“karnataka – A Beautiful Experience”

By Author: Flin Martyn
Total Articles: 235
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The Indian State of Karnataka is famed as the fifth most visited tourist destination of India, it also happens to be the eighth largest State in India. Karnataka tourism is very popular with domestic and international tourists. Karnataka tourism can be divided into four components. The four parts are Northern Karnataka, Southern Karnataka, Coastal Karnataka and the hill stations.

North Karnataka is famous for monuments the dates back to the 5th century AD. The town of Aihole is called the “cradle of Indian architecture”. It has over a hundred temples and monuments built between 450 and 1100 B.C.

Two famous World Heritage sites are also in North Karnataka. They are Hampi in Bellary district and a group of 8th century monuments in Pattadakal. Hampi is the site of the capital of the ancient kingdom Vijayanagara and in its glory days it was apparently bigger and grander than Rome. Today it is mostly in ruins. The Pattakadal monuments are famous for their old architecture and four temples housed amongst the monuments.

Other attraction in the Northern part of Karnataka include historical sites dedicated to ...
... the Chalukya dynasty such as Aihole, Badami,Annigeri, Dambal, haveri and Gadag. These sites house marvelous and imposing structures and a number of temples. Forts like Bellary, Bidar and Gulberga are also architectural marvels. The monuments of Sonda and Ulavi are a marvel as the monuments are placed in the midst of thick jungles.

Coastal Karnataka attracts a large number of tourists owing to its many beaches and coastal towns. The coastal towns are visited by tourists looking for a beach holiday as well as by pilgrims who visit the many temples and holy sites. Coastal towns of Gokarna, Udupi, karkalla and Dharmasthala see large number of tourists every year. Karwar is famous for its many beaches.

South Karnataka is a aplendid combination of exquisite Vesara style Hoysala architecture, impressive Jain monuments, colonial buildings and palaces of the Kingdom of Mysore, imposing fort at Chitradurga and densely forested wildlife sanctuaries that offer some of the best eco-tourism available in the country. The places famous for Hoysala architecture are Belur, Halebidu in Hassan District, Somnathpurain Mysore District, Belavadi, Kalasa and Amrithapura in Chikmagalur District, Balligavi in Shimoga District. Shravanabelagola in Hassan district and Kambadahalli in Mandya District have well known 10th century Jain monuments. Scenic and picturesque forests and the large population of wild animals of this region are a popular attraction for those interested in animals and local fauna and flora. Bandipur National Park, Nagarahole, Biligirirangan Hills, Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary andBannerghatta national parks are a few popular places for jungle safaris.

The hill stations of Karnataka are mostly unexplored and therein lay its appeal. The most visited hill stations include Kudremukh, Kemmangundi, Agumbe, Horanadu, and Nandi Hills. Bird watching, trekking and boating are some of the activities here.
Karnataka tourism is full of historical sites, beautiful scenery and numerous activities, which make it a tourist’s delight. It is well connected by roads, rails and air.

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