Karnataka - Attractions

Sri Rangapatana

This island fortress, once the capital of Hyder Ali and his son Tipu Sultan has splendid monuments. The Fort here encloses palaces, temples and a great mosque. Daria Daulat, the summer palace of Tipu Sultan built in 1784 is worth a visit. Also visit Museum and the Gumbaz which has the reminiscent of Taj Mahal, houses the mortal remains of Tipu and Hyder Ali.

Bijapur

This capital city of the Adil Shahis is a magnificent contribution to the heritage of land. Aihole, Badami and Pattadakkal - the grand remains oif Chalukya architecture are spread over here.The Gol Gumbaz, the tomb of Mohammed Adil Shah, is the world's second largest dome unsupported by pillars. Also interesting are the Jumma Masjid, Ibrahim Roza, Uppli Burj and the Bara Kaman.

Belur

On the banks of river Yagachi lies Belur , erstwhile capital of Hoysala empire. Chennakeshava temple with its intricate sculptures and friezes - all inspiring and awe inspiring. This star shaped temple has friezes of 65 charging elephants, each different from the other and the exotic bracket figures of voluptuous beauties known as Madanikas.

Halebidu

The temples of Halebidu bear testimony to the rich, cultural heritage of Karnataka.The Hoysaleshwara temple with finely detailed scroll work on stones dates back to 12 th century. This magnificient temple - guarded by a nandi bull - was never completed, despite 86 years of labour. The Kedareswara temple with equally intricate sculptures.

Somnathpur

From Mysore half an hour drive takes you through Somnathpur. The 13 century Hoysala temple has frescoed exteriors depicting episodes from the epices.

Shravanabelagola

Atop Indragiri Hill, is the statue of Gomatheswara, the tallest monolith in Asia, more than 1000 years old. Beautifully sculptured, entwined in the wines and standing on a lotus pedestal, the statue is simply stately. The Mahamasthakabhisheka or the head anointing ceremony performed here every 12 years.

Jog Falls

The highest waterfalls of India which is an awe - inspiring sight, especially after monsoons. River Sharavati thunders down a 292m ravine in four distinct falls.

Hampi

Selected as World Heritage Centre by UNESCO, Hampi has the most beautiful and evocative of all the ruins of Karnataka. The once powerful city of victory - Vijayanagar, erstwhile capital of Vijayanagar dynasty is full of surprises like - Queen's Bath, Kings Balance. Lotus mahal, Virupaksha temple and Vittala temple. The city was described by the Portuguese traveler Domingo Paes as "being as large as Rome" and the best provided city in the world.

Aihole

Known as the "Cradle of Indian temple Architecture", Aihole has over 125 temples all intricately scarved and rich in detail. Famous among them are Lad Khan temple, Durga temple, Hutchmalli temple and Uma Maheshwari temple.

Badami

The erstwhile capital city of Chalukya's is situated in idyllic surroundings between a lake and hills of sand stone. It has four rock cut cave temples.. Overlooking the temples is a reservoir, its bank dotted with temples dedicated to Vishnu and Shiva.

Pattadakal

This World heritage centre on the banks of the river Malaprabha speaks of the rich experiments in Chalukyan architecture seen in the delicately chiseled, detached temples . The biggest temple dedicated to Virupaksha, has a huge gateway and several inscriptions. The Mallaikarjuna and Papanatha temples are well worth a visit.