Karnataka derives its name from Karnanadu, which means, “high plateau land”. The major part of the state constitutes the Deccan plateau, which has a far-reaching influence on the region’s soil, water resources and climatic conditions. Earlier, it was known as Mysore, which had come into being following the reorganisation of states in 1956. Karnataka has a recorded history of over 2000 years, and there are many heritage sites bearing testimony to the rich kingdoms of the past and their exquisite art and architecture.

The state also has a diversified ecological heritage, with beautiful hill stations, wild life sanctuaries, cascading rivers and lovely unspoilt beaches. Today Karnataka is better known as the Silicon State of India, with the highest concentration of information technology companies in India.

The capital Bangalore especially is the hub of the “IT revolution” in India. Karnataka has forged ahead in other areas too, being a major centre for heavy industries, electronics and machine tools. It is a premier educational destination as well with some of the country’s best known institutions located here. Karnataka is also famous for its traditional arts and crafts, especially Sandalwood products and handloom silks.

Except for brief interludes of domination by large empires such as the Nandas, Mauryas and the Shatavahanas, Karnataka has generally been ruled by indigenous dynasties like the Kadambas, Gangas, Chalukyas and the Vijaynagara dynasties. These kingdoms built fine monuments and temples, which still stand today as outstanding examples of India’s magnificent architectural history.

The Chalukyas of Kalyana (973AD to 1189 AD) and their feudatories, the Hoysalas of Halebidu, encouraged literature and fine arts. Noted jurist Vijaneshwara (“Mitakshara”) lived at Kalyan, as did the great religious leader Basaveshwara. Arts, religion, literature and languages as well as trade flourished during the Vijaynagara Empire (1336AD – 1646 AD).

Later the Bahamani Sultans of Gulbarga and Bidar encouraged Urdu and Persian literature. After the fall of the Peshwa (1818) and Tipu Sultan (1799), Karnataka came under British influence. Christian missionaries introduced English education and printing in the 19th century and established institutions for higher learning. Karnataka witnessed impressive growth in agriculture, industry and commerce under the Mysore dynasty. After independence the state of Mysore was enlarged to encompass culturally affiliated people from the neighbouring states and the present boundary was created in 1956. It was renamed as Karnataka in 1973.

The main urban centres are Bangalore, Mysore, Mangalore, Dharwar, Belgaum and Hubli. Madikeri, the capital of Coorg district (Kodagu) is a quaint little town, with a very distinct culture and heritage of its own. Mysore, the former capital of the state, is the seat of the Wodeyar rulers, who had ruled the state before independence. It is a historic city with many splendid palaces and gardens, and close to Srinrangapatnam (14 kms) where Tipu Sultan’s fort and palace are located. It is also the gateway to the Bandipur and Nagerhole wildlife sanctuaries.

The Dassehra festival is held here with great pomp and pageanty (October). Smaller cities of historic importance are Bidar, Gulbarga, Bijapur, Chitradurga and Hassan. Karnataka is a state with a rich and colourful heritage. Superb temple architecture exists side by side with historic forts and palaces, while panoramic hills vie for beauty with stunning waterfalls and river gorges. In between are some of the most densely clad forested tracts where great many animals roam about freely. Places of great natural beauty are Kudremukh, Kodagu, B.R. Hills, Nandi Hills, historical centres are at Hampi, Badami, Aihole, Belur and Halebid, Sravanabelagola and Bijapur, wildlife and bird sanctuaries are found at Bandipore, Nagerhole and Ranganathittu (near Mysore) while forts and palaces are worth seeing at Mysore, Seringapatnam and Bangalore. There are important religious centres at Udipi, Gokarnam and Sringeri.

Bangalore :

The History of Bangalore goes back nearly 500 years to 1537, when a Magadhi chieftain Kempe Gowda laid its foundation. Bangalore is the fifth largest city in India and known as the ‘Silicon Valley of India’ because of the predominance of software technology companies. It was previously known both as the ‘garden city’ and ‘pensioner’s paradise’, because of the profusion of greenery and spacious bungalows with gardens, and also because of its gracious and laid-back life style. Today’s Bangalore is a modern metropolis with a cosmopolitan culture, and a salubrious climate that attracts people from all over India. Places worth visiting in Bangalore are the Cubbon Park and Lal Bagh, Bangalore Palace, Bull Temple, the Venkatappa Art Gallery, Government Museum, Planetarium and Ulsoor Lake.

Bidar :

This was the one time capital of the Bahamani and Barid Shahi dynasties. The fort, canons, palaces in ruins and the magnificent tombs are reminders of a glorious past. It is situated in northern Karnataka and well connected by road and rail with all major towns in Karnataka.

Gulbarga :

Gulbarga is a unique synthesis of Hindu and Muslim cultures. It was a Hindu city before Bahman Shah ascended the throne of Daulatabad and made it his capital. It is filled with beautiful palaces, mosques, stately buildings and bazaars. The Jama Masjid, royal tombs and the Khwaja Bande Nawaz Durgah are the highlights of Gulbarga.

