Destinations Enroute
Karnataka is nature's kaleidoscope at its best. Lush green forests.
Cool blue seas. Virtually endless plains. And hills that almost touch
the sky. Add to these list timeless temples, fascinating festivals,
ageless monuments, peerless palaces and proud people. Whether you
seek excitement, solitude, romance or faith, Karnataka has a world
awaiting to be discovered. Welcome to the state of Karnataka.
Bangalore
The capital of Karnataka is known as the Garden City because of its
salubrious climate and greenery. Perched 3,250 feet above sea level,
temperatures seldom exceed 30oC (88oF). Founded by Kempegowda, a powerful
chieftain, the city is unique with its rich cultural heritage that
coexists with its modern day technological and industrial achievements.
Today Bangalore is popularly known as India's Silicon Valley.
Mysore
Beautiful city of Mysore, is known for its fine craftsmanship in wood,
ivory, sandal-wood
and for its silk. Visit the Maharaja's Palace, which is lavishly decorated
in a mixture of styles. Also visit the Zoological Garden, Mysore Arts
& Crafts centre and then proceed to the Chamundi Temple on a hill
above the city. Visit Sriringapatnam from this small Island fortress
- town straddling the river Cauvery came the two brilliant Muslim
leaders Hyder Ali and his son Tipu Sultan, who ruled a powerful empire
comprising much of Southern India for 40 years.
Tipu Sultan - The Tiger of Mysore- became the most dreaded foe of
the British in the south, and inflicted two punishing defeats on the
forces of East India Company before at last being overcome in 1799.
Tipu was killed and his town razed, but his elegant Summer Palace,
or Daria Daulat Bagh remains intact; the British kept it for their
own use. Later Duke of Wellington, lived here for a spell while serving
as governor of Mysore.
Kabini
Rajiv Gandhi National Park, Nagarhole (Kabini), the hunting retreat
of the Mysore Maharajas, is definitely the perfect destination for
wildlife lovers in South India. The excitement starts with a safari
into the heart of the park, where you are sure to spot wild animals
in their natural habitat. Some of the popular sightings are elephant,
gaur, sambar, chital, wild boar and the more exclusive predators like
tiger and leopard. A bird watcher's paradise, the park is home to
over 300 species of birds, many of which are endemic to these jungles.
Hassan Halebid
and Belur driving through lush tropical landscapes. Built in the 12th
& 13th Century in the super baroque style, these temples are carved
of stone and are truly magnificent. As one architect and critic said
"These friezes carved with a minute elaboration of detail are
one of the most marvellous exhibitions of human labour to be found
even in the patient East". The temple at Belur is famed for its
profusely ornamented exterior, and the one at Halebid for its sculptured
figures and open air museum. Also visit the colossal monolithic Jain
statue, 57-ft high, which stands on top of a steep bare hill.
Belur Once
known as Dwarasmudra, the capital of the Hoysala empire between the
11th & 13th centuries. Today it is known for its exquisite Chennakeshava
temple built in the 12th century - the only living temple of this
region. It is one of the finest examples of Hoysala art & architecture.
Made of local soap stone, easy to detailed carving, the stone hardens
and turn into vibrant black with time and oxidation. The façade
of the temple is filled with intricate sculptures and frenzies. Elephants,
episodes from the epics, sensuous dancers, they are all there awe-inspiring.
Halebid The
temples of Halebid - like those of Belur bear mute testimony to the
rich, cultural heritage of Karnataka. The Hoysaleswara temple, dating
back to the 12th century, is astounding for its wealth of sculptural
details. The walls of the temple are covered with images of Gods &
Goddess, animals, birds and dancing girls - yet no two facets of the
temple are the same. The magnificent temple is guarded by a Nandi
Bull.
Hampi
Hampi, the seat of the famed Vijayanagara empire was the capital of
the largest empire in post-Moguls India, covering several states.
The Vijayanagara
empire stretched over at least three states -Karnataka, Maharashtra,
and Andhra Pradesh. The destruction of Vijayanagar by marauding Moghul
invaders was sudden, shocking and absolute. The ruins of Hampi of
the 14th Century lies scattered in about 26 sq. km area, amidst giant
boulders and vegetation.
Badami
Badami is picturesquely situated at the mouth of a ravine between
two rocky hills. The exquisite sculptures and the rust red sandstone
cliffs of Badami tell many a tale of yore.
The first sculptural embellishment to dazzle the eye is the 18 armed
Nataraja striking 81 dance poses. Badami once the former second capital
of the Chalukya dynasty. Here the cave temples are hewn out of solid
rock, in a magical setting of hills above a lovely reservoir.
