Karnataka Toursm
Places of interest in Karnataka
Karnataka popularly known for Carnatic Music through out the World has given much more to the World than Carnatic Music, a unique form of Classical Music patroned by many across the continents. Karnataka with all its Richness in Culture and Traditional Grandeur is also one of the fastest growing States in terms of Industries and Facilities. Karnataka is also known as the Capital of Agarbathi (Incense Sticks), Arecanut, Silk, Coffee and Sandal Wood. All this is apart from the fact that it has been the Culture Center for hundreds of years and its testimony stands spread across the State pulling millions of Tourists from all parts of the World to Karnataka. Whose richness and hospitality can only be felt and never explained better.
History of Karnataka
Karnataka, called as Karunadu (elevated land) in ancient times. The course of Karnataka's history and culture takes us back to pre-historic times. The earliest find of the stone age period in India was a hand axe at Lingasugur in Raichur district. The Ashoka's rock edicts found in the state indicate that major parts of Northern Karnataka were under the Mauryas. Chandragupta Maurya, the great Indian emperor abdicated the throne and embraced Jainism at Shravanabelagola.
Adding new dimensions to the cultural and spiritual ethos of the land, many great dynasties left their imprint upon the aesthetic development of Karnataka's art forms. Prominent among them were the Chalukyas, the Hoysalas and the mighty Vijayanagara Empire. The Chalukyan's built some of the very early Hindu temples in India. Aihole turned up as an experimental base for the dynamic creations of architects. The Hoysala's who ruled from the 11th to the 13th century chiseled their way into the pages of glory by building more than 150 temples, each one is a master piece in its own way.
Karnataka Museums
Keladi Museum
Located next to the Rameshwara temple in Keladi in Sagar taluk of Shimoga District, the Keladi Museum is a rich repository of copper inscriptions, palm leaves, coins and several interesting antiques of the Keladi period. Recovered idols of Hoysala and Chalukya period from the early 16th century to the late 18th century are displayed here.
Sri Jayachamarajendra Art Gallery
The Art Gallery in the Jaganmohan Palace in Mysore has a unique collection of ceramics, sandalwood, ivory, stone, antique furniture and ancient musical instruments. Paintings by reputed artists like Ravi Varma and Roerich, as well as the traditional.
Folklore Museum
Located in the imposing Jayalakshmi Vilas Mansion in the Mysore University campus at Manasagangotri, the Folklore Museum is an impressive repository of folk culture. With 6500 folklore articles on display, the museum is acclaimed as one of the biggest of its kind in Asia.
Janapada Loka
Situated 53 kms. on the Bangalore-Mysore highway, Janapada Loka is a treasure-trove of Karnataka’s folk heritage. The 15-acre complex houses museums, an open-air theatre, a studio and other structures. The museum, drawn from the life and arts of a large number of tribal and rural folk across Karnataka, has an amazing collection of 5000 artefacts that represent the essence of Karnataka’s folk culture. The display includes an array of agricultural hunting and fishing implements, weapons, ingenious household gadgets, masks, dolls and shadow puppets.
Karnataka Religious Places
Sringeri - 341 Kms. From Bangalore / 90 Kms. From Chikmagalur.
Sringeri Travel Guide
Dharmasthala Travel Guide
Udupi Travel Guide
Karnataka Wildlife Tourism
Karnataka’s forests and wildlife are her priceless natural heritage. The State boasts some of the largest jungle tracts south of the Vindhyas. From the majestic evergreen forests of the Western Ghats to the scrub jungles of the plains, a wide variety of habitats teem with diverse flora and fauna, some of them endemic to the region.
Karnataka Wildlife Sanctuaries
B R Hills Sanctuary
Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary
Karnataka Adventure Tourism
Rock Climbing
Ramnagaram, 50 km from Bangalore on the Bangalore-Mysore highway, is considered as the Mecca of rock climbing. The place abounds in rock formations, that are a climber's delight. Even those who have no exposure to rock climbing, can learn it on the artificial wall set up at the State Youth Centre in Bangalore, and then set off on trekking expeditions under expert care and guidance.
Water Sports
Tucked away amidst the lush greenery of the Western Ghats, along the Sharavathy backwaters, is Honnemardu - a haven for aqua adventure enthusiasts. Lovers of water sports throng this idyllic spot for coracle rafting, canoeing and windsurfing. Numerous islands dotting the backwaters make it an ideal island camping site, too.
