Karnataka -
Overview
Karnataka,
the eighth largest state of Indian republic is no less than 'Solomon's
Mine.' It is one of the four major states of the Indian south. The state
stands over Deccan Plateau and is surrounded by the states - Maharashtra,
Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Goa. A part of it, that lies to the
west of the state, faces the Arabian Sea and constitutes the Western Coastal
Plains in India. Karnataka is a very famous place and you will find more
than a single contributor to this fact.
Karnataka enjoys a culture and a life style of its own; one that is unique
and not like other south Indian states. One of the greatest contributions
that we owe to Karnataka has been the emergence and development of Carnatic
Music. This devotional and philosophic music has inspired millions and is
one important variable that characterizes the popular culture. The state has
given birth and fostered some prominent musicians in the Indian sub
continent.
Carnatic Music is not the only trail you will find following at Karnataka.
The panorama of Karnataka withholds many faces. Hills, beaches, waterfalls,
woodlands, monuments, religious places are some of popular elements you will
find at Karnataka. Apart from that, the state also constitutes some of the
developed cities of India.
Karnataka - History
The history of Karnataka can be traced back as early as the stone age. A
stone age implement excavated here provides one such clue. It is amazing to
believe that people actually have been inhabiting this place even some 3000
years before. However, the golden era started with Mauryans followed by
Chalukyans, Hoysalas, Bahmani and Adil Shahi kings. The state as such bear
impressions of the popular Buddhist, Hindu and Muslim dynasties that have
once ruled the place.
Chandragupta Maurya, titled as the first emperor of India, is believed to
have spent his last moments here. The great emperor had converted to Jainism
and breathed his last while on fast at Sravanabelgola. The place is now a
prime pilgrimage place for Jains. Till medieval era the mighty dynasties of
the south which include Pallavas, Chalukyas and Cholas dominated the Deccan
Plateau.
Medieval era was much chaotic and many wars were fought for the territory.
It also witnessed the emergence of Muslim power in the state. The mighty
Vijayanagar kingdom, whose foundation was laid by the brothers Harihara and
Bukka, shook and collapsed in 1565. With that Bahmanis came to power.
Towards the end of the medieval period the Sultans were in power and Mysore
was an established centre in the state. Tipu Sultan now had to face the
British and after successive wars the Sultan succumbed. The throne was
presented to Wadiyars by the British, who held the status of governors till
1956 when Karnataka state was created.
Karnataka -
Tourist Destinations
Karnataka holds a place of its own in the multi cultural lands of India.
The state is a great place to be at. The cities are par distinction and
equipped to meet out the challenges of a metropolitan technologically savvy
society. No wonder Bangalore, the capital city of Karnataka, is called the
Silicon Valley of India. The state has places in abundance - places that
gives a break from the scheduled hectic life. Hills, beaches, waterfalls,
rivers portray the beauty of Karnataka. Some popular tourist destinations in
the state include
Bangalore,
Mysore, Kodagu or Coorg, Madikeri,
Mangalore,
Hassan,
Hampi,
Udupi
,Vijayanagar, Bijapur.
Karnataka
- Adventure
A charming land, Karnataka is surfeited with magnificent mountains, mighty
rivers, ravishing rivulets, lovely becks, shimmering rivulets, dense
primieval forests and host of several other natural resources. All these
natural jewels together make Karnataka a popular destination for adventure
sports like trekking, parasailing, paragliding, hang-gliding, wildlife
safari, rock climbing, mountaineering, river rafting, angling, surfing,
kayaking, scuba diving and caneoing.
Karnataka - Temples
Popular temples of Karnataka display great works of art and reveal the
splendour of some of the great dynasties in power, in the past. Apart from
that there are several pilgrimage places located with in this state that see
a lot of pilgrims who come to pay homage every year. Some famous temples in
Karnataka are the ISKCON Temple, Hoysaleshvara Temple, Kedareshvara Temple,
Indragiri Hill, Chandragiri Hill, Krishna Temple Udupi, Virupaksha Temple.
Karnataka
Wildlife
Karnataka is dotted with wildlife reserves and forest tracts. Evergreen
forests of the Western Ghats and the tracts lying to the south of Vindhyas
hold a plethora of living forms. A number of wildlife sanctuaries and parks
lie abutted by the state boundaries. The reserves support hundreds of
species, of plants and animals. Some major wildlife reserves include
Bandipur National Park, Nagarhole National Park, Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary,
Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary, Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary.
Transportation - Karnataka
Airlines : A total of five airports render their services
in the region. These airports are located at Bangalore, Hubli, Mysore,
Belgaum and Mangalore. Domestic and international flights operate from these
airports.
Railways : Karnataka state is well connected with rail
lines that lay spread all over. Railway networks covers about 3090 kms in
Karnataka. Major rail heads in the state are Bangalore, Hubli-Dharwad,
Mangalore, Hassan, Gulbarga and Belgaum.
Roads : Road network further connects different cities and
towns of Karnataka. The state sees a total of six national highways
providing the access to the state. The interiors of Karnataka are served by
state highways and rural roads. Buses, mini buses, rickshaws and taxis are
some popular means of transport.
