Get the best flight deals to India and go to Karnataka to experience an incredible time off. Karnataka has witnessed many important historical events in its history. It is well known as a wealthy state and abounds with beautiful greeneries. extending over an area of 191,791 sq. Km is eighth largest state of India. The state located on the Western half of the Deccan Plateau is bounded by the states of Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and Kerala.
Karnataka became a part of Indian constitution after the attainment of independence from the British rules in India. It has been ruled over by numbers of mighty rulers one after another and this being the reason, quite a good number of palaces, forts and other monuments are found in Karnataka.
The state is famous for its rich culture and traditional grandeur. Karnataka people have been living in close contact with their neighbors such as the Marathas, the Andhras, the Tamilians and the Malayalis. Karnataka is famous all over the world for Carnatic Music.
Major Cities
Banglore (Bangalooru): Bangalore is Asia's Silicon Valley because of its thriving information technology industry. Until its high-tech boom began in the late 1980s, it was known as the Garden City, with greenery flourishing in its pleasant, temperate climate. Today with a growing population of young professionals, it has acquired a vibrant, cosmopolitan air.Bangalore was founded in the 16th century by a local chieftain, Kempe Gowda, but derives its name from the Kannada word benda kalluru, or "boiled beans", which an old woman gave a 10th century Hoysala King when he turned up hungry at her doorstep.
Bijapur: Ruled by the Adil Shah Dynasty, modern Bijapur consists of the fort, the citadel and the archeological remnants of the past era. Established around the 10th century by the Chalukyas was previously known as Vijayapura or the City of Victory.
The city is well known for architecture, beautiful lakes and gardens. It is a popular tourist destination in south India.
Belgaum(Belgavi): Belgaum is a fairly large town sited on the northwestern flange of Karnataka. On one side is the old town area where the cotton and silk weavers still create magic with their fingers. And on the other the modern, bustling, tree lined Cantonment built by the British. In the heart of Belgaum, near the bus terminus is the Fort. At the Entrance are two shrines, one devoted to Ganapathi and another to Durga. Step out of the Fort and you have a wide choice of temples and churches to visit. The Kapileshwara temple said to be the oldest, the Ananthashyana Temple, the Maruti Temple and the temples of Shiva, Vithoba, Mahalaxmi and Military Mahadeva. Belgaum also has some very impressive churches. St. Mary's Church, St. Xavier's Church (the oldest), St. Anthony's Church, the Cathedral of Our Lady and the Methodist Church.
Belgaum is perhaps best known for its "Kunda", a sweet made out of milk, and is a must-buy for any tourist visiting the city.
Dharwad: Dharwad is known for its prestigious educational institutions. It houses the Karnataka University, which caters to graduate and research students. Dharwad is perhaps best known for its "Pedhas", a sweet made out of milk, and is a must-buy for any tourist visiting the city.
Hubli: The city of Dharwad is the district head quarters and twin cities (Hubli-Dharwad) are educational and financial, industrial hub for North Karnataka. This historic town was known as Raya Hubli and also as Elaya Puravada Halli during the ancient times. This city metamorphosed into an important commercial centre for trade in cotton and iron during the reign of the Vijaynagara empire. The city is noted for its handloom textile units and has many cotton ginning and processing mills.
Gokak: Located 65 kms from Belgaum, Gokak gets its name due to the Goki trees found in abundance in these areas. Close to the town is the Gokak Falls. Here, river Ghataprabha takes a leap over a rocky bed 170 ft down which makes a beautiful sight. The Gokak Falls is also known as the Northern Mysore Falls.
Surathkal: This picturesque beach is known for its clean surroundings and the lighthouse. This beach is a few minutes away from Karnataka Regional Engineering College (K.R.E.C). Surathkal is better known for its technical institutions.
Mysore (Mysuru): Mysuru is famous for silk sarees (Mysore Silk), sandalwood carvings and the many varities of perfumed incense sticks. Besides its numerous palaces and royal buildings, Mysore city is also known for proximity to several other places of interest such as Srirangapatna, Krishna Raj Sagra dam and Sivasamudram falls.