Bijapur :

This city is famous for the Gol Gumbuz, the tomb of Mohammed Adil Shah, which has the second largest dome in the world. 44m in diameter, this dome forms a highly sensitive echo chamber. Other places of interest are Ibrahim Roza, Jama Masjid, Malik-e-Maidan and Afzal Khan’s cenotaph.

Kudremukh :

Kudremukh (meaning horse face), famous for its rich iron ore deposits is also a delightful holiday spot. Overlooking the Arabian Sea, the broad hills are chained to one another by deep valleys and precipices. Lying 95 kms south west of Chikmagalur town, Kudremukh retains much of its pristine natural beauty.

Kodagu :

Kodagu is famous for its coffee plantations and its unique culture that has contributed some illustrious generals for the Indian Army. The women of Kodagu are also renowned for their beauty. Kodagu has some of the most picturesque countryside and the source of the river Cauvery is to be found here at Tala Cauvery. Also located here are the Nagarhole Wildlife Sanctuary and Abbi falls.

Hampi :

Hampi was the erstwhile capital of the Vijaynagara Kingdom (1443). Located in a boulder-strewn landscape beside the Tungabhadra River, the ruins of Hampi testify to the splendour of the Vijaynagar Empire. Among the great monuments are the Virupaksha Temple (still used for worship), the magnificent Vithala Temple with its fine sculptures, musical pillars and the famous stone chariot, the King’s Balance, where ruling Kings were weighed against grain, gold or money; the Queen’s bath; Lotus Mahal; and the elephant stables. A Vijaynagar Festival is organized by the government every year to promote dance, drama and music.

Badami :

The capital of the early Chalukyas, Badami (also known as Vatapi) is picturesquely located at the mouth of a ravine between two rocky hills. Badami has some magnificent rock cut cave temples, gateways, forts, inscriptions and sculptures that seem to bring the glories of the ancient kingdoms alive once more.

Aihole :

Located on the banks of the Mahaprabha river, Aihole is known as the ‘cradle of Indian architecture’ with almost 125 temples scattered around village. The most beautiful among these are the Lad Khan temple (5th century AD), The Durga (fort) temple, Hutchimalli Temple and the Ravalphadi Cave temple.

Belur :

Once the capital of the Hoysala Kings, Belur is famous for its superb Chenna Keshava Temple – a perfect example of the Hoysala style of architecture.

Halebid :

Only 16 kms from Belur, Halebid is another former capital of the Hoysalas, noted for its exquisitely carved rock temples. The main focus is the Hoysaleswara temple.

Shravanabelagola :

Five hundred steps atop the bare hill of Indragiri in Shravanabelagola, stands the giant monolithic statue of Bahubali, 60 ft high, an emperor’s son who renounced war and all possessions. Known as Gomateswara to Jain devotees, this is the largest monolithic statue in the world and visible even at a distance of 25 kms.

Nagarhole :

This game sanctuary, constituted in 1955, by the Coorg (Kodagu) government, extends to 177 sq.kms on the southern part of the district. Animals to be seen here are elephants, spotted deer, Gaur, Sambhar, Barking deer, Wild Boar, Tiger, Leopard and Peacock. It is 100 kms from Madikeri.

Bandipore National Park :

Bandipore is situated on the border between Karnataka and Tamilnadu and is contiguous with the Mudumallai Game Sanctuary. It was earlier part of the larger Venugopal National Park.

Highlights :

This park has a high concentration of wild animals, especially, elephants, gaur and tiger. An excellent network of roads intersects the forest, offering close view of animals. Wild animals come to the watering holes, where they can be seen clearly. Getting there : The nearest Airport is Bangalore – 219 kms, kms. The nearest railhead - Mysore – 80kms. There are regular bus services from Mysore and Bangalore. Best time to visit : January – June; September – October. Activities : Game drives inside the park, Elephant rides.

Karnataka has a well developed network of roads and railways. Two of the country’s longest national highways - No 4 & 7, pass through Bangalore and connect it with Mumbai, Pune, Chennai and Varanasi, Rewa, Nagpur, Hyderabad, Salem and Kanyakumari. Mysore is also well connected by road and railways.

The Southern Railway operates a number of short and long distance trains from Bangalore and Mysore. There are airports at Bangalore, Mysore, Belgaum, Mangalore and Hubli. There are direct flights from Bangalore to all major cities in India. Some international flights also operate through Bangalore.

At present, Karnataka is the leading state in information technology with the highest number of people engaged in this activity. It is also the biggest exporter of software products in India. The country’s first Software Technology Park (STP) was set up in Bangalore, at Whitefield.

Karnataka has emerged as a premier centre for education and research. It has some of the best schools and colleges in the country as well as some of most respected research centres viz – Indian Institute of Science, C.V. Raman Institute of Science, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). The climate of Bangalore is a special feature as it has contributed to its attraction as a settlement. It is pleasantly cool throughout the year, a marked departure from the rest of the cities of South India, which are hot and humid.