Mysore is a magnificent tourist paradise. A city of many splendours, it has gorgeous palaces, beautiful parks, wonderful museums, and art  galleries, dams,reservoirs and temples. Wide stretches of tree-lined avenues jasmine, jacaranda and frangipani permeate the air. 

Sight seeing
Mysore Palace dominating the city's skyline is the most resplendent architectural structure in Mysore. Its style is a healthy combination of Dravidian, Indo-saracenic, Oriental and Roman styles. The regal castle was reconstructed in the year 1912 as the old palace suffered fire accidents. The front of the palace has an open balcony supported by massive circular columns. The interior of the palace, especially the Durbar Hall is richly decorated. Replete with ornate ceilings, intricately carved massive doors, gleaming floors, frescoes depicting scenes from the Ramayana and the Mahabharata, the entire scene exudes royal splendour. The jewel studded 200 kg golden throne is displayed during the Dasara Festival. 

The royal portrait gallery which is historically interesting ,is open to visitors. The palace is illuminated during the entire Dasara Festival. The state archaeological department and some temples are in the palace environs. Open from 10.30 A.M. to 5.30 PM., an entrance fee is levied. 

Lalitha Mahal Palace is a beautiful summer palace which has been turned into a luxury hotel with all royal trappings. 

Sri Jayachamarajendra art Gallery: Formerly known as the Jagan Mohan Palace, this building houses the art gallery. Exhibited on the walls of the spacious halls are examples of various schools of Indian art. The paintings include portraits of the royal family, ancient themes, landscapes and special themes. Notable among them is 'the lady with the lamp' of Ravi Varma the world famous artist. A separate gallery is allotted to mysore artists. Also on display are ancient musical instruments, antique furniture, sandalwood and ivory figurines. One grain of rice on which the ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu are carved is worth a closer look.

Visiting hours: 8.30 A.M. to 5.30 P.M. [ IST Local time]

Zoological Garden which celebrated its centenary last October has a large collection of wild animals, Birds and Snakes. It has the distinction of breeding wild animals and King Cobra in captivity. It is set in one of the city's beautiful gardens.

Other important places to see: Krishnarajasagar Dam & the Brindavan Gardens, Srirangapatna, Bilgiri Ranga's Hill, Sravanabelagola, Belur and Halebid, Hampi,Bijapur,& Sivasamudram. 

Speciality: Karnataka is famous for its aesthetic craftsmanship in Sandalwood and Rose wood. Eye-catching items of furniture in-lay work, coffee tables, wall hangings etc are worth while purchases. Rich silks, wooden toys, leather puppets, Bidriware and other artefacts make ideal momentous. 

Tourist information: 

Government of India tourist offices, 

KFC Building 

48 Church street, 

Bangalore 

Tel: 558 54 17.

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