karnataka

karnataka India

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karnattka India

Karnataka

The world is indebted to Karnataka for its Carnatic music which cast a spell on the people throughout the planet. Located in the southern part of India, the state spreads over the Deccan Plateau. The state spans terrain from coastal area to the high hills, the Western Ghats and contains expansive plains towards the east.

Its cultural landscape of Karnataka is every bit rich. Its ancient and medieval cites display a unique charm and architecture, not to mention the modern swanky buildings of Bangalore, its capital city.

History Karnatka

That the state was inhabited by the people in the pre-historic times can be ascertained by the hand axe at Lingasugur in Raichur district. The rock edicts issued by Ashoka in the 3rd century BC have been found in the state. Thus it can be safely said that the state formed the southern tip of the Mauryan Empire. During his last years, Chandragupta Maurya, the founder of the Mauryan Empire, proceeded to Sravanabelagola, a great centre of Jainism in the state. After the fall of the Mauryan Empire Karnataka was ruled by many dynasties, chief among them is the Chalukyas, the Hoysalas and the mighty Vijayanagara Empire. The kings of these kingdoms built some magnificent temples which bear testimony to the grand style of architecture. The Aihole inscription is one of the finest examples of the Chalukya.

The Hoysalas of Mysore whose rule lasted from the 11th to the 13th century are remembered for their wonderful architecture. The finely carved temples built by them comprise one of the country's richest crops of historic monuments. The places which house these temples have become famous all over the world. These are Somnathpur, Halebid and Belur.

The greatest medieval Hindu kingdom of Vijayanagara on the Tungabhadra River, has entered the annals of history as an empire which contributed a lot to the prosperity and literary pursuits of the region. The splendour the Vijayanagara kingdom has impressed all the travelers who visited the empire. “This is the best provided city in the world,” is what Domingos Paes, a Portuguese traveller has to say about Vijayanagara capital Hampi.

The Vijayanagara Kingdom fell to the marauding army of the allied Deccan Sultans in 1565 A.D. at site marked by the two villages of Raksas and Tagdi. The battle is also called the battle of Talikota which resulted in the defeat of Vijayanagara Empire. “Never perhaps in the history of the world has such havoc been wrought, and wrought so suddenly, on so splendid a city; teeming with a wealthy and industrious population in the full plentitude of prosperity one day, and on the next seized, pillaged and reduced to ruins, amid scenes of savage massacres and horrors beggaring description.”

After the disintegration of the Vijayanagara Empire, Bijapur became an important place and the city was decorated with new monuments. In 1612 Raja Oedyar founded the kingdom of Mysore.

Hyder Ali and his brave son Tipu Sultan are remarkable figures in the history of Karnataka. Under them the expansion of Mysore kingdom took place on an unprecedented scale. They fought courageously against the British. Well educated and a great lover of literature, Tipu was killed in 1799 A.D. while fight the British in the Fourth Anglo Mysore War. The Mysore throne was handed over to the Wodeyars. The unified state of Karnataka came into being on November 1, 1973.

Karnataka sights

If your idea of India is one of old temples and historical palaces, then Karnataka is where your mental images will give way to vivid memories. The state is home to some of India’s best attractions, like the "lost city" of Hampi, which lies 460km north of Bangalore. Deservedly the state’s most famous attraction, this great capital of the medieval Hindu Vijayanagara Empire is said to have once rivaled Rome in size and wealth. The scattered ruins of Hampi are set in a boulder-strewn landscape that proves captivating in its own right.

The second major travel destination in Karnataka is Mysore, 140km SW of Bangalore. However before traveling to Mysore you must visit the beautifully decorated 11th-century temples at Belur and Halebid, built by the Hoysalas, and the nearby Jain monolithic statue at Sravanabelgola. One of the oldest and most important Jain pilgrimage places, Sravanabelgola houses 18m (60-ft.) statue of the naked Lord Gomateswara.

A city of par excellence, Mysore is home to palatial buildings and tree-lined boulevards. One of India's most enchanting destinations, the city is famous for its Indo-Saracenic Maharajah's Palace that attracts visitors in large number. Don’t miss the 10-day Dussehra Festival, held here celebrated in the full grandeur and splendour.

Quintessentially cosmopolitan, with its ruched velvet night-spots, luxury hotels and fascinating vistas, Bangalore offers all that a tourist can ask for. A great metropolis inextricably linked with its past, Bangalore brims with dazzling attractions to see. These include Vidhana Soudha, Karnataka's State Legislature and Secretariat building, Cubbon Park Lal Bagh Gardens and Bull Temple.

Hotels in Karnataka

With so many stunning attractions, Karnataka is inundated with accommodations that range from basic to the luxury.
Hampi's Boulders, a comfortable resort within striking distance of the Hampi ruins is worth staying while relishes the charm of the great site.

Bangalore, thanks to its growing importance as a business and tourist center, has an expanding list of hotels.

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karnataka India Tour Package

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