|
 |
| KARNATAKA |
|
|
Blessed with a fabulous mosaic of lush rainforests, stunning game sanctuaries, beaches, waterfalls, temples, palaces and fortresses of great antiquity Karantaka offers the visitor a dazzling array of holiday activities. Steps are on to enhance all this with a flood of infrastructural inputs in terms of airports, road connectivity and accommodation in addition to the strengthening its strategies to promote Heritage Tourism, Coastal Tourism and Eco Tourism across the state. The ancient temple towns of Hampi, Pattadakka;, Aihole and Badami, which are already attracting countless visitors from home and abroad, the coastal area from Managlaore to Karwar and Chikmangalur, Madikeri and the Billigiri Ranga Hills with their proximity to the lovely national parks in the state are expected to benefit from all this. Kick off your leisurely exploration of Karantaka's attraction from state capital Bangalore. This beautiful garden city is also world-renowned as the IT hub of India and a lively hub of fun and action thanks to its huge youth populace.. The state tourism run-Jungle Lodges and Resorts arranges eco and adventure tour activities across Karnataka.
|
|
| ACCESS |
Getting There And Around
Bangalore the state capital is well connected to the rest of the country by air and rail. Interstate
|
|
and local bus services connect to all major tourist towns. Mangalore is an important air and railhead for the coastal region.
|
|
| GRAND TOUR |
Bangalore
One of Asia's fastest developing cosmopolitan metropolises is a centre for some of India's most important scientific establishments. Blessed with a salubrious clime, beautiful gardens, tranquil lakes, golf courses and considered just the perfect place to retire to, laid-back Bangalore was catapulted into a maelstrom of action thanks to its fast developing IT industry earning it the clout of being the Silicon Valley of India and attracting the international giants in the business. Today it's afloat with shopping malls, pubs, discos and glitzy restaurants that cater to its mighty youth population. For a city, which legend has it claims its name from Benda Kalu or cooked beans served in the 14th century to King Veeraballa of Vijayanagara by an old woman he met in a forest , Bangalore has certainly has traveled a long way from that welcome pot of beans. Check out the old Bangalore Fort built by Kempe Gowda and expanded by Tippu Sultan. The palace built in 1887 by a Wodeyar king is said to have been inspired by the Tudor era Windsor Castle. The beautiful Lal Bagh, the botanical garden was laid out by Hyder Ali, Tippu's father. Enjoy a leisurely exploration of Cubbon Park. A groundnut fair is held during its harvesting near the Nandi temple built by Kempe Gowda.The annual Karaga Festival is kicked off from the scared environs of the Dharmaraja Temple at Nazarethpet.St. Mary's Church set up in 1811 by the French missionary Abbe Dubois enjoys the status of a minor Basilica. The Indian Institute Of Science (IISc) is one of India's most important institutes. Picnic, go boating or just hang out at the lovely Ulsoor Lake. The Bangalore Race Course attracts scores of celebrities during the racing season. Take time out to visit the Bannerghatta National Park just 22km from the city. The site of the famous Gabbar Singh scene out of Sholay is located at Ramanagaram a popular rock climbing spot, 50 km from town.
Nandi Hills
A tranquil hill station from the days of Tippu Sultan of Mysore offers easy walks, panoramic vistas and lovely picnic points. Its just 60km from Bangalore.
|
|
Srirangapatna
The island fortress was the capital of Mysore's Hyder Ali and his son Tipu Sultan - The Tiger of Mysore. The fort was the site of attack by Tippu with his legendary sword on the British. The place where he fell is marked by an obelisk. Located here too are a Mosque and the Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple. The Daria Daulat Bagh, Tippu's summer retreat was built in 1784. Tippu was laid to rest in the Gumbaz marked by great ebony and ivory doors, along with his parents. Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary which is just 4km away.
Mysore
The capital of the Wodeyar rulers, governors of the Vijayanagara Empire, who ruled from 1399 to the time of Independence (but for a brief period when Hyder Ali and his son Tippu Sultan came to power in the 18th century) is an important cultural hub today. Built by the Wodeyars Mysore's most famous landmark is the glorious Amba Vilas Place with its Indo-Sarcenic architecture, designed by Raj-era architect Henry Irving. It really comes into its own during festivals. The Jaganmohan Place built in 1902 commemorated the coronation of Krishnaraja III. The Cathedral of Philomena, a modern-day structure is renowned for its beautiful stained glass windows. Heading out for Chamundi Hills you will discover the beautiful Lalita Mahal Palace built in 1930 and now run as a luxury hotel. You can enjoy the tranquil environs of the wonderful Brindavan Gardens or head out for Bandipur Wildlife Sanctuary, a Project Tiger Reserve.
Sravanbelagola
Nestled between the great granite promontories of the Indragiri and and Chandragiri hills 145km from Bangalore in Hassan district lies this important site for the Jain community. Located here is the monolithic statute of Gommateshvara, or Bahubali , the son of the first Jain tirthankar, which rises to a colossal height of 17.7m. It was consecrated by Chamundaraya the minister of the Ganga king Rajamalla IV in AD 981 .Every twelve years the massive Mahamastakabhisheka Festival is held here.
|
|
Next  |
|
