Population:
53 million
Area: 191,791 sq km
Capital:
Bangalore
Main Language : Kannada, Urdu and
Telugu
When to go: September to February
- Explore the ruins and fantastic rockscape of Vijayanagar.
- Walk through the lush plantations and forests of the Kodogu (Coorg)
district.
- Climb Vindyagiri Hill to see a 17 m - high Jain statue at
Sravanabelagola.
- Visit the famous temple ruins at Badami, Pattadakkal and Aihole.
- Relax and revive on the beaches around Gokarna.
- Gaze in wonder at the exquisitely carved Hoysala-era temples at Belur
and Halebid.
- Get off the beater track to lesser-known holy sites, such as Lakkundi
and Sringeri.
Karnataka is the true meeting point of South and North India. The
open plateau inland of the Ghats has witnessed a constant succession of
influences from the north. Its northern districts saw the rise of
architectural style, which shaped the distinctive traditions of Chalukyan
and Hoysala temples seen at sites around Pattakal, Belur and Halebid while
the capital of Vijayanagara kings. Hampi, remains as a haunting reminder of
further refinement of temple building. Islam too spread its powerful
influence to the southernmost towns and cities leaving its own stamp on
Muslim architectural treasures. Today the state's capital, Bangalore, is one
of the most rapidly developing cities in India.
