South India Tour Package

The southern state of Karnataka is surrounded by Andhra Pradesh in the east, Maharashtra in the north and Tamil Nadu and Kerala in the south. The state is filled with uncountable attractions that make the tourist come back to this state again and again. The rich heritage of Karnataka still stands in all its glory through attractions like world heritage site of Hampi or the grand Mysore Palace. Karnataka is also home to Jog Falls, the highest waterfalls in India.

Karnataka takes pride in its diverse flora and fauna, which makes it a nature tourist's paradise. The state's long and colorful history, and the many forts, temples, mosques, and churches make Karnataka a great tourist destination to explore.

Garden city Bangalore, also called 'The Silicon Valley', is the capital city of Karnataka and among the fastest developing cities in India. Karnataka is divided into many other cities out of which Mysore is the most important and also the cultural capital of the state.

History of Karnataka
Karnataka's history takes us back to pre-historic times. And that time can be experienced by witnessing the pre historic drawings that are found inside Bhimbetka Caves. 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 with the princely state of Mysore to form a single entity which we know today by the name of Karnataka. Karnataka has come under the rule of many great dynasties like the Chalukyas, the Hoysalas and the mighty Vijayanagara Empire.

Capital of Karnataka
Bangalore, the capital that is known by many names -- the Garden City of India, India's Manhattan and Silicon Valley. Bangalore is the favorite destination when compared to all other metropolitan cities because of its salubrious climate throughout the year. Rich in Sandalwood, Rosewood and Silk, it has a lot to offer when you are out on shopping in the city so don't finish you r trip with just a day or two of sight seeing to monumental attraction of the city. 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.

Occupation in Karnataka
Like all other states of India, Karnataka too has a major share of its population engaged in agriculture. While agriculture is the major occupation, the state also 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. 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.

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. It is the also the world's tallest monolithic statue in the world.

Handicrafts of Karnataka
Karnataka is famous for its unique and aesthetic craftsmanship in sandalwood and rosewood. Eye-catching items of furniture, in-lay work, coffee tables, wall hangings etc. are some of the must purchase items in Karnataka. 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.

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