The South India comprises of four different states and Karnataka is one of them. Karnataka is one of the larger states in India and a popular destination among the foreign and Indian tourists.
The state of Karnataka, formerly known as Mysore, is situated on the western side of the Deccan Plateau. The population of Karnataka is over 40 million and it covers a land area of 192,204 square kms. Bangalore, the modern computer city is the capital of Karnataka. Kannada, Konkani, Hindi and English are the main languages which are spoken by the people in Karnataka. There are many places of historic and religious importance in Karnataka like Bangalore, Mysore, Hampi, Bijapur, Badami, Aihole, Belur, Halebid, Srirangapatna. Karnataka is an enchanting land of magnificent monuments, breathtaking hill stations, unspoilt beaches, thundering waterfalls, wildlife sanctuaries, coffee plantations, adventure activities, and colourful art forms and festivals.
Festivals of Karnataka
The festivals have a very religious significance in the life of the people of Karnataka. Some of the festivals which are celebrated in Karnataka are the Dussehra Festival, Pattadakkal Dance Festival, Makar Sankranti, Hoysala Mahotsava, Ganesh Chaturthi, Hampi Festival and Yugadi. The Dussehra is the main festival of Karnataka. This festival is celebrated with great joy and enthusiasm in Mysore for 10 days. On the 10th day, a great procession is taken out on the elephants in the Mysore Palace.
Festivals of Karnataka, Karnataka Festival
Cuisine of Karnataka
Karnataka's vegetarian cuisine is flavoured with tamarind and coconut and pungently spiced. The Coastal areas have mouthwatering seafood specialities, while the Kodavas of Coorg are strictly non -vegetarian.
Art & Culture of Karnataka
Yakshagana Dance, Karnataka
The folk theatre in Karnataka has an ancient and rich tradition. The two main dance forms are Yakshagana and the puppet theatre. 'Yakshagana' is a kin of the Kathakali dance of Kerala due to its elaborate costumes and vigorous dancing. Open air folk theatre or "Bayalata" is a famous dance form of Karnataka. This dance is performed at religious festivals and family celebrations and starts at night and continues till the wee hours of the morning. This dance-drama usually has four or five actors and actresses, assisted by a jester. The theme of these dances is usually mythological with some real life incidents. "Doddata" is a less refined dance form than Yakshaganna. In both these dance forms, stories from Ramayana and Mahabharata are enacted. The costumes are elaborate and accompanied with the loud make-up, vigorous facial expression, loud noise and war-cries. Bhootada Kunita (Dance of the Divine Cult), Nagamandala and the demon dance are some quaint rituals that are prevalent only in Dakshina Kannada coastal area.
Shopping in Karnataka
Karnataka is famous for its silk and carved sandalwood. The shopping in Bangalore and Mysore is an enjoyable experience. Bangalore is a shopper's paradise. Brass and copper temple carvings and figures, woodcraft (sandalwood and rosewood), ivory and coloured wood inlay on wooden articles, stone carvings and stone friezes in granite and soapstone, perfumes, incense sticks, sandalwood oil and soaps, laquerware, clayware, ceramics, carpets, durries, fabrics and saris, silverware and jewellery can be bought from the various shops in Karnataka.
Beaches in Karnataka
Karnataka has a 320 km long coastline which is dotted with numerous beaches. Some of the famous beaches in Karnataka are Karwar, Marwanthe, Malpe, Murudeshwar and Mangalore. The Karwar beach is a good starting point to discover the thrills of sea, sand and sun. Karwar is a perfect holiday retreat with gentle waves, palm-laced beaches, silver sand and calm and peaceful alleys. Malpe, with its sheltered harbour is a quiet beach retreat and a popular picnic spot due to the pristine beauty and peaceful surroundings.

Hill Stations in Karnataka
Besides beaches, there are also various hill stations in Karnataka. Some of the famous hill stations in Karnataka are Nandi Hills, Kemman Gudi, Biligirirangana Hills, Kudremukh, Madikeri or Coorg, Chikmagalur and Gangamoola hills. Nandi Hills, also known as Nandidurga, was the famous summer retreat of Tipu Sultan. Nandi Hills was popular with the British too who built bungalows and laid out gardens here. Kemman Gudi is situated on the Baba-Budan range and an ideal place to get away from the heat, dust and crowd of the cities. More….
Waterfalls in Karnataka
There are various waterfalls in Karnataka. Some of the famous waterfalls in Karnataka are the Iruppu Falls, Abbey Falls, Jog Falls, Unchalli Falls, Burude Falls, Magod Falls, Satoddi Falls and Hogenakkal Falls. The Jog Falls is the most famous waterfall in Karnataka. These falls are the highest waterfalls in India
Wildlife Sanctuaries in Karnataka
There are some of the best wildlife sanctuaries, national parks and bird sanctuaries in Karnataka. Some of the famous wildlife sanctuaries and national parks in Karnataka are Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary, Nagarhole National Park, Bandipur National Park, Bannerghatta Wildlife Sanctuary, Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary, B R Hills Wildlife Sanctuary and Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary. Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary is the only bird sanctuary in Karnataka and a paradise for wildlife and nature lovers. The Bannerghatta Wildlife Sanctuary boasts of an astonishing variety of trees and wildlife.
Karnataka Wildlife Sanctuaries
How to Get There
Bangalore, Mysore and some other cities are cities are connected by air, road and rail, while the other centres can be reached by rail and road.
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