Top 10 Places To Visit In Karnataka
Originally known as the princely State of Mysore,
Karnataka
was formed on 1st November 1956 and is located in the South-Western
region of India. Close to the Arabian Sea and the Laccadive Sea,
Karnataka is known for its beautiful yet unpopulated beaches and rich
culture. The land has also seen the reign of the ancient kingdoms of the
south such as the Chola, Chera, Vijaynagar, Sathavahanas, Maurya,
Hoysala and many more right upto the Mighty Tipu Sultan and subsequently
the British. Kannada is the main language spoken here and picking up a
few local words can often be very helpful while travelling. The state is
famous for its natural, cultural and architectural heritage and there
are plenty of places one can visit on his/her trip to Karnataka.
Ulsoor Lake
The capital of Karnataka and the 3rd most populated city in India,
Bangalore
is often known by its nickname the silicon valley of India due to it
being a major IT exporter in India. The city is now known by the Kannada
name ‘Bengaluru’ which literally means ‘The City of Guards’. There are
however, various different translations of this word. The town is famous
for its various attractions which include both modern and historical
place to visit. The various temples, palaces, lakes and forts etc. are
definitive places to visit.
Mysore Palace
The down served as the capital of the princely State of
Mysore
for nearly six centuries with distinguished rulers like Tipu Sultan and
Hyder Ali. The city is also known as the cultural capital of Karnataka
and is famous for its various temples, palaces, forts and old churches.
The town is known for being the birth place for various styles of Indian
arts and crafts. Mysore is a major tourist destination in India and
should be visited by all who want to experience the rich culture of this
historical city.
Mangalore is located between the Arabian Sea and the
Western Ghats and is considered to be the 8th most clean city in India.
The city has been an important one since the rule of the ancient
kingdoms like the Mauryas, Chalukyas and the Hoysalas etc. however the
city saw its golden days of prominence during the reign of Tipu Sultan
and Hyder Ali. Mangalore was a primary source of tension between Tipu
Sultan and the British. The city is famous for its amazing beaches and
hills and the rich culture imbibed within various temples and monuments
of the old days.
Located within the ruins of Vijaynagar,
Hampi is a
world heritage site and one of the most important historical sites
across the world. Vijaynagar was the capital of the erstwhile Vijaynagar
Kingdom and the ruins are built near the banks of the Tungabhadra
River. The city has some of the most magnificent buildings and sites
that display the architectural brilliance of the Vijaynagar rulers. Its
various temples are heavily frequented by pilgrims and tourists and is a
great place to visit.
Coorg is also known by its native name ‘Kodagu’ and
is located on the slopes of the Western Ghats. It is a hilly location
and is famous for its lush green surroundings and pleasant climate. It
is also an important agricultural town in Karnataka and is famous for
its coffee and paddy fields. The town of coorg is also famous for its
natural wealth and a number of various species of flora and fauna. Coorg
has various Buddhist monasteries that are a must visit. The various
festivals and temples attract a huge number of tourists to this city.
Esablished between the 10th – 11th century AD by the Chalukyas and
eventually came under the reign of the Delhi Sultanate and the Nizam of
Hyderabad.
Bijapur is known for its various historical
monuments and forts. There are various temples in the town that were
established in the ancient era of the Deccan kingdoms, however the city
saw its best days under the Adilshahi Dynasty and has an evident
Mohamedian influence in its culture. The various monuments in the city
display a brilliant Muslim architecture and are some of the best sites
to visit.
These are the twin cities and are also the commercial and business hub of Northern Karnataka. The town
Hubli
is the fastest growing city after the capital Bangalore and is also
known as ‘Chota’ or small Mumbai. The various temples, lakes and gardens
in this city are a must visit. The city
Dharwad is
again another important city of Karnataka and is famous for its temples,
monuments and is a home to a rich cultural and traditional heritage.
The various arts, crafts and festivals in these cities will ensure you
spend a decent amount of time here.
Badami got its name from the erstwhile reigning
dynasty of the Badami Chalukyas and is famous for its stone temples and
rock cut monuments. The city is historically significant as it has been
mentioned in the Hindu mythological texts as well. The cave temples and
the Agastya Teerth are few of the most important pilgrimage spots here.
What makes the place unique is its peculiar location. It is located in a
ravine across the shores of the Agastya Lake and is a marvelous place
to visit.
The city was founded by the sultans as their capital in the 14th century.
Gulbarga
is known for its various temples and Muslim monuments and memorials.
The place is also been a home to the ancient kingdoms of the South with
monuments and buildings dating back to the reign of the Maurya,
Chalukya, Hoysala etc. The local cuisine is amazing and the place should
be visited specially to try all of them out.
Om Beach
A small temple town located at the northern part of Karnataka,
Gokarna is known for its temples and
some of the most beautiful beaches
in India. The Shiva temple of Mahabaleshwara is prime pilgrim spot in
this town and houses what is believed to be the original image of lord
Shiva’s lingam. It is one of the most favored holiday destinations in
the state as its clean and unpopulated beaches are amazing.
The State of Karnataka has always been an important region since the
reign of the ancient southern kingdoms and has played an important part
in shaping up the history of our country. The pristine locations and the
moniker of being one of cleanest states in India, Karnataka is an
experience everyone must get indulged with.
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