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Karnataka Travel Guide


Karnataka, called as Karunadu (elevated land) in ancient times. The course of Karnataka's history and culture takes us back to pre-historic times. The earliest find of the stone age period in India was a hand axe at Lingasugur in Raichur district. The Ashoka's rock edicts found in the state indicate that major parts of Northern Karnataka were under the Mauryas. Chandragupta Maurya, the great Indian emperor abdicated the throne and embraced Jainism at Shravanabelagola. Adding new dimensions to the cultural and spiritual ethos of the land, many great dynasties left their imprint upon the aesthetic development of Karnataka's art forms. Prominent among them were the 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 dexterity and fluidity of expressions at Somnathpur, Halebid and Belur open themselves to the wide eyed wonder in one's eyes. 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. "The eye of the pupil has never seen a place like it and the ear of intelligence has never been informed that there existed anything to equal it in the world" is what Abdur Razaaq the Persian ambassador had to say about Krishnadevaraya's time.

The Vijayanagara empire with its capital at Hampi fell a victim to the marauding army of the Deccan Sultan in 1565 A.D. As a consequence of this, Bijapur became the most important city of the region. This city is a land of monuments and perhaps no other city except Delhi has as many monuments as Bijapur. The Bahmani Shahis and the Adilshahis of Bijapur have played a notable part in the history of Karnataka by their contribution to the field of art and architecture and also by their propagation of Islam in the state.

Hyder Ali and his valiant son Tipu Sultan are notable figures in the history of the land. They expanded the Mysore kingdom on an unprecedented scale and by their resistance against the British, became personages of world fame. Tipu was a great scholar and lover of literature. His artistic pursuits were also many and he made rich gifts to the Hindu temples. Tipu Sultan "Tiger of Karnataka" was killed in 1799 A.D., and the Mysore throne was handed over to the Wodeyar's. 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.


PLACES OF INTEREST

Badami: The capital of the Early Chalukyas, Badami (also known as Vatapi), is picturesquely situated at the mouth of a Ravine between two rocky hills. Rock-cut cave temples, gateways, forts, inscriptions, sculptures that seem to come alive under your eyes. Badami has to be seen to be believed. Climb a flight of steps to reach the ancient caves all hewn out of sand stone on the precipice of a hill. There are four caves here. The first three belong to the Vedic faith and the fourth cave is the only Jain temple in Badami. Enter the first cave temple past Shiva's door keepers and there he is ! The eighteen armed Nataraja stricking 81 dance poses ! The largest and most ornamental is the third cave temple dedicated to Vishnu. Here are some splendid carvings of the Hindu Pantheon. Narasimha the half-man half Lion avatar of Vishnu Hari Hara, the composite god who is half-Shiva and half-Vishnu. Vishnu Narayana sitting as well as reclining on the snake Shesh or Ananta (Eternity ) There are also some painting on the ceiling and wonderful bracket figures on the piers. A little to the east of this shrin, on top of a cliff is a Jain temple. Here you will find many Jain deities and a huge figure of Parshwanatha. Overlooking the cave temples is a reservoir dotted with temples dedicated to Vishnu and Shiva. Also a must are the Bhutanatha temples that lend their name to the lake just beneath the cave temples. Take a dip in this green tranquil lake. It is said to have healing properties. According to a popular story, King Kushataraya was cured of leprosy here.

Bangalore An air-conditioned city, a garden city, the Silicon Valley of India, the fastest developing city in the world, these are some of the attributes used to describe this beautiful city which has a lot to offer you. A dynamic Happening city, with innumerable cultural events organized every evening, you can choose from a Hindustan vocal concert, of a Carnatic Veena recital, or fusion music to pure western classical music, a play, or an exhibition of a famous painter. You can taste of Bangalore. But the connoisseur can take his pick from any of the multicuisine restaurants of the city, Bangalore is also known as the city of Golf Courses. Bangalore has a population of more than 56 lakhs. Besides Kannada, which is the official language of the state, Bangaloreans are also comfortable with English, Hindi, Tamil, Telegu, etc.,

How to Reach Bangalore: Bangalore is very well connected by Air, Rail and road, with all metros of the country. Bangalore air-port has also become an international Air-port.

Climate in Bangalore: The air-conditioned city of India, enjoys salubrious climate throughout this year, with a maximum temperature of 37 C and minimum 16C.

Bidar: In the northern-most part of Karnataka lies Bidar - a tiny district steeped in history. The fort, the cannons, palaces in ruins, the magnificent tombs and the massive monuments, all combine to make a visit to the one-time capital of the Bahamani and Barid Shahi dynasties, truly memorable. The most converient way to begin your sightseeing is from the Bidar Fort. Five darwazas (gates) with imposing bastions lead into a little town nestling within the ramparts. Enter from the Gumbad Darwaza and steps lead you to the Rangin Mahal. The royal residence has elaborately carved wooden pillars, Persian couplets engraved in encaustic tiles and exquisite nother-of-pearl inlay work. Near the palace are the royal kitchens and the royal baths. The interiors of the tombs are adorned with well - preserved paintings that are excellent examples of medieval Muslim art. The outer walls are decorated in title work. Right in the heart Bidar town stands the Chaubaara a 71 foot tower. You can have a splendid view from the top of the Chubara. The Madrasa of Mahamud Gawan is anoteh important building in Bidar.

