KARNATAKA TRAVEL INFORMATION

Karnataka is a wonderful state located on tableland, it is surrounded by Maharashtra and Goa in the north, by the Arabian sea in the West; by Kerala and Tamil Nadu in the south and by Andhra Pradesh in the east. It is a green lushly state having a perfect cultural blend of the north and the south of India. The modern state of Karnataka came into existence with the passage of the States Reorganisation Act (1956), with the incorporation of districts under the dominion of Bombay, Hyderabad, Madras state and Coorg within the existing state of Mysore State. Karnataka is the 8th largest Indian state by area and 9th largest by population.

The capital city Bangalore is also know as the Garden City, has grown into a thriving city and it is the centre of the digital revolution in India. If you’re looking for action, in whatever way, this is the place to be. Business is booming, whether in the electronic, entertainment or vendors world. However, at the same time it treasures its ancient roots and many sights.  Karnataka's capital Bangalore, is the only city in the state with a population of more than 6 million.

Natural areas - Karnataka is home to several national parks, including Bandipur National Park in Mysore District, Bannerghatta National Park in Bangalore, Nagarhole National Park in Mysore and Kodagu districts, Kudremukh National Park in Dakshina Kannada and Chickmagalur districts, Dandeli & Anshi National Park in Uttara Kannada district, Gudavi and Mandegadde bird sanctuaries and Sharavati WLS in Shimoga district, B.R Hills WLS in Chamarajanagar district, Rangantittu bird sanctuary in Mandya district, Brahmagiri and Pushpagiri WL sanctuaries in Kodagu district. There are other wildlife sanctuaries and nature preserves as well.

Recently, UNESCO has been considering designating some areas like Kudremukh NP as UN world heritage site for its natural beauty. As such, the Western Ghats that runs south-north through the state is considered as one among the twenty five bio-diversity hotspots of the world.

Water Falls and Caves - Jog falls of Shimoga district is one of the highest waterfalls in Asia. Karnataka is famous for its waterfalls. Some well known ones are Magod falls, Lalgulli falls, Sathodi falls, Unchalli falls, Lushington falls, Shivaganga falls, Ulavi falls, Iruppu falls, Shivanasamudra falls, Balmuri falls, Gokak falls, Abbe falls, Achakanya falls, Chunchanakatte Falls, Hebbe falls, Kallathigiri falls, Vajrapoha falls, Sogal falls, Godchinamalaki falls etc. In fact the waterfalls of Karnataka and Kudremukh National Park are listed as must see places in Michael Bright's 1001 Natural Wonders of the World, by Barrons Educational Series Inc., published by Quinted Inc., 2005.

Some well known caves in Karnataka are Yana caves and Kavala caves and Syntheri rocks in Uttara Kannada district, Sugriva's cave in Hampi holds similarity to the descriptions of 'kishkinda' in the epic Ramayana, Hundreds of caves in Basava Kalyana in Bidar district.

Eco-Tourism - Karnataka boasts of the highest elephant and Gaur bison population (greater than 6000 & 8000 respectively) in India. Its forests hold some of the largest remaining populations of the endangered tiger and leopard. Th Niligiri Biosphere Reserve (also a designated UNESCO Biosphere reserve) is located at the junction of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kerela. Nagarahole WLS and Bandipur NP in Karnataka fall in this region. Eco-tourism is a very popular activity in the state. Karnataka leads other states in eco-tourism. 'Jungle Lodges & Resorts', a state run organization has camping and safari facilities in several wildlife sanctuaries. Private safari providers have sprung up in several places along the western ghats.

Youth Activities - Karnataka is a rock climbers paradise. Yana in Uttara Kannada, Ramnagara near Bangalore district, Shivagange in Tumkur district and tekal in Kolar district are a rock climbers heaven. A climbing academy has been formed in Ramnagara called General Thimmaiah Rock Climbing Academy.

Sun and Sea - Fishing in Mukkah, near MangaloreKarnataka is blessed with over 300kms of pristine coastal stretch. Nethrani Island of Uttara Kannada is well known for coral reefs. St. Mary's Island, a few kilometers from Udupi is famous for its basalt rock formations. Sunny beaches at places like Maple, Murdeshwara, Maravanthe, Gokarna, Kumta are complimented by spectacular mountains slightly to the east. Agumbe, Kodachadri hills, Kemmangundi, are just a few of many hill stations that straddle the coast providing tourists the best of sun and greenery. Unlike many crowded hill stations in South India, the hill stations of Karnataka are still mostly undiscovered and pristine.

Major Travel Destinations

>>  Bangalore
>>  Coorg/Kodagu
>>  Hampi
>>  Mysore
 

Refer Map of Karnataka