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Karnataka |
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Introduction about Karnataka |
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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.
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History of
Karnataka |
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The legendary past of Karnataka can be seen in the various mighty dynasties which ruled in Karnataka like the Kadambas, Chalukyas, Gangas and Rashtrakutas. The Rashtrakutas built the massive monolithic Kailasa Temple carved out of solid rock at Ellora in Maharashtra. Today, the reminders of the glorious past can be seen in the ruins of Hampi, Bijapur, Badami, Aihole, Belur, Halebid, Srirangapatna and various other places.
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Geography
of Karnataka |
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Karnataka is bounded by Andhra Pradesh in the east, Maharashtra in the north and Tamil Nadu and Kerala in the south. The majority of the state lies on the Deccan Plateau. There are three distinct regions in Karnataka which are very much different from each other. These regions are a narrow, fertile coastal strip that comprises of two districts of North and South Kanara along the Arabian sea; the hilly uplands dominated by the Western Ghats, and the Deccan plateau east of the Ghats, which is rock-strewn and bare. The coastal Karnataka is 65 km. broad and offers some of the loveliest and uncrowded beaches along the west coast. The sudden upthrust of the Western Ghats that comprises of densely forested mountain ranges with horseshoe-shaped peaks and verdant greens reminds one of the English downs. There are also very fantastic age-old formations in Karnataka. The Gondwana Plate is believed to have emerged at the very beginning of the geological times and is one of the oldest formations on the earth. The Jog Falls, one of the most spectacular and popular waterfall is also located in Karnataka which is visited by thousand of tourists. |
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People
of Karnataka |
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The people of Karnataka are locally known as Kannadigas. The Kannadigas are known for their hospitality and friendly and cultured attitude towards visitors. The people are very peace loving and live a very simple life. In the southern corner of Karnataka, lives the tall and sinewy Kodagu people amidst the hills and villeys of Coorg. The Vokkaligas lives in the flatlands, north of Coorg. The Vokkaligas farm their rich lands watered by the Cauvery river. Lingayats, the followers of the great saint, Basava lives in the northern Karnataka. The coastal Karnataka is inhabited by the simple fisherfolks who have piled their boasts for centuries and had contact with Mesopotamia and Greece in pre-Christian era. |
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Religions in Karnataka |
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Most of the people in Karnataka are Hindus. The followers of Saivism, Vaishnavism and Veera Saivism form the majority. The Muslims, Christians, Buddhists and Parsis are also there in the state. The Jains are also there in the large majority in Karnataka and have become prominent in the business sector. Religious tolerance is in the very blood of the Kannadigas. But inspite of all this, the people of all faiths live in unity and co-operation. |
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Festivals
of Karnataka |
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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.
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Cuisine
of Karnataka |
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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. |
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Art & Culture of Karnataka |
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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. |
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Shopping in Karnataka |
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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.
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Beaches in Karnataka |
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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.
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Hill Stations in Karnataka |
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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.
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Waterfalls in Karnataka |
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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.
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Wildlife Sanctuaries in
Karnataka |
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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.
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How to Get There |
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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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