While in Bidar, don't forget to visit Basavakalyan - 80 kms away. Earlier known as Kalyani, this was the capital of the later chalukayas in the 10th Century. Embracing a large area, this ancient town.. "Surpassed in beauty and splendour all other cities in the world". It became famous as a centre of wealth and prosperity, a seat of learning an abode of spiritual wisdom.

Bijapur: Think of Bijapur and the first thing that comes to mind is the Gol Gumbaz - the tomb of Mohammed Adil Shah. Gol Gumbaz boasts of the second largest dome in the world. 44 meters in diameter, this dome forms a highly sensitive echo-chamber. The slightest whisper echoes seven times over and the tick of a clock held at one end can be distinctly heard at the opposite end - 125 feet away ! But there's a lot more to Bijapur. On the western outskirts of the city lies the mausoleum of Ibrahim Adil Shah II - Ibrahim Roza, said to have inspired the Taj Mahal in Agra. Embracing 1,16,300 square feet is the Jumma Masjid - "one of the finest mosques in India". Here, in a beautiful mihrab -covered by a heavy curtain - are verses of the Quran, beautifully inscribed in letters of gold. Malik-e-Maidan - the largest medieval cannon in the world - is fourteen feet long, weighing about 55 tons. Legend has it that if you touch the gun and make a wish, it will come true ! Bijapur is full of such legends. Liked the one surrounding Afzal Khan's Centaph. It is said that Afzal Khanstarted the construction of his own tomb in his lifetime. But eventually could not be buried here.

Hampi: "Vijayanagara" is such that the pupil of they eye has never seen a place like it.." so eulogized Abdul Razaq, a Muslim envoy who visited Hampi, the erstwhile capital of the Vijayanagara kingdom, in 1443. You can still glimpse the splendour of Vijayanagara in its ruins. The Virupaksha Temple rises majestically at the western end of a 700m long street that was once the famous Hampi bazaar. This is the only temple at Hampi that is still used for worship. Nearby is the 6.7 m tall monolith of Ugra Narasimha, seated under a canopy of a seven hooded snake. The most splendid monument of Hampi is undoubtly the Vithala Temple Complex. The 56 pillars in the main hall produce musical notes when struck. To the east of the hall is the famous Stone Chariot with stone wheels that actually revolve! Hampi is full of such surprises. Like the King's Balance, where ruling kings were weighed against grain, gold or money which was then distributed to the poor. Or the Queen's Bath, with its arched corridors, projecting balconies and lotus - shaped fountains. Or even the Lotus Mahal in the 'Zenana' enclosure. A beautiful Two-Storied place with recessed archways set in geometric regularity and opening out to the sun and the wind like the petals of a flower. The imposing Elephant Stables have arched entrances and domes. And in the Royal Enclosure of the city is the Hazara Rama Temple.

Mysore: Mysore is more than palaces, parks and temples the exotic fragrance of Mysore Jasmine the melodious strains of the Veena the rich aroma of filter coffee traditional carvings on fragrant sandalwood, rosewood and ivory the rustle of rich silks delicious Nanjangud bananas Hot 'N' Spicy Bisi-bele-hulianna mouthwatering Mysore Pak, a traditional sweetmeat .It is a gourmet's delight and a Shopper's paradise. Shop at Cauvery Handicrafts Emporium or in the little backstreets and bylanes that offer some exciting bargains. Mysore Come, experience it for yourself Steeped in History Mysore, capital city of the Wodeyars. Adobe of untold grandeur and glory, where the rich heritage of the Wodeyars is carefully preserved to this day in its magnificent places, beautifully laid-out gardens, imposing buildings, board shady avenues and sacred temples. There's an old world charm about the city that reaches out and leaves no one untouched. Mysore, or Mahishur as it was called then, traces its history back to the mythical past, when Godess Chamundeshwari of Chamundi Hills killed the wicked buffalo-headed Demon, Mahishasura.

Mysore Dasara is the celebration of this victory of good over evil. Mysore also has associations with the Mahabharata and King Ashoka of the 3rd century B.C. during the Wodeyar rule Mysore reached the zenith of its glory as a fabled centre of oriental splendour. Pomp and Pageantry Relived Come to Mysore in October when the tranquil city awakens to ten days of Dasara festivities. Brilliantly lit up Palaces, decorated arches, festooned streets, colourful costumes and cultural shows…classical music, folk dances, Bharata Natyam, Yakshagana, Huthari, Torch Light Parade, Theppotsava… The culmination is the legendary Mysore Dasara Procession with caparisoned elephants, the golden howdah, decorated horses, stately coaches, troops in ceremonial uniforms, folk dancers and colourful floats.