Location: Karnataka

Karnataka
The name Karnataka is derived from ‘Karunadu’, literally, lofty land as it is situated on the western edge of the Deccan plateau and opens out on the Arabian Sea. Karnataka has seen many great empires like the Maurya Empire in 4th century B.C. Other great dynasties have been the Satavahanas, the Kadambas, the Chulakyas, the Yadavas and the Hoysalas, and the great Vijayanagar empire in the 14th century. In 1399 A.D. Yaduraya, the ruler of Mysore founded the Wodeyar dynasty. Raja Wodeyar (1578-1612) enlarged the principality into a mighty kingdom but were overthrown by Hyder Ali, the intrepid Muslim general of Mysore. With the defeat of Tippu Sultan, the son of Hyder Ali, by the British, the Wodeyars were restored to power as a feudatory of the British. The formation of the present state represented the fulfillment of the age-old aspiration of Kannada-speaking people to come together in a single state. Formerly known as Mysore, the name was changed to Karnataka on 1st November 1973.
Karnataka is predominantly rural and agrarian. There are a number of big industries. The state is well known for its grand palaces, beautiful gardens, ornate temples, and historical monuments. Its attractions are varied and diverting. The ‘Garden City’ of Bengaluru is also called the ‘Silicon Valley’ of India. Mysuru is famous for the Dussehra festival. Belur, Halebidu, and Hampi are known for its magnificent temples.
South India comprises of four different states and Karnataka is one of them. Karnataka is one of the larger states in India and a popular destination among the foreign and Indian tourists. The state of Karnataka, formerly known as Mysore, is situated on the western side of the Deccan Plateau. The population of Karnataka is over 40 million and it covers a land area of 192,204 square km. Bangalore, the modern computer city is the capital of Karnataka. Kannada, Konkani, Hindi, and English are the main languages which are spoken by the people in Karnataka. There are many places of historic and religious importance in Karnataka like Bangalore, Mysore, Hampi, Bijapur, Badami, Aihole, Belur, Halebid, Srirangapatna. Karnataka is an enchanting land of magnificent monuments, breathtaking hill stations, unspoiled beaches, thundering waterfalls, wildlife sanctuaries, coffee plantations, adventure activities, and colorful art forms and festivals.
Tourism
Karnataka, the eighth largest state in India, has been ranked as the third most popular state in the country for tourism in 2014. It is home to 507 of the 3600 centrally protected monuments in India, the largest number after Uttar Pradesh. The State Directorate of Archaeology and Museums protects an additional 752 monuments and another 25,000 monuments are yet to receive protection.[5] Tourism centers on the ancient sculptured temples, modern cities, the hill ranges, forests, and beaches. Broadly, tourism in Karnataka can be divided into four geographical regions: North Karnataka, the Hill Stations, Coastal Karnataka, and South Karnataka.
Place of Interests
Karnataka, the eighth largest state in India, has been ranked as the third most popular state in the country for tourism in 2014. It is home to 507 of the 3600 centrally protected monuments in India, the largest number after Uttar Pradesh. The State Directorate of Archaeology and Museums protects an additional 752 monuments and another 25,000 monuments are yet to receive protection. Tourism centers on the ancient sculptured temples, modern cities, the hill ranges, forests, and beaches. Broadly, tourism in Karnataka can be divided into four geographical regions: North Karnataka, the Hill Stations, Coastal Karnataka, and South Karnataka.University town. Gokaran: Temples, Beach. Kalaburagi Fort, Mosques, Temples. Halebidu (Hassan 31 km) Ancient Hoysala sculpture & architecture, Temples. Hampi ( Munirabad): Believed to be the capital of Bali and Sugreeva,’monkey kings’ of the epic Ramayana, Also the Vijayanagar capital, 14 sq. km. of ruins of Temples, Palaces, Forts. Jog Falls: Waterfalls, Spa. Karwar: Beaches, Fishing. Kolar Gold Mines. Madikeri Hill station, Fort, Palaces, Plantation. Mangaluru Temples, Port. Panambul.
• Bangalore
• Bandipur National Park
• Chikmagalur
• Coorg (Madikeri)
• Hampi
• Mysore
• Shivanasamudra Falls
• Belur
• Gokarna
• Jog Fallsview Details
• Nagarhole National Park
• Sakleshpur
• Udupi
• Dandeli
• Murudeshwar
• Pattadakal