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Karnataka,
the "Lofty land" is bounded by
Andhra
Pradesh in the east,
Maharashtra
in the north and Tamil
Nadu and Kerala
in the south. A long coastline hedged by miles and miles of tall, waving,
palmgroves frames this pretty land. The majority of the Karnataka state
lies on the Deccan Plateau.
Bangalore is the
state capital.
Karnataka boasts a diverse flora and fauna, which make it a nature
tourist's paradise. The state's long and colourful history, and the many
forts, temples, mosques, and churches make Karnataka a great place to
explore.
Garden city Bangalore,
Jog Falls,the beaches of
Karwar and Malpe, Golgumbuz in
Bijapur, the stone temples of Belur
and Halebid,
Mysore Palace, the list is
endless.
Capital of Karnataka:
Bangalore, the
capital goes by many names -- the Garden City of India, India's Manhattan
and Silicon Valley. One of the most industrialized cities of the country,
its pleasant climate makes it the seat of much commercial and cultural
enterprise.
Rich in Sandalwood, Rosewood and Silk, it has a lot to offer than a day or
two of sight seeing. Founded by the local Chieftain Kempe Gowda in
sixteenth century, Bangalore came into its own after it was converted into
the summer capital of Mysore
by Tipu Sultan.
The Wodeyars also contributed in the city's beautification. Bangalore, is
undoubtedly the trump card of Karnataka.
History of Karnataka:
Karnataka's history takes us back to pre-historic times. The earliest find
of the Stone Age period in India was an hand axe at Lingasugur in Raichur
district. Chandra gupta Maurya, the great Indian emperor abdicated his
throne to embrace Jainism at Shravanabelagola.
In 1956, the Kannada-speaking areas were grouped along with the princely
state of Mysore
to form what we now call Karnataka in 1973. Karnataka has the imprint of
many dynasties.
Prominent among them were the Chalukyas, the Hoysalas and the mighty
Vijayanagara Empire.
Culture in Karnataka: Karnataka possesses a rich cultural
heritage. The folk theatre has an ancient and rich tradition, the two
principal forms being Yakshagana and the puppet theatre.
'Yakshagana' is akin to Kathakali of
Kerala in the choice
of its elaborate costumes and vigorous dancing. 'Bhootada Kunita' (Dance
of the Divine Cult), 'Nagamandala' and the demon dance are some quaint
rituals prevalent only in Dakshina Kannada coastal area.
Sravanabelagola, near
Mysore, has a
giant 1,000-yr-old stone statue of Bahubali, the Jain saint. Huge
monolithic Jain statues are peculiar to the Kannada culture.
Occupation in Karnataka:
While agriculture is the major occupation, the state boasts some of the
most significant industrial growth in post independence India. Karnataka
is as well known for its silk and sandalwood as for its high tech
industry. 
Bangalore, among
the fastest growing cities in Asia is home to many industries. The state
is rich in mineral ore, and supplies all of India's gold.
Other ores mined in the state include iron, chromite, magnesite, mica,
copper, etc. The Sharavati, Kali, and the Cauvery rivers have been
harnessed for electric power.
Handicrafts of Karnataka:
Karnataka is famous for its aesthetic craftsmanship in sandalwood and
rosewood. Eye-catching items of furniture, in-lay work, coffee tables,
wall hangings etc. are worthwhile purchases.
Rich silks, wooden toys, leather puppets, Bidriware and other artefacts
make ideal mementos.
Climate of Karnataka:
Best time to visit Karnataka is September to February.
Population in Karnataka: 50 million
Tourism Offices in Karnataka:
Director, Dept of Tourism, 1st Floor, F Bk, Cauvery Bhavan, K.G.Road
Bangalore - 9
KSTDC, 104/1, Kasturba Road, Bangalore -1
Tourism Information Counter, Railway Station, Bangalore
Tourism Information Counter, Airport, Bangalore, Karnataka
Manager,Tourist Cottages, Belur, Karnataka
Tourist Cottages, Dept of Tourism, Halebid, Karnataka
Click Here for Location Map Of Karnataka
Click Here for District Map Of Karnataka
Click Here for Travel Map Of Karnataka
Click Here for Air Network Map of Karnataka
Click Here for Road Map of Karnataka
Click Here for Map Of Railway Network of
Karnataka