Karnataka

A m'lange of lively colors, gratifying cultures, delicious flavors and blossoming landscapes, Karnataka is a jewel for those looking for real India. The state has some of the most jaw-dropping palaces, immaculate beaches, exciting tiger reserves and remarkable ruins of bygone era. Visit Karnataka and get stunned with its gracious blend of old and new.

People & Culture in Karnataka
Karnataka is rightly called the melting pot of cultures. Here a number of natives like Kannadigas, Kodavas, Tuluvas, Konkanis and some tribes stay together. Most of the locals speak Kannada other than Tulu, Hindi, English, Telugu and Tamil. Major religions practiced here include Jainism, Hinduism and Islam which also show in their fairs and festivals. The state treats you with some creative forms of dance, drama, theatre, crafts and art.

Heritage of Karnataka
Karnataka is dotted with some rich heritage sites taking you into the history of the place. Hampi village, blessed with attractions like Bukka's Aqueduct, Elephant Stable, Talarigatta Gate and Hampi, remains on the itinerary of all. Travelers also love to explore the beauty of Pattadakal Group of monuments at Pattadakal. Also, plan a trip to the Bidar Fort City in Bidar showcasing architectural, historical and religious brilliance.

Other than these, the Somanathapura Heritage Site, a protected heritage site, remains on the itinerary of all for being the most vivid Hoysala architecture.

Beaches in Karnataka
Karnataka has a 320 km long coastline with some beautiful beaches like Gokarna Beach, Kaup Beach, Karwar Beach, Kudle Beach, Malpe Beach and Maravanthe Beach. All these beaches are epitome of serenity where you can unwind all day long. The Murudeshwar Beach here has spiritual significance as it houses the second largest Shiva statue on the planet.

Natural Wonders in Karnataka
Karnataka is a delight for nature lovers as it has some beautiful sights blessed by Mother Nature. Spend some time at the Magod Falls or at the Gokak Falls. Enjoy leisure strolls at Nandi Hills at a height of 1455m or spend some time at the striking hill station of Kemmanagundi every sight here is a joy to experience.

Wildlife in Karnataka
Karnataka brings to you the most vivid wildlife sights. Visit the Anshi National Park where 197 species of birds dwell. Biligiri Rangaswamy Temple (BRT) Wildlife Sanctuary is another popular wildlife hub where you can spot elephants, tigers, leopards, wild dogs, four horned antelopes, black bucks, etc. For catching the views of majestic tigers, visit the Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary. Dubare Reserve Forest is a perfect home to Mysore Dasara elephants where you can see these giant animals roaming around freely.

Spirituality in Karnataka
Karnataka has numerous spiritual places to meditate. Yellamma Temple is a known temple in the state known for hosting the Yellamma Jatra. Bylekuppe is another spiritual attraction renowned for being one of the largest Tibetan settlements in South India. Jumma Masjid here looks grand covering an area of 38,000 sq ft. Other must visit temples of Karnataka include Kirti Narayana Temple, Kukke Subrahmanya Temple, Veeranarayana Temple, ISKCON Temple and Gangadeshwara Temple.

Shopping in Karnataka
Shopping in Karnataka is fun. From here you can buy Silk Sarees, Sandalwood Artifacts, Rosewood Articles, Stone and Metal Crafts, Ivory Statures, Bidriware and Mysore Paintings. Also bag some Sandalwood Incense Sticks, Bijapur Sarees, Metal Lamps, Perfumes, and Lambani jewellery to take back as mementoes.

Fairs & Festivals in Karnataka
The festivals of Karnataka bring a mix of dance, music and food. Mysore Dasara (September / October) is a known 10-day long festival celebrating victory of truth over evil. Numerous Food Festival, Film Festival, Poet's meet, etc. are organized during Mysore Dasara. Hampi Festival (January / February) at Hampi is a great retreat for the worshipers of dance and drama as it sees dramatic Kannadigas dance, drama, fireworks, puppet shows, and a lot more.

Karnatakas traditional buffalo racing festival, Kambala (November - March) brings in great excitement. In this festival, over 150 pairs of buffaloes participate in races.

Food in Karnataka
Epicureans visiting Karnataka get to taste a range of dishes like Kane Fry (lady fish), Avalakki (beaten rice), Adyes (dumplings), Koli Curry (chicken curry) and Yenne Badanekayi (brinjal curry). The locals here love sweets and thus, one can find many dessert options here like Chiroti, Holige and Shavige Payasa.

Weather Conditions in Karnataka
The best time to visit Karnataka is between November and April when the weather remains cool with moderate showers.

How to Reach Karnataka
Karnataka has 6 airports in Bangalore, Mangalore, Hampi, Hubli, Belgaum, Bijapur and Mysore. The state has a great rail network as well. Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation provides regular bus services to all parts of the state.