Karnataka

Karnataka, a whole world of enchantment capsulated in one single state in Southern India, providing a destination extraordinaire for all segments of holiday makers. This gifted land presents almost all the unique charms of India. Silk, Sandalwood and spices and with the perfume of roasted coffee beans, jasmines, roses and incense, this land of fragrance boasts of a multitude of other charming contrasts too.

Immortal sculptures, monuments temples, palaces as well as beaches, forests and even the hustle and bustle of industries. Indeed the attractions are many for the seeker of exotic enchantments. Memories of elephant rides, hikes across its nostalgically haunting terrains, swimming and surfing in its turquoise seas. The forts, the ruins and its delightful monsoons linger on and on. Or the spiritually inclined, Karnataka is the perfect destination you can hope for.

Apart from the joys of the tantalizing Arabian coastline, the majestic Deccan rocks and the rich tropical forests, there is the excitement of t\other equally amazing discoveries. Like its exquisite handicrafts ,ethnic gold and silver jewellery, its finger licking cuisine and its touching hospitality. Here is a culturally enriching, colorful holiday for you. Enjoy its folk dances, music, art forms, literature, age old traditions and rituals which by themselves are a riot of rich colors.

History of Karnataka

Historic evidences refers Karnataka, as Karunadu or elevated land. The land's history and culture takes us back to pre-historic times. The rock edicts of Ashoka found here indicate that major parts of Northern Karnataka were under the rule of Mauryas and it is at Shravanabelagola, Chandragupta Maurya, the great Indian emperor abdicated the throne and later embraced Jainism. New dimensions to the cultural and spiritual ethos of the land were added by many great dynasties like Chalukyas, the Hoysalas and the mighty Vijayanagara Empire.

The Chalukyan's built some of the very early Hindu temples in India. Aihole turned up as an experimental base for the dynamic creations of architects. The Hoysala's who ruled from the 11th to the 13th century chiseled their way into the pages of glory by building more than 150 temples, each one is a master piece in its own way. The amazing adroitness and fluidity of expressions at Somnathpur, Halebid and Belur leaves one wide eyed. Vijayanagara, the greatest of all medieval Hindu empires and one of the greatest the world over, fostered the development of intellectual pursuits and fine arts..

With its capital at Hampi the Vijayanagara empire fell a victim to the pillaging army of the Deccan Sultan in 1565 A.D. Bijapur, renowned for its numerous monuments became the most important city of the region hence forth. By their contribution to the field of art and architecture the Bahmani Shahis and the Adilshahis of Bijapur have played a notable part in the history of Karnataka.

Two noteworthy figures who have an immortal place in the pages of the history of Karnataka are Hyder Ali and his valiant son Tipu Sultan. They expanded the Mysore kingdom on an unprecedented scale and by their resistance against the British, became personages of world fame. Tipu Sultan "Tiger of Karnataka" was killed in 1799 A.D., and the Mysore throne was handed over to the Wodeyar dynasty. The whole of Karnataka came under the control of the British in the beginning of the 19th century.

The new state was named as new Mysore and the Maharaja of Mysore was appointed Governor by Independent India. This unified state was renamed as Karnataka on November 1, 1973.

Facts & Figures