Aihole
Famous as the cradle of Indian temple architecture - has over 125
temples, all intricately carved
and rich in detail. The oldest temple here, is perhaps the 5th century
Lad Khan. The Durgigudi is particularly interesting and unique, being
circular in shape and surmounted by primitive gopuram. The Hutchmall
temple, the Ravalpadi cave temple, the Konti temple complex, the Uma
Maheshwari temple, the Jai Meguthi temple and the two-storied Buddhist
temple are the other attractions at Aihole.
Pattadakal
It has 10 major temples representing early Chaalukyan architecture.
It lies on the banks of the river Malaprabha
and used to be the place where the Chalukyan Kings (7 to 9 century)
were crowned. The oldest temple in this group is the Sanghmeshwara.
The Mallikarjuna temple has pillars depicting the birth and life of
Krishna. The largest of the temples, the Virupaksha has sculptures
and panels depicting scenes from the epics, the Ramayana and Mahabhararta.
The Papanath temple in the northern style has impressive carvings
on pillars and on the ceiling.
Goa
Also known as "Pearl of the Orient" and a "Tourist
Paradise", the state of Goa is located on the western coast
of India in the coastal belt known as Konkan.
The magnificent scenic beauty and the architectural splendors of its
temples, churches and old houses have made Goa a firm favourite with
travellers around the world. But then, Goa is much more than just
beaches and sea. It has a soul which goes deep into unique history,
rich culture and some of the prettiest natural scenery that India
has to offer.
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Bangalore
sandal-wood
and for its silk. Visit the Maharaja's Palace, which is lavishly decorated
in a mixture of styles. Also visit the Zoological Garden, Mysore Arts
& Crafts centre and then proceed to the Chamundi Temple on a hill
above the city. Visit Sriringapatnam from this small Island fortress
- town straddling the river Cauvery came the two brilliant Muslim
leaders Hyder Ali and his son Tipu Sultan, who ruled a powerful empire
comprising much of Southern India for 40 years.
Kabini
Halebid
and Belur driving through lush tropical landscapes. Built in the 12th
& 13th Century in the super baroque style, these temples are carved
of stone and are truly magnificent. As one architect and critic said
"These friezes carved with a minute elaboration of detail are
one of the most marvellous exhibitions of human labour to be found
even in the patient East". The temple at Belur is famed for its
profusely ornamented exterior, and the one at Halebid for its sculptured
figures and open air museum. Also visit the colossal monolithic Jain
statue, 57-ft high, which stands on top of a steep bare hill. 
Once
known as Dwarasmudra, the capital of the Hoysala empire between the
11th & 13th centuries. Today it is known for its exquisite Chennakeshava
temple built in the 12th century - the only living temple of this
region. It is one of the finest examples of Hoysala art & architecture.
Made of local soap stone, easy to detailed carving, the stone hardens
and turn into vibrant black with time and oxidation. The façade
of the temple is filled with intricate sculptures and frenzies. Elephants,
episodes from the epics, sensuous dancers, they are all there awe-inspiring.
The
temples of Halebid - like those of Belur bear mute testimony to the
rich, cultural heritage of Karnataka. The Hoysaleswara temple, dating
back to the 12th century, is astounding for its wealth of sculptural
details. The walls of the temple are covered with images of Gods &
Goddess, animals, birds and dancing girls - yet no two facets of the
temple are the same. The magnificent temple is guarded by a Nandi
Bull. 
Vijayanagara
empire stretched over at least three states -Karnataka, Maharashtra,
and Andhra Pradesh. The destruction of Vijayanagar by marauding Moghul
invaders was sudden, shocking and absolute. The ruins of Hampi of
the 14th Century lies scattered in about 26 sq. km area, amidst giant
boulders and vegetation. 
carved
and rich in detail. The oldest temple here, is perhaps the 5th century
Lad Khan. The Durgigudi is particularly interesting and unique, being
circular in shape and surmounted by primitive gopuram. The Hutchmall
temple, the Ravalpadi cave temple, the Konti temple complex, the Uma
Maheshwari temple, the Jai Meguthi temple and the two-storied Buddhist
temple are the other attractions at Aihole. 
Malaprabha
and used to be the place where the Chalukyan Kings (7 to 9 century)
were crowned. The oldest temple in this group is the Sanghmeshwara.
The Mallikarjuna temple has pillars depicting the birth and life of
Krishna. The largest of the temples, the Virupaksha has sculptures
and panels depicting scenes from the epics, the Ramayana and Mahabhararta.
The Papanath temple in the northern style has impressive carvings
on pillars and on the ceiling.
coast
of India in the coastal belt known as Konkan.